Should Pentax scrap the K110D and replace K100D with K1000D and K100D2?
If I look at the Pentax camera page on Flickr:
Flickr: Camera Finder: Pentax
and look at the number of K100D's vs. K110D's (134,633 vs. 7,328/ 18-1) I get the impression that the K100D significantly outsells the K110D. Now I know this isn't a solid marketing research, just an indication.
Keeping that I mind I think that Pentax' entry level DSLR also should have IS for the following reasons:
1 People seem to buy them more (K100D vs. K110D)
2 The cost advantage of having IS in body is more important to entry level buyers than for advanced users.
3 It's important that the first camera people buy of your brand is as sattisfying as possible.
So the K110D and K100D should be replaced with the stabilized 6mp K1000D and K100D2.
K1000D:
Basically a K100D but:
- $50-100 cheaper
- No top LCD (little more compact)
- Larger buffer
- SDM support
- RAW+JPG
K100D2:
A K100D but:
- $50-100 more
- Backlit top LCD
- Much larger buffer
- Pentaprism
- Li-ion battery (AA for the K1000D)
- SDM support
- Hyperprogram (2 dials)
- RAW+JPG
- No scene modes (that's left to the K1000D)
Optional:
- Customizable Fn button
- Better auto WB
- Better looking menus
- Orientation sensor
- Dedicated AF assist
- The K10D's stronger IS
Both would be very good camera's for a good price, where the K1000D should be as compact as possible without compromising ergonomics and the K100D2 would also be a very nice replacement for the DS. The 6mp might be a problem in the market so they might also make a 10mp version along side just like Nikon did with the D40x. I think this line up would make most use of Pentax' advantage of in body IS especially in the entry market and generally be excellent photographic tools for the price.