Originally posted by jatrax Or maybe the THREAT of Canon will cause the current players to wake up. I think this is an area Pentax has a large POTENTIAL advantage. But they need to get out in front and make it not worth Canon's time. Which means a new 645d, soon. Plus more support in the lens, accessories and software areas.
Smart companies create new opportunities, expand current markets and create new markets. Pentax brand did that only once, 60 years ago. They also entered MF digital market 3 years ago and did nothing; didn't expand the market, nor created anything new from it. They are sleepers.
So Ricoh seems to be incapable to lead there.
If Canon enters that market, they surely aim to conquer it, lead and expand, to make it worth entering. Creating all new game of new values.
Which means, other players will soon become marginalised. Canon won't enter it with one camera and one new lens, and wait two more years to make another, for God's sake! And what is most important, they won't depend on some small chip maker to deliver them ancient tech MF sensors; they can do all sensor tech in house.
And that is one reason why Ricoh Imaging will most likely always be the follower, or, "an alternative" to industry leading providers. Ricoh obviously has Canon as a role model, but doesn't have Canon's pastures.