Somewhat surprisingly, last year, Ricoh executives said they expected most users to return to DSLRs after a few years. That does not appear to be happening, but it has not lessened the company's strong commitment to DSLRs, something they just reaffirmed.
Ricoh just launched a new website and accompanying videos to further confirm their commitment to DSLRs. Contained in the video are five principles such as how they "design new cameras through sheer devotion" and "pursue a level of quality and performance that can’t be measured by numbers alone." It is certainly a bold statement, as the rest of the industry is not only expanding into mirrorless aggressively, but beginning to abandon DSLRs altogether. I personally loved the Pentax K-1 when I reviewed it, and I think the company makes cameras with some of the most innovative and clever features out there, but it does make me a bit sad that they have no plans to enter the mirrorless realm. Hopefully, they will be able to continue to hold their small but loyal user base, as I do truly think they make some great cameras. Check out the video above to hear more about their philosophy.
Good to know that at least 1 brand will remain in the dslr business.
They may be hoping to gather all the disaffected mirror fans. They might.
They seem to think that could be a long term strategy. I think in 2-3 years the EVF will surpass the OVF in every single way, and Ricoh will either have to ditch Pentax, or have a mirrorless contingency backup plan.
There is one way an EVF can never even approach an OVF: for many people, myself among them, photography is an experiential endeavor and for a lot of us, actually looking at the subject, rather than a digital projection of it, is an integral part of that experience.
You're missing the point, and that is at some point in time the EVF will not have that effect anymore. It's inevitable. Technology will march on. You'll simply reach a point where you're just going to realize this is true. Until then you're free to maintain your doubt. :-)
Actually, you're the one missing the point. It's not about an effect, it's about a fact. Think "The Matrix".
I'm not gonna worry about it, because once it happens, I know that you're not gonna worry about it either and just use it. :-)
Well, there it is: the most arrogant statement I'll read today and it's still early morning.
You'll see.
I already know and you will never see.
Is this their Kodak Moment??
Same time next year, when people start to dump their D750s and 5DIVs at lower prices, how will Pentax compete? Olympus at least had the courage and integrity to admit they are pulling the plug. These guys are trying to fool people to buy into a dead system.
"I was answering more to a person in the comments section who boldly pronounced the micro 4/3 system dead, because HE doesn't like it. I don't like oranges. Guess these fruits are dead now..."
Olympus has still yet to admit they’re pulling the pull.
It would be great if they Leica M-ed a different path forward than the rest.