Might as well post my own write-in answers, and hope I haven't said anything
too embarrassingly n00bish...
12. Do you have any specific requests (features/form/function) with respect to APSC (crop) sensored cameras by Pentax? - For information display modes during playback, using the INFO button to cycle through the modes instead of bringing up a menu would be very helpful.
- Dedicated switch/button for Shake Reduction would be helpful.
- Focus peaking is very nice, but its implementation could be better (colors other than white?).
- Is there any chance we could get manual focus confirmation using focus points other than the center one?
- I would use catch-in focus a lot more if it could be done with back-button AF (I don't know about other models, but on my K-30, I have to re-enable shutter button AF in order to use it).
- If your patent for hybrid viewfinder technology could be used to bring aids like a histogram and focus peaking into a still-optical viewfinder on your APS-C cameras, that would be amazing.
- Is it technically possible to have the light meter offer a mode for expose-to-the-right (ETTR), to ensure highlights are protected, rather than the usual metering for middle grey?
- An affordable fast prime in the 28-30mm range would be VERY helpful (see question #14).
14. What are your thoughts on Pentax products? How do they compare (pros and cons) with respect to competitor products?
I love that Pentax offers so many features at the "mid-level" price point that nobody else does, such as IBIS, dual control wheels, pentaprism OVF with 100% coverage, weather sealing, and focus microadjustment. Also the ability to save raws as .DNG is big. I admit I have not used enough competitor products recently to have an informed opinion on this.
However, the lack of an affordable modern fast normal (on APS-C) lens is maddening -- especially from a company that has otherwise shown an admirable commitment to the crop format compared to Canon/Nikon. The FA 31 Ltd is unapologetically a premium product, leaving a huge gap between the DA 21 Ltd and the DA 35/2.4 (which isn't that fast). To get good comfortable indoor shots I need to use my Rokinon (Samyang) 35/1.4, which is big and heavy and lacks AF. The Sigma 30/1.4 fits, but it's said to have AF issues, and it's not a Pentax. Nikon (35/1.8), Samsung (30/2), Fujifilm (35/1.4, though a bit more expensive), and Olympus (25/1.8) all offer such lenses for their own systems -- so is there any chance we'll see a modern 28mm or 30mm prime from Pentax anytime soon, or is the 35/2.4 it for now?
Edit: I forgot, even Canon (with their appalling lack of serious EF-S lenses) has their EF 28/1.8 which, while not EF-S, is still of a reasonable enough size to be an option.