[rawr]

Pentax DSLR releases seem to be on a cycle over the last 5 years or so:

- September/October: K-x, K-r, K-5, K-5 II/s, K-3
- March/April: 645D, 645Z
- May/ June: K-7, K-30, K-50, K-500

Outliers: K-S1 (August), K-S2 (February), K-01 (February)

I suspect there is some logic to this schedule, reflecting perhaps marketing requirements (eg Xmas sales), and/or in-house production and distribution processes. If this pattern continues, my guess for a FF release would be:

- if they expect a FF to be a popular seller, it will be released in Sept/Oct;
- if they see the FF as a high-end device with specialised appeal (ie no need to go for Xmas sales), look for it in March or April 2016.
- if they already have other products in the pipeline for Sept/Oct (K-3 II?), they might either release those earlier than usual (K3 II in May/June?), or release the FF earlier than Sept/Oct.

All wild speculation of course.

[FantasticMrFox]

- if they see the FF as a high-end device with specialised appeal (ie no need to go for Xmas sales), look for it in March or April 2016.

Except they officially stated that it will be released in 2015.

[rawr]

...We all know Pentax had the idea of making a FF just the day before CP+ - and hastily 3D-printed out a model...

Before CP+, I recall asahi man posted somewhere that he was aware that a FF protoype was circulating around the Pentax offices. I don't think he meant a lump of plastic. So the FF hardware is probably quite well developed, I suspect.

---------- Post added 2015-02-14 at 08:27 AM ----------

Except they officially stated that it will be released in 2015.

OK, strike that thought out. My money is on Sept/Oct then.

[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.

[jlstrawman]

Yes, nice discussing with you too. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'm not, amazing how it *pains* someone that other people have a different opinion. sheesh.

Actually it's more amazing how the PF "experts" know more than Richo/Pentax. Sheesh!

[rawr]

significant core advances

Which reminds me that one of the things happening behind the scenes is probably whatever Fujitsu may have been up to with their Milbeaut image processing chip since 2013.

One of the factors in the evolution and release schedule of the K-3 in 2013 was the availability only in 2013 of the '7th generation' Milbeaut MB86S22AA chip, which enabled many of the features of the K-3. Maybe a FF release is contingent on Fujitsu (or someone else) making available in volume an '8th generation' chip to turn on some desirable advanced features in a Pentax FF (60 fps 1080p?, 4K video, 10 fps shooting @36MP etc).

[Kerrowdown]

We are *all* speculating. Wait.

Aye, it's been years to get to this point, a few more months... hell I can wait that long, perhaps not so for my impatient "Ladies" though.

[Poit]

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...

[Sandy Hancock]

Aye, it's been years to get to this point, a few more months... hell I can wait that long, perhaps not so for my impatient "Ladies" though.

They are all Ladies in Waiting for now....

[Kerrowdown]

They are all Ladies in Waiting for now....

Aye, but you know yourself... "Ladies" don't do patience.

[slip]

But the biggest question for me is will it be affordable?

[Sandy Hancock]

But the biggest question for me is will it be affordable?

That depends how much you can afford
Only guessing, but don't expect any change from $2500.

[Trudger1272]

I'm trippin now! The more I see that FF prism, the more I'm convinced it will have a brain. I hope it doesn't change much.

[windhorse]

Does all the razzamataz about this being a "Flagship" model mean we will be given the opportunity later this year to fork out the same as what it costs to buy a 645D for a big, high MP DSLR like the Nikon D810 and Canon 5DS rather than a more compact body with a more moderate MP FF sensor that may have to wait in the wings to see the light of day as an "enthusiast-level" FF-lite offering afterwards.. if ever?

[Tesla]

I don't know if anyone has posted this, but PR has some more photoshop images of the FF.
The rest of the new Pentax full frame K-mount DSLR camera | Photo Rumors