Pentax Q series
 Pentax Q with zoom lens | |
| Maker | Pentax |
|---|---|
| Type | Mirrorless |
| Image sensor type | BSI-CMOS sensor |
| Image sensor size | 1/2.3″ (1/1.7″ for Q7), 12.4 megapixel |
| Recording medium | SD, SDHC, SDXC |
| Maximum resolution | 4:3 native: 4000 x 3000, 3456x2592, 2688x2016, 1920x1440 |
| Lens mount | Pentax Q-mount, bayonet, stainless steel mount |
| Focus | autofocus with manual override |
| Flash | built-in: P-TTL, popup extension, GN 7m, 1/2000 s sync (leaf shutter), 1/13 s (electronic); external P-TTL, 1/250 s sync |
| Frame rate | 5-frame burst; 1.5fps sustained |
| Shutter | electronic, leaf shutter in lens where applicable |
| Shutter speeds | 30 s to 1/2000 s mechanical; 2 s to 1/8000 s electronic |
| Viewfinder | optional optical suitable for 8.5mm f1.9 lens |
| Custom WB | auto, CTE, manual set; presets: daylight, shade, cloudy, fluorescent (D, N, W, L), tungsten, flash; fine adjustment available in all modes |
| Rear LCD monitor | 360x320x4 luminance-R-G-B HVGA; color LCD |
| Storage | none included |
| Battery | proprietary, rechargeable li-ion battery, Pentax D-LI68 |
| Dimensions |
98 x 57 x 31 mm (3.86 x 2.24 x 1.22") |
| Weight | 180 g (0.40 lb / 6.35 oz) |
| Data Port(s) | USB 2.0 |
| Body composition or special features | mechanical sensor-shift image stabilization (photography); electronic image stablization (video) |
| Made in | Philippines |
| Video/movie recording | 1920x1080 30fps, 1280x720 30fps, 640x480 30fps |
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.[1] As of September 2012, it is the world’s smallest, lightest interchangeable lens digital camera.[2] First models used a 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).[3]
Characteristics
The small sensor size means that the Q series has a crop factor of 5.6× (or 4.7x for the Q7) 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.[4] A Pentax adapter for Pentax K-mount lenses was announced for delivery in the spring of 2012, but was delayed until October, 2012.[5]
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.[6] Most features and specifications were unchanged.
Pentax Q7
The Q7 was announced in June 2013 and has a larger 1/1.7 sensor.[7]
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.[8]
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.
Lenses
Seven 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:
| Mfg. | Lens | Type | Focal Length | 35mm Equiv (Q, Q10) | 35mm Equiv (Q7) | Max. Aperture | Min. Aperture | Leaf Shutter | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentax | 01 Standard Prime | AF/MF, single-focal | 8.5 mm | 47 mm | 40 mm | 1.9 | 8 | yes | 2011 |
| Pentax | 02 Standard Zoom | AF/MF, varifocal | 5–15 mm | 28–83 mm | 23–70 mm | 2.8-4.5 | 8 | yes | 2011 |
| Pentax | 03 Fisheye | MF, single-focal | 3.2 mm | 18 mm | 15 mm | 5.6 | 5.6 | no | 2011 |
| Pentax | 04 Toy Lens Wide | MF, single-focal | 6.3 mm | 35 mm | 29 mm | 7.1 | 7.1 | no | 2011 |
| Pentax | 05 Toy Lens Telephoto | MF, single-focal | 18 mm | 99 mm | 83.7 mm | 8 | 8 | no | 2011 |
| Pentax | 06 Telephoto Zoom | AF/MF, varifocal | 15–45 mm | 83–249 mm | 70–209 mm | 2.8 | 8.0 | yes | 2012 |
| Pentax | 07 Mount Shield Lens | Fixed focus, single focal | 11.5 mm | 64 mm | 53 mm | 9 | 9 | no | 2013 |
| Pentax | 08 Wide Zoom | AF/MF, varifocal? | 3.8-5.9 mm | 21.3–33 mm | 17.5–27 mm | 3.7 | 4.0 | yes | 2013 |
| Pentax | Adapter Q for K-Mount Lens | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | yes | 2012 |
See also
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References
- ↑ Pentax Q small-sensor mirrorless camera announced and previewed
- ↑ Pentax Q - 180 g; Nikon J1 - 234 g; Olympus E-PM1 - 265 g
- ↑ "Pentax announces Q7 with larger 12MP BSI CMOS sensor". Digital Phtography Review. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
- ↑ "Lens Adapters | B&H Photo Video". Bhphotovideo.com. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
- ↑ "Pentax Adapter Q for K-mount Lenses". PhotographyBLOG. 2012-09-11. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
- ↑ "Pentax Ricoh introduces Q10 small-sensor mirrorless camera: Digital Photography Review". Dpreview.com. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
- ↑ "Pentax announces Q7 with larger 12MP BSI CMOS sensor: Digital Photography Review". Dpreview.com. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
- ↑ Allison Johnson. "Pentax Q7 Review". Retrieved January 8, 2014.
External links
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