I already posted something about a possible Pentax camera range on DPreview, but replies were not all very useful.
This line up is designed around the following core ideas:
* The camera range must be comprehensive
* All models must be logically placed towards each other and towards a clear target audience
* The models must be competitive, but not identical with the competition. This means staying in the ball park in most areas and being better in typical Pentax strong points
* All models need to be relatively compact, but certain models are specifically designed for that goal so that not the whole range of models is overly compromised just for the sake of size.
* All models must strengthen Pentax' image as a photographers choice brand (the higher the level of the camera the more important)
* For that last purpose models must show:
- good built quality, ergonomics and furthermore environmental sealing on all but entry models
- good IQ
- great user interface (means hyperprogram and dual dials on all but entry models)
- Largest viewfinders in class (means prism on all but entry DSLR)
- In body IS on DSLR and EVIL, body or optical in fixed lens 4/3
- Continuation of excellent backward lens compatibility on both DSLR and EVIL
- Models that draw attention from other system users and which Pentax users can aspire to (fixed lens 4/3 compact, aps-C EVIL, K-1, 645D)
- Models that can be used by pro's to strengthen brand image (K-1 and 645D)
I'm not saying Pentax can easily create a line up like this, just a range of camera's I would choose if resources were not as much an issue. I know there are some weak points in this proposal for instance possibly relation between cost and MSRP. The names used are just that, names:
1) A 4/3 sensored fixed zoom lens stabilized compact for people that want truly pocketable image quality and photographic control.
2) A aps-c sensored stabilized EVIL camera for those that want great combination of image quality, control, changeable lenses and compact size.
3) Entry level aps-c DSLR
4) Enthusiast level aps-c DSLR
5) Top level aps-c DSLR
6) 645D
1) Pentax F-43
The first camera would be a very serious fixed zoom lens 4/3 sensored stabilized compact that would be truly portable. Zoom range would be limited to 2x or 2.5x 28-56mm or 24-48mm at F3.5-5.6 lens to keep it pocketable. The only stabilized compact truly pocketable with a large sensor and zoom functionality. Unique selling points:
* Cheapest truly pocketable large sensor camera
* Only truly pocketable large sensor zoom camera
* Zoom lens, stabilized, faster, better LCD and cheaper than Leica X-1
* Much larger sensor, dual dials compared to LX-3
Specs:
12mp 4/3 sensor
Fixed 24-60mm or 24-48mm F3.5-5.6 lens
Dual dials
Optional EVF
3.0' 920.000 LCD
SDXC
MSRP: $699
2) Pentax I-A
This is the APS-C sized in body stabilized EVIL camera. Why APS-C? Interchangable makes it not really pocketable anyway, so then the larger size of the APS-C approach is less of a problem, further more an adaptor would allow more sensible use of current lenses. Perhaps some synergy with Samsung is still an option and a specced down cheaper model could be made as well. K-mount adapter will be available. Unique selling points:
* Larger sensor than M43 competitors
* In body stabilization
* Lot's of pancakes lenses already available
* Larger sensor, dual dials and better LCD than EP-2
* Larger sensor, in body stabilisation, dual dials and higher res. LCD than GF1
Specs:
16.2mp Sony APS-C
Interchangable lens
Dual dials
Optional EVF (same as F-43)
3.0' 920.000 LCD
SDXC
MSRP: $999
3) K-X (or successor)
4) K-A
The mid end enthusiast level, K-7 size and viewfinder (might be K20D VF as well), WR, dual dials. Basically will leave any Nikon D90 no chance in any objective test. Unique selling points:
* Largest viewfinder by far in it's class
* Only weather resistant camera in it's class
* Fastest camera in it's class
* Only camera in it's class with such specification and in body stabilization
* Best relation between size and capability in it's class
Specs:
14.2mp Sony APS-C
5 FPS
1/6000
0.92x, 100% viewfinder
Dual dials
3.0' 920.000 LCD
SDXC
MSRP: $999
5) K-1
The no compromise APS-C top model with a new Sony sensor (16mp or what ever it will be), 1.0x, 100X viewfinder, largest viewfinder in this segment (larger than the Canon 7D), 7 FPS and DUAL SDXC slots. This model with be a tiny bit bigger than the K-7 (roughly K20D size) to accommodate the much larger viewfinder and a taller grip. Still very compact for it's capability, but larger than the K-7. People putting more value on size can choose the K-A and I-A instead. Unique selling points:
* Cheapest top APS-C camera
* Largest viewfinder in it's class
* Only real top APS-C camera with in body stabilization
* Smallest top APS-C camera
Specs:
16.2mp Sony APS-C
7 FPS
1.0x, 100% viewfinder
Dual dials
3.0' 920.000 LCD
Dual slot SDXC
MSRP: $1599
6) 645D
This is just an idea, meant as a starting point for some discussion and NOT an end proposal, so feel free to leave your comment.
Last edited by CSpronken; 12-27-2009 at 07:23 AM.