What I would Like

In the next generation, I would like a couple of things that are not available on the K10D. I want a Flash Synchro-X input, so I don't need to put an adapter in the Hot Shoe.
I would also appreciate a CF card slot as well as the existing SD slot. I would also like a 12.8 megapixel sensor that can be used up to 3200 iso. That is all I am asking for in the next generation.

Ben

I thought you knew what was coming.

The other two are fair enough, but why slots for two different types of card?

A denser sensor is almost a certainty. Manufacturers will find ways to cram in more pixels without compromising quality, and that is why a "full-frame" K-mount Pentax will never happen.

G

A higher pixel count is more or less a given. A synch socket would be useful and could happen. A CF card slot is by now, I think, superfluous. Two SD slots would amake better sense if the second one took over once the first was full, doubling the number of shots that could be recorded.

I hope they are not working too hard to produce a new body, leaving the remaining K10D issues unresolved.

It would seriously test my loyalty if the next 'flagship' body had all these issues resolved, but the K10D was left at Firmware V 1.3.

There is so much of the K10D firmware that could have been incorporated into the *istD, but asn't.

There is much speculation about an 18mp ful frame Sony sensor coming in the Autumn. It must surely might make its way into a Pentax at some point. The price might not be right though - and this might steal 645D sales (if this camera is ever produced).

I have my doubts now about the need for a 645D, I think the moment has passed. I wonder what Hoya will think?

With memory card density increasing at least as fast as sensor density, wouldn't this be a bit superfluous too? Building space into the body for two cards, together with the electronics to handle them as you say, seems completely pointless given how easy it is to change the card.

[quote]There is much speculation about an 18mp full frame Sony sensor coming in the Autumn. It must surely might make its way into a Pentax at some point.

I would think that this would only make sense if the new lenses support full frame. Could this be the reason for the delay?

Always good to have a backup though, especially in a pro/semi-pro camera.

[quote="stevejcoe"]There isn't a hope in Hell of a full-frame sensor in a Pentax K-mount camera. With the exception of two macro lenses, all new Pentax lenses are designed for a reduced image circle. Almost all old lenses have been discontinued, save for the Limiteds and some specialist lenses which are built to order.

Coming up with a new, pro-spec (as it would have to be) body with only half a dozen lenses is not going to work, and it certainly wouldn't be worth Pentax's while to produce a full line-up of full-frame lenses which would sell in tiny quantities and therefore be enormously expensive.

People who think there will be a full-frame K-mount Pentax are seriously deluded and, frankly, not very bright. Sorry to be blunt, but the facts are very clear. Wishing for something won't make it happen.

G

The more you cram photo sites into small sensors, the more you pick up lens distortions and the harder the sensors have to work (which increases noise). I would prefer a larger sensor but I don't expect it will happen - at least not at this price level.

A 4GB SD card gives me around 280 shots in RAW. I don't see much advantage in holding two SD cards. After I've shot 280 images, I like to swap cards and start transferring one to a PC.

I would be more interested in a WiFi connection so I can shoot for hours and the pictures get transmitted to my laptop automatically. You could also get an almost instant big-screen review.

Other than that, I find it hard to fault for my needs.

Oh well. I'd better switch to a Canon 5D then


Seriously - I think the only things I'd like are:

1) Higher ISO (or lower noise at ISO1600), and slower than ISO100 (ISO50 would be great)

2) More dynamic range in the RAW file (more than 12-bits) - very useful for landscapes and HDR work

Resolution is just fine on the K10D. Speed and user interface are all great! There'd have to be a huge difference in the next camera to warrant upgrading

Regarding the comment about firmware updates for the *ist-D... as a firmware developer myself it's pretty unusual to add new features into a finished product (it requires huge time and resources that are usually better directed at newer products). I don't think most people realise just how much effort, testing, and validating goes into firmware!

BUT, it would be nice if the engineers at Pentax could:
a) Find some time to produce some "non-official" firmware updates that could be tested in the field.
b) Possibly release the code so users (like me ) could make changes.

(I realise that option b is probably a non-starter given the huge prices of the development systems, compilers, and license restrictions on source code, operating systems etc.... but I can dream )

Matt

People who think there will be a full-frame K-mount Pentax are seriously deluded and, frankly, not very bright. Sorry to be blunt, but the facts are very clear. Wishing for something won't make it happen.

George I am not deluded and I also don't think that there is any chance of a full frame K?, I was merely posing a question in response to the earlier post.

In my view Ben is more likely closer to the mark with his comments, which started this thread.

No offence taken, I am an avid reader of your comments, keep them coming - Steve

Mattic...keep dreaming..and pointing your finger in the direction of Mac osx....open source...unix based...Saved Apple from extinction, while the ipod shot them into the stratoshpere, and forced them to drop "Computer" from thier name.....

Good. I purposely said "people" rather than "you" because I was not aiming my remarks at you; my intention was to forestall yet another intensely boring full-frame discussion, of which there have been far too many.

G