Let's not confuse design and aesthetics. The design of Pentax cameras has always been excellent and still is. Here I mean quality of construction, ergonomics and quality of results.

Aesthetics is the appearance of a product, and that's in the eye of the beholder.

Features of course describe the functions of an item, and both the K-01 and the K-5 share many features. What really counts are the benefits of those features, and sadly many sales people still cannot differentiate between these two things. It doesn't mean they don't exist though.

AP now have a news item on the K-01:

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Pentax_16MP_K01_targets_younger_users_...

There is a section provided for Optio discussion.

-4.5C here this morning, very cold for us softies.

Tomorrow is a wedding shoot up near the hills, so we'll see what the weather brings. Last year we did a wedding at Harome near Pickering in Yorkshire and it was deep snow. That was a serious trauma to get to and from, so we're hoping for better weather for this one!

The ME Super wins hands down in terms of usability and ergonomics and there is nothing in it optically once the best lenses are used.

The Leica is, IMHO, superbly made using traditional techniques, very expensive and horrible to use. Give me an SLR design every time. Clearly there is no size or weight advantage to the rangefinder either.

Existing users can happily continue to use their K mount lenses, either on a Mirrorless Pentax or on a DSLR, as they prefer. That's more choice, not less?

Shaky mentioned OLED screens, and they are really excellent for sure.

One of the things that we tend to overlook, probably understandably, is that a whole new generation of photographers have a totally different perspective. They are the iPhone generation, if you like, and I have to sdmit to being a huge fan of the way my iPhone has opened up communications.

Traditional concepts are being challenged daily and we are on a new path. One thing remains sure though and that is that the new K-01 is going to produce splendid images, in the right hands. It may well also appeal to a whole new generation of pentax Users, and without courting them now Pentax would only last as long as we do.

I say go for it Pentax. The more I think about it, the more this K-01 appeals to me and I think of new ways it can be used.

Because the camera in your phone doesn't produce professional quality images that could be used in the most prestigious magazines and books, or enlarged to make stunning exhibition prints.

The lens was designed for film, is quite bulky and heavy and unlikely to be at its best on digital.

I've noticed a couple of comments about the sensor, bu Pentax did say that it was a new sensor.