Originally posted by ManuH Yes, I cringe each time I see someone talking about APS-H or fancy square sensors. Not only you would still be at disadvantage compared to FF, you would need to rebuild almost a complete new line of lenses and moreover you would not get any third party support. And you would also have a very limited selection of sensors to choose from if any. Canon can do an APS-H camera because they build their own sensors and they have a full line of professional FF cameras.
OTOH, FF sensors could be available from Sony (or even Samsung). The K mount doesn't need any modification. Just bring a couple of wide angle zooms and update some old designs. Not unsurmountable even for a small player.
Why would APS-H require a complete new line of lenses, but FF would not "need any modification". That really does not make any sense.
Unless things have changed APS-H is the largest sensor that can be made without stitching, which make it more cost effective than FF.
If APS-H was not popular among professional photographers Canon would have stopped making them a long time ago. Canon's professional sports photographers would be unhappy if Canon stopped making the APS-H.
Pentax is obviously not Canon, but there is nothing wrong with the APS-H format. I am surprised an other company has not produced an APS-H body since the only competition in that segment is a $5,000 body. Seems like someone could make a lot of money with a $2,000 APS-H body and blow the 7D out of the water.
Pentax would need to redesign a lot of glass regardless. Even on an APS-C sensor the light fall off is pretty sever on some of the FA lenses at wide apertures.
I think the new 16MP Sony sensor is going to be a significant improvement over even the K-x when it comes to higher ISO. Assuming the new Pentax has the new Sony sensor. Rumors coming out of the new A55 testing are very positive. Makes you wonder what Sony is holding back for the A7xx.