Originally posted by Class A But the K-7 shutter-induced blur problem can only be explained in conjunction with the SR mechanism and that hasn't been around since there have been shutters and mirrors.
But in this case it would not have been a concious "we can live with that"-design-decision.
We don't know Pentax's parameters. We can only speculate that this is beyond theirs and Falk has illuminated the matter. It may very well be Pentax finds the blur within their acceptable norms, in which case Falk is a white paper critic trying to move that acceptable norm.
Quote: I'm inclined to think that they weren't aware of the real world effect and one has to acknowledge that it took the user base a long time to identify a problem at all as well. In many circumstances other factors will create greater blur so we're not talking about an issue that makes the camera obviously unusable for certain shutter speeds.
BTW, judging from what zackspeed wrote when Falk et al. reported about the shutter-blur issue, the new cameras were already finished. Not sure whether the shutter-induced blur findings could influence the new development at all. Let's hope that the new cameras are not affected. No matter how insignificant the effect may be for many users in practice, it would still be tainting the new cameras and may prove to be harmful for sales.
Concerns about abnormal blur were seen on DPR almost immediately with the K-7 and K-x. Any sane manufacturer listens to consumer feedback. Some of it was very detailed right away, narrowing down the shutter speed problem within Falk's measured range. Most attributed it to the mirror, but many correctly guessed that there was an SR interaction responsible. Many were puzzled that the blur was reproducible with SR off on tripod shooting. Hence, the shutter slap conclusion. Falk empirically detailed.
I agree not addressing the issue will harm sales, and may contribute to the perception than in-body SR is less effective and more problematic than in-lens correction. I, for one, will not spend the $$ unless I see this blur issue addressed. The SS range is simply too common to have this much variation causing visibly noticeable blur.