Apple-Pentax Camera

Samwise.Gamgee · 02-12-2020, 04:22 PM

All,

I was thinking it would be a big hit if Ricoh and Apple go to a joint venture together and build a camera with Pentax technology and an iPhone back.

What are your thoughts?

Regards,
Sam

---------- Post added 02-13-20 at 03:00 AM ----------

my personal preference would be minimal controls on the camera and move all the other controls to the iPhone App.

I have a theory that with more electronics, the SLR cameras became more and more complicated for the average people and hence the popularity of point and shoot or nowadays smartphones.

So the "Apple-Pentax" camera would have the basic controls on the camera and the rest of the rubbish would be accessible via the app in the back of the camera.

---------- Post added 02-13-20 at 03:08 AM ----------

I would be the first one to buy something like this myself

Last edited by Samwise.Gamgee; 02-12-2020 at 04:37 PM.

MarkJerling · 02-12-2020, 05:43 PM - **1 Like**

I'm not sure I'd be an early adopter but what about a DSLR with both Android and Apple connectivity driven with an app as you suggest? Of course, the whole thing would need to be able to work without a phone attached... Wait! My Pentax does that already!

**Riggomatic** · 02-12-2020, 06:03 PM

Like to Motorola and Hasselblad?

Didn't buy that for my Motorola, so doubt I'd want a hybrid apple camera either

**arnold** · 02-12-2020, 06:09 PM - **1 Like**

Do we really need all this added technology just to take a photo? You know, like they managed in the olden days.
[IMG]

[/IMG]

tokyoscape · 02-12-2020, 06:28 PM - **1 Like**

My first thought is.. why would Apple want to collaborate with Pentax in the first place?
Because of (the product) design principle? Because of the technology coherence? etc?

Apple is a mega famous company at this point. If they collaborate with Pentax, Ricoh would get huuuuuge huge market recognition but what Apple will gain from doing that?

As for hypercritical speaking, I think it will be very good for Pentax as a brand and Ricoh as a company. I just hopped the warranty is not voided when we change the camera's battery at home.

EdWiser · 02-12-2020, 06:32 PM

There was one company a few years back that made a camera that did just this. Didn’t go over. Would love to see and updated GRX with just an M mount again.

**Wheatridger** · 02-12-2020, 07:13 PM

It would be much more like an iPhone than a DSLR. Apple is best equipped to build a phone camera, and I don't see what "Pentax technology" could add to that. I'm not sure Pentax's strength is from inventions and patents. Pentax excels in ergonomics, features and value.

bertwert · 02-12-2020, 09:20 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Samwise.Gamgee

What are your thoughts?

First thought:

What have you been smoking?*

Originally posted by Samwise.Gamgee

my personal preference would be minimal controls on the camera and move all the other controls to the iPhone App.

I have a theory that with more electronics, the SLR cameras became more and more complicated for the average people and hence the popularity of point and shoot or nowadays smartphones.

So the "Apple-Pentax" camera would have the basic controls on the camera and the rest of the rubbish would be accessible via the app in the back of the camera.

So, get rid of all the controls that make Pentax camera's so easy to use, being able to adjust everything without even lifting it from your eye?

*and where do we get some, it must be good stuff

**RobA_Oz** · 02-12-2020, 10:03 PM

My only feasible thought along those lines would be for Apple to have Ricoh/Pentax optics incorporated in one of its phones. You’d have to ask, though, what Apple would gain by way of either engineering value or prestige. Their optics seem to be pretty good as it is. Other brands enjoy having Leica or Carl Zeiss on their phones as a prestige feature, but recognition of Pentax in the same way would be very limited (no pun intended).

We’ve had a few people here expressing their affection for Android as an OS in a Pentax camera. Not for me, I’m afraid, as Google/Alphabet’s business model isn’t to my taste, but Carl Zeiss announced such a beast a while ago – I haven’t been surprised to note its lack of appearance on the market, to date.

**acoufap** · 02-13-2020, 09:10 AM

I own a lot devices from the apple ecosystem and love it. Once they also developed the leading app Apple Aperture 3 ... and let it die. I love my Pentax cameras for what they are. IMO compared to Ricoh / Pentax, Apple showed and shows a lot different priorities in the field of photography. I like Ricoh’s / Pentax´ priorities much more. Please no such cooperation!

PDL · 02-13-2020, 10:28 AM

Since I don't own anything made by Apple - that would mean I would not buy the product.

(Not liking Apple since 1977)

**Kobie** · 02-13-2020, 08:01 PM

Originally posted by Samwise.Gamgee

All,

I was thinking it would be a big hit if Ricoh and Apple go to a joint venture together and build a camera with Pentax technology and an iPhone back.

What are your thoughts?

Regards,
Sam

---------- Post added 02-13-20 at 03:00 AM ----------

my personal preference would be minimal controls on the camera and move all the other controls to the iPhone App.

I have a theory that with more electronics, the SLR cameras became more and more complicated for the average people and hence the popularity of point and shoot or nowadays smartphones.

So the "Apple-Pentax" camera would have the basic controls on the camera and the rest of the rubbish would be accessible via the app in the back of the camera.

---------- Post added 02-13-20 at 03:08 AM ----------

I would be the first one to buy something like this myself

Samsung had already tried this and it didn't sell very well at all. It was the Galaxy series of cameras. Basically, it was a Samsung Galaxy Android phone with the phone module removed, a larger than phone sensor and a proper lens. It wasn't long after that when Samsung decided to pull out of the Camera market. Their last camera release was amazing though and way ahead of it's time. Maaaan, if Pentax and Samsung had partnered together again and we got a version of the Samsung NX-1, who the heck knows how far ahead Pentax would be now... Ah, to dream...
Here's the specs of the NX1 (2015) if interested.

Samsung NX1 key features
28.2 megapixel APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor
Hybrid AF system with 205 phase-detect points covering 90% of the frame
15 fps burst shooting with continuous autofocus
4K (DCI 4K & UHD) video recording using H.265 codec
Can output 4:2:2 8-bit 4K video over HDMI
Stripe pattern AF illuminator with 15m range
Weather-resistant magnesium alloy body
Context-sensitive adaptive noise reduction
3" tilting Super AMOLED touchscreen display
2.36M dot OLED EVF with 5ms lag
LCD info display on top of camera
Built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
USB 3.0 interface
Optional battery grip

More info here

Galaxy Camera (2012)
More about the Galaxy Cam here

Now, if the new Pentax APS-C were to be as loaded as the NX1 was in 2015 with the modern Pentax twists and newer tech. They'd knock it right out of the park!
A phone based camera at a premium price just won't cut it from a dedicated camera manufacturer's stand point. At least I don't think so.

Samwise.Gamgee · 02-13-2020, 10:59 PM

Pentax part would be: k-mount Camera body, sensor, all the smarts in the camera, basic controls and a long list of lenses
Apple: just a phone and an App which would act as LCD and most of the advanced controls

What would Pentax get: big market
What would Apple get: peace of mind as Pentax is a well-known brand with a long history

**luftfluss** · 02-14-2020, 01:27 PM

A few months ago a member made a similar thread about Android: Why aren't camera brands using Android? - PentaxForums.com

A hard NO from me for either OS appearing in my camera.

biz-engineer · 02-18-2020, 05:08 AM

Originally posted by arnold

Do we really need all this added technology just to take a photo?

Yes, we need it because it represent many billions of USD revenues for the corporations designing smartphones, selling smartphone, collecting your personnal data, where you go (via reading the GPS on your phone), what pictures you take, what are your contacts, what key words your search in google, data analytics and reselling as market research data, etc...

02-12-2020, 04:22 PM	#1
Samwise.Gamgee Junior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 36	Apple-Pentax Camera All, I was thinking it would be a big hit if Ricoh and Apple go to a joint venture together and build a camera with Pentax technology and an iPhone back. What are your thoughts? Regards, Sam ---------- Post added 02-13-20 at 03:00 AM ---------- my personal preference would be minimal controls on the camera and move all the other controls to the iPhone App. I have a theory that with more electronics, the SLR cameras became more and more complicated for the average people and hence the popularity of point and shoot or nowadays smartphones. So the "Apple-Pentax" camera would have the basic controls on the camera and the rest of the rubbish would be accessible via the app in the back of the camera. ---------- Post added 02-13-20 at 03:08 AM ---------- I would be the first one to buy something like this myself Last edited by Samwise.Gamgee; 02-12-2020 at 04:37 PM.

02-12-2020, 06:09 PM - 1 Like	#4
arnold Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,299	Do we really need all this added technology just to take a photo? You know, like they managed in the olden days. [IMG][/IMG]

02-12-2020, 07:13 PM	#7
Wheatridger Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Colorado Front Range Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 644	Ah, the Pen-Ap smartphone... It would be much more like an iPhone than a DSLR. Apple is best equipped to build a phone camera, and I don't see what "Pentax technology" could add to that. I'm not sure Pentax's strength is from inventions and patents. Pentax excels in ergonomics, features and value.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Sorry, Apple: The iPhone 7 camera is not better than Samsung's Galaxy S7	interested_observer	Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands	27	09-20-2016 03:53 PM
Apple: The No. 2 camera brand!	Christine Tham	Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands	43	01-28-2015 06:37 PM
Apple Digital Camera RAW passes over Pentax K3 again	Paul the Sunman	Digital Processing, Software, and Printing	9	01-27-2014 06:24 AM
Apple iPhone the world's most popular camera?	stormtech	Photographic Industry and Professionals	89	05-29-2013 03:14 PM
Apple Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 4.04	i83N	Pentax News and Rumors	23	02-15-2013 05:45 AM

02-12-2020, 05:43 PM - 1 Like	#2
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,423	I'm not sure I'd be an early adopter but what about a DSLR with both Android and Apple connectivity driven with an app as you suggest? Of course, the whole thing would need to be able to work without a phone attached... Wait! My Pentax does that already!

02-12-2020, 06:03 PM	#3
Riggomatic Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Auburn, Indiana Photos: Albums Posts: 3,886	Like to Motorola and Hasselblad? Didn't buy that for my Motorola, so doubt I'd want a hybrid apple camera either

02-12-2020, 06:28 PM - 1 Like	#5
tokyoscape Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Tokyo Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,256	My first thought is.. why would Apple want to collaborate with Pentax in the first place? Because of (the product) design principle? Because of the technology coherence? etc? Apple is a mega famous company at this point. If they collaborate with Pentax, Ricoh would get huuuuuge huge market recognition but what Apple will gain from doing that? As for hypercritical speaking, I think it will be very good for Pentax as a brand and Ricoh as a company. I just hopped the warranty is not voided when we change the camera's battery at home.

02-12-2020, 06:32 PM	#6
EdWiser New Member Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 4	There was one company a few years back that made a camera that did just this. Didn’t go over. Would love to see and updated GRX with just an M mount again.

02-12-2020, 09:20 PM - 2 Likes	#8
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,172	Originally posted by Samwise.Gamgee What are your thoughts? First thought: What have you been smoking?* Originally posted by Samwise.Gamgee my personal preference would be minimal controls on the camera and move all the other controls to the iPhone App. I have a theory that with more electronics, the SLR cameras became more and more complicated for the average people and hence the popularity of point and shoot or nowadays smartphones. So the "Apple-Pentax" camera would have the basic controls on the camera and the rest of the rubbish would be accessible via the app in the back of the camera. So, get rid of all the controls that make Pentax camera's so easy to use, being able to adjust everything without even lifting it from your eye? *and where do we get some, it must be good stuff

02-12-2020, 10:03 PM	#9
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,209	My only feasible thought along those lines would be for Apple to have Ricoh/Pentax optics incorporated in one of its phones. You’d have to ask, though, what Apple would gain by way of either engineering value or prestige. Their optics seem to be pretty good as it is. Other brands enjoy having Leica or Carl Zeiss on their phones as a prestige feature, but recognition of Pentax in the same way would be very limited (no pun intended). We’ve had a few people here expressing their affection for Android as an OS in a Pentax camera. Not for me, I’m afraid, as Google/Alphabet’s business model isn’t to my taste, but Carl Zeiss announced such a beast a while ago – I haven’t been surprised to note its lack of appearance on the market, to date.

02-13-2020, 09:10 AM	#10
acoufap Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Munich, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,191	I own a lot devices from the apple ecosystem and love it. Once they also developed the leading app Apple Aperture 3 ... and let it die. I love my Pentax cameras for what they are. IMO compared to Ricoh / Pentax, Apple showed and shows a lot different priorities in the field of photography. I like Ricoh’s / Pentax´ priorities much more. Please no such cooperation!

02-13-2020, 10:28 AM	#11
PDL Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: PNW USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,128	Since I don't own anything made by Apple - that would mean I would not buy the product. (Not liking Apple since 1977)

02-13-2020, 08:01 PM	#12
Kobie Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Bowmanville Photos: Albums Posts: 1,211	Originally posted by Samwise.Gamgee All, I was thinking it would be a big hit if Ricoh and Apple go to a joint venture together and build a camera with Pentax technology and an iPhone back. What are your thoughts? Regards, Sam ---------- Post added 02-13-20 at 03:00 AM ---------- my personal preference would be minimal controls on the camera and move all the other controls to the iPhone App. I have a theory that with more electronics, the SLR cameras became more and more complicated for the average people and hence the popularity of point and shoot or nowadays smartphones. So the "Apple-Pentax" camera would have the basic controls on the camera and the rest of the rubbish would be accessible via the app in the back of the camera. ---------- Post added 02-13-20 at 03:08 AM ---------- I would be the first one to buy something like this myself Samsung had already tried this and it didn't sell very well at all. It was the Galaxy series of cameras. Basically, it was a Samsung Galaxy Android phone with the phone module removed, a larger than phone sensor and a proper lens. It wasn't long after that when Samsung decided to pull out of the Camera market. Their last camera release was amazing though and way ahead of it's time. Maaaan, if Pentax and Samsung had partnered together again and we got a version of the Samsung NX-1, who the heck knows how far ahead Pentax would be now... Ah, to dream... Here's the specs of the NX1 (2015) if interested. Samsung NX1 key features 28.2 megapixel APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor Hybrid AF system with 205 phase-detect points covering 90% of the frame 15 fps burst shooting with continuous autofocus 4K (DCI 4K & UHD) video recording using H.265 codec Can output 4:2:2 8-bit 4K video over HDMI Stripe pattern AF illuminator with 15m range Weather-resistant magnesium alloy body Context-sensitive adaptive noise reduction 3" tilting Super AMOLED touchscreen display 2.36M dot OLED EVF with 5ms lag LCD info display on top of camera Built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth USB 3.0 interface Optional battery grip More info here Galaxy Camera (2012) More about the Galaxy Cam here Now, if the new Pentax APS-C were to be as loaded as the NX1 was in 2015 with the modern Pentax twists and newer tech. They'd knock it right out of the park! A phone based camera at a premium price just won't cut it from a dedicated camera manufacturer's stand point. At least I don't think so.

02-13-2020, 10:59 PM	#13
Samwise.Gamgee Junior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 36 Original Poster	Pentax part would be: k-mount Camera body, sensor, all the smarts in the camera, basic controls and a long list of lenses Apple: just a phone and an App which would act as LCD and most of the advanced controls What would Pentax get: big market What would Apple get: peace of mind as Pentax is a well-known brand with a long history

02-14-2020, 01:27 PM	#14
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,629	A few months ago a member made a similar thread about Android: Why aren't camera brands using Android? - PentaxForums.com A hard NO from me for either OS appearing in my camera.

02-18-2020, 05:08 AM	#15
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,249	Originally posted by arnold Do we really need all this added technology just to take a photo? Yes, we need it because it represent many billions of USD revenues for the corporations designing smartphones, selling smartphone, collecting your personnal data, where you go (via reading the GPS on your phone), what pictures you take, what are your contacts, what key words your search in google, data analytics and reselling as market research data, etc...