I have to complete agree with P�l on this. Pentax had a shrinking SLR base prior to the DS, so expanding the SLR customer base makes a lot of sense. I know the hard core Pentaxians want a pro DSLR, but expanding the customer base is a smart thing to do, especially while they are working on (hopefully) a pro version. I know my first camera was an ME Super, but that led to buy an LX later.
I think the release of the DL is an important move for Pentax, especially including a lens (see the "What's in The Box" section). This will make it easy for people buy into the Pentax line and increase the demand for higher end DSLR's in the future. Derek > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Alin Flaider" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Wednesday, June 01, 2005 4:33 PM > Subject: Predictable Pentax > > > > > > Remember MZ/ZX series? They started with MZ-5 and then came along no > > less than five inferior models (10,50,7,60,30), together with two > > other spin offs (5n and 3). It took Pentax 7 years to come up with a > > top of the line (MZ-S). > > > > So what do we have now, let's see: a base *ist D and two downgrades: > > DS and DL. We should expect 3 to 4 more 6 MP derivatives together > > with two other *ist D variations before we get a real flagship that > > finally crosses the 6 MP barrier and maybe the APS size too. > > Of course, this is assuming they can do the old flip again. And stay > > in business. > > > I don't think you can make these kind of generalizations. In the late 80's > Pentax shifted their focus from slr's to P&S's. The MZ series was simply a > way > to make profitable slr P&S's. The MZ-S existence was probably due to whining > from Pentax loyalists. > The main struggle for DSLR's at present is lower price. Lower prices means > higher volumes particularly for Pentax. As Pentax are about to increase their > customer base for DSLR such a move is hardly surprising. In fact, all > manufacturers most important arena are in the lower price segments. A > difference > from the last 15 years for Pentax is that they now intend SLR's to become > their > main target area making comparisons to the 90's not very relevant. > > P�l > > >
