Originally posted by IchabodCrane Protected their existing MF market from potential entry by competitors -- OK, I agree on this one
Yeh!
Originally posted by IchabodCrane Gives them a Halo product that generates buzz in an area no one else is at -- What's the value of generating buzz in a market that's virtually non-existent?
No magazine or website can compare them to anything else. If the 645z gets mentioned it is the #1 in that category. It generates mentions of the word 'Pentax' and at this point brand awareness and media attention are priceless. It establishes them at the high end of the market with a product the others cannot touch. Classic product positioning. Very few people buy the high end product but they like to be associated with a brand that offers that.
Originally posted by IchabodCrane Generates enormous profit, while cutting the competition by 2/3 or more. -- Enormous profit in a market that barely exists? How?
You did notice the price of the camera and the lenses, right? And you did notice the entire first year production is sold? With a 4 week waiting period?
Originally posted by IchabodCrane Gets lots of publicity in a professional area that purchases high end expensive gear -- They don't purchase MF gear
You have that reversed, I meant they are generating lots of publicity in the MF market, a segment that does buy high end gear. And they buy other gear as well. But even if we consider your definition do you really think a D810 shooter who bought that camera because it was highest dynamic range and megapixels available would not consider a 645z for the same reason? Not dedicated Nikon shooters, photographers who actually buy based on results not the name on the front. I know two high end landscape shooters that moved from 5dmkII to D810 just because of the megapixels. Both are considering the 645z as their next step up.
Originally posted by IchabodCrane Gives their range a breadth no one else can, (once they add the FF next year), q to MF -- How do you generate value from such a range?
Who said anything about value? I didn't. I said they will have a breadth of range no one else does. if their marketing department cannot capitalize on that, shame on them.
Originally posted by IchabodCrane Stomps the D810 in enough specification categories that marketing can have a field day if they want -- For a studio setting... yes. For everything else, probably not.
You did not read what I wrote. I said that marketing can have a field day embarrassing the D810. Marketing has nothing to do with reality. I expected someone to take issue with that one. Of course the D810 would be easier to carry and many other things, but if you are putting together a marketing piece you just pick the features you want to use to make your 'stuff' look better than the other guys 'stuff'. Marketing 101. And the 645z "Stomps the D810 in enough specification categories that marketing can have a field day"
I get you are disappointed that we got a 645z instead of a FF camera. But from a strategic viewpoint making a splash in MF was brilliant. They have a market there to protect and improve, they have no FF market so they will be starting from scratch whether it is released this year or next year or 5 years from now.