Quote: I can't quite see why they'd release a tiny camera that only worked with their biggest lenses. That seems silly. If it's K-mount compatible it must have ordinary AF capability too.
+1
Why would a Pentax-DSLR-owner buy a mirrorless camera from Pentax? A strong selling argument would be the compatibility of (K-mount) lenses. Autofocusing should be limited to a minority of (big SDM) glass? Non-AF adapters are also available for mirrorless cameras of other brands. What is left over? Perhaps PKA-functionality and thus a better/simpler exposure measurement. Is this enough?
How about the handling? Where to place the LCD, control wheels and buttons etc.? Is ergonomics with an even smaller body than the K-5 really desirable? See e.g. FA31 on NEX3:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1123/5141609080_d7c41304fd_b.jpg
Mirrorless does not necessarily call for a tiny body. At first, the concept is cheaper than that of DSLRs. So, a body with the same size as the K-5 and a PKAF2-mount (perhaps even with aperture coupler) could make use of a more expensive sensor. What about a K-5 ffm (full frame mirrorless) as an addition to the APS-C K-5 DSLR at the same prize point? Wouldn´t that be really interesting?
Back to the upgrading P&S users. What could be unique to attract them to Pentax and not to the various other brands with similar offers? Another new mount in the hard-fought mirrorless entry-level market ... from a small player? Isn't the P&S segment ruinous enough? A possibility would be to share a (new) mount. Does joining the (m)43rds community really make sense? A partnership with Samsung was ruled out before. Nikon wants to be "different" with their forthcoming mirrorless (sounds familiar) ... but more professional (see e.g.
Nikon mirrorless interchangeable lens camera | Nikon Rumors). A way to go? Even a mount to join?
So all could already be decided and a Pentax mirrorless announced in the first quarter of this year. Then none of our wishes or advice will change the new product. What would be a meaningful time to introduce it? At "[...] the only camera and imaging trade show in the first half of 2011 [...]"
CP+ 2011 in Yokohama, Japan. After all this speculation at least one thing is assured: Hoya/Pentax will be at the CP+ (Feb. 09.-12.):
List of exhibitors | Exhibitors | For Visitors | Cameras and Photo Imaging Show [CP+]...