Originally posted by ghelary I haven't posted for a long time on this forum as I hadn't much to say but here is maybe an information that my interest you.
The French Magazine "Réponse Photo", usually very reliable, have written in his september issue that Pentax would be displaying next month a new DSLR, more or less a refreshment of the year old K-m.
My 50c guess is that it would be a styling change just like what Sony just did whith its entry level lineup.
Regards,
Guillaume
You're quite generous, I only have 2c to spend and they say that it will be the other way around. Same exterior (almost unanimously appreciated) with updated internals because Pentax needs to distribute in volumes the r&d spending they did for the K-7. So my guess is:
- same 10Mp CCD sensor (seems to be here to stay considering that Sony and Nikon just released updated cameras based on it);
- Prime 2;
- same 3,5 fps but much bigger buffer (maybe not for RAW but most likely for jpgs), K-m was on the slow side;
- New jpg engine, maybe 4 stars quality for jpgs;
- in lens correction K-7 style but only for the kit lenses;
- Maybe and very useful for the target audience it will be to have the level indicator in the VF and even the auto-leveling feature would be very popular IMO.
- Same AF as K-7 but with 5 points, selectable this time;
- New exposure system most likely with 37-39 zones;
- Picture orientation sensor;
- Same body, minimal w.s. if any (like the card door and battery door with some protection). They need to keep the camera light and there is no reason they should abandon the investment in the K-m body so soon. Besides if they go w.s. that means w.s. kit lenses and in the end the camera will be too expensive for an entry level;
- 50 grams lighter when fully equipped;
- LiIon battery and that will mean not only incredible endurance but also faster AF (already on the fast side for its class as it is). A really nice feature would be to accept both D-Li90 and D-Li60 thus owners of both K10/20 and K-7 should use their current batteries;
- A few colors at launch available in volumes. Special editions made in thousands and numbered and coupled with Limited lenses of the buyer's choice;
- Same 2 kit lenses;
- 499 Euro kit/599 dual kit.
The end is to provide a small, light, responsive, cute jpg making camera and build on the real success of the K-m especially in Japan and Europe.
Regards,
Radu