Originally posted by elho_cid Which is the good thing. As independent manufacturer they can simply choose the supplier with the best image sensor available. I doubt Sony will hold this position for a long time.
It is a good thing as long as Pentax remains a minor player. If it grows large enough to threaten the marketshare of the "big boys", it is quite probable that it will be denied access to buy the "good" sensors in time. It is the reason why Canon and Panasonic do not sell their DSLR sensors and why Nikon plans to make their own sensors too.
If Sony or Samsung decide to stop providing sensors in order to gain bigger share in the camera market, Pentax (and others) will have to look in other sensor makers like Aptina - that has never been the leader in sensor innovation (and prefer the mobile phone market as the ROI is much more tempting). A situation like this will probably render the brand uncompetitive.
We can't also know what the exact clauses of a mass market purchase agreement can contain. It is not that unlikely for Sony to force Pentax, or any other of it's customers, to stop buying from other manufacturers or else...
Freedom of choice is a good thing, as long as there is a choice to be made. Independence is a good thing too...
IMHO the next revolution will be a modular camera. The GXR is a good idea that begs to be taken further. A modular DSLR with upgradable / optional parts and functions in the style of RED (or even better) is what I'm hoping what the next big thing will be...