Originally posted by anthony mazzeri It's niche if you describe it as a 'mirrorless legacy mount', but if you descrbe it as a DSLnR instead - a non-reflex camera which uses SLR lenses - then it's inevitable.
It's only a matter of time before both Canon and Nikon release their own versions as more cost-effective models. Most likely entry-level. Not yet, but they will. Pentax were too early, just like with their full frame model.
And as an entry-level, it was priced way too high. see how fast it flies off the shelves when discounted. Plus the polarizing Newson design obviously didn't help. If the new MX-1 brass/retro look is an indication of their future design direction, then a K-02 with an EVF like the Olympus OM-D might be what will eventuate.
As I said, there may be something similar in concept in the future, but after a gap of years, it probably won't be called "K-02" or be considered a K-01 "replacement". I don't hear anyone calling the K-30, the first mid-level Pentax DSLR since the K200D, a "K200D replacement" (maybe I haven't been listening in the right forums).
I also don't think you can make conclusions about Pentax design directions from the MX-1 any more than the Q10 or X-5 (or K-01!). Pentax also used retro styling on the Optio I-10, years back. DSLR shooters seem to be much more conservative about body styling than point-and-shoot buyers. With an EVF, I expect future DSLnRs (
that's really hard to type) will just look like compact DSLRs.