[someasiancameraguy]

I'm late to the party... but here goes!

My dream camera isn't a camera, but a complete system. It consists of two bodies - one K-mount SLR and one "new mount" mirrorless - to which a variety of modular digital backs can be fitted - m4/3, APS-C and 35mm full frame, with specialist models for high resolution stills, lower resolution high ISO performance, video etc.

The bodies would contain the battery power source, shutter, viewfinder - OVF or EVF for SLR and mirrorless respectively, with format specific guides in the OVF - a SoC computer, wifi and Bluetooth, all the push buttons, switches and dials for controlling the system, twin memory card slots, flash shoe, various interfaces (USB, charging, etc.), metering and PDAF sensors for the SLR etc., The digital backs would provide the stabilised sensor, imaging engine, articulating screen etc. and would interface to the camera for control purposes. The screens would offer on/off-selectable touch control.

There'd be a K-mount AF adapter for the mirrorless body, of course... and I suspect third parties would develop others, even if Ricoh didn't publish the mount spec

I'm sure there'd be massive challenges to overcome in producing such a system, and I imagine it would end up being somewhat larger in each configuration than a dedicated, integrated camera in each of the formats offered - but it would appeal to all sorts of photographers across the widest range of use cases, as folks would order one or both bodies and one or more use-case specific backs tailored to their preferences and needs.

I think this is fundamentally doable, there would be two main components, the sensor back frame, and a mirror box + OVF module that would connect to the back. The biggest problem I see with this is that it will likely require a complex IBIS OS that can do the extremely fine calibration to ensure correct flange sensor distance. For comparison current flange distances are built to micrometer levels of tolerance.

[Lev]

Nothing personal, I'm also have my own dreams, but imagine a camera in which all people's dreams are implemented what it would be look like I think that is why there is no perfect camera and it can't be.

Looking at my K3 II and K1 II, honestly, it is so pleasing, so rebust and so nice to hold in hand, with all features they have, maybe some not cutting edge compared to others, but I'm just happiest man I had opportunity to have them.

Now all I want and dreaming is to have those legendary lenses I miss in my bag.

[BigMackCam]

I think this is fundamentally doable, there would be two main components, the sensor back frame, and a mirror box + OVF module that would connect to the back. The biggest problem I see with this is that it will likely require a complex IBIS OS that can do the extremely fine calibration to ensure correct flange sensor distance. For comparison current flange distances are built to micrometer levels of tolerance.

Although not using IBIS, Hasselblad already provides micro-level accuracy for attachment of backs to its H6-series (and earlier) medium format SLR system - so I'm certain it's possible...

[que es tu]

yea, I need me a daguerreotype that shoots 50MP, 30 fps, eye-af, 4K/60, and a flippy screen.
nothing else will do. okthxbye.

Oh YEAH!! GOTTA have a flippy screen!!

---------- Post added 11-09-20 at 03:41 PM ----------

Well I'm another who thinks the KP comes close already but if I could make a couple of changes they would be:

A carvable grip like they used to have with the LX.
For the function dial to be fully customisable with whatever function you choose from the menu's, or at least have more choices for each stop on the dial.

A bigger battery might be nice but I can live with the one it has.

Carvable grip!? Wow that would be cool, but I'm sure I would whittle it down to nothing trying to get it perfect!!

[Mooncatt]

Oh YEAH!! GOTTA have a flippy screen!![COLOR="Silver"]

Nah, go with a fully detachable and wireless display with 1000ft range.

[luftfluss]

I was using the flippy screen on my K-70 today. So easy and convenient.

[texandrews]

I feel like today's carvable grips ought to be molded with one of those materials they use for medical purposes, or for orthotics/ski boots (but hard), or else 3D printed after gripping a model. But I don't want my grips to be too specific, since I change my hand positions depending on what I'm doing...

[someasiancameraguy]

I think another contender in my mind for a dream camera would be something like the KP but thinner and lighter, and with a pancake like the 43 Ltd optimized for aps-c (effectively a 28mm 1.4 pancake prime / I guess technically the 31mm ltd would work, but I want it more pancakey). It should come in many colorways, black with black leather inlay, bronze/rose gold with white leather inlay, creamy brushed white with tan leather inlay, etc. Small, unobstrusive, sexy design, like a Leica with all the perks of DSLR. Overtime the shell can age and patina for an even sexier look.

[BigMackCam]

I think another contender in my mind for a dream camera would be something like the KP but thinner and lighter, and with a pancake like the 43 Ltd optimized for aps-c (effectively a 28mm 1.4 pancake prime / I guess technically the 31mm ltd would work, but I want it more pancakey). It should come in many colorways, black with black leather inlay, bronze/rose gold with white leather inlay, creamy brushed white with tan leather inlay, etc. Small, unobstrusive, sexy design, like a Leica with all the perks of DSLR. Overtime the shell can age and patina for an even sexier look.

In terms of optical design at this registration distance, I think "28mm f/1,4" and "pancake" are going to be mutually exclusive. Take a look at Sigma's 30mm f/1.4 - or Canon's 28mm f/1.8 (a little smaller, but a little slower too) - for an idea of the size it might be... i.e. more of a "short stack" than a single pancake

[richard0170]

In terms of optical design at this registration distance, I think "28mm f/1,4" and "pancake" are going to be mutually exclusive. Take a look at Sigma's 30mm f/1.4 - or Canon's 28mm f/1.8 (a little smaller, but a little slower too) - for an idea of the size it might be... i.e. more of a "short stack" than a single pancake

True. I personally have been wanting Pentax to give us a 28-30mm f2.8/3.5 offering, which should be modest enough in size if not of pancake dimensions. It would be really nice if it were a Ltd model with WR thrown in to boot.

[Belnan]

KP form and size
K-1 battery
35mm size sensor

24 mp
Perfect autofocus

[someasiancameraguy]

In terms of optical design at this registration distance, I think "28mm f/1,4" and "pancake" are going to be mutually exclusive. Take a look at Sigma's 30mm f/1.4 - or Canon's 28mm f/1.8 (a little smaller, but a little slower too) - for an idea of the size it might be... i.e. more of a "short stack" than a single pancake

I don't know much about optics, but if the lens is impossible to make then a very thin and light FF body like the KP. Right now I use the MZ-3 with the 43 like this and it's great. Ultra portable with great IQ.

[dbs]

A camera that can mount any and all lenses ever built

[texandrews]

My other dream camera:
a digital version of the Fuji GA645zi with its compact fixed zoom lens, but with maybe a bit different zoom range, although I could certainly live with that one. Digital medium format "p&s" that would fit in a coat pocket. I'd buy that for sure. It's also a camera that could be made today easily I would think with existing tech. Crop sensor would be fine.

[bdery]

That is a nice discussion I've never noticed before. Here goes:

Optical performances of the K-1
Ergonomics and user controls of the K-1
Size of the KP
Tilting screen of the K-1
Full frame
AF tracking a la Sony
Video capabilities of modern mirrorless (not that I care but the market does)

And let's not forget decently marketed