Originally posted by artobest A bit harsh? I think the 645D shows they're pretty brave. Maybe they're just too small to develop lots of cameras at once.
Harsh? No, just realistic and practical. Yes, they released the 645D after years of stalling, and I'm surprised they did. I really hope it does well and doesn't lose them any money.
But do you know what the ironic thing is? An LXD would sell in much higher numbers than the 645D will. For every landscape photographer out there who wanted a MF digital he could take into the wilderness and not have to sell his wife to buy, there are several street photographers who want a small DSLR (with an LX, MX, ME Super type body and size) that they won't have to sell their wives to buy either. I truly believe the demand for an LXD would be higher than for a 645D, and it would be cheaper to make.
That said, the demand won't be as high as for autofocus, plastic blob shaped DSLRs like the K20D or K-7. A street cam would be more specialised, which means it appeals to a smaller group of people. The only specialised digital camera being made today is the Leica M9, and look at how it's priced. Even if they made them in an Asian factory they'd still be expensive compared to your average DSLR. And by the way, this may come true sooner than we think:
A "cheap" Leica is coming...
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