While it appears that DSLRs are phasing out, there is one brand that appears to be trying to change this: Pentax. If you are someone who is looking to buy a DSLR, then reports of this camera can be of help. Here is a look at a report on how Pentax is changing that.
In a report by DigiCame-Info, it appears that photographer Nozomi Tanaka has shared information about Ricoh developing a new Pentax camera. However, the other part is that if it is ever launched, then it will take some time. As he said on X.com:
A little while ago, I heard from someone that ‘PENTAX is currently working on the development and design of the next model (apparently).’ Of course, this refers to a new digital SLR camera product, but they said, ‘Even if it’s coming out, we’ll have to wait a while.’ The true intentions are unclear, but for SLR camera enthusiasts, it’s happy news.
In 2025, we did report that Pentax was planning to introduce a new K-3 III replacement, since the original was discontinued. Tanaka’s own analysis points toward a full frame K-mount body for the future. The Pentax KF was the last APS-C DSLR in the lineup, which was recently discontinued. This means that the K-1 Mk II is the only Pentax DSLR that was introduced in 2018. Thus, an APS-C successor means a whole new lens system, which seems unlikely.
So, what does a full frame camera might look like? One of the most common is the improved in-body stabilization, along with K-1 II’s Pixel Shift technology. It also includes the introduction of a fixed LCD monitor alongside FA Limited lens lineup, which was loved by all. In addition, this includes the discontinuation of lenses such as the DFA 70-210mm. Given this background, a development news carries a lot of weight.
Since the report, the community has been showcasing a bit of frustration. The report is no longer coming from an official statement, and that is one of the reasons why people are annoyed. At the same time, they further added, “If they make a development announcement and then can’t release it, they’d have to announce the cancellation.”
There is also another challenge: Can Pentax attract new users if they launch a new DSLR? Some believe that the company can’t compete with the mirrorless industry, and they can’t even rely on users waiting for OVF. As one person put it, “If we don’t stop the decline with the appeal of returning to mirrorless once again, I can’t help but think we will eventually hear the footsteps of the end.”
What seems to not be mentioned much is a 645 DSLR of some sort. This was by far, Pentax’s best. And if a DSLR were to be launched, this would make the most sense in terms of longevity and to take on the rest of the photo industry.
For context, the news sits at an interesting intersection. CIPA data has shown that DSLRs are collapsing, and they have lost their year-on-year value. Pentax seems like the only brand to develop a new model, just like how they made the half-frame Pentax 17. Ricoh has also been silent about this, which further makes the report challenging.
With the K-1 Mk II on the market, it’s time that Pentax made a clear statement. It’s not because the community needs an immediate release, but because the silence can be read as something else entirely.
Who knows, maybe we’ll get a new medium format camera model too. If anything, that may be the single best choice that Pentax could make considering the sensor tech that’s out there.