What would be the K30D?

I see in this forum that you talk about the K30D.
What do you expect the K30D will be and when?

Hi, I will get my crystal ball out, Pentax will be working on new developments but who knows what it will be.

I think it's likely to be towards the end of this year, however, I would expect it to be an improved version of the K20D rather than an entirely new camera.

I would expect the Live View to have a better implementation (something more like the Sony Alpha cameras), some new software tweaks, an upgraded shutter/mirror assembly to allow for faster shooting rates and possibly a new version of the SAFOX autofocus system.

Flash metering via P-TTL could also do with a little overhaul - I'm sure the Pentax engineers have had plenty of time to reverse-engineer a Nikon camera by now!

Will the end results be any better than the cameras that preceded it? Probably not. It will just make getting those pictures slightly easier and more convenient for some photographers under certain circumstances; so I wouldn't worry about what the future *may* bring, just enjoy the camera you have at your fingertips here and now.

Built-in geotagging & WIFI in an optional grip (these functions to be powered by an additional, but small, battery), higher frame rate, Nikon style creative flash control.

FF? Not for me. keep the same sensor and PRIME engine, just improve everything else.

Oh, and get rid of live view. P&S cameras might need it, DSLRs don't.

Geotagging wont interest me its bad enough with "sat nav" taking me round in circles.
Apart from that I agree, FF, not for me, Extra weight and the lens length

Sorry to disagree Mannesty, but to shift boxes and improve the market position further this is almost a mandatory item now.

I'd like to see an increase in pixel count and faster focusing, backed up by an improved frame rate in continues shooting.

Do that and Pentax will really rattle a few cages at other companies.

After all, pentax produce the best quality shots and cameras as it is!

If you are old enough to have a store of photo's that you haven't seen for at least 10 years. Have a look at some of them and note how many that you have no clue about the location.

Geotagging sorts that problem, if it's implemented properly.

The only advantage to getting rid of Live View would be to stop the reviewers moaning about it. You don't have to use it!

Actually it can really be useful sometimes. I was using it whilst leaning out of a window at an awkward angle this afternoon.

It'll be 5 percent sensible additions (though given how jam-packed cameras already are, I've no idea what more is needed) and 95 percent stuff added to keep up with the Jones's.

Geotagging can be useful, particularly if you want to return there at a later date - say for a "four seasons" photo series. Also useful to some professions where they take evidence photos etc. Archeologists would probably find it useful too.

I'd like a removable prism housing so I can snap-in a waiste-level finder. I'd also like a conventional cable-release socket. And a plain-vanilla PC flash socket.

Tea maker. Definitely need a tea maker in there

All filed on disc where/when /date. Even my old negs, organisation

My two pennies worth:

1) Faster more accurate focusing in low light would be useful.
2) Better live view implementation, which will require an articulating screen a la Oly E-30 / E-30 to be useful for low shots.

The rest, carry on with the great build/weather proofing, size is OK for me but I have heard there are hints that it may be more compact.
Ideally keep same battery and grip if possible (but I doubt it they introduce a new more compact body).

Already on the K20D, down the left side just below the strap lug.

How about a full frame sensor, and some full frame lenses (the Hoya connection?)

I cant see the point of a full frame sensor personally.

The camera would cost too much and Pentax probably wouldnt sell enough the make the money back. Even the likes of Nikon havent exactly sold loads of D3's.

Then we have to think about the lenses...

Full frame... err, unlikely and expensive for Pentax as they would have to issue a whole new series of lenses. It is taking them long enough to launch the ones they have already announced.

Live view... I'm not bothered but it would help to sell to other punters.

More megapixels... I find 10 enough on my K10D let alone the 14 of the K20D.

The more I think about it the more I find there is little else I want. What I do want, however, is Pentax to do well and stay in business and from that point of view, a faster FPS, better low light focusing / quicker focusing and a better live view system would help convert more to the light.

Cheers, Kris.