Pentax Q series

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] 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).[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 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.[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

For more details on this topic, see Pentax Q.

The initial model was announced in June, 2011.

Pentax Q10

For more details on this topic, see 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

For more details on this topic, see 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.

Pentax Q-S1

For more details on this topic, see 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:

Mfg. Lens Type Focal Length 35mm Equiv (Q, Q10) 35mm Equiv (Q7, Q-S1) 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 7.1 - 8 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

Pentax digital interchangeable lens camera timeline
Class Sensor 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
34 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234 1234
Professional DSLR MF 645D 645Z
FF K-1
High-end DSLR APS-C K-3 K-3 II
Advanced DSLR K-7 K-5 K-5 II/K-5 IIs
*ist D K10D K20D
Midrange DSLR K-S2
K100D 100DS K200D K-30 K-50
K-S1
Entry-level DSLR *ist DS *ist DS2 K-r K-500
*ist DL DL2 K110D K-m/K2000 K-x
K-mount MILC K-01
Q-mount MILC 1/1.7" Q7
Q-S1
1/2.3" Q Q10
Prototype DSLRs

References

  1. ↑ Pentax Q small-sensor mirrorless camera announced and previewed
  2. ↑ Pentax Q - 180 g; Nikon J1 - 234 g; Olympus E-PM1 - 265 g
  3. ↑ "Pentax announces Q7 with larger 12MP BSI CMOS sensor". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
  4. ↑ "Lens Adapters | B&H Photo Video". Bhphotovideo.com. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  5. ↑ "Pentax Adapter Q for K-mount Lenses". PhotographyBLOG. 2012-09-11. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  6. ↑ "Pentax Ricoh introduces Q10 small-sensor mirrorless camera: Digital Photography Review". Dpreview.com. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  7. ↑ "Pentax announces Q7 with larger 12MP BSI CMOS sensor: Digital Photography Review". Dpreview.com. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  8. ↑ Allison Johnson. "Pentax Q7 Review". Retrieved January 8, 2014.

External links

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