The Pentax Q
There’s no disputing the popularity of smaller format, unchangeable lens cameras. Sony, Olympus, Samsung all have micro 4/3 aka EVIL offerings. Pentax joins the fray with the world’s smallest and lightest camera with interchangeable lenses: the Pentax Q. Details of the new super-small digital camera were leaked earlier this week.
From Pentax’s press release:
The camera’s tiny size, lightweight design, and superior image quality are made possible by an innovative PENTAX-developed imaging system. With a high-resolution 12.4 megapixel, 1/2.3 inch CMOS image sensor, the Q carves out an entirely new camera category that extends beyond traditional digital compact, APS-C or 4/3 digital cameras. The backlit sensor is a highly efficient light-gathering instrument that produces very little noise at high sensitivity levels particularly in low light settings. Further, the new Q lens mount is a perfect match with the new sensor and every interchangeable Q lens is designed for more advanced image quality than may be found on traditional compact digital cameras. This innovative PENTAX design is the foundation of the Q’s position as the world’s smallest, lightest ILC system with superior image quality.
What does this little powerhouse offer the world?
- A newly designed PENTAX Q-mount lens system
- 12.4 megapixels from the Q’s 1/2.3 inch backlit CMOS image sensor. Capable of producing 12 bit DNG RAW and JPG images
- Compact, durable, lightweight, scratch resistant magnesium alloy body.
- The power and flexibility of traditional DSLR shooting modes such as Program, Aperture/Shutter Priority, and Metered Manual exposure control as well as highly convenient PENTAX
- Auto Picture and 21 scene modes for casual shooting, including new Forest and Stage Lighting options.
- A variety of creative modes
- 5 frames per second continuous shooting mode
- In-camera HDR capture mode shoots 3 images of varying exposures
- 1080p HD video clarity at 30 frames per second. The Q processes the full HD video using high quality h.264 compression for superior color and detail and offers creative video effects through custom image modes, digital video filters, and interval shooting.
- A sensor-shift Shake Reduction system with integrated DRII Dust Reduction for blur and dust free images even in low lighting.
- Bokeh control with the Q’s Bokeh Control filter. The Q offers a fine degree of extra control over image bokeh via an in-camera filter operation.
- Powerful USER modes allow the creative photographer to save a series of favorite camera settings, filters, and custom image modes for instant reuse.
- Shutter speeds range from 1/2000 to 30 seconds for freezing fast action or capturing long nighttime exposures. Bulb mode adds flexibility for low light photography and motion effects.
- A built-in popup flash.
It does look fairly cool, but proof is in the pudding. How will the new sensor shake out? Time will tell as the Pentax Q is released during the fall of 2011. The new dynamo will run you $800 when it hits the streets.
via CrunchGear and PhotoRumors
