Bob Rapp wrote:
>
> The woeful responses to the demise of the LX and the rise of the MZ-S
> leads us to consider what the next generation cameras should be.
I wouldn't call the response to the MZ-S woeful (if that's what you're
saying). Some people on the list wish it was more spec'd out, but
apparently they're selling craploads of them.
> Pentax has led the way in the past when the introduced the ME/MX and
> later the MZ series of cameras. Now the time is right.
> Think of the MZ-S as a poor relation to what they will probably have in
> store in the future. There will probably be some revolutionary things but
> the will not give up the K bayonet system.
Maybe the LX was revolutionary (maybe), but it seems to me Pentax has
always been fairly cautious.
> The things will probably include:
>
> 1. Interchangeable backs with accessory bases. They will not be the bulk
> film backs of the past but digital backs that will contain the electronics
> for the sensor and the base, which will mount like a winder, will contain
> the processor and storage system. Different resolution sensors would be
> available including a 24 MP monochrome.
Interesting idea, but I'm not sure why they'd invest in something like a
monochrome back when it's so simple to do in photoshop.
Upgradable backs would be cool.
>
> 2. Interchangeable finders will return. A new finder, for use with the
> digital backs, will include a miniature display containing the present or
> the previous image. The mirror box will be blanked out by a plasma film
> between the pentaprism and focusing screen.
My personal feeling on this subject is once the industry really goes
digital, we won't have finders at all. Mirror boxes are complicated, and
add bulk and expense. I suspect we'll be seeing rangefinder-ish designs
with nicer screens then what we see these days.
>
> 3. Conventional photography will be augmented by the inclusion of a power
> base. Winders, in the past, have been heavy but with the newer and lighter
> power sources, tremendous long-term power is available. A dual voltage
> autofocus motor will operate at higher speeds and torque which, with the
> SAFOX-8 system, will track even the most demanding of subjects.
This I believe.
>
> 4. Image stabilization make its entrance. The previously mentioned power
> base will provide the power to the lens through another lens mounting
> contact. This is just the beginning to future of powered lenses.
IS would be cool.
>
> 5. The limited series of lenses will be re-named "professional" and will
> no longer target the consumer market.
Doubt it. The limiteds are 'boutique lenses'...they're not fast enough
to be labelled 'pro' as we think of the term.
I certainly wouldn't want to see the * lenses go away...
> The first of the powered lenses will
> make their debut and one of the most exciting will be the internal
> "shift/tilt" lenses. Optics will truly enter into the next generation.
Could be.
I think it'll be interesting to see if camera makers decide they want to
stick with the 24x36mm ccd/cmos size. A smaller image area means
smaller, faster, better corrected lenses, and a wysiwyg rangefinder
design would allow for better wide-angles. And a smaller body of course,
which is right up Pentax's alley.
Of course this would mean dumping the old lens line.
The next 10 years will be very interesting...
tv
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