On 1/16/07 7:59 PM, "John Francis", <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> In any case, Pentax are clearly commited to high-quality reduced > circle lenses such as the DA* models due over the next year or so. > If they do ever come up with a 36x24 K-mount body I fully expect > it to operate in a cropped 24x16 mode if you mount a DA lens. > I have no qualms about buying reduced image circle lenses; I'm > sure they will work on any K-mount camera that Pentax release. I think this is true. If FF (John carefully avoids the use of term FF, which I think is sensible, as it is NOT a full frame, but just a different format) suddenly becomes a real fad and eve if Pentax would be forced to produce FF DSLR, as long as it is K-mount, pentax won't make DA lenses obsolete. Relating to this, it is interesting to know the current Nikon thinking. Nikon of course is committed to DX format (DA equivalent). When D200 was released, there was an interview article with a director in charge of their Imaging System Div. Here is a summary of what he said about Nikon's approach to DX format. Q. In a previous interview, you mentioned that Nikon are of course interested in FF. It was mentioned that pros are content with DX but FF has more market for high end hobbyist. Was there not a plan to make D200 into FF camera? A. I admire Canon that they offered 5D at that price level. They are very good at reading market demand and offer proper models at optimum timing. We too are always reviewing if and what sort of FF models be offered Q. But we heard it before. But the perception on FF must have changed since PMA2000. A. Of course it has changed. But we won't comment our view at this time. Market seems to demand the inclusion of FF in Nikon's lineup. However, Nikon have been committed to the dedicated DX line of lenses which have exceptional performance. We believe any FF model has to have a very clear edge over the DX format, otherwise, there is no point to offer it to the market. Q. Could problems associated with FF sensors such as CA around image circle and vignetting etc be solved in the future? A. If needed, digital processing can solve all sorts of things. For example, vignetting could easily be processed and corrected digitally. However, solving as much problem as possible by in-camera processing is not right, and it is not supposed to be camera's function. Corner image blur for example is a problem of lenses and it is a matter of perfecting the lens performance first. DX lenses do not show corner blur etc. This is because the sensor size is fixed for DX format. If one would pursue high grade image corner to corner, then choose DX lenses. Q. We suppose that planning of model lineup should include FF models, but the decision to use DX format for D200 was probably a wise one. FF and DX each has its own merits. A. We believe DX format has settled in the market which also accepted it. We are sure that DX format is a very reasonable one in terms of the balance between price, size and other factors. Our conclusion is still DX format. Q. Then what would be the needs for FF? A. DX format is said to be disadvantageous to film cameras in terms of FL and perception of DOF. A larger sensor size has "theoretical" potentials. However, our DX format and its lens lineup already took all those into considerations. So, in near term, Nikon do not look too enthusiastic about FF and they do not seem to change this any time soon. They are probably trying to promote the DX format as a default one for DSLR. But you never know. They might suddenly offer an FF DSLR. But even if they did, it does not seem to be their main line, judging from above talk. Sony might go for FF but they have to sell more of APS-C models first. Also, pentax and Nikon are most advanced in changing over to digital lens line up. Using 35mm lenses for the current DSLR does seem to have a bit of problem besides vignetting and corner light fall off. For example, I saw a post by someone who had a focusing problem with his Pentax DSLR and brought his camera to Pentax Service Centre fort adjustment. It was a combination of a DSLR (I don't remember which model0 and 43mm Limited and it was fixed. At the time, he was told by a service person that using 35mm lens for DSLR often create a rear focus shift problem, therefore, for digital camera, use digital lenses. I do not believe this is a promotional talk for digital lenses. There must be some slight optical difference (telecentric for one) which causes this rear focus shift (lens focuses behind the intended subject). It is well known that Canon have a lot to go before changing all their lenses to digital compatible. Just FYI. Hope this spaghetti length post would go throuhg :-). Ken -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
