Jan 20, 2006, 05:39
Pentax... lenses? I suppose even though the cameras have been rebadged as Samsungs, the design still comes from the Pentax stable. But I agree - I hope they remain a player in the market.
Actually the more I think about it, the more I'm saddened by the loss of Konica Minolta. I consider them one of the true photographic companies (although they're into photocopiers and other commercial electronics, like Canon). The Sonys, Panasonics, Samsungs, even though they may make some good cameras - they're originally electronics who've just happened to move into this domain. Part of their R&D will have to be split between their other divisions making plasmas, toaster, microwaves and whatever else. I think for companies such as Nikon, Pentax, Olympus and Canon (well mostly), their entire business and reputation is built on cameras and photographics, and as such would be more inclined to push the envelope, innovate and forge ahead. Other electronics companies would rather play the me too game and service the consumer mummy and daddy point and shoot market.
Actually the more I think about it, the more I'm saddened by the loss of Konica Minolta. I consider them one of the true photographic companies (although they're into photocopiers and other commercial electronics, like Canon). The Sonys, Panasonics, Samsungs, even though they may make some good cameras - they're originally electronics who've just happened to move into this domain. Part of their R&D will have to be split between their other divisions making plasmas, toaster, microwaves and whatever else. I think for companies such as Nikon, Pentax, Olympus and Canon (well mostly), their entire business and reputation is built on cameras and photographics, and as such would be more inclined to push the envelope, innovate and forge ahead. Other electronics companies would rather play the me too game and service the consumer mummy and daddy point and shoot market.