Originally posted by photoptimist I agree completely.
That's why I think it would be stupid for Pentax to invest a boat-load of money to create me-too mirrorless plus all the lenses needed to make a credible entry. Why dilute it's R&D on yet another line of bodies and lenses?
P.S. Given that mirrorless predates SLR in both film and digital, I'd say it's traditional mirrorless vs. newer DSLRs.
The
real force driving mirrorless is the MUCH more automated, robotized (fewer humans) assembly process versus dSLR’s. However, initially designing the manufacturing process (clearly a Sony skill advantage) and then setting up the assembly machinery requires more capital and cash flow (both Sony and Fuji advantages) than Ricoh appears willing to commit.
Far better for Ricoh to continue extending and leveraging its advantage in tweaking image sensors, designing small, ergonomically elegant traditional bodies and being different. I’m not so sure Ricoh Imaging actually could maintain its current ROIC if they properly marketed and increased sales volume - they would need to invest in both marketing and P&E, and it isn’t clear to me we would pay the higher price for their products.
People complain about the $1,099 launch price for the KP, which is a very nice camera. What would the response be to $1,299 with longer warranty, proper dealer financial support, B&M Reps and placement allowances. advertising and higher volume?