On Wed, 25 Sep 2002, Collin Brendemuehl wrote: > Look @ Pentax' growing list of digital units. > There's 8 different options now.
How do you figure? They currently make the 330RS (3MP), 430RS (4MP), and have just announced the 330GS (3MP update of the 2MP 230). That's three cameras. If you want verification, go to: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Pentax/ It's true that they've made eight units in total (including 2 with HP and 2 that are variations of the 330RS and 430Rs), but only 3 are options right now. > They've got some fine consumer units, just like their film cameras. Well, they're good if you're looking for small size, a metal body, and the standard 3x optical zoom. They're not good if you want accurate white balance, any sort of macro mode at all, audio capability, shutter or aperture priority, decent battery life, etc. etc. They're niche products, which is fine, but all 3 are designed very similarly, so there's no other options to keep people loyal to the brand if they want something different later. > If the discussions concerning rumor are correct, > Pentax may come out with a single high-end > digital unit, but, as with the LX & MZ-S, would > spend its resources on the consumer end. > Nothing surprising here. Fine, but give us some variety! Their film p&s's run the gamut from cheap zoomless ones through long telephotos, the best wide angle (28mm) zoom selection of any major manufacturer, and Class 5 waterproof zooms. Their selection and prices have given them a world-class film p&s lineup. It's a shame that their digital p&s lineup is noteworthy for its lack of diversification and its high prices. chris
