Pentax' 100th anniversary flagship camera might be delayed

Pentax' 100th anniversary flagship camera might be delayed
(Image credit: Ricoh Imaging)

The new Pentax flagship APS-C DSLR, revealed as part of the manufacturer's 100th anniversary celebrations, looks like it might be "behind schedule", according to a report from Japan.

Scheduled for a release in 2020, with a purported summer announcement, the latest news suggests that the Pentax flagship might miss its targeted release date – perhaps by some margin. 

That's according to Japanese photographer Kimio Tanaka (via the folks at Pentax Rumors), who has a very good track record when it comes to insider information regarding Pentax products. 

• Read more: Best Pentax cameras

"Pentax's 'APS-C size best model' scheduled to be released next year, but I hoped that it would be released before summer, but I expected that it would be a bit behind the "schedule" and maybe too late in the summer Not even if not," tweeted the photographer (apologies for the clunky Google translation). 

"The appearance of 'Wolf Shonen Pentax', which doesn't come out easily, saying 'I'm going to come out'? Do I have to wait patiently?"

Tanaka gave no hints as to what could be causing the delay, though with events such as Sigma abandoning the K-mount last year – 10 days before the camera went on display at the Pentax Meeting 100th Anniversary Special, no less – it's a possible indication of trouble in paradise. 

Precious little is known about the camera, other than its APS-C sensor (which we hope will see an upgrade from the 24MP sensors in Pentax' current APS-C lineup), and the fact that it possesses Shake Reduction image stabilization (evidenced by the gold "SR" emblazoned on the front). 

The form factor looks like a cross between the Pentax KP and K-70, with a grip that is slightly less pronounced than the latter, but it's sleeker and more svelte than either predecessor. It incorporates both a rear joystick and a top LCD panel, but its rear screen does not tilt or articulate. 

While Pentax cameras are a bit of an acquired taste, it's a brand that's quite dear to us here at Digital Camera World – so we certainly hope that this one does materialize sometime this year.

Read more: 

Ricoh executives think mirrorless photographers will soon return to DSLRs
Pentax celebrates 100th anniversary with… limited edition $50 hot shoe cover?
The best Pentax lenses in 2019: our top lens suggestions for your Pentax camera

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.