K-50 anyone?

Releasing models actually helps get the name out there though. Every time they release new stuff, the photographic media start chattering about it, reviews are done, etc, etc. This is all free advertising, not mention extra persuasive techniques to get the name in the press.

I'm a bit surprised that there seems to be a general unawareness here of all the publicity and chatter that's been going on. It's not only the UK photo press that's waking up to Pentax, but all the other outdoor-orientated specialist areas. Walkers, climbers, boaters, birders, etc., all get their turn.

It's a good strategy because weatherproof cameras of high quality and reasonable price are ideal for many users. Not just us photographers. People are more and more using photography to support their other activities, not as an end in itself.

Suggests they're not doing a great job of it then John

As what I said, I think they have also got the name wrong in naming it K50,

As typing Pentax K50 into any search engine brings up a lot of items for the K50 lens mixed in with the K50 camera, and then there is a lot of scrolling to find what you do want, maybe naming a camera after a well loved and searched for lens wasn't a smart move, newbies will soon get bored.

But I see these new releases as the start of a change Matty

Would *istK50 have been better

I agree... with internet searches now the norm, companies need to
have unique names for their products..... but it won't happen...
they will still be named after pet cats etc.

I can't understand Canon having different names in different
parts of the world..... What's a Rebel for goodness sake!

'

It really isn't so hard Matty. Putting "K50 camera" into google works quite well and probably isn't beyond the capabilities of our internet generation

It really isn't so hard Matty. Putting "K50 camera" into google works quite well and probably isn't beyond the capabilities of our internet generation [/quote]According to some Pentax user aren't a part of the Internet generation

The other day I was talking cameras with a friend who was looking to buy, I mentioned I used Pentax and Canon to which he replied oooh, Pentax, top end stuff then. His 16 year old son then piped up, no ... Pentax do all the cheap multi coloured bodies, it's Canon and Nikon that have all the decent cameras.

Interesting to see what Pentax have become in a generation.

The 16 year old was wrong, but you can understand how people get that impression. It's a shame that people see these multicoloured bodies, and don't see what good cameras they are underneath.

Indeed. I use a couple of other (no particular brand of camera) forums and on both there is a thread about the new Pentax cameras and the fact you can buy them in pink and orange (usual comments).

At one time I would have posted in them but I have grown weary over the years trying to defend Pentax. Personally I would take the K-5II over the 7D or D7200 every time but there are a LOT of people that won't even pick up a Pentax body never mind try one for a bit.

If they can actually find one to pick up

I think Pentax ought to do more to be able to make that happen.

I own half a dozen Pentax cameras and a Sony A77, every time I use a Pentax it's a joy to savour and brings a smile to my face, maybe like a well loved and cared for classic car.

Every time I use the Sony it feels just like a tool to get that job done, just like a microwave, its good at what it does but you could never say you enjoy using one.

I remember as a child when my dad gave me his Pentax K1000 when he upgraded to a MX, I apparently slept, eat and took it every where with me, I love it then and I still do today.

With these new Pentax K50 and K500 cameras, that special something is missing, yes the specs are there but they both look like any other camera from any other maker and some sparkle in my opinion is missing along with Alan Whicker from those classic Pentax adverts.

I am amazed the 16 year old had heard of pentax, they must be doing something right then

Just what I was thinking