The market for Art Print is presently quite down at the moment. (I had that information by someone well introduced into the world of Photo Galleries in Paris, so please don't consider it as pure speculation, the
So the buying power of professionals doing very large prints may be on the down side at the moment. Of course Digital Backs are more rented than bought upfront. But I think this is one of the major challenge at the moment (at the end of the day, a more expensive back will cost more for renting)
I have a feeling that downsizing in budget is a global phenomenon for pro photographers, and that would be the reason for Canon releasing the 7D. APSC is a cheaper and more compact than FF.
On contrary of the other Medium Format players, Pentax have already a good AF and metering system with development costs absorbed by the APSC DSLR market. Yes it will be small like a spot for medium format, but still better than the competition.
The 10 000 $ price point is pure speculation at the moment, but with it and with the familiar form factor and operation of a SLR, Pentax could bring in again weathly amateurs in the Medium Format territory like it used to be during the film era. Amateurs can bring in the volumes than push the costs per unit down. Clearly this bet is not won (and I won't say that I fully understood Pentax vision) but at least, let's praise Pentax/Hoya for trying something different.
The past year have shown that Hoya has been very smart with Pentax positionning, delivering original cameras of great value and market positioning at an aggressive price point. Their strategy have been quite consistent and apparently bringing in results. Sure there haven't been much leaks, but let's give them credit for that too.
The 645D will be a bit above my price point and anyway, I haven't pushed my current hardware to its limits. However, I have the possibility to rent it for a special occasion I will surely give it a try. Square meter prints just way for me !
Regards,
Guillaume