Rumors for a second mirrorless camera from Pentax are intensifying again. Here are the first detailed specs from digicame-info:
to be announced at CP+ show in Japan in early February
the model name is K-01
K-mount
will come with a new lens: DA 40mm f/2.8XS
there will be three new lenses
three different colors: Black & white body color, white and black, black and yellow
optical viewfinder
there will be also an EVF, not clear if it will be built-in or optional
same sensor as in the K-5 (16.3MP)
same LCD screen as in the K-5 (3.0 in, 921k pixels)
full HD video
shutter speed: from 30 to 1/4000 seconds
contrast AF, AF 81, Split
built-in pop-up flash
121mm width, 79mm height, 59mm depth
weight: 560g with battery
@Jeff Kott: Haha! I was thinking that when I was reading about the body colors in the other thread.
The multiple color thing seems hilarious to serious photographers, but I think Pentax sold a ton of colored K-Rs in Japan, so maybe they're on to something.
EDIT: Don't know what I did to make this sentence come out bold, but I don't think it's bold worthy.
It wouldn't make any sense to use a K mount on a mirrorless system. A registry distance of 45.45 mm,. defeats of purpose of compact size and lightweight.
We must asume a mount compatible with K mount lenses, but with a much shorter registry distance ( Like Olympus did using the design of the OM mount reflex on their 4/3 DSLRs.)
In pratical terms, it doesn't matter at all the design of the mount, adapters will ne needed for any K mount ( or whatever else ) lens. The only advantage being for Pentax who wouldn't need to invest on new tools for manufacturing a different bayonet..
Yes, since they're reportedly coming out with a new 40/2.8 lens (xs -whatever that means - maybe extra small), it must be for a new mount because there's nothing wrong with the DA 40/2.8 that's currently being produced.
It is interesting that all we can talk about with respect to the potential new offering is its colors. That's unfortunate for Pentax, and a little sad.
This is what I was hoping Pentax would come out with...only five years ago. But now with the current lineup of mirrorless cameras around it doesn't look nearly as appealing. And 560g seems rather heavy for a mirroless camera.
The irony is that Pentax has always had a nice collection of pancake lenses that would go really nicely with a compact body. And their Limited FA primes are really amazing.
philber wrote:
Strange that nobody has commented that using K-mount opens the door to the possibility of a unicorn of mirrorless: the fabled FF mirrorless...
If they came out with a FF K-mount mirrorless and sold it in a kit with their 3 FA limited lenses I would probably be at the top of the preorder list. But I am dubious about that possibility
All, I am saying is that the K mount makes it possible, and much less problematic than, for example, the Sony E-mount for NEX. K mount also gives the new camera an immedaite and well respected pool of lenses, some of which are both small and good.
philber wrote:
All, I am saying is that the K mount makes it possible, and much less problematic than, for example, the Sony E-mount for NEX. K mount also gives the new camera an immedaite and well respected pool of lenses, some of which are both small and good.
That's sound logic and I hope you're right. I still own several FA lenses I'd love to use on a FF mirrorless. But considering Pentax doesn't even have a FF DSLR on the market yet, I don't want to get my hopes up....
It would be absurd that Pentax released a mirrorless in K mount. be it APS-C or FF. Such camera would be equal in size to current Pentax DLSRs ( bigger if it were FF )
Frankly, I don't think this is gonna a happen...
