Originally posted by FozzFoster I think this is why Pentax will prevail.
It is more that just 'getting the shot that will sell'.
It's about the user experience, the feel, the tactile enjoyment of photography...
one that not only 'get's the shot' but is also pleasurable to use.
...I believe this will make Pentax predominate in camera manufacturing for years to come.
I have been taking photographs for 50+ years and I currently own around sixty cameras, including at least half a dozen Pentax DSLRs, four Nikons, three Canons and umpteen mid-range/premium mirrorless and I can say without hesitation that Pentax does not have any noticeable edge over any of them. They all have their foibles and they all have their good points and they are all pleasurable to use in one way or another. In fact by far the two most pleasurable cameras to use I have found to be the Pentax Q series (which of course they no longer make), especially the QS1 married to the elusive but utterly amazing 08 wide angle zoom, and the Olympus EM10, closely followed by the Canon M10, none of which require the amount of button pushing that the average DSLR does and all of which are capable of outstanding results.
Point being, if you are hanging your hat on the criteria you mention I think you'll be sadly disappointed.
The simple fact is that there have always been a huge but inactive number of creative/artistic people capable of constructing an excellent photograph but who were put off by the sackfuls of gear needed as well as the mastery thereof. Thankfully the modern smartphone and mirrorless cameras have made high quality output, without having to intimately understand many of the ins and outs of photography, a reality, so all these folk have come out of the shadows and are frequently embarrassing people who are working with a ton of expensive equipment and I say more power to their elbow.