> Throwing away compatibility to a really huge extent, like building > small-image-circle lenses for the DSLR, would *really* go against Pentax > history. I'm feeling more confident they won't do something that dumb.
Mark, I really beg to differ. This would not be dumb at all, it would be SMART. Canon and Nikon have already started doing it (Canon's digital-only lenses are expected at this PMA or in Japan). One of the MAJOR advantages of digital is that you can get high quality out of a smaller-than-35mm sensor, and this in turn paves the way for smaller, lighter, faster lenses. There's no reason to be forced to buy a telephoto that covers 35mm when you're trying to do nature and wildlife work with a DSLR like the *ist D; and there's no reason to have to bear the expense, size, and slow speed of what for 35mm is super-wide-angle, when all you need to cover is the smaller sensor of the *ist D. I will be surprised and disappointed if Pentax doesn't follow through with at least a limited series of lenses specifically for the *ist D. This is exactly what is needed in digital photography, not the continued application of vestigial technology that's clearly on the way out. --Mike
