[Mistral75]

My goodness you guys are picky, looks like a super reasonable mid level camera to me. (...)

It definitely is but with a price point that used to correspond to Pentax APS-C flagship cameras. That's why many people are so vocal about it on the different fora. That, plus their fear there won't be any true APS-C flagship (à la K-3) any more.

[Kunzite]

What he said ^^
I'm guessing that Pentax/Ricoh Imaging is reevaluating what a Pentax APS-C flagship means.

[ffking]

back to the sensor - I've read several references to it being brand new. It's widely thought that the K-1 used an older (though still top notch) sensor partly to keep the price down - logically then a 'brand new' sensor would lead to a pricier camera - maybe it's as simple as that.

[audiobomber]

My goodness you guys are picky, looks like a super reasonable mid level camera to me.

I think it's a fine upper mid level body, but many of us want a new APS-C flagship body.

Newer AF algorithms might require newer hardware to keep up. It is not necessarily clear.

The new AF algorithms are software modifications for SAFOX11. The K-3 and KP both have SAFOX11, 27 AF sensors, three f2.8 sensors, –3EV to +18EV focus, Real-Time Scene Analysis System with 86,000 pixel RGB light-metering sensor. The K-3 has a faster shutter. What hardware could possibly be needed? The only reason for Ricoh not to implement the new AF algorithms in the K-3 and K-3 II is to protect their new baby.

[kenspo]

back to the sensor - I've read several references to it being brand new. It's widely thought that the K-1 used an older (though still top notch) sensor partly to keep the price down - logically then a 'brand new' sensor would lead to a pricier camera - maybe it's as simple as that.

Brand new sensor in KP, yes. Will deliver better then K-3II. K-1 wasn't an older sensor, but a new version of an sensor. (improved version of the one in D810).

[mecrox]

It's a DSLR aimed at mirrorless shooters. Maybe Pentax thinks it can lure some people back.

Lol, a non-mirrorless camera for people who want a mirrorless camera that isn't a mirrorless camera and which is both a flagship and not a flagship at the same time. All clear. Looks a great successor to the K70 , though.

[THoog]

SAFOX11 is software, AF algorithms are software. The K-3 and KP both have 27 AF sensors, three f2.8 sensors, –3EV to +18EV focus, Real-Time Scene Analysis System with 86,000 pixel RGB light-metering sensor. The K-3 has a faster shutter. What hardware could possibly be needed? The only reason for Ricoh not to implement the new AF algorithms in the K-3 and K-3 II is to protect their new baby.

You might be totally right in the last. However, the one piece of hardware you didn't mention is the CPU, needed to run all that software. It's interesting that they went with the K-1's PRIME IV instead of the K-3 II's PRIME III. It's not clear what the IV has that the III lacks, or what the affect of the "accelerator unit" is on its overall processing capability.

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Last edited by THoog; 01-26-2017 at 06:46 AM.

[Mistral75]

(...)
I'm guessing that Pentax/Ricoh Imaging is reevaluating what a Pentax APS-C flagship means.

Yep. They are inclined to go for a mirrorless camera

[Kunzite]

Still waiting for the A-whatever project?

[Mistral75]

No. Most of it has gone down the drain.

[audiobomber]

You might be totally right in the last. However, the one piece of hardware you didn't mention is the CPU, needed to run all that software. It's interesting that they went with the K-1's PRIME IV instead of the K-3 II's PRIME III. It's not clear what the IV has that the III lacks, or what the affect of the "accelerator unit" is on its overall processing capability.

I believe PRIME processing is for jpegs.

[Dipsoid]

I believe PRIME processing is for jpegs.

Definitely not just jpeg processing. Jpeg processing is included, bit PRIME is the CPU of the camera. It does all signal, autofocus, exposure, etc processing. This is why you see high end cameras such as the D500 have a separate processor that just does autofocus computations.

[yygomez]

I just wonder if they are going to kill the evolution of the K7-K5ii-K3 APS-C bodies in favor of this new one?
Maybe they just want to leave alone the K1 at the top end?
For me the K5ii body ergonomics was close to perfect...

[RGlasel]

I just wonder if they are going to kill the evolution of the K7-K5ii-K3 APS-C bodies in favor of this new one?

I have noticed two things about Pentax since Ricoh took over; one, they will change their product strategy according to what sells and what doesn't, two, those changes don't happen overnight. Camera manufacturers need to introduce new models on a regular basis or get out of the camera manufacturing business. If the KP is a runaway success, the next new model will probably resemble it more than "conventional" Pentax APS-C cameras, but Ricoh won't try to milk the KP forever. I can wait another 18 months if necessary. How long did K-1 customers hold onto their Pentax glass waiting for a FF model?

[monochrome]

Pentax is adjusting to the new reality. K5 monthly production was 15,000 - 20,000 units. K-1 and KP monthly production is 7000 units. This change affects product design, feature / component mix, target buyer, price, distribution strategy - everything changes.