Spreading rumors: New Pentax DSLRs coming in January?

[Don Kiyoti]

As seen on the Pentax forum at dpreview:

K20D
- 14 MP APS-C CMOS instead of CCD, developed by Pentax & Samsung?
- live view LCD
- 14 bit RAW fomat
- improved SR
- body similar to K10D

K200D
- K100D replacement
- 10 MP sensor from K10D

Seems like a logical progression to me. To those shopping for DSLRs - this might be a good time to wait.

[robfilms]

dk-

with all other features being equal, i would rather take a heavily discounted 6MP k100d super over a 10MP k200.

glad to see that pentax is hanging in there versus the big boys of nikon and canon.

ymmv

be well

rob

[pRON aHOLIC]

Sounds good that Pentax is trying to be more competitive on the low end.

I do however have to question 14mp on a aps-c sized chip and the diminishing returns that the penalty pixel density would contribute. Particularly diffraction issues. I already see diffraction issues on my 10mp D200 and it makes me think marketing is out of hand going past 10mp. Other than that, a camera built on existing K10D features would be an outstanding buy.

[Mac1337]

Are we hitting megapixle "ceiling"? Is film having the last laugh after all?

[Don Kiyoti]

I thought Pentax was already very competetive in the low end and less so in the high end....

Anyways, assuming the rumor is correct and the new sensor is CMOS instead of CCD, wouldn't that mitigate the noise issue to some extent? If I knew what they were going to do about diffraction issues I'd be working for Pentax!

[pRON aHOLIC]

CMOS does take care of some noise but so far we have only seen Nikon do this. The D2X wasn't pretty at high ISO and the D300 is yet to be seen in real light.

Maybe, just maybe the noise issue can be subdued but there no stopping the diffraction issue. I don't see what is wrong with a loaded 12mp in a 10D body with some added features. Darn marketing freaks.

[Don Kiyoti]

I hate marketing - vile profession.

It occured to me that maybe Pentax will keep the K100D which was just freshened up and add the K200D for a more complete line.

[mrbigstuff]

damn you, don kiyoti. just as i'm about to pull the trigger on that K10D you cited last week. well, almost. i'm still stuck on the D80. but, then, Nikon could update that puppy, too.

alas and again: what to do, what to buy.

[Don Kiyoti]

Well it's like buying a computer. Always something newer and (maybe) better coming along. Personally I'm not a fan of these super-short product cycles. I wouldn't mind a few years between new camera bodies coming out. GIve them a chance to make some new lenses.

Anyways, if you buy a K10D (or D80) today it will still take great photos and you'll still be happy.

[vision63]

I'd be highly surprised if Pentax debuted any new DSLR's in January. Everything just got presented. The K10D is still newish. Would be fine with me though.