Originally posted by clackers I don't think high end APS-C makes a lot of sense when the prices approach or even exceed base level full frame.
actually, people were willing to give away about 1.199Euro for a non-flagship dslr(KP) that actually was a prosumer-body(K-70) beefed up with a magnesium alloy body and 5axis-stab.
..what upgraded (or successor-)products(which got introduced after their flagships) in m43 world offered to their buyers(-the 5a-stabil), without beefing up the price above their flagship products...
-
Anyway the brand has to get away from that "the camera for the poor guys"-image...
... in the end. When you look at lenses and other accessory -
...that point is pure imagination and just not true, because Pentaxians hand out about the same money as Nikonians and Canos for other 3rd party maker gear like studio flashes(until very recently we had to pay even more for competitive gear - see quite expensive Priolites ---) for instance...
Sometimes even more, since some lens options from 3rd party makers are rare to get on the used market or new. and so the prices are (a bit!) above normal for K-mount versions of the Sigmas for instance.
I did calculate it through... I would have to spend about the same to get about the same from another (DSLR/APS-C/FF)camera-maker...
IMHO there is no such thing as
saving in photography. :*)
And since RICOH-Imaging publicly and officially stated:
Originally posted by RICOH_Imaging: ...the company is focusing its resources on products that are unique and bring high value-add to its customers, such as PENTAX and GR cameras, which are appreciated by professional photographers and photo hobbyists. Ricoh is also investing in and will continue to expand its business...
I hardly doubt they will turn around and go back to deliver (dirt-cheap non-WR gear)to amateur-up_to-semi-pro... for their Super35 and 35 DSLRs...
The PENTAX K-1 was a clear statement in that direction and so actually(despite all else) was the build quality of the PENTAX KP-body.
Alone that they set up this amazing new lens-line, which appearantly(looking at first results) plays !above the level of ZEISS lenses..., tells me, that:
RICOH "means business" when they say "Imagine... Change."
Next thing, that tells me there is no going back from "meaning it" and showing the same professionality in Crop and FF, which they already perform for mid-format...
is :
Originally posted by PentaxForums: Ricoh Japan has announced a new support service for professionals in Japan
you can also read Albert Siegels post:
Is that a new tele lens? - Page 7 - PentaxForums.com
If you need reassurement, that RICOH really means it.
In the best of all likely outcomes... PENTAX could become the lone survivor in DSLR-land, while all other makers may slowly and one after the other, take the exit to MILC-Land in silence... since both, Canon and Nikon will soon step into the MILC game.
(speaking for myself, i can live without an EVF)
IF!, Ricoh-Imaging shows the will to invest in their products... and the courage to count on their strong fanbase and long-loyal users, when deciding what to offer and leave bells&whistles behind.
...like some other user on FB said before... there certainly is no more space for Ricoh to pussyfoot around with co-processors. (though appearantly there was one
)