Photokina 2012: Interview - John Carlson of Pentax

FullertonImages · 09-21-2012, 02:05 PM

Well that at least makes sense. Unfortunately sense or not, it still leaves the K-5II crippled in one aspect compared to competitor offerings. Let's hope the AF is lightning fast, and the IIs resolution is melt-your-face-off awesome.

Winder · 09-21-2012, 02:42 PM

Originally posted by FullertonImages

But why in the world would they not have put the Prime-M into the K-5II and make it a beast with all the video functionality and faster procession of the K-01? That's what I don't get. If you're going to update something, go all the way with it.

CDAF uses the image processor to handle AF since the AF sensor is the imaging sensor. Prime M is optimized for CDAF and HD video functionality at the expense if still image quality and bit depth. Remember when they took the K-20 sensor and optimized the sensor and image processor it for HD video in the K-7? We saw a step backwards in image quality. According to Adam the K-01 does not have the same sensor as the K-5. From what I understand image processor resources are dedicated to specific functions.

Hopefully we see a K-3 Spring 2013 with improved IQ at all ISO (24MP with no AA filter), new 21-point AF array, and a more powerful image processor that can handle the demands of HD video, CDAF and not sacrifice still image quality.

cfraz · 09-21-2012, 03:04 PM

Originally posted by FullertonImages

But why in the world would they not have put the Prime-M into the K-5II and make it a beast with all the video functionality and faster procession of the K-01? That's what I don't get. If you're going to update something, go all the way with it.

Because they never planned to release the K-5 II until recently. They had time only to add the new AF module and LCD, both essentially plug and play components that had already been developed. The intent was to release a new camera this fall with new sensor, new AF, new imaging chip, the works. But they couldn't finish the project so they decided to punt with a slight refresh of the K-5.

Release of a flagship with older tech than your entry model makes no sense otherwise. Apparently they determined it was better than no release at all for another 6-12 months (and that's probably true).

Delays of the planned camera could have been caused by any or all of:

Japan tsunami
Thailand floods
Disruption due to integration with Ricoh
Sensor not meeting design goals or supply problems
Ricoh cancelling / revising the project because it didn't meet their requirements

Next 6 months will be illuminating.

FullertonImages · 09-21-2012, 03:59 PM

Originally posted by cfraz

Next 6 months will be illuminating.

I believe you're right.

Blue · 09-23-2012, 07:04 AM

Originally posted by Asahiflex

Look, I wish John Carlson all the best in the world, but he's the worst Senior Marketing Manager possible for Pentax. Why? Because he shows the enthusiasm of a bag of potatoes. He knows nothing, he says nothing and he does nothing to make me feel proud to be a Pentaxian. What's worse: every time I see him I have to resist the urge to jump ship.

I start to understand why Ned left the company

This is a case in point about his concept of successful marketing.

Quote:

Yes. We're very actively going after the traditional photo specialty dealers. We had great success [in the US] with Target this year, with our waterproof compact camera, and that really helped, people seeing our name and our brand out there, but we're actively pursuing the photo specialty market.

They got some previous generation waterproof compacts into a few Target stores and they act like they were moving some K-5 and K-r through there. The fact is, may Target stores have scaled back their camera displays.

I still don't know what he means by this comment. It could very well be the end of the line for the series but then again, he actually says he hasn't seen anything in the roadmap. Maybe he is out of the loop.

Quote:

How are you planning on developing mirrorless in the future? Or is the K-01 a one-off?

I haven't seen any future roadmaps for that type of product.

Docrwm · 09-23-2012, 08:27 AM

Originally posted by Blue

This is a case in point about his concept of successful marketing.

They got some previous generation waterproof compacts into a few Target stores and they act like they were moving some K-5 and K-r through there. The fact is, may Target stores have scaled back their camera displays.

I still don't know what he means by this comment. It could very well be the end of the line for the series but then again, he actually says he hasn't seen anything in the roadmap. Maybe he is out of the loop.

If I were Pentax-Ricoh's head of marketing.....oh, never mind.

Kunzite · 09-23-2012, 12:28 PM

Originally posted by Blue

I still don't know what he means by this comment. It could very well be the end of the line for the series but then again, he actually says he hasn't seen anything in the roadmap. Maybe he is out of the loop.

Probably what he saw was a roadmap for a specific period, not too far away. It makes sense to inform Pentax USA (and pretty much every dealer around the globe) about products to be launched in the near future; but going too far away is IMO unnecessary.

Parallax · 09-24-2012, 10:54 AM

Originally posted by Class A

Why does Carlson not mention in-body image stabilisation and other unique Pentax selling points when asked about the virtues of the Pentax brand?

Maybe he's a plant in the Pentax organization that actually works for Nikon or Canon.

Blue · 09-24-2012, 03:01 PM

Originally posted by Kunzite

Probably what he saw was a roadmap for a specific period, not too far away. It makes sense to inform Pentax USA (and pretty much every dealer around the globe) about products to be launched in the near future; but going too far away is IMO unnecessary.

In this particular case, that would mean there is no road map regarding the K-01.

Kunzite · 09-24-2012, 03:04 PM

Not in the near future, yes. Since it didn't do so well on the market, probably other things have a higher priority.

Blue · 09-24-2012, 03:09 PM

Originally posted by Kunzite

Not in the near future, yes. Since it didn't do so well on the market, probably other things have a higher priority.

I just don't think Carlson is that in the know about such things. In fact, he doesn't know about things he should know about.

Winder · 09-24-2012, 03:17 PM

Originally posted by Class A

Why does Carlson not mention in-body image stabilisation and other unique Pentax selling points when asked about the virtues of the Pentax brand?

Because they just spent a whole bunch of time/money developing OIS and as the new HD 90mm F/2.8 shows, that is the future for Pentax lenses. The image circle for K-mount is probably not large enough to support IBIS and a FF sensor and get more than 1 stop of actual performance. They need 3-4 stops to have a competitive product. If a FF is in the plans it will be with OI$ len$e$.

Class A · 09-24-2012, 05:52 PM

Originally posted by Winder

If a FF is in the plans it will be with OI$ len$e$.

I don't believe that to be true.

SONY has in-body stabilization with their FF models as well. There isn't much safety margin required and typical lens designs have no problem of delivering.

Vylen · 09-24-2012, 05:56 PM

Originally posted by Class A

I don't believe that to be true.

SONY has in-body stabilization with their FF models as well. There isn't much safety margin required and typical lens designs have no problem of delivering.

It's probably why Sony cameras look like blobs.

Docrwm · 09-24-2012, 06:10 PM

Originally posted by Blue

I just don't think Carlson is that in the know about such things. In fact, he doesn't know about things he should know about.

Amen Brother Blue! Amen!

09-21-2012, 03:04 PM	#78
cfraz Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Oregon, USA Posts: 521	Originally posted by FullertonImages But why in the world would they not have put the Prime-M into the K-5II and make it a beast with all the video functionality and faster procession of the K-01? That's what I don't get. If you're going to update something, go all the way with it. Because they never planned to release the K-5 II until recently. They had time only to add the new AF module and LCD, both essentially plug and play components that had already been developed. The intent was to release a new camera this fall with new sensor, new AF, new imaging chip, the works. But they couldn't finish the project so they decided to punt with a slight refresh of the K-5. Release of a flagship with older tech than your entry model makes no sense otherwise. Apparently they determined it was better than no release at all for another 6-12 months (and that's probably true). Delays of the planned camera could have been caused by any or all of: Japan tsunami Thailand floods Disruption due to integration with Ricoh Sensor not meeting design goals or supply problems Ricoh cancelling / revising the project because it didn't meet their requirements Next 6 months will be illuminating. Last edited by cfraz; 09-21-2012 at 03:30 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Photokina 2012 Interview with Pentax: Post your shout-outs and comments for Pentax!	Adam	Pentax News and Rumors	103	09-19-2012 07:39 AM
John Carlson's Comments on Video and Pentax	mediaslinky	Video Recording and Processing	28	01-25-2012 12:59 PM
Image Resource interview with John Carlson of Pentax	Urkeldaedalus	Pentax News and Rumors	13	01-12-2011 12:51 AM
Ned Bunnel interview at Photokina - K-5, K-r, Pentax strategy etc	rawr	Pentax News and Rumors	50	10-13-2010 06:15 PM
Interview with Pentax's John Carlson	XMACHINA	Pentax News and Rumors	31	03-14-2008 05:48 PM

09-21-2012, 02:05 PM	#76
FullertonImages Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 883	Well that at least makes sense. Unfortunately sense or not, it still leaves the K-5II crippled in one aspect compared to competitor offerings. Let's hope the AF is lightning fast, and the IIs resolution is melt-your-face-off awesome.

09-21-2012, 02:42 PM	#77
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	Originally posted by FullertonImages But why in the world would they not have put the Prime-M into the K-5II and make it a beast with all the video functionality and faster procession of the K-01? That's what I don't get. If you're going to update something, go all the way with it. CDAF uses the image processor to handle AF since the AF sensor is the imaging sensor. Prime M is optimized for CDAF and HD video functionality at the expense if still image quality and bit depth. Remember when they took the K-20 sensor and optimized the sensor and image processor it for HD video in the K-7? We saw a step backwards in image quality. According to Adam the K-01 does not have the same sensor as the K-5. From what I understand image processor resources are dedicated to specific functions. Hopefully we see a K-3 Spring 2013 with improved IQ at all ISO (24MP with no AA filter), new 21-point AF array, and a more powerful image processor that can handle the demands of HD video, CDAF and not sacrifice still image quality.

09-21-2012, 03:59 PM	#79
FullertonImages Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 883	Originally posted by cfraz Next 6 months will be illuminating. I believe you're right.

09-23-2012, 07:04 AM	#80
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Asahiflex Look, I wish John Carlson all the best in the world, but he's the worst Senior Marketing Manager possible for Pentax. Why? Because he shows the enthusiasm of a bag of potatoes. He knows nothing, he says nothing and he does nothing to make me feel proud to be a Pentaxian. What's worse: every time I see him I have to resist the urge to jump ship. I start to understand why Ned left the company This is a case in point about his concept of successful marketing. Quote: Yes. We're very actively going after the traditional photo specialty dealers. We had great success [in the US] with Target this year, with our waterproof compact camera, and that really helped, people seeing our name and our brand out there, but we're actively pursuing the photo specialty market. They got some previous generation waterproof compacts into a few Target stores and they act like they were moving some K-5 and K-r through there. The fact is, may Target stores have scaled back their camera displays. I still don't know what he means by this comment. It could very well be the end of the line for the series but then again, he actually says he hasn't seen anything in the roadmap. Maybe he is out of the loop. Quote: How are you planning on developing mirrorless in the future? Or is the K-01 a one-off? I haven't seen any future roadmaps for that type of product.

09-23-2012, 08:27 AM	#81
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Blue This is a case in point about his concept of successful marketing. They got some previous generation waterproof compacts into a few Target stores and they act like they were moving some K-5 and K-r through there. The fact is, may Target stores have scaled back their camera displays. I still don't know what he means by this comment. It could very well be the end of the line for the series but then again, he actually says he hasn't seen anything in the roadmap. Maybe he is out of the loop. If I were Pentax-Ricoh's head of marketing.....oh, never mind.

09-23-2012, 12:28 PM	#82
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by Blue I still don't know what he means by this comment. It could very well be the end of the line for the series but then again, he actually says he hasn't seen anything in the roadmap. Maybe he is out of the loop. Probably what he saw was a roadmap for a specific period, not too far away. It makes sense to inform Pentax USA (and pretty much every dealer around the globe) about products to be launched in the near future; but going too far away is IMO unnecessary.

09-24-2012, 10:54 AM	#83
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,332	Originally posted by Class A Why does Carlson not mention in-body image stabilisation and other unique Pentax selling points when asked about the virtues of the Pentax brand? Maybe he's a plant in the Pentax organization that actually works for Nikon or Canon.

09-24-2012, 03:01 PM	#84
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Kunzite Probably what he saw was a roadmap for a specific period, not too far away. It makes sense to inform Pentax USA (and pretty much every dealer around the globe) about products to be launched in the near future; but going too far away is IMO unnecessary. In this particular case, that would mean there is no road map regarding the K-01.

09-24-2012, 03:04 PM	#85
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Not in the near future, yes. Since it didn't do so well on the market, probably other things have a higher priority.

09-24-2012, 03:09 PM	#86
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by Kunzite Not in the near future, yes. Since it didn't do so well on the market, probably other things have a higher priority. I just don't think Carlson is that in the know about such things. In fact, he doesn't know about things he should know about.

09-24-2012, 03:17 PM	#87
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	Originally posted by Class A Why does Carlson not mention in-body image stabilisation and other unique Pentax selling points when asked about the virtues of the Pentax brand? Because they just spent a whole bunch of time/money developing OIS and as the new HD 90mm F/2.8 shows, that is the future for Pentax lenses. The image circle for K-mount is probably not large enough to support IBIS and a FF sensor and get more than 1 stop of actual performance. They need 3-4 stops to have a competitive product. If a FF is in the plans it will be with OI$ len$e$.

09-24-2012, 05:52 PM	#88
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by Winder If a FF is in the plans it will be with OI$ len$e$. I don't believe that to be true. SONY has in-body stabilization with their FF models as well. There isn't much safety margin required and typical lens designs have no problem of delivering.

09-24-2012, 05:56 PM	#89
Vylen Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,262	Originally posted by Class A I don't believe that to be true. SONY has in-body stabilization with their FF models as well. There isn't much safety margin required and typical lens designs have no problem of delivering. It's probably why Sony cameras look like blobs.

09-24-2012, 06:10 PM	#90
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Blue I just don't think Carlson is that in the know about such things. In fact, he doesn't know about things he should know about. Amen Brother Blue! Amen!