On 2/25/06 1:17 PM, "Paul Stenquist", <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> I doubt that Pentax will ever go full frame. The continued development > of DA lenses seems to suggest that APS-C will be the largest sensor > unless you go medium format. I'm not complaining. I'm good with that, > and expect that continued development of this size sensor will lead to > outstanding performance. I too am completely with you on this. Unlike film, which has physical limitations (and matured technology), optical sensor has much more room for further development. FF is a hangover from the 35mm film which is also a hangover from old movie film. It will in the end, like film, be "the larger, the better" but not everyone bought Med Film camera even though we all know that MF produced better image than 35mm. I want people like Pentax/Nikon hang on to the development and nurturing of APS sized sensor, although they may ultimately go to FF, not because they want to, but because they have to, if the market demands and the sensor cost comes down. I have no problem anyone going FF as long as the price and the bulk of the package won't become any larger than now, which could be much further down the load. Canon recently said that the reason why they could offer 5Ds at that price was because the stepper technology advanced (mind you Nikon is the #1 stepper producer :-) that they can now burn the wafers in 2 steps instead of usual 3 steps which significantly increased the yield, thus reducing the cost of larger sensor. I still believe that the only major hurdle to the FF is the cost of sensor, than the true market demand. Canon also said that they have to offer FF because of the PJ market who routinely shoot at ISO1600 etc. But ordinary enthusiasts buying the FF DSLR today are probably subsidizing Canon's PJ market :-). Also, FF or going much beyond 10mp will only increase the file size which I hate. OTOH, I do not believe Pentax abandoned FF lenses altogether. We still need fast tele (200/2.8, 300/2.8 etc etc) and I just cannot imagine, Pentax being so well recognized as a superb lens maker as well, simply drop out of normal lens biz. I think the recent lens road map is really for the digital compatibility particularly on the wider end. Ken
