Originally posted by Mohawk Dear Pentax,
I wish you all the best, but if you provide information on plans for new flash systems, tethering, releasing APS-H or even 135-format DSLRs, increasing flash sync speed, better video capability etc. just to keep up on lost ground, I'll stick with you. Otherwise goodbye Pentax, and hello Nikon!
Cheers,
M
My sentiments entirely.
I have been a long pentax user resisting the pull from Nikon when I went digital 6 years ago. I felt that Pentax had the best APSc system. However, recently I think they showed poor strategy and as a result a lack of a roadmap to Full Frame.
1) the jump to 645d was not good as it involved investment in lenses for this mount when sensor advancement would enable FF to be competitive on quality with FF (at least at 40 Mpixels). I have A series 645 lenses and the fact that their value has not gone up much indicates that this mount is not doing well.
2) The K-01 design was different for the sake of being different. It is an ugly camera with poor usability (button placement, flaps, ect) . Also if they were committed to this idea, they should have rolled out better compact lenses such as a XS retro zoom. thus the overall camera size could be competitive with the Sony NEX with a lens mounted. But they release one lens, and the camera gets attacked for being FAT. Then you hear that the K-01 is an idea not a plan for K mount mirrorless. In a competitive market you cannot afford these half step mistakes.
3) The Q is actually quite interesting and the logic they used for this camera is that sensor technology gets better thus enabling a really small camera system. I think this makes sense. But if this is true then see point 1) and ask yourself why not invest in FF instead of 645D? Had they done so when they launched the 645D, they would have a better foothold in the FF market.
Nikon has the right system with FF and APSc lenses being usable on both systems.....I will wait just a little more to see what Pentax has to offer then probably move on.
I used to defend pentax in fora like this and on the Consumers Report forum.. No more.