Samsung GX. No . . .comeback. . ?
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Posted 13/01/2010 - 15:10
A shame, but not really a huge suprise. I said from the start that I'd have preferred Samsung to make K-mount bodies that were different to those offered by Pentax in order to broaden the appeal of the system - never really did see the sense in having essentially identical cameras fighting for the same slice of the market.
Pentax could have chased the upper end with models like the K7 and 645D, together with the "*" and Limited lenses; Samsung could have produced models like the K-x and K200D successor and the standard lens ranges. No overlaps but retaining full compatability would have allowed each manufacturer to play to its strengths and broaden the appeal of the K-mount as a whole. I can't help but think the whole thing was an opportunity missed for both camps...
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Pentax could have chased the upper end with models like the K7 and 645D, together with the "*" and Limited lenses; Samsung could have produced models like the K-x and K200D successor and the standard lens ranges. No overlaps but retaining full compatability would have allowed each manufacturer to play to its strengths and broaden the appeal of the K-mount as a whole. I can't help but think the whole thing was an opportunity missed for both camps...
Joining the Q
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Posted 13/01/2010 - 15:53
hefty1 wrote:
A shame, but not really a huge suprise. I said from the start that I'd have preferred Samsung to make K-mount bodies that were different to those offered by Pentax in order to broaden the appeal of the system - never really did see the sense in having essentially identical cameras fighting for the same slice of the market.
Pentax could have chased the upper end with models like the K7 and 645D, together with the "*" and Limited lenses; Samsung could have produced models like the K-x and K200D successor and the standard lens ranges. No overlaps but retaining full compatability would have allowed each manufacturer to play to its strengths and broaden the appeal of the K-mount as a whole. I can't help but think the whole thing was an opportunity missed for both camps...
A shame, but not really a huge suprise. I said from the start that I'd have preferred Samsung to make K-mount bodies that were different to those offered by Pentax in order to broaden the appeal of the system - never really did see the sense in having essentially identical cameras fighting for the same slice of the market.
Pentax could have chased the upper end with models like the K7 and 645D, together with the "*" and Limited lenses; Samsung could have produced models like the K-x and K200D successor and the standard lens ranges. No overlaps but retaining full compatability would have allowed each manufacturer to play to its strengths and broaden the appeal of the K-mount as a whole. I can't help but think the whole thing was an opportunity missed for both camps...
I think with the Hoya ownership, there were too many conflicts apart from a simple supplier/customer relationship.
I wouldn't be surprised to see an all electronic mount at some time in the future from Pentax, probably just for new lenses, with new bodies supporting previous K mounts for backwards compatability, as is the case at the moment.
If micro (4/3 & APS) camera sales show considerable growth, I wouldn't be surprised to see a small EVIL body from Pentax with reduced registration distance that would have it's own range of lenses with an adaptor for the above electronic K mount. I could even see some "pocket" APS cameras with built in zoom (or even prime) lenses. Pentax were very strong in the film era with their excellent ESPIO models, I could see the same pattern happening if sales grow rapidly in this area.
The next five years or so will be interesting!
Best regards
Richard Day
Profile - link - (click on About for equipment profile) - My Flickr site - link
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Posted 13/01/2010 - 16:09
The new Samsung camera will have a K mount adapter from launch, according to AP. No AF though with the adapter.
I wonder who makes the camera and lenses?
Best regards, John
I wonder who makes the camera and lenses?
Best regards, John
Last Edited by johnriley on 13/01/2010 - 16:10
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Posted 13/01/2010 - 16:31
I'd imagine Samsung would make both cameras and lenses in-house, they certainly have the expertise from their digicam ranges so it's not a completely new area for them. I know a couple of people who own Samsung P&S cameras and they seem very impressed with them - these are non-photographers who view Samsung, Panasonic and Sony as the "big brands" but have never heard of Pentax, Nikon, Leica or Olympus and only know Canon as people who make printers. That's the market that Samsung should have aimed for from the start IMHO and left Pentax to concentrate on old school photographers. Oh well, it wasn't to be...
Me too - it's an area I intend to buy into before 2010 is out myself. At the moment it's looking like a Sigma DP2 (I can't justify the price of a Leica X1 for what it is) but if Pentax pull their finger out then I'd happily buy whatever they have to offer! I'd rather a nice fast (f/2.4 or better) prime to a medium-slow zoom I have to admit, but more importantly I want something that's truly pocketable with a decent size sensor - even the DP2/X1 are a little on the lardy side as far as I'm concerned.
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RichardDay wrote:
I could even see some "pocket" APS cameras with built in zoom (or even prime) lenses. Pentax were very strong in the film era with their excellent ESPIO models, I could see the same pattern happening if sales grow rapidly in this area.
I could even see some "pocket" APS cameras with built in zoom (or even prime) lenses. Pentax were very strong in the film era with their excellent ESPIO models, I could see the same pattern happening if sales grow rapidly in this area.
Me too - it's an area I intend to buy into before 2010 is out myself. At the moment it's looking like a Sigma DP2 (I can't justify the price of a Leica X1 for what it is) but if Pentax pull their finger out then I'd happily buy whatever they have to offer! I'd rather a nice fast (f/2.4 or better) prime to a medium-slow zoom I have to admit, but more importantly I want something that's truly pocketable with a decent size sensor - even the DP2/X1 are a little on the lardy side as far as I'm concerned.
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Posted 21/01/2010 - 11:31
More on Samsung:
Source (& full story): Korea Times (via Photo Rumors)
Quote:
Samsung Denies M&A Deal With Pentax
By Kim Yoo-chul
Staff Reporter
Samsung Digital Imaging (SDI), Samsung Electronics' affiliate, has denied the possibility of buying Japan's Pentax Corp.
. . ."The need for the acquisition of Pentax has been reduced as Samsung has already internalized key camera-related technologies such as image sensors," the CEO said during a meeting with reporters in Seoul, Tuesday.
"We reviewed the M&A scenario a few years ago as Samsung was having difficulties in securing related technologies," the top executive said.
Upcoming hybrid digital cameras, possibly in the second half of this year, will be equipped with SDI's own lens and image sensors, he said.
"Another key point is that we will find new partners able to diversify possible channels for lenses."
Park said the company is targeting 15 percent of the global compact camera market by the end of this year, up from 12.5 percent in 2009.
"By 2012, Samsung Digital Imaging will have an 18 percent share in the segment."
Compact cameras account for 93 percent of the global camera market and the remaining 7 percent comprises of digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras.
. . .The executive said Samsung won't inject massive capital into the DSLR camera market due to low margins and the ongoing corporate shift toward the hybrid camera market.
"A very well-known Japanese company has been reeling from some 50-60 billion won in losses per year over the last few years in the DSLR market. We have no clear reason to strengthen DSLRs," according to the CEO.
"Consumer preferences are leaning toward hybrid cameras that offer a DSLR-equalized viewing experience. In line with the trend, Samsung will put more focus on hybrids," he said.
Samsung Denies M&A Deal With Pentax
By Kim Yoo-chul
Staff Reporter
Samsung Digital Imaging (SDI), Samsung Electronics' affiliate, has denied the possibility of buying Japan's Pentax Corp.
. . ."The need for the acquisition of Pentax has been reduced as Samsung has already internalized key camera-related technologies such as image sensors," the CEO said during a meeting with reporters in Seoul, Tuesday.
"We reviewed the M&A scenario a few years ago as Samsung was having difficulties in securing related technologies," the top executive said.
Upcoming hybrid digital cameras, possibly in the second half of this year, will be equipped with SDI's own lens and image sensors, he said.
"Another key point is that we will find new partners able to diversify possible channels for lenses."
Park said the company is targeting 15 percent of the global compact camera market by the end of this year, up from 12.5 percent in 2009.
"By 2012, Samsung Digital Imaging will have an 18 percent share in the segment."
Compact cameras account for 93 percent of the global camera market and the remaining 7 percent comprises of digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras.
. . .The executive said Samsung won't inject massive capital into the DSLR camera market due to low margins and the ongoing corporate shift toward the hybrid camera market.
"A very well-known Japanese company has been reeling from some 50-60 billion won in losses per year over the last few years in the DSLR market. We have no clear reason to strengthen DSLRs," according to the CEO.
"Consumer preferences are leaning toward hybrid cameras that offer a DSLR-equalized viewing experience. In line with the trend, Samsung will put more focus on hybrids," he said.
Source (& full story): Korea Times (via Photo Rumors)
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Posted 21/01/2010 - 11:57
"A very well-known Japanese company has been reeling from some 50-60 billion won in losses per year over the last few years in the DSLR market. We have no clear reason to strengthen DSLRs," according to the CEO."
Sony?
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Sony?
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Last Edited by hefty1 on 21/01/2010 - 11:58
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Posted 21/01/2010 - 12:55
50-60 bn Won is only around £30m so not as large as it sounds
.
K20D, *istD, MZ-S, Super-A, ME Super, MX
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, DA* 300,
DA 50-200, FA 24-90, FA 20-35,
M 400-600, A 50 f1.4, A 28 f2.8, A 70-210, M 35-80, M 50 f1.7
A x2S teleconverter and a few others ...
.
K20D, *istD, MZ-S, Super-A, ME Super, MX
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, DA* 300,
DA 50-200, FA 24-90, FA 20-35,
M 400-600, A 50 f1.4, A 28 f2.8, A 70-210, M 35-80, M 50 f1.7
A x2S teleconverter and a few others ...
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Posted 21/01/2010 - 18:11
hefty1 wrote:
"A very well-known Japanese company has been reeling from some 50-60 billion won in losses per year over the last few years in the DSLR market. We have no clear reason to strengthen DSLRs," according to the CEO."
Sony?
"A very well-known Japanese company has been reeling from some 50-60 billion won in losses per year over the last few years in the DSLR market. We have no clear reason to strengthen DSLRs," according to the CEO."
Sony?
Or Pentax?
3 posts
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Posted 30/01/2010 - 18:28
I think it's more likely to be Sony, than Pentax. It would seem a little unprofessional to be revealing sensitive financial information about a former partner. Also, the term 'very well-known' is more likely to apply to Sony, I believe.
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Posted 30/01/2010 - 18:51
This was already known when the K-M came around, Samsung said in an interview to want to make their own cameras and NX would be one of the first.
It would be nice but I don't see Pentax supporting 3 lens lines and some also want an FF so that would be 4... that's simply too much.
So good as all the other camera brands have 2 lens lines at the moment.
Pentax has always been the more traditional camera company so I see them keeping true to the mirror for the time being, Sony would be the fastest to jump ship to an EVIL camera since it has the electronic know how and then Canon, I see Nikon, Olympus and Pentax jump ship as the last.
Stefan
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
RichardDay wrote:
If micro (4/3 & APS) camera sales show considerable growth, I wouldn't be surprised to see a small EVIL body from Pentax with reduced registration distance that would have it's own range of lenses with an adaptor for the above electronic K mount. I could even see some "pocket" APS cameras with built in zoom (or even prime) lenses. Pentax were very strong in the film era with their excellent ESPIO models, I could see the same pattern happening if sales grow rapidly in this area.
If micro (4/3 & APS) camera sales show considerable growth, I wouldn't be surprised to see a small EVIL body from Pentax with reduced registration distance that would have it's own range of lenses with an adaptor for the above electronic K mount. I could even see some "pocket" APS cameras with built in zoom (or even prime) lenses. Pentax were very strong in the film era with their excellent ESPIO models, I could see the same pattern happening if sales grow rapidly in this area.
It would be nice but I don't see Pentax supporting 3 lens lines and some also want an FF so that would be 4... that's simply too much.
So good as all the other camera brands have 2 lens lines at the moment.
Pentax has always been the more traditional camera company so I see them keeping true to the mirror for the time being, Sony would be the fastest to jump ship to an EVIL camera since it has the electronic know how and then Canon, I see Nikon, Olympus and Pentax jump ship as the last.
Stefan
K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
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Posted 30/01/2010 - 19:00
it boils down to costs.
I've looked at some 4/3d's cameras and they really aren't mach smaller than the kx so size isn't the issue for Pentax....
the issue is costs will dropping the mechanicals for the mirrorbox off a kx aand keeping the already compact lenses give them an edge in pricing?
Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.
I've looked at some 4/3d's cameras and they really aren't mach smaller than the kx so size isn't the issue for Pentax....
the issue is costs will dropping the mechanicals for the mirrorbox off a kx aand keeping the already compact lenses give them an edge in pricing?
Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.
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Shaky
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London
Samsung GX. No real prospect of comeback
Friday 8th January 2010
Damien Demolder
Samsung GX-10 1st prize
With the launch of the new NX series of mirror-less cameras it seems there is very little chance now that Samsung will ever re-enter the DSLR market. Samsung UK's head of digital imaging, Robert King, would not commit to a definite answer on the subject during an interview with Amateur Photographer at CES in Las Vegas today. He repeated that the company was focusing its efforts on developing the NX system and that he could not state that the GX series would not be revisited in the future. It is clear though, as former vice president of Samsung Techwin Byung Woo Lee said when he first broke the news of the NX system to AP in 2008, that Samsung has moved into this new category as it realises that there is no chance of successfully competing against the developed DSLR ranges held by Nikon and Canon. Kim told us 'We will create a new category that we can dominate'. Interestingly SS Park, BJ Kim's replacement, told AP today that Samsung does not see the NX series as a competitor to the Micro Four Thirds products of Panasonic and Olympus, but that Samsung's models will broaden the mirror-less micro camera choice.
When asked how the NX range would develop Park said that the company obviously intends to produce more bodies in different forms and of different sensor resolutions, and that some models would appeal to professional users. With this in mind it is obvious that Samsung will have no need of GX DSLRs. Alongside the technology products that Samsung Electric has on show here the idea of an optical viewfinder seems rather old fashioned and inflexible.
Source: Amateur Photographer