1) Essentials for a flagship camera in 2009 and for Pentax to be taken seriously are IMO:
- a new processor for faster responsiveness of the camera on all levels plus better battery life and also a better noise control;
- a totally new AF system (not necessarily with a lot - read 51 points but more than 11 would be nice) that will be on par with the rest of the bunch on all levels - low light AF.C and so on);
- at least one stop more of DR (even more than one stop at higher ISO) and more than one stop of better noise control - which I believe is doable by a combination of improved sensor, better ADC and a new image processor;
- a new shutter and mirror box with at least 5 fps and 1/8000+1/250 flash sync;
- at least double the buffer for RAW to reach a minimum of 30;
- 14 bit RAW;
- SDXC ready;
- a larger and better LCD and the idea of a SMC coated LCD is very appealing to me;
- a new SR mechanism with panning for example;
- an improved OVF;
- a new battery with the same voltage and size as the current one but with more energy.
2) Nice to have for some and useful from a marketing pov are IMO:
- movie mode;
- 2 SDXC cards;
- usable LV;
- at least tilt able LCD, maybe articulated one;
- metal body (although I wish they keep the current one in shape, size and backwards compatibility with the grip);
- GPS;
- WiFi would be nice at least as an accessory;
3) SciFi but if I could think of them why couldn't they?
- 4-8 GB of integrated storage space and which will act like a second (third) SD card;
- eSATA connector or another form of link with external storage;
- "overdrive" for selected SDM in lenses by a slighly higher voltage delivered to them hence faster movements. Also it would be nice if the new AF system will drive SDM lenses in a new, more snappy way (my feeling is that besides mechanical limitations most SDM lenses are also hindered by the current AF system).
Radu