Originally posted by Yconhack I really like the direction that this thread is heading in!
I would just like to echo what many have said, the biggest first step that PENTAX can make at this moment is to update the firmware for their existing cameras.
Look at what this has done for certain mobile phone manufactures, Samsung and Apple come to mind. HTC also comes to mind for the opposite reason; they have failed to consistently update the firmware/software in their existing products instead attempting to move their customers into the next model. Now, HTC once a market leader has been eclipsed by companies more loyal to their existing customers. The companies that show a real commitment to their existing customers by taking their current hardware as far as possible with firmware/software updates build unmatched customer loyalty.
Customer loyalty is something that PENTAX already enjoys but could certainly use more of. Loyal customers, bring their friends and market share. I love my K-01, but think it could get better and last firmware update showed that it could.
Here is what I hope happens: PENTAX will update the firmware of many of the models discussed here a number of times over the next couple or so years, while continuing to turn out great kit. I will move myself into the “next” model and sell/give my gently “broken-in” PENTAX to new or potential PENTAX for life customers helping top increase the market share for my chosen brand.
Just my two bits
PS: Boy that new MX-1 is sexy! I notice it has the R & G buttons along with 1080p Video at 30 frames. I want one!
Good examples,
I also have a more positive example, Look at Lumix GH2 hack.
If not this hack, this camera would have been an average mirror-less camera with some neat features. But once it got a hack that improved video capabilities for it, it became a number one choice for many photographers/videographers. And this hack made Panasonic great sales.
Pentax could learn here, Photography sector is already quote perfect with the exception of many Pentax users wanting for a 35 mm, so called full frame DSLR, and the only section where it lacks behind is video, not because of lacking controls, but choice of video encoding, K-30 is a very interesting DSLR, people are starving for a camera that could take videos, would be wr and would not require to rob the bank. So K-30 could fill this area with some minor sacrifices for potential buyers. External Mic and HDMI would be nice, but if the general video output would have greater Dynamic range and detail in K-30 and K-01, that would be a magnificent start.
We live in times, when people need video in DSLRs, for future models Pentax simply need to continue on what they are doing with still photography, they are perfect there, and also consider videogrpahy, like creating camera bodies that would be ergonomic master peaces aimed for bridge still and video shooters. That is where currently Video capable DSLRs are being used. We now have one new type of a user who is both a photographer and video shooter.