[lesmore49]

Now that a Full Frame Pentax is in the near future, I wonder if there will be anymore top of the line ASP-C's coming from Pentax ?

Will the K-3 be the last of the line ?

[Docrwm]

Why on Earth would they abandon an established line that is likely to sell 10X+ the FF model?

[Giklab]

I'm wondering now that there's a full frame will the stupid threads ever stop?

The FF threads will be replaced by whining that Pentax will now abandon APSC.

[dyoon153]

I agree with Docrwm.

See Nikon and Canon lines of DSLR and we can discuss again.

In short, no, K-3 probably won't be the last of the adv APS-C.

[monochrome]

Now that a Full Frame Pentax is in the near future, I wonder if there will be anymore top of the line ASP-C's coming from Pentax ?

Will the K-3 be the last of the line ?

No.

.

[Jonathan Mac]

I'd thought about this and I really hope not. I'm thoroughly invested in APS-C lenses and no matter how cheap FF sensors get, an APS-C one will always be cheaper.

APS-C will remain the de-facto sensor size for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras for the forseeable future, even with a FF Pentax around.

[Rondec]

Why would the K3 be last of the line?

As long as there is money to be made the crop market, why wouldn't Pentax be there? And as far as I can tell, there are at least 7 or 8 crop sensor cameras sold for every full frame sensor camera that is sold. Lots of 7D Mk II and D7100 cameras being sold right now.

[jayman_1975]

I really hope not. If they make improvements to the already amazing K3 I'll be all over the next one.

[grispie]

Will the K-3 be the last of the line ?

very likely indeed.

[audiobomber]

Maybe Pentax will do what Sony appears to be doing. The APS-C bodies keep coming, but the new lenses are FF, because they can be used with either format.

[lesmore49]

Maybe Pentax will do what Sony appears to be doing. The APS-C bodies keep coming, but the new lenses are FF, because they can be used with either format.

Having bought a number of new ASP-C lenses only...I wish Pentax had done as you say and I quote.....'new lenses are FF, because they can be used with either format'.... with their previous new lenses.

[audiobomber]

Having bought a number of new ASP-C lenses only...I wish Pentax had done as you say and I quote.....'new lenses are FF, because they can be used with either format'.... with their previous new lenses.

It's fine with some lenses, but not with others. Look at the cost, size and weight differences between a 50-135 and 70-200 for example.

[Docrwm]

It's fine with some lenses, but not with others. Look at the cost, size and weight differences between a 50-135 and 70-200 for example.

Absolutely. The need is for both forms, knowing which is which is critical and having the FF support both makes the most sense.

[Biro]

Nikon produces high-end APS-C cameras in addition to full-frame cameras. So does Canon. I don't see a problem here.

[yucatanPentax]

Why would the K3 be last of the line?

As long as there is money to be made the crop market, why wouldn't Pentax be there? And as far as I can tell, there are at least 7 or 8 crop sensor cameras sold for every full frame sensor camera that is sold. Lots of 7D Mk II and D7100 cameras being sold right now.

Yes, exactly.

At $2500 to $3500 (???), the full frame is for a rarified audience who can afford that much for a camera. Either very serious and well-off hobbyists, or professionals who earn money from photography. By its price-point alone, the audience is very restricted in nature. Unless prices drop drastically, FF will never be an "everyman" type camera.

APS-C cameras are available to a much wider audience who can afford that price range. As prices go up, eligible buyers drop dramatically. In the hundreds of dollars, millions more people can afford the cameras.

As point-and-shoot cameras are cannibalized by phone cameras, the DSLR will remain as the only step up for more serious photography. Within that already limited step-up range, those who will spend over $2500 for a body will remain a (relative to total population) very few. Many more will want the step-up, but at a more budget-friendly price.

645 will remain the tip of the pyramid with FF likely to become a new cone just beneath the tip and the broader base spread over a two or three levels of APS-C bodies. The APS-C bodies will be the volume sellers.

Edit: What Ricoh/Pentax really needs to do within the USA is begin to act like a serious retailer. Advertise. Get a decent online webstore. Arrange for fast and reliable warranty service. Advertise. Correct the Email addresses on their website. Advertise. Correct everything else which is dated and invalid on their website. Advertise. Create retail relationships in major population centers. Advertise.

Ricoh/Pentax has really great products. They sell themselves short (and short their own profits) by not spending the minimum necessary to create a marketplace presence (and provide the service which people expect). Sales could increase noticeably from the small marketshare they hold now, just with a little attention and effort.