I see two different groups of answers here. The wish list and what the new Pentax will be like. I will not elaborate on the wish list because there is no end to that. I believe that industrial spying is alive and well and companies know what the competition is up to, most of the times. The recent announcements from Nikon and Canon, and taking in account the rumors that circulated during the past 6 months, this is what I believe the replacement of the K10D will be.
The sensor will be a new CMOS full frame sensor between 12 and 18 megapixels. The camera will have live view on the color monitor. Because of the larger sensor, the ISO will have more latitude and far less noise and the metering in dark areas will be improved. The Pentax live view will be different than the competition and maybe will have somekind of video capabilities. The body will not change much and may have the grip as an integral part of the camera body. The camera will sell around $1,300.00 in the US at first. Because of the larger sensor, a mask will be integrated so that telephotos can still be used at the 1.5 factor but at 6 megapixels instead. Wide angle lenses will of course take advantage of the full frame with no correction factor at 12, 6, or 3 megapixeld.
If the new Pentax flagship is anywhere near my predictions, I will upgrade from the K10D, no doubts.
Yvon Bourque
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