Originally posted by gazonk I found the rumors about the K-5 w/tilting screen AND the K-3 interesting. And wasn't there talk about a real low-level SLR? So... what if the "K-5n" is the K-r replacement, the K-3 the new "enthusiast/semi pro" model, and there's still an entry-level SLR coming? With the K-1 in addition, Pentax would then have 4 tiers of SLRs by a year's time, and in addition the Q, K-01 and the 645D. Now that would be a great lineup
Though I know nothing, this is quite close to my thinking. I believe Ricoh intends to develop the Pentax brand to compete effectively in the marketplace against Canon (and to a lesser extent against Nikon and Sony) - and in fact the groundwork for this structure was actually laid by Hoya.
We've already seen two new
lines in 6 months Q and K-"Zero" (I believe K-Zero is the line name).
I believe the lineup will be
- Mirrorless Hybrid
- APSc
- Mirrorless w/ a viewfinder (K-Zero in a K-r body w/100% pentamirror VF)
- dSLR intermediate (K5n) - SF1n wasn't a downgrade.
- dSLR High-Spec.(K-3)
- Full-Frame (of whatever sort - maybe APSh, etc.)
- Multiple unique, distinguishing features (K-1)
- Medium Format (of a sort)
- 645D
- Full MF Sensor (least likely of all, but possible)
Of course we can only guess at the combinations of features offered at each successive level and the technologies caried universally to leverage the investment. The real variable for success in the USA will be rebuilding a traditional distribution channel - not an easy undertaking. One hopes PRI can leverage whatever Ricoh has in place.