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Samsung Developing Full-Frame Pro DSLR
Posted by Matt Buchanan at 10:50 AM on April 12, 2008
The new horserace for DSLR cameramakers is in full-frame (equivalent to 35mm) pro cameras, formerly a Canon-dominated market. Nikon's stunning D3 was its first full-frame DSLR (after years of saying it's unnecessary) and Sony unveiled its own 25MP whopper in January (they're trying to quickly build technical prestige). Now Samsung has let on it's cooking its own full-frame sensor for a pro camera. They're probably co-developing with Pentax (again) since the exec that slipped the plans re-emphasised their coziness, so we'll likely see the same sensor in cameras from both makers, with differentiation in the body and software. Digital Camera Review says that the Pentax K20D's "image quality is among the best I've seen in the sub $2,000 price range," and Pentax usually delivers a nice price-to-performance ratio, so this could make the full-frame DSLR market a lot more interesting. [Amateur Photographer via Electronista]
Tags: digital cameras | dslrs | gadgets | pentax | rumours | samsung
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itchytooth
Posted 11:52 AM 12/4/08
Here's a review of the K20D.
[www.digitalcamerareview.com]
itchytooth
Schweppes
Posted 12:45 PM 12/4/08
The K20D has been been available for a month or so now, the GX-20 should be available in stores some time this month. Both use a 14.6MP APS-C sensor, as you already reported here ( [gizmodo.com] ) and here ( [gizmodo.com] ).
The problem Samsung and Pentax face right now is that their DA series of lenses are set up for APS-C sensors and would vignette quite badly on a full frame camera unless the camera reduces active sensor area when used with a DA lens (defeating the point of having a full frame camera). That would leave users looking for (often discontinued) FA glass, other even older lenses, or 3rd party offerings.
I expect that a full frame camera will show up eventually, but Pentax and Samsung are going to have to get their lens offerings lined up to support it first.
(Full disclosure: I own a K10 and have been quite happy with it).
Schweppes
Mandatory_Field
Posted 1:40 PM 12/4/08
@Schweppes: "The problem Samsung and Pentax face right now is that their DA series of lenses are set up for APS-C sensors and would vignette quite badly on a full frame camera"...
I have a K10D as well, and am also very happy with it. Particularly since it supports my nice collection of mostly older lenses quite well. Ironically enough, the smaller sensor would also likely see better performance from these lenses than a full frame would, owing to the fact that it's using the better (centre) part of the lenses.
Mandatory_Field
powerball
Posted 2:26 PM 12/4/08
I know the D3 is the only Nikon not using a Sony sensor, but no one seems to know who builds this one for Nikon. You can't just product full frame CMOS overnight, maybe this points to the D3 being Samsung inside. We know its not Canon making it either. The next boom in DSLR is going to be sub $2k full frames.
powerball
itchytooth
Posted 5:20 PM 12/4/08
@Schweppes: Oh, are we disclosing? Well, in that case, I would like to disclose that I have a K10D too and that the best thing you can do with that camera is put a 50mm f/1.4 lens on it, if you haven't already.
itchytooth
Schweppes
Posted 6:24 PM 12/4/08
@itchytooth: Somehow I'm not surprised that the people replying in a thread on Pentax cameras already own them.
So far I'm getting my 50mm fix with the M50mm f/2 kit lens that came with my K1000 years ago. Really not a bad lens, especially above f/2.8. When I visit my parents I've made a point of borrowing my Dad's older M42 lenses, and it's impressive how well they work in aperture priority on the K10. As much as I'd like a 50 f/1.4 I'm thinking that my next lens will be a fast prime somewhere between 28 and 35mm, as for indoor use I kind of miss the wider perspective that 50mm gave on film (which takes us back to why there is a market for both digital cameras with full frame sensors and fast wide angle APS-C lenses).
Any of you guys hang around on PentaxForums or any of the other Pentax dedicated websites?
Schweppes
matt buchanan
Posted 4:59 AM 13/4/08
@powerball: Nikon developed it themselves, or at least that's what they told us at the D3/D300 launch.
matt buchanan
matt buchanan
Posted 4:58 AM 13/4/08
@itchytooth: Thanks, added.
matt buchanan
itchytooth
Posted 6:38 AM 13/4/08
@Schweppes: I've searched through it but don't really hang out there.
I would really love to get this, but probably won't be able to afford it anytime soon.
itchytooth