Pentax mirrorless SLR

I couldn't find a thread that specifically touched upon the issue of whether people on this forum would like to see a mirrorless DSLR, so I thought I'd ask it here.

There's been a few threads on whether people would like to see a full frame Pentax DSLR, I know, and I think that's an interesting subject also and one that is certainly relevant, in light of the Sony A7, to any discussion of a mirrorless Pentax DSLR.

Personally, I'd like to see a mirrorless DSLR because I appreciate a smaller-sized camera. Whilst the K series is already compact compared to the competition, it could still do with being a shade lighter yet. What I'd ideally like to see is something the size of the A7 only with a larger grip and larger battery. I'd also like to see some new smaller primes for any such system. Compact lenses are critical I think as with the A7 the system's compactness is somewhat negated by the sheer size of the actual lenses, so much so that a Pentax DSLR with a Pentax lens attached is probably much the same size as it, if not even smaller. I'd also like to see any such system being full framed, but that's not something I feel especially strongly about and the sensor in the K3 is more than adequate.

That's a bit like asking on a motoring forum if "People would like a faster horse"

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The problem with a mirrorless camera is the EVF. I know the Sonys get a really good review, but apparently the EVF on Sony cameras is awful. I'm not sure I would always want to rely on the screen for everything, especially in bright sunlight, or after dark.
Meanwhile we do have the Q series.

Why though? It really isn't going to be long before EVFs will more or less rival an optical viewfinder, I suspect. Otherwise, there are a lot of gains that mirrorless offers.

Not so Gwyn, Mrs K10D is now using an Alpha 99 with my Minolta glass and is loving it. I love shooting with it, when I get the chance. If you get a chance to have a look through one, do it. It's a little strange at first but you very quickly see the benefits. It's also light for 35mm format.

Best regards

They don't have to go for EVF because it's mirrorless. The Fuji X-Pro1 has selectable OVF/EVF

EVF's have come a long way in recent years, my first mirrorless the Lumix G2 was awful, like watching a dodgy tv, while the Fuji XT-1 is almost as clear as the optical one on my K3.

OK. I read a recent review of both the A7, and the A6000 and it said the EVF was appalling in both, but you do eventually get used to it.

I could be tempted by a mirrorless, provided there was a decent viewfinder. i think it would be better for Pentax to be bring out a good mirrorless than a FF tbh - it is the future. Though maybe they will bring out an A7 equivalent and keep everyone happy .

I really think it is inevitable that mirrors will disappear

As I see it, one huge disadvantage of an EVF is that to look through the camera it has to be switched on, thus using power. The pentaprism finders are clearer, utterly stable and require no battery.

As things stand I won't buy another DSLR that isn't WR or that doesn't have an OVF. I'm open to technological advances if they are 'better' than what they replace. 'Better' being my subjective opinion. I could be persuaded on an EVF...but it would have to be superior in every respect for me to be convinced.

One thing I don't really need though is a smaller and lighter DSLR. Something around the size and weight
of the K5/K3 is ideal taking into account the size and weight of large zooms and fast primes, also the vast choice of heavier legacy lenses tend to dictate the need for a certain minimum weight of host body. There ought to be room in the Pentax product ranges for a product to suit almost everyone.

I certainly agree that it is highly likely, if only because the mechanics of the mirror will come to be more expensive than a piece of silicon once the initial R&D cost behind EVFs is amortised.

What are the other gains that you are thinking of? It seems like a good time to reassess exactly what are the core elements of the different technologies. I can understand there would be some size and weight loss without the mirror & pentaprism, which might suit some. But on the other side these components offer the ability to really ' look through' your camera and lens combination and see real light, which many will surely continue to prefer over yet another electronic screen. You can't actually 'look through' a mirrorless camera (apart from a rangefinder but that's only a viewing lens, not the actual lens) .. You can only ' look at' a mirrorless camera. To me that changes the relationship with the device significantly.

And I thought SLR meant in fact a camera with pentaprism and mirror system? Is it not a contradiction in terms to say ' mirrorless DSLR'?

Of course it is, but we know what is meant by it - a camera that has interchangeable lenses, a sensor at least as big asAPS-C, the same level of controls as a DSLR. In fact a Sony

I have not handled a mirrorless EVF camera, but I assume that they are much quieter in use than a conventional DSLR. Can one set them to completely silent operation?
My interest would be partly influenced by the rules in my academic library. For years there was a total prohibition on using any kind of personal camera or image scanner. This was relaxed about 3 years ago, but they are still very strict. SLR cameras are all forbidden because the shutter & mirror noise might distract scholars. I was using a small compact to photo some old engineering drawings a while ago. The artificial shutter sound was still set to its quietest click, but even then one of the staff came over from the desk 30 feet away to admonish me and make me turn it right off. They must have hearing like a barn owl!