[Rondec]

APS-C isn't going away any time soon although some brands may limit their offerings so as not to impinge on low end full frame. The thing is that APS-C cameras tend to have faster frame rates and still remarkably good performance in the 600 to 700 dollar range. And not everyone wants to spend 1000 plus on a camera plus lenses.

The "cheap" full frame options tend to have somewhat limited auto focus performance and slow frame rates. Factor in a full frame zoom or two and you could spend quite a bundle on full frame.

I like full frame cameras and lenses, by I am not going to say that everyone needs them and a KP does awfully well with regard to high iso performance and low dynamic range.

[Wheatfield]

I just Googled Canon telephoto lenses. Tamron makes a 100-400 that's FF compatible for $600, stabilized, of course in-lens focus motors, and it's weather sealed. Sigma makes a comparable lens. There are Nikon versions of each. Nothing remotely like that for Pentax.

Probably never will be either. My take on Pentax is that they are trying to set themselves up as a boutique brand, sort of a Japanese version of Leica.

[tokyoscape]

I personally think ... well. from what I see with most of my photo tour's guests which are pretty much like people in this forum. they are interested in photography, some just start, some serious amateur, some professional. Everyone appreciates the hi-resolution image.
Those want a compromise between image quality and hardware size/weight will go for non-full-frame models mirrorless. So I think the demand is still there for smaller than FullFrame sensor market.

But most of us also carry a smartphone. While the camera offers a better image quality but the phone can do so many things and do it well. One of my guest last night did multiple images and combine them to one super wide panorama which pushes my 10-17 to a shame. They do timelapse on the fly and they do many more. Then it ready for the user to upload and share to whatever they want to. That brings me to the second point which is a 100% speculation; I think the Japanese camera companies focus on the wrong direction in the consumer level camera market. They got superior hardware (glass and sensor) but they don't put a better "brain" in the camera. Japanese are good at doing sophisticate machine but less good on anything related to software development. maybe that's why they are doing what they are doing and slowly retreating in today market which depends more and more on AI.

[Winder]

Fit these full frame and APS-C cameras with lenses designed for their respective formats, and the size / weight advantage can be even more pronounced.

The glass doesn't really change or get smaller with APS-C if you are trying to achieve the same image quality. I have a couple of friends with Fuji XT-2/3 bodies and 56mm F/1.2 and 90mm F/2 glass. The Fuji 56mm F/1.2 is basically an 85mm F/1.8 and the 90mm F/2 is the equivalent to a 135mm F/2.8.

[lesmore49]

I dunno. I think the death of the ASP-C sensor is not going to happen anytime soon. I just bought a new Ricoh GR and this tiny camera has an ASP-C sensor. Disclosure...I bought the little GR knowing full well that it 'just' had an ASP-C sized sensor and the pics it produces are excellent.

[Gray]

IMO, APS-C is here to stay. Look at the current popularity of the Sony 6000 series and the Fuji system. Within the Pentax world, look at the enduring popularity of APS-C despite the K-1.

For some of us full frame is just too big, too heavy and too expensive. APS-C sits at the sweet spot between M43 and full frame. I can carry my K-5II + DA 15/40/70 very easily in one small carry bag that sits at my feet in an aircraft, and still get excellent images. For extended international travel I can fit a K-5II + battery grip + Sigma 8-16 + DA 16-85 + DA* 55 + FA 135 + DA 1.4x + accessories in a small sling bag. Try doing that with a full frame + 12-280 mm lens combo equivalent. For all weather work, I can use the same sling bag with the DA 16-85, DA* 60-250, DA* 55 and DA 1.4x. For me APS-C has very definite physical advantages over full frame, while still giving excellent images. YMMV of course.

I for these reasons can't wait for Pentax to release the next APS-C flagship.

[surfar]

I think Fuji has too many APS-C cameras at different price points. Given its specialisation in the APS-C space, it could realistically narrow the choice down to three models - one low end, one mid, and a flagship.

It can seem to be confusing but theres basically 3 levels with those levels offering slight form variations.

Entry is the Bayer array,Intermediate is Xtrans thats slightly crippled,High end is the full compliment of features.

Fuji offers a camera for "nearly" everyone in their crop range.

Similar in their Super FF stuff,2 levels but only 1 with variation(but that may change in the future).

---------- Post added 06-03-19 at 04:44 PM ----------

I don't think high resolution APS-C cameras are going to disappear any time soon,

Most definitely, theres a big market.

Nikon sold plenty of D500s,and the otherDslrs.Canon have sold plenty of Dslrs and Mirrorless.

Fuji will continue and $ony have stated they will be filling out their Apsc line.$ony's next high ender may have the new 32mp sensor,it'll be very very capable.

[BigMackCam]

The glass doesn't really change or get smaller with APS-C if you are trying to achieve the same image quality. I have a couple of friends with Fuji XT-2/3 bodies and 56mm F/1.2 and 90mm F/2 glass. The Fuji 56mm F/1.2 is basically an 85mm F/1.8 and the 90mm F/2 is the equivalent to a 135mm F/2.8.

It depends on how you look at it. My APS-C 17-50/2.8 for DSLR is much smaller and lighter than my full frame 24-70f/2.8 for SLT / DSLR. I get roughly the same field of view with both when used on their intended formats. The minimum depth of field I can achieve on the full frame setup is shallower, yes - and that can be helpful creatively (this is one advantage of full frame). But that aside, I can cover much the same use cases with the either setup, yet the APS-C kit is smaller and lighter. So, in my view, there is indeed an advantage of size and weight with APS-C glass - especially fast zooms.

It can seem to be confusing but theres basically 3 levels with those levels offering slight form variations.

Entry is the Bayer array,Intermediate is Xtrans thats slightly crippled,High end is the full compliment of features.

Fuji offers a camera for "nearly" everyone in their crop range.

Similar in their Super FF stuff,2 levels but only 1 with variation(but that may change in the future).

Understood - and it's a very good range of cameras, no doubt. I just think the number of models they're offering is overkill, and difficult to sustain long term given how the market is changing... Merely my opinion, though.

[surfar]

. I just think the number of models they're offering is overkill, and difficult to sustain long term given how the market is changing.

Yes, you could be correct.They dont bring out all the shapes/forms with every version of sensor development though.

Xtrans 2nd version didnt have an Xpro model(it had 2 versions of Xe).

Xtrans 3rd version had 5 versions but so far 4th Xtrans only has 2.Only rumours of the rest of the lineup at this stage.

---------- Post added 06-03-19 at 07:40 PM ----------

a couple of friends with Fuji XT-2/3 bodies and 56mm F/1.2 and 90mm F/2 glass.

Along with the 16mm f1.4 these 3 are regarded as the better Fuji primes.All are sizeable but theres the smaller mostly WR f2 and 2.8s as well.16/23/35/50 and the non WR 18 and 27.just depends what you require.


XT3 with grip/af adapter and Tamron 150-600 isnt small or light.XT30 with the 18 or 27 is.

[pentaxfall]

I think APSC is going to stay. Nikon Z5 is going to be APSC MILC. Release date is 2019.

[surfar]

I think APSC is going to stay. Nikon Z5 is going to be APSC MILC. Release date is 2019.

Yes,now where did APSc Z5 come from?I heard of the Z5 a long while ago but I was under the impression it was FF to compete with Canon RP.

[Rondec]

I think we need to separate what camera companies want (to sell more high end gear and to sell full frame cameras and lenses) from what the photographers want, which is to have a reasonably priced camera with better image quality than their phone and some lenses for it that are priced in their reach. Up till now, that is what APS-C has meant.

Even cameras like the D500 and 7D II have sold really well because they offer a sports shooting experience that is priced within the range of a lot more folks than cameras like the A9, D5, and 1Dx series of cameras. Certainly if this segment of the market is lacking, a K3 sequel could step in and fill that opening.

[bladerunner6]

Median US income in 2017 was $61K a year.

Household income in the United States - Wikipedia

After paying for:

Food
Clothing
Shelter
Insurance
Transportation
Medical Care
Taxes
Saving for retirement
Water
Electric
Internet
Cellphone Service
TV service-cable and/or streaming

The overwhelming number of people simply do not have the money buy a FF camera body let alone a whole system.

APS-C is here to stay because that is simply what the vast majority can afford, if even that.

Now do I expect the continued shrinking number of models in a contracting market to continue, yes indeed.

Variety is often unprofitable. That is why GM slashed the number of brands they had and why Costco and Aldi’s have such low prices.

[ThorSanchez]

Probably never will be either. My take on Pentax is that they are trying to set themselves up as a boutique brand, sort of a Japanese version of Leica.

I guess that's possible, but somewhat odd from a company that spent most of the last 15 years selling customers on maximum bang for the buck. I'm a Pentaxian because the K-30 had more features than any other brand's $800 camera. Not because I eventually was going to want a five-figure system with a red dot.

If boutique means $1000-ish APS-C DLSRs with unique and interesting features, I'm in. If it means expensive, large FF systems I'll probably, eventually go elsewhere.

---------- Post added 06-03-19 at 09:51 AM ----------

Median US income in 2017 was $61K a year.

Household income in the United States - Wikipedia

After paying for:

Food
Clothing
Shelter
Insurance
Transportation
Medical Care
Taxes
Saving for retirement
Water
Electric
Internet
Cellphone Service
TV service-cable and/or streaming

The overwhelming number of people simply do not have the money buy a FF camera body let alone a whole system.

APS-C is here to stay because that is simply what the vast majority can afford, if even that.

Now do I expect the continued shrinking number of models in a contracting market to continue, yes indeed.

Variety is often unprofitable. That is why GM slashed the number of brands they had and why Costco and Aldi’s have such low prices.

The median income of ILC buyers has probably always been higher than the general population. Maybe a lot higher. That's one of several reasons photography skews old - older people often have more disposable income after they've gotten kids through college and houses paid off.

But now camera manufacturers are aiming even higher. Instead of shooting for the 75th percentile of income, they're going for 90th (numbers made up to illustrate the point). I don't know if there are enough 90th-percentile earners who like photography to make this work with all the existing manufacturers.

[DeadJohn]

Its pure speculation on the Op's part nothing more. I believe I've read a rumor that Pentax will be bringing a new Hi end APS-C camera soon.

We've been hearing that rumor for over a year. One of the rumors is that "soon" will be during 2020. *If* they have too long of a gap between design and product release, the camera will be outdated before anyone sees it.