On Apr 5, 2007, at 11:25 AM, Shel Belinkoff wrote: > Now _THAT_ sounds interesting. For quite a while I've wondered why > not put > a larger sensor into a P&S type camera. Coupled to a good zoom > lens it > would make a killer combination.
Cost and bulk. - DSLR sized sensors (4/3 to 16x24 mm) even today cost a sizable fraction of the manufacturing price of a DSLR, which is why DSLR prices continue be higher than $400-500, body only, even with all the streamlined production processes and materials now in use. - Lenses to cover a larger sensor and provide the optimal light path for a digital sensor prove to be bulky, which robs the benefits of a compact camera body. Look at the Sony R1, the only other Point and Shoot with a DSLR-sized sensor and a prosumer-typical 5:1 wide to tele zoom lens. The lens is enormous. The Sigma DP-1, with a prime lens providing a modest wide-angle field of view and f/4 maximum speed, is far from the most compact digicam out there and will probably cost around $700-900 street price, minimum. As long as you're attempting to appeal to a niche market with a specialist camera, might as well throw in high pixel resolution... :-) Godfrey -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
