Originally posted by ffking Regarding marketing - as Dan was saying a coupe of post back, YouTube is huge in terms of presence - Thomas Heaton, for example has over a quarter of a million subscribers for landscape photography - there are loads of landscapers YouTubing - none of them use Pentax - on the principle of 'be the change you want to see' - are any of us going to start a YouTube channel using Pentax kit?
I have been considering a YouTube channel in which I am shooting with Pentax primarily, All of my current gear is Pentax I am heavily invested in both APSC and Full Frame.
I would love to grab a second Pentax full frame so that I can record myself on one while shooting with the other but the issue is that Pentax has not yet put strong video features into their cameras.
If I want to start a YouTube channel focusing on working in the field or in my studio with Pentax than I need to buy a non Pentax camera and Lenses to do so which means spending a lot more money than just purchasing an updated Pentax with decent video features (which I deeply wish for but it seems like few pentaxians are interested in so I don't know if Ricoh will take video more seriously in the future or not). I don't care about super high fps but a decent bit rate and better codecs is a must have.
It is a bummer as a pro to see many Pentaxians say Pentax should not invest in video features in there cameras on the pretense of not wanting to pay more for features they won't use, but this thought process ignores the reality of the power of independently produced video content that could promote the brand and build interest and perceived value in the Pentax brand.
I am sure I am not the only pro out there who would love to share video content created on their Pentax but subpar video quality is not something a pro wants to represent themselves through.
The K1 video features are great for personal use as I am sure the KP is as well but you cannot build an online brand/presence with the current video features.
I hope in the future we see Pentax flagships in higher price ranges with a fuller feature set for video shooters.
I know for many, Pentax is a pure photographic tool, but I think we are already near perfect in that regard with the K1 (yes a new af module is desired by most and is likely in the works but aside from that video is the only other area that Pentax clearly has a lot of room for growth)
I think it would be great to see Pentax flagships that are in the $1600- 2k range for apsc and the $2500-4k price range if it allows them to make up for more R&D costs and maybe some to set aside for marketing.
I would put my money down for that because I recognize the value in what Pentax offers in reliability, fast access to all settings, and weather resilience, add pro video features and improved af and you have a system that is a more valuable and competent tool than the competitors.
If spending more on new cameras means helping my preferred camera company to grow and compete you can bet I will put my money where my mouth is.
I am not one of those people saying Pentax needs to make a camera with the same features as a 5Dmk4 or A7Riii or Fuji XH-1 or whatever. I am just saying that If pentax put pro video features in their cameras I would gladly pay for it instead of picking up another system. Bonus being pro's and media creators could share videos shot with their Pentax on places like YouTube in return generating more interest in the brand. The value of a decent video set in a camera goes beyond providing customers with a camera that offers more features, it creates a camera that allows for independent promotion of said purchased camera by it's users.
I love my Pentax gear and want to pay for these features in the next Pentax flagships, but if I decide to pursue video and this is not available to me than I have to consider a second system instead of making future investments in new Pentax equipment.
I am totally fine with non-flagships excluding higher video functions (not everyone can/wants to spent that money), but I encourage forum members to consider the implications before asking Pentax to continue to ignore video content producers when designing future Flagships.