Now Pentax abandons 6MP SLR
By Ian Burley
22nd October - 2001
 |  |
Contrary to a report in Amateur Photographer that we carried last week (click here), Pentax has now confirmed that their proposed 6 megapixel SLR has been abandoned. AP had optimistically reported that Pentax was preparing to launch the code-named MR-52 in time for Christmas.
This disappointing news follows previous confirmation that there will no improved versions of the current EI-2000 fixed-lens digital SLR, also marketed by HP as the C-912.
The MR-52, which would have looked much like the current Pentax film SLR flagship, the MZ-S (above). It promised 6 megapixels and, perhaps more importantly, a full frame (35mm) CCD image sensor made by Philips. The camera would have been unique in offering interchangeable lenses for a digital SLR without the penalty of focal-length distortion caused by the use of a sensor smaller than a conventional 35mm film frame (24x36mm).
Cost was the final blow
Earlier today, Pentax UK marketing manager, John Dickins, told Digital Photography Now: “There were two considerations; technical and marketing. In the end, it wouldn’t have fitted in with our target market.” In other words, the camera would have been too expensive to have been viable.
Dickins added: “We’re best known for ease of use and compact zoom cameras and that’s where our focus will lie in the digital market.” Spearheading the existing Pentax range is the Optio 330 (right), an ultra compact 3 megapixel model with a 3X zoom, soon to be joined by the 4 megapixel Optio 430.
An important point to note is that Dickins agreed Pentax could have made the MR-52 camera if it had really wanted to. Technically, he said, the camera was there, but it would have been too expensive.
Contax might not follow Pentax
The other camera marque lined up to use the Philips CCD, is Contax. Traditionally, Contax customers don’t worry too much about cost, so DPN hopes the bad news from Pentax won’t be followed by a similar story from Contax.
Two weeks ago, we were told by Contax, that the launch of the N Digital SLR was still scheduled for early in the New Year 2002.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
DPN News service
www.dp-now.com
