So, having been beaten to within an inch of extinction by Canon and Nikon it looks like Pentax has been forced to co-operate with the Koreans to survive in the lucrative but highly-competitive DSLR market. Sadly it seems they had no option but to hand-over their flagship model, the *ist DS2, to be ignominiously badge-engineered until the 'joint' NPD program finally bears fruit. This is a sell-out for Pentax. Samsung is an aggressive, down-and-dirty commercial operation with little respect for Pentax's hard-earned heritage. Slapping Samsung across the best Pentax can offer is a slap in the face of a cherished photographic brand. Saumsung will now buy their way into the market (which, given their lack of brand prestige will mean selling cheap!), thus leaving Pentax struggling to sell the same product via independent distributors at lower volume and marked-up prices. A sad, lingering death for an illustrious and well-loved brand!