Originally posted by Richard Day If they do show a FF model, it will be more of a "smoke and mirrors" gesture than anything else. The market is not going FF in any major way, it's actually a very small percentage of sales, only the rhetoric is growing!
I have some apprehension that the upcoming KxxxxD may be too little and too late to compete at the entry point, even the cheapest models from C, N, Sony and Oly outspec the K200D in several areas. In fact the existing K200D is now behind the other entry point models in all but one or two areas, notably weather sealing.
Personally I hope that the new entry model has a CMOS sensor with LV, and that they also announce an upgrade for the K200D using the Samsung 14.6MP sensor and also upgrade the K20D to be in line with the (anticipated) 50D and D90 specs.
I believe it would be totally sensible for Pentax to use the 14.6MP sensor across the board and just vary the body designs and features for model differentiation. That would be in line with their reputed philosophy of IQ before gizmos.
Richard,
As usual your analysis makes total sense. I think there might be more to the FF model than you suggest only because that is where Samsung wants to be. We may see a salable body by PMA.
If the low end model does have LV for marketing reasons and the 14.6MP sensor for reputed philosophy of IQ it could be a winner but only if it is priced just below the Canon and Nikon models. That is were there might be a problem considering Hoya's demand for a good profit margin. Because of the way I use my K10D, I'd consider replacing it with the low end model if it has the 14.6MP sensor, is smaller and lighter, and priced right.
Hoping for an upgrade on the K20D is, IMO, a bridge to far. I'm still convinced Hoya will not invest any money and Pentax is not making enough to support that much development.
The K200D was a none starter from the beginning, a "Tain't" if you will. Tain't this and tain't that. I'd be surprised to hear that sales figures met expectations.
All and all it looks like another year of waiting to see if Pentax will become my only system.
Regards,