A memory card is required but not included with this item. Please be sure to purchase a memory card that suits your needs.
The Pentax Q Digital Camera with 8.5mm Lens is a small, lightweight interchangeable lens cam with the look and feel of a rangefinder, but many of the capabilities of a DSLR. Whether you're looking to shoot in stealth mode, or you simply want an easy to carry camera that provides more versatility than a point-and-shoot, the Q was designed with you in mind. Some might consider it a party camera. Pentax simply calls it "evolved".
Whatever you call it, the facts are this ladies and gentlemen, the Q captures in 12.4Mp RAW or JPEG files using it's 1/2.3" CMOS sensor. It comes with an 8.5mm (47mm equivalent) lens and a number of accessories for getting started from day one. And in addition to taking detailed still images, the Q also captures 1080p video, as has been the norm for this genre of compact digital cams.
Pentax also boasts the durability of the Q, citing its magnesium alloy covers which are also scratch resistant. A 3.0" LCD screen allows for composition of images and in-camera review of your files. The camera also has a built-in pop-up flash, SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot, and useful ports, such as an HDMI micro. A nice option for the Q is an external viewfinder, which will give you even more of that old school feel.
In regards to DSLR capabilities, the Q features a customizable quick dial, like most DSLRs, which allows for quick access to custom settings that you choose or to creative modes, Smart Effect options, and other camera settings. Another way in which the camera mimics the famed DSLR is with a number of flexible settings like Program, Aperture/Shutter Priority, and the like. Another useful feature, HDR Capture, blends 3 images together for images that bring out details in the shadows and extreme highlights for contrasty, yet balanced shots.
Additional hightlight of the Q include a bokeh control filter. The bokeh filter does what a traditional DSLR controls through the lens aperture, by focusing out the background and bringing the most important part of the image into sharp focus. This not only makes for dynamic photos, it takes the guesswork out of the photographer's hands, guaranteeing beautiful bokeh. Another handy feature is the Smart Effects mode for adding finishes such as Vintage Color, Bold Monochrome, and Warm Fade to selected images.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Pentax Q Mount |
| Camera Format | Pentax Q (5.62x Crop Factor) |
| Resolution |
Effective Pixels: 12.4 Megapixels Max Resolution: 12 MP: 4000 x 3000 |
| Sensor Type / Size | CMOS, 5.76 x 4.29 mm |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG, RAW Movies: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 |
| Bit Depth | 12-bit |
| Memory Card Type |
SD SDHC SDXC |
| Image Stabilization | Mechanical |
| AV Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 |
| Audio Recording | With Video |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Auto & Manual |
| Focus Mode | Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M) |
| Autofocus Points | 25 |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Screen | 3" Rear Screen LCD (460000) |
| Screen Coverage | 100% |
| Live View | Yes |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | 125-6400 |
| Shutter | 30 - 1/8000 sec |
| Metering Method | Spot metering, Center-weighted average metering, Multi-zone metering |
| Exposure Modes |
Modes: Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV (in 0.33 EV steps) |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Natural White), Fluorescent (White), Manual, Shade, Tungsten |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On w/ Red-eye Reduction, Off, Second-curtain Sync, Slow Sync, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction |
| Max Sync Speed | 1 / 2000 sec |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 5 fps |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Self Timer | 2 sec, 12 sec |
| Interval Recording | Yes |
| Connectivity | AV Output, HDMI D (Micro), USB 2.0 |
| Software Requirements |
Windows: XP (SP3), Vista, 7 Mac: OS X 10.3.9 or later |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 1x D-LI68 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.9 x 2.3 x 1.2" / 9.91 x 5.84 x 3.05 cm |
| Weight | 6.3 oz / 179 g Camera body only |
| Kit Lens | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
8.5 mm Comparable Pentax Q Format Focal Length: 47 mm |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Reviewed by 1 customer
Displaying review 1
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax Q Digital Camera with 8.5mm Lens (White):
I use Nikon DSLRs professionally. However, there were times that I didn't carry a camera because of the hassle or because I felt my large cameras were too conspicuous. I researched small, capable cameras and decided to try the Q. This camera is so much fun, very capable, and a joy to take with me wherever I go. It has all the versatility of a full size DSLR with the exception of more limited depth of field control because of the small sensor. This camera feels like it was designed by people who care about the craft of photography. If you remember the joy of photographing with a quality film camera, you will love the feel of the Q. It's small and light, but the metal body and precise construction give it a substantial feel. The image quality is better than the small sensor led me to expect. I've used some photographs from the Q(with the cool bleach bypass setting) with wedding clients and they loved them. This camera will be with me all the time.
Displaying review 1