I think the small sensor is here to stay. It's good enough for many people and will always be cheaper than the full size sensor. Olympus is basing it's whole approach on this, and Pentax will probably keep the little sensor for a sub $1000 DSLR. Canon does have the upgrade path to a hugely expensive DSLR, but this is not Pentax's market at all (nor Nikon at this point). The DA lenses are important since you get cheaper wide angles for these little sensor cameras.
I think Pentax's marketing approach is pretty clear. DSLRs will be there flagship systems from now on, and they are going to aim their cameras at the "enthusiast market" Everyone's new film cameras are budget/midrange, and Pentax has one there. My "wildest" prediction is that Pentax will come out with a film version of the *ist D (same innards as the *ist but with a higher end body). Of course, when I say "flagship" I'm ignoring the MF stuff. I'm hoping here that they finally come out with a 645 style camera that will take a digital back. Steven Desjardins Department of Chemistry Washington and Lee University Lexington, VA 24450 (540) 458-8873 FAX: (540) 458-8878 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
