Pentax confirms new compact Q camera

Posted on 23 Jun 2011 at 09:44

Pentax has officially unveiled the long-rumoured Q - and it claims it's offering the world's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera, besting efforts from competitors including Sony's NEX series.

Featuring a new Q-mount lens system - for which the company has already announced four lenses from fish-eye to telephoto - the Pentax Q packs a 12.4 megapixel 1/2.3in CMOS image sensor featuring backside light-gathering technology for high performance in low light conditions. Images captured from the sensor can be saved as 12-bit DNG RAW files or as compressed JPEG images.

The body is constructed from scratch-resistant magnesium alloy, while DSLR-like shooting modes including Program, Aperture or Shutter Priority, and Metered Manual exposure methods are included along with simple Auto Picture and 21 separate scene modes including Forest and Stage Lighting settings.

A quick dial on the front of the camera allows access to 'Smart Effect' modes including Brilliant Colour, Vintage Colour, Warm Fade, Bold Monochrome, and Water Colour. In-body HDR is included, and full-motion video capture at full HD 1080p/30 is possible through any lens.

As with previous Pentax digital cameras, the Q includes compatibility with SD, SDHC, and the new high-capacity SDXC memory cards. As standard, the camera won't include a viewfinder - relying instead on the rear-mounted LCD display - but an optional external viewfinder is available with framing for the standard lens.

Available in white or black bodies, UK pricing and availability has yet to be announced for the Pentax Q with US pricing estimated at $800 (around £500) with the standard 47mm-equivalent Prime lens kit.

Author: Gareth Halfacree

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