New PENTAX K-50

Fogel70 · 06-12-2013, 04:35 AM

Originally posted by ogl

There is the rumor about K-500. It could be good to offer entry-level (like K-x) camera.

K-500 might be Pentax most important release this year. It's no doubt much more important than FF in achieving Pentax goal, to increase market share.

**Aristophanes** · 06-12-2013, 04:41 AM

I bet the 500 is a K 50 with no WR, one wheel, and quite a bit smaller. Maybe pentamirror. Same sensor. IMO

mamethot · 06-12-2013, 04:45 AM

+1 on that. Or K-500 and K-50 the same thing for different areas of the world? Like in the past with MZ-5 ZX-5?

pxpaulx · 06-12-2013, 05:07 AM

Originally posted by Fogel70

This has varied over time, and since they introduced 645D they have had at least 3 DSLR in the lineup. If counting K5 II and K5 IIs as separate models, they have 4 today.

Even before 645D they sometimes have had more than 2 DSLR in production, at least when they had K100D, K110D and K10D.
I think they also produced *ist DL, *ist DL2, *ist DS and *ist DL2 at a limited period. But *ist DL2 and *ist DL2 did not exist very long, and I don't think they were sold on all markets. At least in Europe I believe it was only Samsungs version of *ist DL2 and *ist DS2 that where available.

While there has definitely been overlap in what was available, as OGL stated they have always been a 2 body manufacturer. The *ist models were essentially the same bodies with slight variations that could likely be switched out without significant tooling changes, and production would have been signficantly less to begin with (possibly even one production line at that point). The K100 and K110 were also likely on the same line, only difference was the sensor (SR/Non-SR), a switch and the badge. As long as there is inventory cameras don't get marked as discontinued, that doesn't mean that production of that camera didn't end 6 months earlier!

All of that said, Ricoh is a new ballgame, why not add a line or two if you are serious about competing. Looks to be some interesting cameras forthcoming at any rate!

Uluru · 06-12-2013, 05:11 AM

Originally posted by Fogel70

K-500 might be Pentax most important release this year. It's no doubt much more important than FF in achieving Pentax goal, to increase market share.

I think it's the other way round. If they had a FF, Pentax would gain marketing momentum that would put its entire offer in a new light. Websites would start talking about FF and other cameras too, forums would start to brew, and the ripple effect would carry across positive vibe.

That is what Sony has done with the RX1 — that was outstanding, out of the blue, unexpected move that has secured Sony lots of fans and admiration. Now everyone waits for Sony to introduce FF Nex mount!

Pentax Ricoh have done just a moderately successful move (in comparison to RX1) with the new GR; not quite the same effect, but still good. They really need to pull out some heavy guns, and start playing some bold, strong, unexpected moves.

And everything else will fall into its proper place.

Pentax, pull out the bloody FF in whatever form, as a DSLR and as a compact camera, as soon as possible for the FF game is still hot and open to surprises. Steal the ball, grab the attention.

Wired · 06-12-2013, 05:19 AM

What about the possibility of a k5 iii? Same body but updates processing and 20+mp sensor?

**Aristophanes** · 06-12-2013, 05:21 AM

Originally posted by mamethot

+1 on that. Or K-500 and K-50 the same thing for different areas of the world? Like in the past with MZ-5 ZX-5?

Only Canon still model differentiates based on geography. And Canon is stupid.

IchabodCrane · 06-12-2013, 05:35 AM

Originally posted by Aristophanes

I bet the 500 is a K 50 with no WR, one wheel, and quite a bit smaller. Maybe pentamirror. Same sensor. IMO

This very well may be right but I'll go with essentially the same body dimensions for both.

derekkite · 06-12-2013, 06:56 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Wired

What about the possibility of a k5 iii? Same body but updates processing and 20+mp sensor?

That is my prediction. The K5 is an excellent camera, with a great name. The II improved on the original. If I were Ricoh Pentax, I would continue the family as the top end semi pro body with all the latest goodies. Aa and non aa.

mamethot · 06-12-2013, 06:57 AM

A k-5 with 24mp sensor would be a K-5-3 ? Ok, why not!

ruggiex · 06-12-2013, 07:33 AM

I think I'll be quite interested in K-5 iii if it has updated processor that can support H264 video capture, more AF points and better AF. Dedicated video button (j/k). Hopefully newer and better sensor but I'm not keeping my hope up. Even without new sensor I won't be too disappointed if they price K-5 iii similarly to when ii was introduced.

ogl · 06-12-2013, 07:39 AM

The main question...
K-5II's replacement is high-end APS-C camera or FF camera?

Will Pentax stay with 4 cameras in line - K-500, K-50, K-3 (APS-C) + KF-1 (FF) or only with 3 cameras? And how will it be?

**monochrome** · 06-12-2013, 07:54 AM

Originally posted by audiobomber

I hate touch screens. I don't want one on my computer, my phone, or my camera.

I finally caved and got a tablet (iPad4G previous model on deal price) and a Bluetooth keyboard. I really don't like the few times when I MUST touch the screen to complete a task. I have large fingertips - I wonder how small the 'touch-points" would be on a touch screen - and whether I would waste time correcting erroneous choices.

Try using PentaxForums on a tablet and hitting the Page-Forward arrow or latest Unread Post arrow - I'm not a surgeon.

cali92rs · 06-12-2013, 08:01 AM

Originally posted by Aristophanes

I bet the 500 is a K 50 with no WR, one wheel, and quite a bit smaller. Maybe pentamirror. Same sensor. IMO

Why no WR?
If they are serious about competing with Canon, then they have to differentiate in some way with the Canon Rebels.
Pentax doesnt seem to be interested in making products for less money, that being the case, they have to offer something useful and different. WR would be a great differentiator in my opinion.

**Aristophanes** · 06-12-2013, 08:07 AM

Originally posted by cali92rs

Why no WR?
If they are serious about competing with Canon, then they have to differentiate in some way with the Canon Rebels.
Pentax doesnt seem to be interested in making products for less money, that being the case, they have to offer something useful and different. WR would be a great differentiator in my opinion.

Because they can make a non-WR body smaller with DA-L lenses for probably $150 less than the K-30/50.

That's a whole price point drop and worth every penny.

Many people need less features and do not want to pay for those they will never need.

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06-12-2013, 04:35 AM	#541
Fogel70 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Photos: Albums Posts: 3,062	Originally posted by ogl There is the rumor about K-500. It could be good to offer entry-level (like K-x) camera. K-500 might be Pentax most important release this year. It's no doubt much more important than FF in achieving Pentax goal, to increase market share.

06-12-2013, 04:41 AM	#542
Aristophanes Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Photos: Albums Posts: 3,948	I bet the 500 is a K 50 with no WR, one wheel, and quite a bit smaller. Maybe pentamirror. Same sensor. IMO

06-12-2013, 04:45 AM	#543
mamethot Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Greater Montreal Area Posts: 736	+1 on that. Or K-500 and K-50 the same thing for different areas of the world? Like in the past with MZ-5 ZX-5?

06-12-2013, 05:07 AM	#544
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	Originally posted by Fogel70 This has varied over time, and since they introduced 645D they have had at least 3 DSLR in the lineup. If counting K5 II and K5 IIs as separate models, they have 4 today. Even before 645D they sometimes have had more than 2 DSLR in production, at least when they had K100D, K110D and K10D. I think they also produced ist DL, ist DL2, ist DS and ist DL2 at a limited period. But ist DL2 and ist DL2 did not exist very long, and I don't think they were sold on all markets. At least in Europe I believe it was only Samsungs version of ist DL2 and ist DS2 that where available. While there has definitely been overlap in what was available, as OGL stated they have always been a 2 body manufacturer. The *ist models were essentially the same bodies with slight variations that could likely be switched out without significant tooling changes, and production would have been signficantly less to begin with (possibly even one production line at that point). The K100 and K110 were also likely on the same line, only difference was the sensor (SR/Non-SR), a switch and the badge. As long as there is inventory cameras don't get marked as discontinued, that doesn't mean that production of that camera didn't end 6 months earlier! All of that said, Ricoh is a new ballgame, why not add a line or two if you are serious about competing. Looks to be some interesting cameras forthcoming at any rate!

06-12-2013, 05:11 AM	#545
Uluru Banned Join Date: May 2010 Location: Back to my Walkabout Creek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,535	Originally posted by Fogel70 K-500 might be Pentax most important release this year. It's no doubt much more important than FF in achieving Pentax goal, to increase market share. I think it's the other way round. If they had a FF, Pentax would gain marketing momentum that would put its entire offer in a new light. Websites would start talking about FF and other cameras too, forums would start to brew, and the ripple effect would carry across positive vibe. That is what Sony has done with the RX1 — that was outstanding, out of the blue, unexpected move that has secured Sony lots of fans and admiration. Now everyone waits for Sony to introduce FF Nex mount! Pentax Ricoh have done just a moderately successful move (in comparison to RX1) with the new GR; not quite the same effect, but still good. They really need to pull out some heavy guns, and start playing some bold, strong, unexpected moves. And everything else will fall into its proper place. Pentax, pull out the bloody FF in whatever form, as a DSLR and as a compact camera, as soon as possible for the FF game is still hot and open to surprises. Steal the ball, grab the attention.

06-12-2013, 05:19 AM	#546
Wired Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Edmonton, AB Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,519	What about the possibility of a k5 iii? Same body but updates processing and 20+mp sensor?

06-12-2013, 05:21 AM	#547
Aristophanes Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Photos: Albums Posts: 3,948	Originally posted by mamethot +1 on that. Or K-500 and K-50 the same thing for different areas of the world? Like in the past with MZ-5 ZX-5? Only Canon still model differentiates based on geography. And Canon is stupid.

06-12-2013, 05:35 AM	#548
IchabodCrane Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,728	Originally posted by Aristophanes I bet the 500 is a K 50 with no WR, one wheel, and quite a bit smaller. Maybe pentamirror. Same sensor. IMO This very well may be right but I'll go with essentially the same body dimensions for both.

06-12-2013, 06:56 AM - 1 Like	#549
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	Originally posted by Wired What about the possibility of a k5 iii? Same body but updates processing and 20+mp sensor? That is my prediction. The K5 is an excellent camera, with a great name. The II improved on the original. If I were Ricoh Pentax, I would continue the family as the top end semi pro body with all the latest goodies. Aa and non aa.

06-12-2013, 06:57 AM	#550
mamethot Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Greater Montreal Area Posts: 736	A k-5 with 24mp sensor would be a K-5-3 ? Ok, why not!

06-12-2013, 07:33 AM	#551
ruggiex Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: East Bay Area Photos: Gallery Posts: 811	I think I'll be quite interested in K-5 iii if it has updated processor that can support H264 video capture, more AF points and better AF. Dedicated video button (j/k). Hopefully newer and better sensor but I'm not keeping my hope up. Even without new sensor I won't be too disappointed if they price K-5 iii similarly to when ii was introduced.

06-12-2013, 07:39 AM	#552
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	The main question... K-5II's replacement is high-end APS-C camera or FF camera? Will Pentax stay with 4 cameras in line - K-500, K-50, K-3 (APS-C) + KF-1 (FF) or only with 3 cameras? And how will it be?

06-12-2013, 07:54 AM	#553
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by audiobomber I hate touch screens. I don't want one on my computer, my phone, or my camera. I finally caved and got a tablet (iPad4G previous model on deal price) and a Bluetooth keyboard. I really don't like the few times when I MUST touch the screen to complete a task. I have large fingertips - I wonder how small the 'touch-points" would be on a touch screen - and whether I would waste time correcting erroneous choices. Try using PentaxForums on a tablet and hitting the Page-Forward arrow or latest Unread Post arrow - I'm not a surgeon.

06-12-2013, 08:01 AM	#554
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	Originally posted by Aristophanes I bet the 500 is a K 50 with no WR, one wheel, and quite a bit smaller. Maybe pentamirror. Same sensor. IMO Why no WR? If they are serious about competing with Canon, then they have to differentiate in some way with the Canon Rebels. Pentax doesnt seem to be interested in making products for less money, that being the case, they have to offer something useful and different. WR would be a great differentiator in my opinion.

06-12-2013, 08:07 AM	#555
Aristophanes Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Photos: Albums Posts: 3,948	Originally posted by cali92rs Why no WR? If they are serious about competing with Canon, then they have to differentiate in some way with the Canon Rebels. Pentax doesnt seem to be interested in making products for less money, that being the case, they have to offer something useful and different. WR would be a great differentiator in my opinion. Because they can make a non-WR body smaller with DA-L lenses for probably $150 less than the K-30/50. That's a whole price point drop and worth every penny. Many people need less features and do not want to pay for those they will never need.