Rob wrote: > So who here would potentially buy a partial frame MF DSLR over a full frame > 35mm DSLR?
You could ask the question differently; who will buy a full frame 35mm sized DSLR when APS sensor can be had much cheaper. The truth is that hardly anyone does; most manufacturers doesn't even make full frame DSLR - not even Nikon in spite of the companys pro ambitions. Olympus apparently thinks the 4/3 system is all you ever need whereas others think 35mm represent the whole grail for sensor sizes. I just think that bigger is always better and only limited by price/hassle factors. A MF based DSLR must be able to outperform any 35mm based DSLR to such an extent that the price difference is worthwhile. When or if this will happen is an open question at present but I cannot believe that 35mm, which is an historical accident from film, represent some kind of brickwall of whats viable for sensor sizes. As for whos going to buy a Pentax MF pro DSLR, it probably targeted at Pentax pro users. Pentax have 40% market share of MF in Japan (which is a huge market). They have virtually 100% market share among outdoor/landscape photographers in Japan. Also globally Pentax is the leading brand in this sector. This is Pentax professional basis and this sector hasn't switched to digital yet and in order to do so the cameras needs to outperform whats currently achievable by MF. And then tere are all the others who simply want even better image quality. > Would price or practicality or some other factor be the main director of your > decision? Price is a deciding factor. Practicality is granted; a 645D will almost certainly be smaller than the Pentax film 645's. This means that it will be smaller than Nikon/Canon high-end film or DSLR's. The lenses are similar in size to Canon L-lenses. Pentax also claims that the 645D will be a field camera not needing a power outlet. > If you wouldn't buy a partial frame MF DSLR who do you suppose would? Why not full frame MF DSLR? > Do you think that this supposed course of action by Pentax is positive or > negative? I think it is positive and necessary. Pentax need to boost their credibility and such a camera can do just that. It will set them apart from the competition. > I would be far more interested in the 35mm FF body for the record. I'm really not interested in any DSLR at present. The second generation 645D and the secoond generation Pentax prosumer 35mm based DSLR might though - in 3-4 years time. P�l
