PMA Disappointment (but there is hope)

The PMA has come to the end. As we all know, Pentax has only shown in the PMA two new DA* lenses with SDM (Supersonic Direct-driving Motor) AF support, for the first time, with a 645D behind glass and a new super simple Pentax dedicated P-TTL auto flash AF200FG (no zoom head nor it is movable in any direction and there is even no AF assistance spotbeam!), along with a few minor updates to their P&S DCs as their latest X30 models.

Nevertheless, Pentax has updated and published their new lens roadmap. The closest things which shall see the light are the two DA* super-telephoto primes and one zoom along with a 35mm/F2.8 DA Macro.

The biggest disappointment of this PMA show on Pentax’s part is that there is no new Pentax DSLR announced, which I guessed just right before the PMA. Whist the lens plan of Pentax seems to be quite aggressive and a truely complete lineup can be formed by 2008, I just wonder if the Pentax DSLR system can be successful without better DSLR bodies (and continuous upgrade of their current models).

While on these few days during the PMA I have posted in net forums that I think there should come a K100D and K10D replacement, preferably also with a new compact entry level DSLR plus a true high end / pro level DSLR model well above the K10D, quite some people have been arguing that there is no need to have new models for the time being, just because their current K10/K100D are “so good”. Today, I learn the good news that Pentax has actually planned to have updates on both cameras within this year, as well as they *would* consider another compact model and/or true pro level model (which they claim that they are capable of making one), in the following interview with Pentax senior officials at the PMA:-

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/other/2007/03/12/5799.html (in Japanese)

and here is a human (not machine) translation of it:-

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/4337-translation-pma-pentax-interview-new-dslr-body-year-company-strategy.html

So, there is still hope, although there are so little DSLR stuff shown or announced in the PMA, which is quite a disappointment indeed. At least, we shall see that the K100D will be replaced not later than July this year and the K10D will be replaced by November this year. And, there may be surprise on a new compact model, too! But, I bet the new pro level DSLR will be unlikely to see the light in the near future, yet.

It seems that Pentax is now in a right direction for what they think and planned to do, from what I can see in the interview, let’s wait and see!

PMA 2011 Trade Show Cancelled

See what the DPR has reported:-

http://www.dpreview.com/news/1105/11050410pma2011cancelled.asp

So, the PMA (which was previously re-named strangely as the "CliQ") has been in great trouble and is actually dying IMHO. And, we shall have Photokina in the next year of 2012. So, I guess most camera makers will have little incentive to participate also in the PMA at nearby time.

This story tells us once again decision making is very important and the bad moves of the PMA authority just put themselves into a worst position, than ever!


All Related:-

http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/search?q=PMA

CES Live Show Reports at Dpreview

There is no "stand report" for Pentax Ricoh so far at the DPR, but if you are interested in the latest photographic products news of the other manufacturers and brands, click the DPR link below. I think the stand reports are nicely compiled:-

http://www.dpreview.com/showreports/CES2012

It should be noted that the old PMA has been over and now the CES is the old PMA, as combined. So, when some Pentax "supporters" are arguing that the CES show is "unimportant", just think about if the PMA was important or not. Btw, the following is quoted from the introductory post at the front page of the DPR:-

"This year's CES is the most significant yet for the photo industry (since what remains of the old PMA show is now part of CES), and we've already seen some major announcements from camera manufacturers. As usual we will be providing frequent and detailed coverage of product announcements at CES as well as a live 'from the show floor' report."

Nonetheless, I am still waiting for the stand and live show report for Pentax Ricoh by the DPR. But it seems that they are not really interested. But it could be a chicken-n-egg problem after all - If/When there is nothing interesting to report at the booth, why should they bother? >:-o


Last Story:-

CES Pentax News and One Rumour

First "Convincing" Pre-PMA Pentax Leak

I have seen at the Photo.net forum today a post which I believe to be the first valid Pentax pre-PMA product leak which looks quite real to me:-

http://photo.net/pentax-camera-forum/00Sc7o

The attached product image is directly linked here:-



I think the source is more reliable by judging from the "quality" of the image, which does not look fake but even more like an official one. Besides, which can be important is the maybe indirect but still somehow close relationship of the poster with the Pentax Imaging.

Actually, more than one month ago, someone has told this before. But since it lacks reliable and "authoritative" source as it looked, I just regarded this as a pure rumour. However, but with the above photo.net post and image, this post now serves as a good supportive "evidence" for what it is going to happen!

Btw, I guess this new camera is not necessary to be a Prosumer, despite that it has EVF (and thus of course with LiveView and possibly also with Video Recording/Movie function). And, I do still put some of my bets for that it could still be a K-mount camera, just with the Pentamirror and reflex mirror removed (i.e., a K-mount version of the Micro 4/3), especially by judging its size which is not as small as those Prosumers and more like the K-m! Sensible speculation?

Well, more for why such a guess? I guess Pentax needed to do something more "ground-breaking" than what others have already had. If they just market a "Prosumer", why people would choose a Pentax, but not a Fujifilm? Considering also that the market of Prosumers is shrinking..

Lastly, it seems that there is a new Optio to come, as seen in a latest PMA booth photo here that is still under decoration, it is printed "Sport Optio" for one of the counters. I hope not this counter is just used to promote those old W series Optios, anyway, although possible.

There are just two days to come, let's wait and see and we shall know very shortly!

Update (3-2 p.m.): Pentax X70 Super Zoom DC @ $399.95 (Yes, it's just a DC! :-()

Update (3-2 late evening):-

I am rather disappointed with this "Pentax" X70, it is yet another mediocre OEM product of the Nikon P90 and Olympus SP-590UZ clone, with a small 1/2.33" sensor, and without full HD video capability (just 1280 x 720 "HD" video). Full specs and images of the "three" cameras are as follows:-

http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-Camera/26171/COOLPIX-P90.html#Tech

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1450&fl=4

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/52847-pentax-x70-full-specs-image.html

And, note also that the X70 does not have a "SMC" Pentax lens, but just a "Pentax" lens. I think this would be the last time I write about the X70, I shall just forget about it from now on.. (Sighhh..)

Yet again, Pentax let many Pentaxians down, I believe.

No More "Collaboration" between Samsung and Pentax?

Further to the recent interview with Hoya Senior Official at the PMA, there are more news about Samsung and their way forward on their camera business in the near future:-

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/03/10/200903100030.asp
(by the Korea Herald: "The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper", as claimed)

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0903/09031301_samsunginterview.asp
(by DPR)

After reading all the above three articles with two interviews (one with Pentax/Hoya, and the other with Samsung, respectively), we have got known to one clear fact and the officials of both companies told the same thing:- Pentax and Samsung has not collaborated in the latest NX project, no even for the part on the optical system and lenses. Even worse, Pentax have not even had *any* involvement to just make a "K-mount adaptor" for the NX system, as told by the Samsung official, although he said there would probably one.

Well, if Samsung really intend to make a K-mount adaptor, it is really ridiculous that they should ignore Pentax(Hoya) totally. In fact, the Hoya senior has told us that Samsung had been keeping their secret well and even Hoya/Pentax knew nothing about the NX until they saw the press release at PMA! So, that must a good "collaborative" way to treat (cheat?) one's "partner"!

Now, Hoya have told that they would do things by their own in the coming seasons and the same happens for Samsung for what they are to offer and with the highest priority, i.e., their NX system. Practically saying, their informal partnership has just come to an end, I would say. They are actually separated (not even could use the word "divorced", as they had never married).

Nevertheless, Samsung are actually very unwise for not seeking any help from Pentax when they come to the camera business, especially for the optical related areas. In fact, they are just rather over-ambitions and over-optimistic than real as shown in their latest DPR interview. Once again, I predict at this moment that it is very hard for them to succeed with their new NX system, for quite some reasons, say:-

- Samsung has no expertise in making lenses and optics. If they really want to formulate the NX specifications all by themselves, they bear high risks (nor they have enough technical knowhows, really);

- Hybrid camera and mirrorless DSLRs are still an unexplored area in market which is not proven for the actual market size and profitability. Although Panasonic have been able to gain some (maybe momentary) minor success, I don't think they have been able to make their business profitability so far, neither;

- Where is the brand attractiveness of Samsung for being a "DSLR" *system* maker (nor for "their" lenses nor for "their" bodies, really) and a video camera/equipment maker? They are not Canon nor Nikon as they in the SLR field, nor they are not JVC, Sony, Canon or Panasonic in the video equipment field. Do they really have the charm, and/or all those leading edge technologies that are mature enough, as required for such a high-tech "hybrid camera"?

.. and so on.

As I and some people predicted years ago, the relationship between Pentax and Samsung will not last long, nor they could "collaborate" well to make something that are really great and seek much market share and be profitable (A more recent example here). Actually, I told all my predictions on day one since they told the world they would "collaborate", but I just talked about "pessimistic" things - but which have now all happened one by one during these years!

In fact, there was sign of the "deteriorating" relationship between the two in the Photokina last year, already. A Pentax senior official just told us that, "Pentax and Samsung Partnership Not Perfect".

As a super die-hard (although not the "blinded" type) Pentax fans and supporter, I think the broken relationship between Pentax and Samsung yet might be a good thing for Pentax. I think if Pentax did not use the Samsung sensor in their K20D, they might have made a better DSLR than the K20D, which is somewhat buggy and problematic. In contrast, Nikon also had no sensor of their own (almost). They have been relying heavily on Sony in making new DSLRs for supplying sensors, but Nikon have still been able to get huge success and have acquired considerably very large amount of market share for their DSLR business.

In fact, as long as the avaiability of sensors is concerned, there are still other choices outthere, say, Kodak, Fuji(film), Cypress and Philips etc. So, why stuck with Samsung - I don't see that the sensor used in the K20D is anything mature and proven enough that could be put into a popular product, frankly (just read my Blog for all those K20D problems that are related to its sensor).

Now, both Samsung and Hoya have told the world that they will go their own ways in the (near) future and will give us some new products within this year. Let's wait and see what will happen and finally who will be the one who can succeed (or fail at last).

Shipment of the DA* Lenses is Delayed

Pentax have just announced today that the shipment of their DA* zoom lenses, the two very or probably even most important new products of the year of theirs, is delayed and now that the new arrival date will be in fall July! (So late?) It's really disappointing afterall.

http://www.pentax.co.jp/japan/news/2007/200731.html

(The Press Release is in Japanese, use WorldLingo to translate if needed)

The reason Pentax gives us is that "they need to have more time for the quality assurance part because of the huge demand of the lenses globally". Well, do you really understand what they are actually talking about? Even if yes, do you think that the given reason is sensible?

Nevertheless, it just looks like an excuse to me. The most important thing is that customers will look back at the past track records for how many times those commitments made in the past by Pentax in their official announcements were fulfilled and how many times those announced products were delayed and release dates were postponed, once and once again, and for most of the time.

Yes, by saying that a new (maybe attractive) product will be coming soon is a way for promoting the current line of products and is also a way to retain old customers. But, when those cannot come true repeatedly, the disappointed customers will go away. Simple.

See Also:- PMA Disappointment (but there is hope)

Pentax targeted at releasing at least five new DA* lenses in their new lens roadmap which was published around the PMA. Let's wait and see if they can really make the remaining three lenses in the remaining four months of 2007, counting from the late July. Just for the sake of direct review and comparison, here is the Pentax's lens roadmap published in 2006 - just have a look for the DA* zooms, which should be products of 2006!

Interview with Hoya Senior Official on Pentax's Latest Directions

Japanese DC Watch have done it again at the PMA! (Bravo!)

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/other/2009/03/09/10386.html

(Report fully in Japanese. The author writes in the beginning that "many people have worried much about the future of Pentax after the PMA".. Well, me too!)

The interviewee was the Head of the Product Planning Team of Hoya's Business Division, Mr. 川内拓. (not the official English name for his post and division, but just my translation from my best understanding and translation. Ditto for all of my reports below.) Well, now let's go on my highlights on the key important points (IMO) of the interview (Well, I may write some short comments of mine in Italics within brackets):-

- As responding to what was told in the Photokina last year for two new Pentax DSLRs to come, he (the HOYA official I mean, and will be referred to be as "he" thereafter) responded that the K200D replacement would still come at the end of this year whilst "a DSLR in the same price range of the K20D" would come this summer holidays.

- They (Hoya as a company, referred collectively thereafter) are reviewing the marketing position of the K20D in a very serious way (including and particularly for the oversizing issue of the K20D), and together with the Pentax lens system as a whole. It was therefore the lens roadmap needed to be adjusted and this explains why some (previously promised) lenses have (been) disappeared from the latest lens roadmap. In order to get most of out of the new body, they were seriously reviewing the specifications of their new lenses and modification on the standard DA specifications would be made.

- There would be no "K20D Replacement/Successor" (as the author emphasized that there would be only "a new DSLR in the price range of K20D). He also said that "K20D is a good name for a body". Then he was asked if there will be a new name (lineup) to come, he didn't answer that.

- They would put more concerns on "detailed characteristics" (style?) and "mobility" of their new DSLRs so as to increase the competitiveness, but not solely on specifications alone (he once again hinted on the shortcomings of the K20D, quite obviously).

- He talked something about the design of the DA 15 to illustrate how Pentax had been putting much "heart" (designed thoughfully) in making good camera gear. (The details are facts on design which I guess we know most of them already and thus I shall not elaborate.)

- The previously "frozen" 645D project had been de-frozen (which has also been reported just earlier here, from another source). There would be announcement on the actual product plan as soon as in late March at the Japanese PIE 2009.

- He said that you might treat the development of Samsung NX (a mirrorless interchangeable lens hybrid camera) was nothing related (to us) and there was no co-development as opposite to what some reports had told overseas, i.e., Hoya/Pentax had no involvement in the NX project. But at this moment the design of the NX and the mount that would be used had not yet been finalised, it was also told.

- Hoya also had no involvement for the optics to be used for the NX and there was no further information given but just hearsays were discussed (and, even Sigma was mentioned).

- The development of the 645D system had also led to some "motivation" and new "driving force" in the development of "new(?) 35mm full frame system". It should not be seen as we had aborted the K-mount (full frame) lens system, as it wasn't. (Well, what is the 645D to do with K-mount 135 full frame DSLR system?? I really scratch my head very hard this time!)

- At the end of the interview, he put some remarks about the current poor global economy and environment, "Pentax need some "unique" products, which people will still be willing to spend their money and will love their purchases." He further said that they would not cut corners in their products, of which they had been feeling proud of. (Here I do agree to a certain extent, I think the Pentax K-m has some really good qualities inside, although there are still some shortcomings which I don't like about it, e.g., the ridiculous longish shutter lag and could be slower AF when NiMH batteries are used.)

Some Food for Thought - Hybrid Cameras

Well, Panasonic have made the GH1 (previously rumoured to be as G1-HD by the Pana community), which IMO is the first "perfect" hybrid interchangeable lens camera with a not-so-small sensor (a 4/3 one, which is by no means large for a DSLR, and is even smaller than the 135 cropped APS-C):-

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0903/09030315panasoniclumixdmcgh1.asp

While I am now tempted to buy the GH1 (which I have been waiting for and knew that it would come) as my compact all-in-one DSLR and Full HD movie camera that can be carried around more easily, I have some hesitations on the image quality and workability of its EVF (Electronic ViewFinder), which I think this Pentax poster has started a thread whom has stated out most of my main concerns:-

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1036&thread=31188683

Anyway, Pentax and Nikon already filed patents for hybrid viewfinder designs which can have both overlaid colour LCD/LED display integrated with an optical viewfinder. Whilst such similar designs may be able to get the best of both worlds, I think there should be some trade-offs on the other hand, e.g., degradion of viewed image quality both optically and electronically and even worst metering accuracy might be affected (as there is no free lunch on Earth). You can have a look at the Nikon's design (As for the Pentax design, I have lost the link for the patent. But if anyone read here knows, please provide it at the "Comments" section at the bottom. And I must thank you :-)).

Now, Samsung has shown a mock up of their new NX hybrid camera at the PMA, I just wonder if they can make it better than the Pana (I do have no good experience with Samsung for their AV products, Pana always blows them out of the water clearly in most performance, accuracy and reliability aspects). And, the question we should think about is that: Is there actually any practical real meaning if they will make the NX with a K-mount form factor? (which IMHO is very unlikely, I bet. It is just because Samsung will also need to make the NX system smaller and thus shortening the back register distance from the mount to the "film" plane is inevitably required).

Well, to use the camera as a true and fully functional movie camera, the lens needed to have the ability to control the aperture and focus at full time, and more importantly, silently. That's why Pana needed to introduce their new GH1 kit lens, the 10X superzoom 14-140 HD G Vario, not only for the providing the zoom power, but also and mainly for the sake of full-time slient operation of both functions, which are crucial for real movie recording, as I have just said. Otherwise, the HD movie camera will just work like a 5D MkII, that is, when the user takes the movie, there is no real-time AF (and even if AF is required, the movie recording must be stopped) nor the exposure can be adjusted with the change in scene.

Despite one of the two major shortcomings of such "DSLRs" which lack a reflex mirror is the limitations of the EVF, the Micro 4/3 and NX etc. actually have many other advantages. And with the advancement in technologies which have to become more and more mature, the edges will become more and more differentiative when new features become more useable. Just say metering and AF, i.e., exposure and focus control, are WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) with those LiveView "DSLR" and thus they are more accurate undoubtedly. And, with the additional features and functions like Live Histogram and Face Detection etc. which are now possible and the LCD monitor, like the design of the G1/GH1 already, can be made more versatile, those new type "DSLRs" are really very attractive, especially when they are treated as the most updated gadgets.

In fact, everything you get with such a LiveView only "DSLR" is WYSIWYG, including framing, which can be easily made 100% without any misalignment.

Another major shortcoming of any "DSLR" in LiveView mode or just DC I would say is that it does need some time to discharge / reset the imager before it can take the real picture (for more technical details, you can read my earlier technical article for all about LiveView here). Thus, this introduces some time delay and lag. On the other hand, without the reflex mirror, time for raising the mirror (and thus the time lag involved) is saved.

Nevertheless, talking all the above are actually not so meaningful or can be even totally irrelevant as far as Pentax's products are concerned, as there is nothing, nor there will be one as told! And probably, by the time Samsung launch the NX (K-mount or not), I would probably have already acquired the GH1 and also, I am quite sure that those Chinese made adaptors in K-mount (to m4/3) will be available everywhere. And, I shall yet once again be able to put my excellent Pentax glass on my new GH1, as I have done that for many of my Pentax film glass on my Canon 5D, and have been using them for quite a while now (instead of hopelessly waiting things from Pentax - but there is just nothing). In the meantime, I will not buy the K-m (which I have been considering for quite a while), as I would rather save my money for the GH1 - after the PMA, the decision making is just much easier.

So, as you can see, for a company whom is always late and without any innovation now and never to be the first one but only the last one, they will get little to no market share in the end. As such, finally they will die - the world is cruel but this is the reality. Even sad, when it really happens, we have to face it.

CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show 2012

The PMA @ CES has passed, the next and more important event for displaying new products is the Japanese CP+, this is especially important for Pentax Ricoh as the new K-mount mirrorless should be announced there by that time:-

http://www.cpplus.jp/en/

Well, unlike what happened at the CES, a quick search to the exhibitors reveals that Pentax Ricoh and Ricoh will have separate booths. So, this sounds better as the two brands should work independently. Btw, I am not really interested in those Ricoh products in particular the GXR.

"More Advanced" Pentax DSLR to Come this Summer

From an interview video clip with a Pentax official at PMA by a Swedish online magazine:-

http://tv.mediaprovider.se/pentax_visar_nya_kameror_och_objektiv_1236215964346.html

The following dialogues are recorded (at around 1:00 from the starting):-

"We have planned to introduce a new SLR, it's also a new concept, by the summer."

Q: "Is it a direct successor to the K20D?

A: "No, it is not a direct successor of the K20D, the concept has changed during the development in the past months, the concept is slightly different."

Q: "Is it a more advanced or less advanced than the K20D?"

A: "It will be more advanced I would say."

Although it is not a new thing for a new upper level Pentax DSLR (within their family) to come this Summer, which was disclosed last year at Photokina by a Japanese senior Pentax official, the above interview re-confirms the thing lately, at least. Btw, I think whether it is a "K20D Successor" is almost meaningless, as the K20D is virtually a dead model now, in terms of its sales volume: ridiculous low price but yet still low popularity. So, if a new Pentax model above the K-m is not to come sooner, Pentax will just have no market share on anything at all other than only a little bit share in the entry level DSLR segment. Hence, they should act faster. And indeed, much faster, as it should be.

DA* 60-250/4 Will be On Sale Soon

The DA* 60-250/4 lens will be on sale on April 24, although it has been delayed for months now, which was originally targeted to be marketed in September 2008:-

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/lens/2009/04/06/10629.html
(in Japanese, a translated English version here)

Whilst it maybe "late is better than none", but actually what's the true value of this DA tele zoom?

The lens is selling for 160,000 Japanese Yen, which is roughly equal to 1600 US Dollars at this moment. Still naming it as a DA lens without letting the potential buyers know if the lens is Full Frame compatible or not is just a big mistake, as I have been talking about this for years now (for the first time here). It is because few people will dare to invest further for such an expensive glass, which looks like an APS-C one, without thinking about the future. And especially Hoya has previously disclosed that the standard DA lens specifications would be revised, at the PMA.

Now, it seems that Pentax has already been reworking their latest lenses to cover full frame, as it has been found that the latest DA 55-300 is now covering full frame (see the survey here). However, no end-user can know which lens is full frame compatible and what else are not. And, even if there are no dark corners, the Image Quality when using these lenses on full frame is not guaranteed, i.e., the IQ at image corners when used full framely is rather uncertain.

Well, for how those different DA lenses could work or could not work on Full Frame bodies (film or NOT, if there will ever be one to come in the Pentaxland some days), you can have a look on this detailed and nice survey, at the PentaxForums:-

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/31629-da-lens-full-frame-test-shots-thread.html

Afterall, I think unless those people at Hoya/Pentax with power are smarter in making smarter decisions and marketing moves instead of repeating unwise and stupid things once and once again without thinking of making any real and effective changes which could help themselves, I am afraid the current adverse situation and marketing position which they face and are in can never be changed, but just will continue to deteriorate!

Sony Has Had Just Too Many New Cameras To Be Announced! :-o

The Photokina has been over for weeks. Whilst people think that we had to wait unit February next year before the PMA for new stuff. Sony strikes again!

See what 1001 Noisy Camera has found and reports!



With reference to my last "rumour" report one week before that when the A55/33 was announced, if the new camera is a mirrorless, it would be the NEX-7. Anyway, since the rumour source I spotted did actually have insider information as it was proven for the A55/33 release and he did have the official product photos leaked before the official announcement too, we should believe what other unrealised things he said to a certain extent, which should be somehow more trustworthy.. That is, a NEX-7 followed by an A77 would show up "later", which Sony intentionally to delay the announcements and product launches, as they have had just too many new cameras in the queue, for letting those new cameras to see the light! :-o

Back to speaking of Pentax, the last rumoured Pentax EVIL did not appear, nor there is any sign up till now that there is one actually. So, I would regard this as a pure conjecture by someone, but not anything substantiated, and it is not even a vapourware! :-(

Nevermind, if you are just wanting much for a K-mount "EVIL" (ILDC actually) with a "large" APS-C sensor, I have already made one myself. You can also make something similar yourself if you like and there will be no more endless imagination and waiting!~

DA 18-250 Discontinued

It's Official! The DA 18-250 has been discontinued:-

http://www.pentax.jp/japan/imaging/digital/lens/index35_others.html
(Page Text in Japanese)

So, there is yet another lens which has been discontinued by Pentax recently, following the FA 35/2 lens, which has just been discontinued just earlier (it is not as official, though).

But unlike the FA 35/2 lens, the DA 18-250 is just a very new lens, which was only introduced in 2007. It is widely believed that the DA 18-250 is originally or mostly manufactured by Tamron as the specifications of the lens look almost identical to the Tamron counterpart.

Well, there are two possibilities for the dismissal of the DA 18-250 "Superzoom": 1. There is not sufficient market demand to substantiate its production; 2. There will be a new replacement model to come.

As for the first guessed reason, the chance would be high. It is because the DA 18-250 is selling relatively much more expensive than the Tamron and there are just already too many choices for such superzooms, either from Tamron, Sigma or even from Tokina "themself" (as Tokina is also owned by Hoya) but all of which are much cheaper. Moreover, from viewing the market share of Pentax DSLRs by now, I bet even 3rd party lens makers will have hesitation to produce lenses in Pentax mount, frankly.

As for if there will be a new replacement model (might also be a rebadged Tamron if so, as Tamron do have the new models - but why don't Pentax find Tokina?), we shall know it very soon by the PMA.

Well, there is an (might be crazy :-)) idea that comes across my mind that might save Pentax: It is, Pentax to launch Pentax lenses in other popular mounts (in fact just C and N now) and to be a "3rd party" lens manufacturer, like what "Carl Zeiss" to market their ZF, ZE and ZK "Carl Zeiss" lenses (actually by Sony, it is believed). By that time, Pentax could have more money to compete and users of other big brands could try and would know how good (or bad, anyway) Pentax optics are, when the Pentax lenses are mounted onto their bodies. And I do believe that the current adverse marketing and financial situation as faced by Pentax (and actually Hoya) could be changed and improved if Pentax / Hoya can sell far more lenses and earn some money, unlike now they only know how to "streamline" their lens lineup, which is of no doubt is even far more smaller than the current Sigma's.

If it is really feasible (technically, legally and politically) and it comes true, I am sure that Pentax can and will survive and undoubtedly they will have more fundings (and thus resources) to make more and better DSLR bodies, with the new money gained.

My experiences are that my Pentax lenses perform much better on my EOS 5D than any of my Pentax DSLRs, even for some digital lenses that could produce "strange" results when they are used on Pentax DSLRs (my DFA 100 lens is a good example here), why not go the way?

Fuji X-Series Lens Roadmap 2012-2013

http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/gear/CES-PMA-2012-Fujifi-4404.shtml

via Jimmy Yen's Blog (Chinese)

So, the lenses to be offered in X-mount are:-

2012
• 14mm (21mm equivalent) super wide
• 18-72mm f/4 (27-108mm equivalent) image stabilized zoom

2013
• 23mm f/2 (34mm equivalent) wide
• 28mm f/2.8 pancake design (42mm equivalent) normal
• 12-24mm f/4 (18-36mm equivalent) image stabilized zoom
• 70-200mm f/4 (105-300mm equivalent) image stabilized zoom

Seems to be quite nice for the lineup and I do like much the focal lengths of the two primes in 23mm and 28mm which are my favourite AoV in 35mm and 43mm of 135 film equivalent, which both Pentax lacks in the current DA lens line.

First Picture of the New Pentax DSLR Exposed

A blurry image has appeared at a Chinese blog for a Pentax DSLR with possibly a (DA?) Limited lens mounted:-

http://ivyjopy.spaces.live.com/?_c11_BlogPart_BlogPart=blogview&_c=BlogPart&partqs=amonth%3d4%26ayear%3d2009

Edit 4-17: The above blog post and the DSLR image contained in it that was originally linked here have been removed. I have updated the link for a picture from another source which is a copied one by someone earlier. Btw, the (forced?) removal of those just reinforces the "creditability" of the picture in which the DSLR shown should be *real* !

But then, even the image is somehow blurry, the image of the body doesn't look like any of the *Hoya-made* Pentax DSLRs so far, namely, K200D, K20D and K-m.

Why I need to emphasize on "Hoya-made" above? It is just because Hoya opted to choose a "smarter" look Pentax logo since they took over Pentax and the DSLR in the above image does have a "new" Pentax logo. However, the appearance of the above DSLR, especially for the top/head where the built-in flash is housed, is quite different from the three "Hoya-made" models I've just mentioned. You can inspect this pair of comparison body images here, against the K20D, for exactly how they are different, as posted and as explained.

So, it should be the new Pentax DSLR which is to come. And, if people could take a photo of it, I bet it is under beta testing now! Good news indeed.

As for the lens, it looks much like the existing DA Limited lenses. But since the lens' name, in particular the lens line name, is too blur to read, it creates one more mystery: Is it a new lens and will there be a new lens lineup?? As Hoya previously told us at the PMA that the current DA lens specifications are going to be revised plus that there is no more new DA lenses in the latest lens roadmap as well as two previous planned DA lenses were removed from the roadmap, the chance of a new lens lineup could be there.

Okay, all the above things happened are showing good signs for new stuff to come in the Pentaxland. Well, I think it's really the time for Pentax to give us some *brand new* or even ground-breaking (my wishful thinking) stuff, instead of nothing that is really new (e.g., to repaint and repaint their old DSLRs once again and again)! I do hope much the muddy water can be made clear as soon as possible and there will be some impulses to the current dead water that has now been there for loooong, and actually too long for Pentax to bear the adverse consequences.

Let's wait and see what will happen.. And of course, I shall always be here to report the news at the first moments!

New Name Rumour and Some Told Specs - "K7D"

All the news almost come from a single origin, in fact.

First, it started to appear at the front page of a German web store for Pentax items, TeKaDe, just after photos of the new Pentax photos exposed (here, here and then here) that the store is accepting new pre-orders for the new Pentax DSLR - but without any technical information disclosed about the cam, but just a EUR 1500 price tag and the targeted shipment time frame:-

"Pentax neue DSLR KxxD ab sofort per Mail bestellbar. Preis um EUR 1500,00. Auslieferung Ende Juni/Anfang Juli 2009!"

Actually, I had seen it quite early and I opted not to particular post anything about it as I couldn't verify anything on this claim nor the actual source of information. Thus, I treated it as a wild rumour. Just see my previous response to one of my Blog readers here.

And, I was also not convinced that Pentax is to re-adopt the "D" letter again in this new body (which they have already dropped with the K2000/K-m), for what the webstore suggests. Isn't it rather odd and inconsistent to have a "K7D" to be in a "family"(?) with a "K-m", as least as named and to be marketed in the Europe??

However, the rumour continues.. One of my readers have made a post at my Blog here in Anonymity to tell that he has pre-ordered a "K7(D)" and then with some brief specs told in a firm tone (which I believe is that the shop told him verbally):-

"@ RiceHigh

Well, i pre-ordered one, a K7 ;D
at tekade.de. and yes, i wouldn't preorder something i wouldn't know a thing about...

but here are some of the specs, that are pretty sure!:

100% viewfinder, kind-of-metal-housing, hd-videomode, better, faster and more accurate af, 5-6fps, many little changes in order to improve ergonomy..."

But then the (single) source of information is actually the same, as he pre-ordered from the TeKaDe.

The webstore owner has also posted at an Austria forum himself, here is his post:-

http://www.fotografie.at/forum/fotografie-at/3-aktuelle-news/20514-neue-pentax-k7d/
(Google Translation in English Here)

It is also told that the new body will be announced by Pentax in the 3rd week of May.

In his signature, you can see that he is also the online dealer of Pentax gear with address http://www.pentaxshop.at/. On the front page of it, it can be seen that yet again it is just the TeKaDe! So, this guy is just the owner of both the German and Austria online webstore(s)! And, he is no Pentax official anyway nor he is actually a direct staff of any Pentax branch in Europe, as opposed to some hearsays with mis-information told (examples here at the PentaxForums and here at the DPR Pentax Forum).

But since this Pentax dealer has good reputations as told and he can be considered as a Pentax insider to a certain extent. I start to believe what he tells! :-) Probably, it is true. But, how dare he is to break the Embargo! And let's see how Pentax/Hoya will "punish" him in the meantime for breaching the NDA (Non Disclosure Agreement)! ;-D

Last but not least, if the 1500 Euro set price range is true, I don't think marketing wise Pentax will succeed again! Why not just go buy a popular/common FF DSLR like the D700 or 5D MkII just for a few more bucks if so? And, Hoya senior official told us last time at PMA that the new DSLR in Summer will be in the "same price range" of the K20D.. So? He actually *should* tell, "the new DSLR in Summer will be priced higher than the *original* set price of the K20D when it was first marketed"! ;-> :-0

645D Revived?

News at PMA from the Amateur Photographer:-

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/PMA_Pentax_revives_medium_format_digital_camera_plan_news_278069.html

It is told that the 645D will go on sales in Japan (but not in the US). There is no time frame disclosed, though.

Anyway, I think Pentax should think twice whether they should really go the digital Medium Format path, which the market is very small but with huge investment which is not easy to be just paid back, not even for it to be profitable, which simply means Highly Risky for this *business*. And, with the weak financial position and closed factory at Japan (which produced the film 645 bodies and lenses) and now the current limited production facilities of Pentax/Hoya, I really doubt that if they could make it. And even they can, is it really worth it?

In fact, a 645D actually won't help Pentax/Hoya to do any better in the consumer/advanced amateur DSLR market (not even to mention anything high-end, as they have none so far), nor any of existing Pentax K-mount users would benefit from it. The reverse always holds true as the 645D project has consumed much of Pentax/Hoya's already limited resources: money, manpower and time!

Nonetheless, I hope Pentax/Hoya will show us something *real* at the Japanese PIE 2009 later this month instead of giving the world ever waiting vapourware, if they have really decided this time.

The End of the DA Line?

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1036&message=31172123

Latest Pentax DSLR system lens roadmap as at March 3, 2009:-


(Click to see the full picture, or to download the official pdf file here)

There is no more SDM DA rear convertor as promised nor the DA*30, which are both removed.

The latest time line shown is Spring 2009 and there is *no future*!

Really sad, unless there is something new to show. Pentax/Hoya should at least let us know the way forward and if they really have any new plan, it should be told.. (But if there is actually no "further" plan? Then??)

I bet this PMA would be the most disappointing one for Pentax in the recent years and there should be no more better news. We shall know by tomorrow very soon.

Happy Chinese New Year!

The Chinese New Year of Boar is coming and today is the New Year Eve (of the current Year of Dog).

May I convey my best wishes to all of you here and "Kung Hei Fat Choy" (Wish You Earn Much Money) in the coming new year!

The Narcissus is one of the lucky flowers of the Chinese New Year. This year, and for the first time, I attempted to plant it myself from scratch instead of buying the grown one from the flower market.

Actually, I learnt the method from a Yahoo Chinese Blog for how to do it and I think my this small "project" has been successful :-)

Last but not least, one of my new year wishes is still the hope for a true 10MP DSLR performer from Pentax! Last year, I think the true performer is actually the K100D.

Okay, I guess my Blog will not be updated until the PMA (starting from 26/2 for 3 days as usual?). In Chinese traditional wording: 歲晚收爐，初九啟市！ (Closed during the New Year and will be re-opened on the 9th day of the New Year, i.e., 26/2)

[Picture Info]: K100D + FA 43 Limited @f/8, 1.5s, ISO 200, mounted on tripod, SR off; shot taken under diffused daylight indoor today ( today's weather is cloudy and misty :-( )