Pages

Pentax Q: compact system camera

  • Launched: June 2011 Type: Compact system camera Sensor: 1/2.3inch CMOS Resolution: 12.4MP Kit lens: 8.5mm f1.9 Movies: Full HD 
Summary: The Pentax Q is a compact system camera which uses a much smaller sensor than its rivals. It's the smallest camera of its type, but will affect the image quality, especially at higher ISOs. The Pentax Q takes dedicated Q-mount lenses, offers a range of creative shooting modes and full HD movies, but little else to give it an edge.

Key features
• The smallest of all compact system cameras, but with a very small 1/2.3-inch sensor the same size as those in regular digital compacts.

• Takes dedicated super-compact Q-mount lenses, currently including a 5-15mm kit zoom, 8.5mm f1.9 prime lens, 3.2mm f5.6 fisheye, 6.3mm f1.7 ‘toy’ lens, 18mm f8 ‘toy’ telephoto.

• Kit lens is a 5-15mm f2.8-4.5, equivalent to 27.5-83mm, or the same zoom range as the usual kit lenses on digital SLRs and other compact system cameras.

• Smart Effects modes, including Brilliant Color, Unicolor Bold, Vintage Color, Cross Processing, Warm Fade, Tone Expansion, Bold Monochrome, Water Color, Vibrant Color Enhance, User-defined.

• In-built ‘bokeh’ control for creative background blur effects.

Full specifications
  • Sensor: 1/2.3-inch CMOS
  • Megapixels: 12.4
  • Kit lens: 85mm f1.9
  • Image stabilisation: Sensor shift
  • Autofocus: 25-point contrast-detection AF, manual focus
  • Closest focus: TBC
  • Metering: Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot
  • ISO: 125-6400
  • Shutter speeds: 30-1/8000sec
  • LCD: 3-inch, 460K dots
  • Viewfinder: No
  • Flash: Guide No 5.6 at ISO 125
  • Modes: Program AE, Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority, Manual, Scene modes
  • Continuous shooting: 5fps up to 5 JPEGs
  • Movies: Full HD 1920 x 1080
  • File types: JPEG, RAW, MPEG-4 H.264
  • Memory: Memory Stick Pro Duo, SD/SDHC/SDXC
  • Battery life: 230 shots (CIPA)
  • Dimensions: 98 x 57.5 x 31mm, 200g (body only)

Links
Pentax UK press release
Pentax UK product page