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Thursday, September 20, 2012

Is K-01 the End of the "Line"? (Pentax Interview @Photokina)

See the latest interview by DPR with Pentax at Photokina:-

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7927911437/photokina-2012-interview-john-carlson-of-pentax

Quoted:-

How are you planning on developing mirrorless in the future? Or is the K-01 a one-off?

I haven't seen any future roadmaps for that type of product.

Other Q&As that might worth a look:-

Is there room for a higher-end Pentax K-mount DSLR?

We have the 645D, and Pentax is dedicated to that system, but whether there's room between the K-5 cameras and the 645, I can't say.

What is Pentax doing to meet the demand for connectivity in its cameras?

Right now we don't have anything other than Eye-Fi compatibility. But we're researching the technology.

Canon has now released their EOS Remote software that can remote control the EOS 6D via Wi-Fi for accessing various camera functions as well as for Live View video streaming from the camera to mobile devices of which the EOS Remote supports both iOS and Android platforms.

Let's talk about the Pentax Q. What has the reaction to the Q been like in the market as a whole?

It's been interesting because a lot of Pentax's sales are online. And it's difficult in that kind of environment to really show the camera and the size of the camera, and the size of the system. 

If Pentax really knows that their sales are mostly online. They should not raise the now mandatory online selling prices again and again and hurt much of their sales! >:-[

And, we all knew that the Q is small even if it is not yet put in one's hands. But the more obvious is that most people knew that the sensor used in the Q/Q10 is even smaller! :-o

Preview on What's Next Up?

Pentax Forums is going to have an interview with PR's Japanese officials at the Photokina. The following is about their survey conducted amongst their forum members so far for their opinions and questions to be asked:-

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/199507-pentax-ricohs-reply-your-comments-our-interview.html

And some interesting interim response from the PR:-

Official reply to your comments:

1. Regarding Pentax's USA marketing/customer relations, and the distributor in New Zealand: noted

2. India is a tough market, but we (Pentax Ricoh) do plan to start selling products there in the very near future
3. We do plan on developing AF systems with a greater number of AF points
4. Regarding the full-frame: it typically takes at least 18 months to develop a new product, such as the Pentax Q, from scratch. It may take longer for larger formats. In the past, we told you that we were evaluating the market to see whether a FF body was in demand and feasible to make. Let's just say that we are looking at this particular product type more than ever right now...


A side note: Ricoh, unlike Pentax, finds individual customer feedback to be integral to its product development decisions. We will be listening to your suggestions and they will not go ignored!

Well, my side note to Adam/PF's side note above is: If Ricoh is really listening, they would not have only given us rubbish and craps like those in this Photokina. Btw, my last poll on "what to do next" after this Photokina for Pentaxians still continues. You are encouraged to take part in the vote and make your vote if not yet. I hope Ricoh could listen, but unfortunately I'm afraid NOT in Reality and at the end of the day!

Comments (5)

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What exactly in the statement: "it typically takes at least 18 months to develop a new product, such as the Pentax Q, from scratch" you don't understand???
And have you ever heard of something called ROI? (If not, check it up!)
Wow man. This is the most forthcoming they've been so far outside of strong hints. Also that they read through the comments on the forum and responded is pretty huge. Hopefully they will finally listen and give pentax usa a much needed shot in the arm. I don't see anything to complain about. The q is ok and probably doesn't cost a whole lot to develop and produce. In 10 years, sensors that small will be very capable. As it is right now I'm pretty surprised at what they are getting from the sensor they have. Its cool they axed the k-01. That design made very little sense. I'm quite sure they will revisit mirrorless, but likely in a better design. It seems like all those patents you presented may have been from the hoya era. Still k mount with recessed lenses would be more interesting than nex with huge lenses bigger than the camera.
is shame to axe k-01.
wide, recesed element, lens and k-01 would make great combo, also this camera is perfect for poduct, macro, best pentax for video, not damn to small is actualy great size.
2 replies · active 644 weeks ago
The K-01 would be a great product if they re-design the ergonomics for better and more stable video shooting, add a flipped mon and an EVF. With the new line of lenses that have the recessed optical elements, the overall camera size could still be reduced. Do note that a camera means body with lens, without either, it cannot be used to take pictures.
Well, there is still room for a K-02. That they don't have a product on the road map doesn't mean that won't happen. It might just be that they haven't started work on it yet. Perhaps Pentax is waiting for the next generation of EVFs. Or he might simply just mean that he himself hasn't seen a roadmap where it is on.

Personally I liked the concept of the K-01, though I wouldn't buy one (as my primary camera). With the recent price drop it is very tempting though. I'm also fine with the design and actually like it. Perhaps they could turn the K-0x series into a designer line. Get several high profile designers, say Starck, Ive, Ora Ito etc. to design a mirrorless camera. Heck, even fashion designers. Profit from their name. Internals would be based around the K-01/K-30. Just do something different. (A serious one that focuses purely on ergonomics would be nice though).

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