Originally posted by monochrome The point is whether a first-time dSLR buyer will buy a K-S1 but would pass on the (you say) nearly identical K-500.
I think that all Camera companies use a marketing approach that wants to use "pixel count" as a means to attract buyers. From the stand point of buyers (first time DSLR or otherwise). People think in terms that more is better (thus the "pixel count" game)... I was once told that it isn't the number of pixels you have, it is the amount of data that the pixel can obtain and the processing of the data of those pixels is what really matter.. I sort of look at it this way - A full frame Nikon D810 uses a pixel size of 23um(squared). If you cropped a picture from a D810 to equal 16 megapixels the results would be the same as using a cropped sensor ASP-C using the same pixel size... Obviously if you printed a picture from the D810 utilizing all the pixels (instead of cropping) the quality would be better but not that much better, just in minor detailed resolution where most people would not notice without a magnifying glass... And I hardly doubt that the naked eye could tell any difference at any viewing distance...
So back to the question - first time buyers will more than likely go the "pixel count" route being unsure of making a mistake in selection (thinking more is better). They will hock up double the money over a K-500/K-50... for image quality that may not be any different... And in real life where most people print 5x7, 4x6 most of the time, occasionally 8x10 (for a keeper) and seldom any larger (most don't own plotters capable of larger prints)... then actually 16 megapixels is over-gunned for the task... So where does that leave 20 megapixels... also over-gunned for the task at hand and costing twice the money...
I think the K-S1 will sell but I think if (even first time) buyers digging and doing some research that many will opt for the K-500/K-50 and save a bundle, for better lenses and in the end be further ahead... I feel that the K-500/K-50 fitted with a quality lens would hands down stomp a K-S1 with a kit lens (not that the kit lens is bad - just that some lenses are better)... Total cash layout would be about the same - So there ya have it - one mans take on the subject... For the same amount of money my choice would be K-50 with 18-135mm vs K-S1 with 18-55mm kit lens. The same amount of money would give you a better quality lens and a more flexible lens with more zoom and also a weather sealed camera.... And with the better quality lens you would get better picture quality too....