Pentax X-Change interchangeable lens concept

DSLRs get all the photog credit, what with those snazzy interchangeable lenses and decent image quality, but point and shooters get most of the work done for most consumers, thanks the the size and convenience of a tiny, easy to use camera. Well, nothing much going on for the "decent image quality" angle of things, but at Photokina, Pentax is showing off a "X-Change Point & Shoot" concept that demos an interchangeable lens system for a compact cam. The miniscule camera body has a pop-up flash, and can accept a variety of lenses. Interestingly, the CCD is built into each lens, allowing for different focal lengths, protection from dust, and what we suppose would be some hefty prices. Unfortunately, it looks like Pentax has been kicking this idea around since 2002, so we're not going to get our hopes up too much for an imminent release. Pentax has plenty of other interesting (and old) concepts they're showing off at Pk, so be sure to peep the read link to catch the rest.

[Via OhGizmo!]

[chris.pokocky @ Oct 2nd 2006 5:31PM]

Awesome camera. Keep up the good job Engadget. I read your weblog everyday and I find it's the best. I'll recommend it to my friends when I see them!

Bye,

Chris Pokocky/14/Canada

[Tony C @ Oct 2nd 2006 6:47PM]

It may be a concept, but it looks like a junky toy.

[TIMMAH! @ Oct 2nd 2006 7:13PM]

I don't think it's going to get much uptake. People who carry around point-and-shoots don't want to be taking along accessories. People who care about image quality and ranges of focal lengths are going to carry DSLRs. Reminds me of all those add-on lens accessories.

[HughJass @ Oct 2nd 2006 7:56PM]

It looks like a good idea on paper, but it probably won't fly in real life. Building the CCD into the lenses will make them extremely expensive, for one thing; I really don't see a market for this.

[Pete @ Oct 2nd 2006 8:20PM]

All the concept designs shown there (including the 'headless' DSLR with no viewfinder) were old designs, I believe -- all abandoned long ago and only shown for historical interest (a kind of "here's how we got where we are" sort of thing).