Originally posted by *isteve The K10D really competes against the D80 but adds SR and weather sealing which immediately makes folk think of the D200. I think its worth comparing but the D200 trounces it in a number of ways including burst speed, the exposure system, mag body and flash features (as you would expect given its higher price).
Yep, you've nailed the key difference between the K10D and D200, or even the D80 and the actual weaknesses of the K10D against the competition.
Quote: However it does use the same sensor hence the priblem - why would you upgrade from a Nikon D80 to a D200? The D40x, D80 and D200 all use the same sensor and produce the same RAW files so the 2X price difference is purely down to body features.
Not really. The D200 has a high speed sensor of different type which has been used in the D200 only, whereas A100, K10D, D80, D40x all use the other same sensors. See:-
RiceHigh's Pentax Blog: The Secrets of the K10D (Part 1 of 3) - The Heart: CCD Imager Quote: The D2X on the other hand uses a proprietary Nikon designed sensor that I dont think Pentax have access to, so they are limited in sensor choidces unless Sony have their much rumoured 12MP APSC chip ready for market.
You're right, the main difficulty faced by Pentax is that they have no sensor of their own. Canon and Sony have but Nikon is not much better in position than Pentax indeed.
Quote: So the question is are Pentax aiming at the D200 level or the D2X level (perhaps with the new rumoured Sony chip) or somewhere in between? My bet is somewhere in between with the feature set/performance of the D200 in a K10 sized body with a 12MP sensor aimed both to kill off the D200 and hurt the Canon 5D as well.
Aiming at true pro level is meaningless business wise for Pentax. They should first make a D40x and 400D class entry level popular models in order to increase the popularity and to earn some income for the company's further survival.
Quote: gradually dropping pricewise to keep pace with the D40. The K200D will be aimed directly at the Canon 400D and Alpha 100 and will be a faster, snappier 10MP version of the K100D possibly restyled to take the LiION battery.
But then when the K200D can come, Pentax has already missed the boat again, as 500D is around the corner again. So, that's why Pentax is always losing the game. Nikon caught up quickly but they are still not the first one to lead the market. Pentax is the last one who tries to catch up, but always too late.
Quote: Now of course this could all be wrong - I'm just speculating - but a 6 model lineuip for Pentax would be very cool and according to Ben 5 of those will be out by the end of the year which will really put them on the map.
The fact is that Pentax has no such production capability for more models nor such a numerous model is needed for Pentax, for the small market share and demand of their products.
What make senses is a two to three models lineup, with product cycle not more than one year. And for each model update, true revision to both the hardware and software should be made instead of tweaking with minor things. Just say the wonky 16-segment metering system, which was developed for the film *ist SLR, should be replaced.
In fact, Canon and Nikon's metering department are far more superior and accurate to that of Pentax, so Pentax should really make better thing in the next model, just for this example.