Paul wrote:
Glass half full interpretation:
Now there is only Hasselblad to compete against in the MF digital niche. A
smaller company can survive quite happily with a small percentage of the
overall market. Look at Apple who have had 3-5% of the PC market for
years.
Even pre iPod (but post iMac) they were doing quite well with this small
fraction. Pentax have always been a "think different" kind of company and
probably just need one "cult" camera to survive.
...but 3-5% of the PC market is still huge and will benefit from volume
production. The market share digital backs enjoyed by Hasselblad is
miniscule and will probably collapse completely the moment sensor prices
drops to acceptable levels. Just like $15000 PC's once had a market. When
large sensors becomes a volume item, only volume makers can sell them.
We will se gradually larger sensors in DSLR's. Just like a full frame
sensors now are into the reach of the amateur with the Canon 5D, MF sized
sensor will be into the reach of the amateur "tomorrow" is my prediction.
Pål
