Have we reached peak digicam?
Best of Pentax Forums Newsletter March 5, 2026
Has digicam tech plateaued?
There’s always a lot of talk here on the Forums about when Pentax cameras will be upgraded. Perhaps a better question is has digicam technology plateaued?
There was a time early in the digital camera age when each new model was a revelation. Hasn’t that time passed? The Pentax K-3 III is an amazing camera — I own the Monochrome version — but what picture can you create with one that you couldn’t create with, say, a Pentax K-5? So what say you? Have digicams plateaued, so that each new model is just an incremental improvement? Or do you believe new tech leaps are still to come in sensors and optics? Vote in this week’s poll, and let us know why you do what you do in the comments!
Elsewhere in this week’s newsletter, BertieK shares her award-winning still life; mlag has some…interesting…views on travel camera gear, and Forum Member Angus_M89 reviews the Pentax BG 10 battery grip and the Pentax Zoom 90 WR.
If you’ve been forwarded this newsletter, please take a moment to join the almost 1,600 Pentaxians who have subscribed to our free curated compendium of the hundreds of great images and post shared each week in our Pentax community. Please let us know your thoughts here in the comments and on our Pentax Forums, and have a perfect Pentaxian week!
Threads of the Week:
Pentax K-3iii Monochrome comes in 1st place in DPR Still Life Challenge
March 2, 2026 • General Photography • 34 replies • 806 views
BertieK said — The picture was mine & the photographer was me. Such a great camera. Read more »
March 2, 2026 • General Photography • 7 replies • 215 views
Mooncatt said — I went out last weekend to try and get some winter shots before everything melted away. Didn’t have much luck with that, but my son wanted to come along with his new-to-him camera. We gifted him an *ist DS and Tamron AF 18-250mm for Christmas and he has been primarily enjoying setting up Lego scenes to capture. He only took a few shots before deciding climbing on levy rocks and the frozen lake shore were more interesting, but I was able to snag this of him before abandoning his camera. Lol. Read more »
March 1, 2026 • General Photography • 2 replies • 332 views
mlag said — Jean Massart 1865-1925 was a scientist using the new photography technique to document the evolution of the natural environment, and the human impact on the landscape. He used a large format camera with glass plates, and even today his plates provide sufficient detail to provide info on vegetation in his landscapes. Read more »
Pentaxian User Reviews
Pentax Accessories
Pentax BG 10 battery grip
Reviewed by Forum Member Angus_M89
Review Date: February 28, 2026 Recommended | Price: $100.00 | Rating: 10
Pros: Ergonomics go up, functions on the grip Cons:
I liked the MZ-S by itself but with all my cameras excluding the K-1 I have added grips. On each they have improved the handling by a lot, except the MZ-3’s which was a small improvement but not the best.
The convenience of AA batteries, the ability to hold horizontally and vertically with access to essential buttons is convenient. It doesn’t tip over unless with a protruding long lens. If you can, get one as it is a great item to have.
Pentax Cameras
Pentax Zoom 90 WR
Reviewed by Forum Member Angus_M89
Review Date: February 26, 2026 Recommended | Price: $20.00 | Rating: 9
Pros: Ergonomics, functionality Cons:
I have the Panorama version of this. Essentially the same as normal version with the extra feature of a panorama switch on the back.
I bought mine after buying, trying and repairing probably 40 or so Pentax film cameras in the past two years. I basically bought cheap ‘broken’ cameras with simple fixes, film tested them, then on-sold for profit. I have kept about 9 that I enjoy and use on a rotating roster. After this period I realised I wanted a camera that could go with my young family into the pool, on tropical beach holidays, withstand the elements. Yes my LX and K-1 could probably do that but I didn’t want to risk an expensive camera. After some research, I decided on the Zoom 90 WR. I also wanted something more affordable to fit in my bag or pocket to do some night city-scape and street photography.
My copy came with original Japanese receipt, box, carry case and manual. No scratches, lens drama or issues functionally. The panorama switch is broken but that isn’t a regularly used feature.
First impressions, size and ergonomics. I had expected a smaller point and shoot style camera but this is a chunky boy that fits very nicely into my hands. The materials of the body and buttons feel very good. Everything is well placed including the lights at the viewfinder.
The features packed into this really surprised me. I love that there is a feature to set how long to keep the shutter open for. Paired with the infinite range button; Great for night time photography as I would estimate shooting 4 to 8 seconds on 400ISO film with the widest aperture will produce usable negatives. Its light enough that a small tripod with flexible legs can be used. Read the manual and see how much Pentax packed into this.
AF is neither here nor there. I haven’t had any dramas or issues and its quiet so I can’t add much there. Zooming in and out by 5mm increments is handy rather than guessing lengths.
Carry case is good, simple in and out. Batteries are unique so have to prepare to get them if they need replacing. Loading film is simple. Photos are simple. Really this is a good beginner camera or for someone with more experience who just wanted a simpler approach for a specific thing like me.
Comment of the Week:
Moderator texandrews on What’s your generation? The Best of Pentax Forums February 26 Poll: You know....now that you mention it, as I think back to the first times I visited camera stores, it wasn't exactly a bunch of youngsters in those stores. One or 2 younger ones, but most often middle aged. We're talking the '70's and '80's in terms of "back then". Furthermore, in that same time, a golden age for camera swap meets, it was mostly middle aged men at the booths/tables and as customers. Perhaps younger people have always been the minority in the photo world?
As far as sales go, I just bought my first cameras since 2016 in late 2024 and last spring of 2025. So we in older demographics still have some buying power left in us. I'll be 70 this year, but I'm certain I haven't bought my last cameras, plural. The problem really is that my cameras are still so good for my type of shooting, slow and measured, that I don't have a lot of need for "upgrades" of the sorts that are being offered.
Have digicams plateaued?
The Best of Pentax Forums March 5 Poll
There’s always a lot of talk here on the Forums about when Pentax cameras will be upgraded. Perhaps a better question is this:
Has digicam technology plateaued?
There was a time early in the digital camera age when each new model was a revelation. Hasn’t that time passed? The Pentax K-3 III is an amazing camera — I own the Monochrome version — but what picture can you create with one that you couldn’t create with, say, a Pentax K-5?
Smartphone technology has definitely plateaued. Samsung rolled out its 2026 phones last week, and announced that for $1,300 of your hard-earned money you could get the new Galaxy S26 Ultra with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 instead of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 4 in the Galaxy S25 Ultra or the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 in the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Oh, and Samsung says this year’s models are not smartphones. Samsung calls the new models "AI phones" and focused on trying to get consumers excited about AI features.
So what say you? Have digicams plateaued, so that each new model is just an incremental improvement? Or do you believe new tech leaps are still to come in sensors and optics? Vote in this week’s poll, and let us know why you do what you do in the comments!
This poll closes March 11.
And here's this week's PentaxForums YouTube video:
And here are the results of last week’s poll:
Weekly Photo Challenges
Project 52-14-9: Think Square, until 3-8 (Sunday)
Go on a discovery tour and photograph things that are naturally square.
Architecture & Cityscapes: Look for square windows, floor tiles, ventilation grilles, or modern building facades.
Everyday Objects: Showcase square items from your home, such as light switches, coasters, QR codes, or square packaging.
Color in a Square: Combine the challenge with a specific color (e.g., "Only red squares"). Post your best photo, but most importantly: Have fun!
I'm looking forward to seeing many familiar and new participants of Project 52 and am excited to see your interpretations of the "think square" theme.
And here’s the entry from Moderator garywakeling: Fortunately my wife is making a quilt from lots of little cut out squares this week. I was banned from using candles as lighting. K3iii and 20-40mm Limited: QUILT SQUARES
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Pentaxian Profile: Ashraf Saleh
“Reason to Grow”
By PF Staff in Pentaxian Profiles on May 7, 2011
Photography was not an inherited love for me, but it was an inherent love that blossomed swiftly. It crept up unawares in the dawn of a new era in my life when both finances were available and the family unit was to expand. I also had no idea I would want to pursue it so fervently as to learn the business of professional photography, but it would become a part-time pleasure to practice.
PentaxForum Front page stories Feb 26-March 4
Your camera doesn’t need an upgrade and neither do you: Camera technology has plateaued
By cjfeola in Columns on Feb 28, 2026
There were no lines around the block for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
When Apple released the iPhone 17 Pro Max last September every reviewer remarked on the most remarkable new feature:
Orange. And not just any orange. COSMIC Orange.
To be fair, it’s not Apple’s fault. All successful tech adaption follows an S curve:
Figure out how it works
Rapid improvements as the tech matures
A final plateau where each new model is just an incremental improvement, and companies switch to fashion and marketing to move units
Digicams have also plateaued. And the market has noticed.
Announcing “Trees” - Our March 2026 Photo Contest
Win prizes in our official monthly photo contests
By PF Staff in Photo Contests on Mar 2, 2026
We’re herewith announcing our monthly photo contest for March. The theme for this month is Trees.For the contest this month show us an image of one or more trees. Good luck! First prize is a $50 gift card to B&H Photo, second prize is a one year forum account upgrade, and third prize is a box of photo paper form Red River.
The official contest rules are found here. Click here to submit a photo for the contest.