what is the implication (product-wise) to the success/failure of Hoya+Pentax merger?
I would understand that originally Pentax has financial difficulties, hence the
seeking of a white knight.
Furthermore, R&D and competition in the digital arena is too competitive.
Seeing Panasonic and Sony emerging in the DSLR horizon with collaborations
with marquee German brands. Canon and Nikon are still very strong in DSLR offerings.
We know Pentax is not only a 35mm company, it has ventured into 645, 6x7 and
remarkable lens design in medium format arena.
However, coupled with consolidation, absorption (Konica-Minolta -> Sony), exiting film companies (Agfa, Konica), can Pentax survive and emerge triumphant in the digital onslaught.
K10D is indeed a breadth of fresh air for serious enthusiast with weather seals,
SR, ... reasonably cheap price,
and an army of limited edition fixed lens, if enthusiast is concern about
image quality.
In fact, I like the design concept of these two bodies: Panasonic L1 and K10D alot....
and I wish them well.