Originally posted by monochrome
I heard a story there are small few NDA units in the field. The target is professionals. Don't know what sub-category.
Just table talk, but - what aspects of 645Z downscale / translate well to (which) professional FF sub-categories? Think of 645Z processors / buses, viewing attachments, operating philosophy.
Pentax has a ways to go before their tech is competitive with everyone in all aspects but they aren't standing still. Supposedly, each major (flagship) introduction / release will carry significant core advances. Constant improvement - constant work, applied over a long time.
I'm very curious to see the specs and learn some more about where the FF is being pitched. It seems fairly reasonable to assume they're going for more of the pro market, but the big question is will they stick to their traditional market (read less fast-paced shooting scenarios), or will they venture into much weaker Pentax realms such as sport, journalistic and weddings?
My own armchair reading / speculation is that the specs of the new lenses, and particularly the DFA* 70-200, are a statement of intent that they intend on trying to make some inroads into the non-traditional Pentax fields. The road-map also suggests more fast lenses, which is a change of direction compared to the past 12-24 months, and bodes well that they are serious about an attack on non-core markets.
To go to your specific question, sure there are elements of the 645z that lend themselves to a more demanding and faster paced shooting environment (eg processor power and high ISO ability), but as you also point out there are other elements of the Pentax system (AF speed, Flash synch, and overall system diversity) that they lag behind in, and probably won't be fixed overnight. That would suggest the more traditional market (landscapes, streetscapes, studio) would be the safer starting point.
Like I said, the specs of the FF (as well as lens and product announcements in coming months) will give a great indication of where Pentax is heading and who they're trying to tempt with the new FF. As a wedding shooter I'm hopeful that they are going to make a serious pitch for that market, but time will tell...