Samsung as well

This morning's AP ammounces the new Samsung GX10 with, you guessed it, 10.2MP, anti-shake, etc. and they admit it is made in the Pentax factory. The answer to how does it differ from the Pentax K10D resulted in a wonderfully obscure explanation about the camera combining the concepts of both manufacturers and the use of "commonality" to reduce costs. In other words, there seems there is no difference.

A new release of Schneider lenses may also seem broadly familiar: 10-17mm Fisheye Zoom, 12-24mm, 16-45mm, 35mm f2 (?) and 100mm f2.8 Macro.

Lots happening at the Pentax factory!

No mention of a vertical grip on the Samsung. And Pentax is the marque that uses the SMC. So the Pentax is for the serious photographers. But the Samsung, with it's well-known consumer name, is going to attract the well-heeled hobbyists.

Here it is:

www.photokina-show.com/0379/samsung/digitalslrcamera/samsunggx10/

and from the horse's mouth:

www.samsungcamera.com/press/press_news_view.asp?ynews_uid=120

You're right Arthur, no sign of a grip......as yet!

If it really is a clone then maybe the Pentax grip fits it. And nothing to stop the "well-heeled hobbyist"from sticking SMC lenses on the front of it.
I'm neither a "serious photographer" or a "well heeled hobbyist" - just a hobbyist who has to save hard for new gear, but I'm not sure I would choose the Samsung over the Pentax, unless the price difference is significant.

And to be honest I think the really serious photographers have Canons or Nikons, probably full frame, - not Pentax.

I see brand loyalty being a reason for smaller shops to carry Pentax, to serve the JR's and George L's and Don's in this world....and Samsung to make inroads into big box stores.....and mainstream buyers....
I think I agree the smc coating is worth a little extra...but the badge on the camera body....all things being equal...I'd bet on a 8-16% cost savings on the big chain high volume box stores. Availability may be the deciding factor for many.
if the cost difference is at the higher end, and assuming equal build...I can see me shooting the samsung....with pentax lenses.

Gwyn, your going to stir up a hornets nest with posts like that. LOL

"And to be honest those that think they are really serious photographers have Canons or Nikons, probably full frame, - not Pentax."

Actually only Canon have full frame
Matt

A serious photographer is a little subjective and because I cannot afford a Nikon or a canon nor do I work for an outfit which supplies me with eletist equipment doesn't make me less a serious photographer.

My laptop has the insides of a Sony with parts made in the same factory where Sony get theirs and, thanfully, it works great - like a Sony.

Not sure, but isn't a rose still a rose...

Are we going to forever compare, compare and compare even more.

Who made the photograph Samsung, Pentax, Nikon or Josef Karsch.

Probably . . .

That means that the Samsung would have to include the necessary electrical contacts to communicate with the camera. No sign of that yet.

I have the K10D and grip on order, the grip is important to my style of shooting.

Am I a serious photographer if I don't laugh and smile?

Being or not being a serious photographer, or even a good photographer, has nothing at all to do with the marque of camera used. This has been well proven ever since the art of photography began.

A famous example is Bert Hardy, who claimed to his editor that it was the photographer, not the camera, that mattered. So his editor said "Go and prove it" and so he did just that, resulting in the famous "Box brownie" series of photographs.