1. Batteries.
2. Space for an internal 20-40 gigabyte drive.
3. 801b.11 interface
4. GPS
5. More batteries.
6. Built-in battery charger. (You can change out the AA's, but can charge them in situ if you like.)
7. Storage space for 4-6 CD cards
8. or Slots for 4-6 CD cards (with auto or manual switching from card to card while shooting.)
9. Control mechanism for sensor orientation (in-camera image stabilization.)
BTW, I do not expect the 645D to have any ground-breaking features; I think it will be a basic functional quality platform. Priced at about $7,245, with street price of $5,995. But just think what could be done!
Stan
On Mar 25, 2005, at 12:18 PM, P�l Jensen wrote:
Rob wrote:
They created a rod for their backs using this style of telescopic eye relief in
their film cameras, I've never found it comfortable to work with (I've owned
and used 3 separate P645 systems over the years) and it's the most fragile part
of the system too, I've had to repair two of mine. The small light prism design
plus the space required to house the film cartridge and the requirement to
minimize weight lead to the need to approach the finder design in this manner.
They could now do far better on the new design but it seems they have hung onto
the old system, possibly to reduce cost or maybe sadly to preserve the visual
connection with the old film system.
I seriously doubt it has anything to do with the wish to preserve visual clues to the film cameras. The shape of the 645D indicate that it is built on the chassis of the film camera. As you suggest, the design is dictated by the use of the film back and film transport in 645 cameras and not necessary in digital camera. In theory at least, Pentax could have made the 645D smaller if it was built from ground up and similar in shape and size to a large 35mm slr. So basically, the solution must be chosen for price reasons using the chassis and mechanics (minus film transport) of the film 645 as basis. My guess is that the camera electronics is redesigned (judged from the interface) and most likely copied from the *isd or less likely, the coming semi-pro K-mount DSLR from Pentax.
P�l
