Last Updated on 01/30/2025 by Lara Carretero
When one talks about the camera industry, it is pretty evident that mirrorless cameras are anyone’s go-to deal. They are fast, efficient, and smaller to carry but may come with a hefty price tag. Yet, mirrorless cameras seem to be what most photographers want. While major camera manufacturers are now focusing on widening their horizons in this lineup, Ricoh’s Pentax appears ready to go against the tide. How so? It is alleged that they will launch a new DSLR this year. As shocking as it may seem, this could either be an innovation or a total disaster. Here’s a look at what to expect.
According to Pentax Rumors and Digi Came Info, an insider told photographer Kimio Tanaka that Pentax will launch a new and “serious” DSLR camera. This news comes following the discontinuation of their flagship APS-C DSLR, the Pentax K-3 III. What made the camera interesting was merging the DSLR experience with modern technology that will appeal to those who do not wish to leave their DSLRs behind. According to the post, the insider stated:
For Pentax, the end of production was unfortunate, and they are probably already planning a ‘next’ SLR camera to replace the K-3 III. Unless their boss Ricoh suddenly changes its mind, it will be a ‘serious and interesting’ SLR camera to be announced in the not-too-distant future. I look forward to seeing what kind of camera it will be. Although I said that the ‘Pentax K-3 III’ has finally been discontinued, it is not because of poor sales. I think there must have been some ‘unavoidable circumstances’ that led to the end of production. Since I have had a long and long relationship with Pentax, I can easily imagine the reasons. This has happened from time to time in the past.
At the moment, there is no other specification available about the device. However, users have been speculating whether Pentax is about to revive the dying lineup or unveil a new successor since the announcement.
But many still ask: Is a DSLR worth it in 2025? Many who do not appreciate analog photography said the same when the company announced the Pentax 17, a half-frame analog camera that received glowing reviews. No, it wasn’t because the device was perfect but because of Pentax’s ability to think outside the box.
Although we did not review the Pentax K-3 Mk III, we did test the K1 Mk II, K-30, and K3. As we reported earlier, Pentax has been unbeatable in its build quality, with the Pentax K-S2, the KP, the K-70, the K1, and the K1 II being some examples of products created to withstand any challenge. In addition, a new DSRL, with a larger viewfinder, lighter weight, and better ergonomics, could also truly help people to step away from the mirrorless craze. Now, I am not a pessimist here, but despite the slightly sluggish speed of DSLRs, they still are some of the cheapest options out there. In fact, many Gen Zs or those needing a bridge camera opt for it.
Here are a few things Pentax could do differently:
- A high-resolution sensor. The K-3 Mark III already has a 25.7MP APS-C sensor, which, in today’s age, will not be enough for those who want more details. Furthermore, sticking to a full-frame sensor instead of an APS-C could also really help them.
- Faster autofocus is another region that can truly help the device reach new heights, including more focus points.
- A better buffer capacity will also allow photographers to shoot at faster frame rates, which is helpful in wildlife and street photography.
- A light build with better ergonomics will also help the brand to attract more users.
- Improving weather sealing would make the camera more reliable in harsh conditions.
- The K1 Mk II lacked a touch screen, which it would be criminal not to have in 2025. Furthermore, the menu should be sorted better, just like a Leica.
- Lastly, a better lens eco-system would also be helpful, as third-party lenses are unlikely to cater to a niche camera market.
Pentax has the opportunity to create another innovation, which could be a professional tool or a mid-tier luxury product. Perhaps it could be a DSLR that sits with other top-tier cameras, and trust us when we say this: if it’s retro, it will sell. If Pentax is learning anything from its past, then it will perhaps be the first to venture into an era that other manufacturers have abandoned and become the first few who can easily rule.