According to sources from Photogizmos Pentax is changing the strategy and “they will soon be discontinuing future development of “normal” point-and-shoot cameras in favor of specialty cameras like the Ultra-Rugged WG series, Ultra Compact interchangable lens cameras like the Q series and coming soon, an incredible 360 degree Digital camera.“
That 360 degree camera sounds really intriguing!
P.S.: Digitalcamerareview posted the full K-01 review.
3 Responses
Another manufacturer that has realized compacts have limited future. Hopefully the demise of P&S will bring prices of ILCs down.
Can´t find that qoted statement from the link.
Hmmm with the death of P&S cameras the Q doesn’t seem so silly, if it is brought down in price Pentax will have a significant lead to all other manufacturers – Problem at the moment is it competes with much higher end ILC’s.
Small sensors still have their place, just not at the prices Pentax have been asking for their original Q series. Also helps tie users to a brand by them buying suitable lenses for their uses rather than switching compact cameras (in which they can go for any brand as there is no carry over other than consumer loyalty).
Imagine a Q body that sells for $250 and in kits for $100 more with either short range faster lenses or long range slower lenses. Then if you want a compact with more reach, just buy the different lens, much like SLR users have been doing, would definitely make the compact segment more lucrative.
And no I don’t think that other ILC’S are small enough for this segment.