On 1/12/03 11:33 AM, "Rick Diaz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> There is a perception that Pentax can't design a > computer system in any of their cameras. The reality > is that, they can and they did. Hi folks, Above is true. In the current digital development, Pentax are putting more emphasis on the software side (they can design any level of hardware), and hiring more software engineers now. They also formed a JV called "Gear Neuve" with Altech & Sanyo to promote the direct digital image transmission thru PHS, mainly targeted for commercial use (construction industry etc). This will also trickle into consumer market eventually. Pentax is certainly not sleeping. All they are doing is to measure the most profitable and timely entry into the lucrative market. BTW, one of the largest camera franchise published their best 10 sales ranking of digital cameras for the last fiscal half of 2002. Just for your entertainment. Surprise, surprise! >From the gadget freak land of Japan, trend is still the compact P&S. Advanced amateurs, like everywhere else, are basically taking a "wait & see" attitude for DSLR. No rush, unless you really need them, such as for product shots etc. Today's digital P&S satisfy most consumers. This particular franchise predicts the popularity of 5mp P&S and DSLR at $1,000 level in 2003. We shall see. Other large camera franchise would soon release their latest ranking. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1st Pentax Optio 330GS Explosive sales. Very Pentax-like compactness. Swivelling monitor is excellent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2nd Nikon D100 Excellent body construction. Reduction of price by less initial options worked well. Good constant sales. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3rd Minolta DiMage Xi Shot up to 3rd ranking despite it was released only in Nov. Thin & stylish body. Switch campaign (X to Xi) also worked. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4th Canon IXY digital 200a Excellent ranking despite the full model change to IXY320 in Oct. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5th Canon EOS D-60 Behind D100 mainly because of product shortage in July/Aug. It comes with more initial options, as opposing to D100. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6th Pentax Optio 430RS Pioneer in 4mp P&S digital. Very Pentax-like, such as compact metal body and user friendly button controls. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7th Fuji FinePix F401 Square body with blue illumination, high res honeycomb CCD. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8th Nikon CoolPix 5000 Despite over 1 year old model, overwhelming support from wide angle lovers. With the free firmware update, both new and used ones are selling constantly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9th Minolta DiMage 7i 28-200mm equiv. Of versatile zoom. Manual zoom is the key to the success. Very easy to frame the picture. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 10th Olympus Camedia 5050 Excellent ranking despite the release in Nov. and the price is not that cheap. Can use XD, SmartMedia & CF. 5mp with F1.8 lens. Sales is expected to rise.
