Originally posted by UncleVanya I'm going to respond further in this line of reasoning at least this once. You are convinced - without any data that I find credible - that the "look" of the Pentax cameras is holding back the brand. I see camera after camera on various sites and I have to say that nearly every DSLR looks the same to me until I hold it. The mid-tier Canikon's are gross - nasty plastic feeling cheap euck. If you think mirrorless is the answer the data does not seem to hold for that - there was a jump and some growth but it faded - mirrorless is selling but not at rates that supplant DSLR's. If mirrorless is the answer then Pentax is doomed - since that will require a mount change and I don't think anyone has the stomach for it at Ricoh.
What's missing in my opinion? Brand engagement. Pro level support, investments in support of older cameras like firmware upgrades so that people know the company stands behind their gear, longer warranties on items like SDM lenses to stop fear from hurting sales, distribution of parts to someone other than a single source outlet for repair, better high tech features like tethering and wifi built in (but wait we're seeing that with the KS series), stronger push for dealer support and national outlets like Best Buy, WalMart etc.
But what do I know...
You walk into a Sam's Club or Costco and you find row upon row of Canon, Nikon, Sony and Olympus but Pentax is MIA and missing a huge opportunity. They should do whatever it takes to get shelf space in the big box stores. Target has (or had) a limited selection of entry level gear but I don't think any other national retailer does... correct me if I'm wrong.
Go to the Pentax website and you see all this slick information about all the products but if you want to find a place to actually hold and handle one before you buy... tough, not a word about where or how to buy other than the online Ricoh store. If someone knows that they want a Pentax then they may be willing to do the onlne/mail order thing but few people will buy an unknown product, that costs hundreds, sight unseen.
When one can go into a Nationwide retailer and find Pentax/Ricoh products displayed side by side with the competitors they will begin to make an impact in the marketplace. Until then they will remain a niche brand with a loyal, always hopeful but somewhat disappointed following.
Styling is not holding Pentax back, it's the lack of consistent, effective, widespread marketing effort which begins with a physical presence in the everyday marketplace. TV and print ads are meaningless if they can't be tied to a tangible product that someone can actually find and handle. No one buys an idea; they buy real products. Even if they go looking for a Pentax and all they can find are Canon and Nikon, well guess what will be in the shopping bag when they leave the store.
I know that Hoya left Pentax in a big hole and Ricoh is trying to recover but if they don't make some serious headway soon it may be too late and that would be a damned shame.