I've been intending to make this post for a while now. This Pentax interview was the most informative in years. I do think that one of the hold ups (of the new APS-C body) is the development of a new PRIME image processor. Since Pentax spreads PRIME support across the APS-C, FF and 645 bodies, in order to increase the FPS on the low end and also to up the rate on the mid and upper ends, they are going to need to have to increase the overall speed (bandwidth and thruput rate), especially with the Fuji 645 going to a resolution of 100MP. That was something that was not touched on in the interview.
Also, the K3II replacement - may be (pure speculation on my part) the introduction platform for some of their
new patents / technology.
- Ricoh OVF/EVF switchable hybrid viewfinder patent - this may be why Ricoh/Pentax came out about a year ago indicating that they believe in the OVF - and took a ton of ridicule for doing so.
- Ricoh (Pentax) filed a patent for a DSLR cameras focusing screen - This may help in a number of areas.
- The latest Ricoh patents (tilting sensor) - This would complement their ability to shift the sensor (composition adjustment).
Also Ricoh's imaging product portfolio does remain profitable - especially compared to Nikon. They have essentially moved all of their models out of the pure entry level pricing mode into the higher end of the range.
Unless Pentax has been sandbagging on the lens front, where they are engaged in a new mirror less lens mount (which I'll speculate as doubtful), then their hybrid OVF will try to combine the best of mirror less with their DSLR - via pushing for smaller bodies (i.e., the KP), and try to do double duty - being the best of both worlds.