* Mark Erickson wrote...
>Pentax low-end bodies are, I
>think, pretty comparable to C***n, N***n, and M*****a bodies in features and
>price.
The MZ-30 won against Canon EOS 3000 and Minolta 404 Si in the latest issue of
Practical Photography. Both Canon and Minolta had slightly more features, but the
Pentax had better performance (faster AF and motor drive) and much better build
quality.
>The problem that I see is that the Pentax high-end body planning and release
>cycle is not well-run at all! How many of us would have been ecstatic to be
>able to buy a camera derived from the PZ-1p, but with updated auto focus, a
>real battery grip, and a vertical shutter release?
An updated Z-1p does not fit in the current MZ-lineup so that's why we won't see any,
however - there's still room for a MZ-1...
Still, the Z-1p is competetive. EOS 30 has a more advanced autofocus, but only 1/4000
shutter speed and standard X flash 1/125...
>As another example, the ZX-5n/MZ-3 used to compare well in spec to
>equivalent C***n and N***n products, but they are aging and noone
>is talking about replacements.
Pentax are surely working on replacement models, and soon is the time to release them.
You see, Pentax concentrates on different segments at different times.
Now they have updated their budget offerings (MZ-10 to MZ-7, MZ-50 to MZ-30) and
released the high-end MZ (MZ-S) -
so it's finally time, logically, to concentrate on the MZ-3 and MZ-5N replacements.
But, as you know from this list, we like to speculate about flagship models instead of
the less expensive options. :-)
It would be quite easy for Pentax to simply update the MZ-3 and/or MZ-5N - multiple
exposure capability, high speed flash sync (from the MZ-S) and a cross sensor.
And I wouldn't say no to a MZ-P with the same design as the MZ-S, but 1/4000 shutter,
more plastic, fewer custom modes - and a much lower price.
>Is it worth it to build a Pentax system?
Absolutely!
The release of MZ-S and two new lenses (FA 28-90 f/3.5-4.5, 28-105 f/3.2-4.5) shows
comitment to further expansion of Pentax 35mm SLR line.
>From an objective perspective, you can probably get better bodies and more good glass
>for less $$$ if you go
>with N***n or something.
It depends. The Z-1p leaves the Nikon F80 eating dust. Not in terms of autofocus, but
in terms of overall performance, shutter speed, flash sync and other goodies.
and the MZ-3 has a performance on pair with the F80, but at a lower price. The price
difference between the F65 and MZ-5N is quite minor, and I definately say that the
MZ-5N is the better. (more flexible).
Best regards,
*
Roland Mabo
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.algonet.se/~rolamo
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