The Pentax Q series is a series of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras made by Pentax and introduced in 2011 with the initial model Pentax Q. As of September 2012, it is the world’s smallest, lightest interchangeable lens digital camera. The first models used a 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) back-illuminated sensor CMOS image sensor, which is substantially smaller than the sensors in other interchangeable lens cameras. The Q7, introduced in June 2013, uses an almost 50% larger 1/1.7" type sensor (7.44 x 5.58 mm).
Characteristics
The small sensor size means that the Q series has a crop factor of 5.6× (or 4.7x for the Q7 and Q-S1) and a short flange focal distance (FFD). With the 5.6× crop factor, a 100 mm macro lens (for example) becomes a (35 mm equivalent) 560 mm extreme telephoto or an extreme close-up lens capable of 1:1 macro reproduction. An additional implication of the 5.6x crop factor and associated optics is that depth of field (DOF) is increased proportionally for a given aperture setting (in comparison to the 35mm equivalent depth of field at the corresponding aperture). In some applications this gives the Pentax Q an advantage over more conventional mirrorless sensor formats, which offsets other limitations arising from the smaller sensor size. Moreover the Pentax Q includes bokeh functions to provide additional control over DOF effects so that shallow focus can be achieved if required.
The short FFD of the Pentax Q series allows the use of third-party adapters to mount lenses from many manufacturers on the Pentax Q body, including Olympus OM, Canon FD, Minolta, M42 screw mount, C-Mount, D-Mount, Pentax K, and Pentax 6×7. A Pentax adapter for Pentax K-mount lenses was announced for delivery in the spring of 2012, but was delayed until October, 2012.
The camera is equipped with sensor-shift image stabilization technology to improve image quality in low light or when using telephoto lenses.
Models
Pentax Q
The initial model was announced in June, 2011.
Pentax Q10
Announced in September, 2012, the Q10 has a slightly redesigned body and an improved sensor. Most features and specifications were unchanged.
Pentax Q7
The Q7 was announced in June 2013 and has a larger 1/1.7" sensor.
Without viewfinder, Pentax Q7 is smaller than the rival Canon PowerShot G15 with optical viewfinder which both have the same sensor size. Pentax Q7 available with 6 grip colors and 20 body colors makes combination of 120 camera colors.
The camera is compatible with all Q mount lenses. Due to the larger sensor size, the camera cannot use the whole sensor when using a few lenses. The camera is able to compensate automatically by using only the centre of the sensor when using these lenses.
Pentax Q-S1
The Q-S1 was announced August 4, 2014. It has a 1/1.7" sensor, and comes in 4 standard color combinations, with 36 additional body and grip color combinations available.
Lenses
Eight lenses have been released for the Pentax Q. As of June 2013, no third-party manufacturer had released lenses for the Q-mount. However with the use of third party adapters including C-Mount and D-Mount adapters to suit cine (16mm and 8mm format respectively) lenses many other lenses can be used with the Q and Q10. Pentax lenses released for the Q system are as follows:
See also
- Pentax Auto 110
- List of Pentax products
References
External links
- Official website
- Pentax Q review at Pentax Forums