Technical > Digital Imaging Technology > Rumors: Two new Pentax DSLRs, K20D and K200D on Jan-24-2008

Rumors: Two new Pentax DSLRs, K20D and K200D on Jan-24-2008

Also noticed the rumor from PentaxForums.

Here's the link to it.

»www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pent···ing.html

I think some things might be off there.. I see 'support for 14bit RAW' when it's now a 22bit camera.

Live view doesn't interest me but, I'm sure some will appreciate it. The improvements in SR will only be all too welcomed and, it will be very interesting to see that new sensor.

Not to mention one claims it's a full frame sensor and the other APS-C. From what I've read over at Pentaxforums, everyone there seems pretty confident that with no full frame lenses on the horizon, a full frame sensor is out anytime soon.

No FF sensor - There's like, 2 lenses Pentax currently produces for their 35mm SLR line that would compliment a FF sensor so, does not seem likely.

That is a good point! Unless they are planning to announce a new wave of 35mm full frame lenses to go along with it. Some of the quasi-insiders that post on various forums are claiming that Hoya injected R&D cash in Pentax, so they have more options now.

With PMA happening so early in 2008 (Jan 28-Febr 2, or so) it's going to be a wild January!

As said over in Pentaxforums, I'd reckon at best you'd see a FF sensor like on the Nikon that will drop resolution when using crop factor lenses. But my money is still on APS-C.

I think support for APS-C lenses on 35mm full frame sensors is almost a must-implement feature, for interoperability and customer satisfaction reasons.

reply to rogue_

reply to noisycameras
Another thing to consider - Pentax doesn't have to give away their cameras any longer so, I would expect pricing to be in the same region as the 'other' guys..

This will be interesting to see how it plays out, since Pentax has carved its space by being different. Will Hoya actually try to change the "Pentax way" and start becoming more like Canon/Nikon?

God, I hope not but, it's clear they have a great product and if the other guys are getting away with their prices, why not? Seems like they'd be leaving money on the table if they didn't..

And, one of the things that hurt Pentax somewhat when it came to reviews was that, the low price of the K10D made it *appear* to be a lesser camera. Folks just said, How could it be as good or better for half the price? Well, it certainly is, but, it still gave Pentax this stigma that it was a cheap brand and, cheap meaning lesser quality.

Personally, I think the low price was a wonderful marketing plan and it boosted Pentax enough to win over the money folks at Hoya.
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They do have to watch to not go too high though. They will still need to come in a little under the other's price points for now, I would think, since they have the reputation for quality at a low price point. Their name still isn't big enough with the general public to compete on name and product alone. They will still need to undercut them some. Just ask anybody that only has a passing knowledege of cameras what would be the top 3 brands they'd choose, and I'd bet Pentax doesn't get mentioned once.

reply to noisycameras
I always thought that Pentax had great film cameras and always thought that the Pentax digital cameras were top-notch.

Kristi
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reply to noisycameras
I keep seeing that it won't be a Sony sensor but something completely different - possibly even a Pentax/Samsung chip.

I'm interested in what they come up with - I may actually be interested in upgrading

Although I'd rather see some more glass than a new body...
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"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us.... We are far too easily pleased." C.S. Lewis

While they don't have the numbers that the others do, they do seem to have decent coverage, especially factoring in 3rd party offerings. Exactly what are you looking for out of curiosity? Personally, as much as I'd like to get my hands on the 50-135, I'd love just as much to see the Sigma version in a Pentax mount.

True - there is reasonable coverage - not a lot in the longer stuff, you really need 3rd party for that. I would just like to see somebody start up a Pentax rental business no money in it really...

Honestly I can pretty much any lens I want - if I can afford it I'd like to see something like a 150-400 (sigma has a 135-400), or a quality 100-400... I'm reaching the limit of my 50-200, but the 70-300 doesn't seem to be *that* much longer...

How about some SDM lenses that aren't DA* (so the rest of us could afford them!)
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"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us.... We are far too easily pleased." C.S. Lewis

I want a 645D and a ton of glass. FF/MF, yeah baby! Guaranteed to have more than a 18mp sensor made by Kodak, or, some super secret company.. Gunning for Hasselblad.

Hasselblad doesn't make the sensor, Phase One does in the form of their digital back.

Now, Phase One could possibly make one for the Pentax 645D, but don't expect it to be anything less than astronomical in price.

reply to noisycameras
GIVEN no OFFICIAL word I would VERY much DOUBT

Re: Rumors: Two new Pentax DSLRs, K20D and K200D on Jan-24-2008

DATE....

If only because when K100D came out (May 2006?) they simultaioously announced K10D for Dec2006/Jan2007 and it WAS RIGHT THERE, as promised.... having already getting fed up with Canon's endless promises original Rebel 300D so the 100D would have been a step sideways mostly, I decided to wait for the K10D... and right there as promised.

But again NOTHING official from Pentax on 20D, but like supposed 2 months off release... really kinda doubt it. When K10D was anounced at 100D release. And that was a big risk for them to do.... might have lept at the 100D, but oooh that 10D will it reall happen.... yes it did and on time as announced.... vs the RUMOR MILL.... I mean how long was a Canon 40D supposedly coming out??? (Over a year and a half)

If any truth to the RUMORS maybe June-Dec 2008. When it is reality... Pentax will announce it,and hopefuly again deliver as promised as they did with the K10D.

Though rumor mill is always a good way to gauge possible demand.... yeah I'd likely upgrade to 20D, keep the 10D as second body and finally dispose of my Canon 300/hacked to near 10D body and EASILY sell oof the remaining two C lenses.
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