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], it was 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. The Q7, introduced in June 2013, uses a larger 1/1.7" type sensor (7.44 x 5.58 mm).[3] The Q system is now discontinued.[4]
The Pentax Q and Q10 sensors have a crop factor of 5.53×[5] while the Pentax Q7 and Q-s1 have a crop factor of 4.65×.[6] The original Pentax Q sensor has a 12.4 megapixels with 1.52 μm pixel pitch. All Pentax Q system cameras have a short flange focal distance (FFD) of 9.2mm. With a 5.53× crop factor, an adapted 100mm lens has the equivalent field of view (FOV) of a 553mm telephoto in the 35mm full-frame format. An additional implication of these relatively large crop factors is that depth of field (DOF) is proportionally increased relative to full-frame systems at the same equivalent focal length and aperture; this puts the Pentax Q system cameras at a distinct advantage when capturing as much as possible with acceptable focus is important.
Pentax Q system cameras do not have a mechanical shutter or neutral density filter in the camera body. Because of this, some lenses and adapters have a built-in mechanical leaf shutter and/or a built-in ND filter.
The short flange focal distance of the Pentax Q series enables lenses from many manufacturers to be adapted to it, including Olympus OM, Canon FD, Minolta, M42 screw mount, M39 Leica, C-Mount, D-Mount, Pentax K, and Pentax 6×7.[7] A Pentax adapter with a synchronized shutter for Pentax K-mount lenses was released in October 2012.[8]
The camera is equipped with "SR" sensor-shift image stabilization technology to improve image quality when using the camera without a tripod. It works with all native and adapted lenses. The Pentax Q also features a "blur control" mode to provide a pseudo shallow focus effect when desired.
The initial model was announced in June, 2011.
Announced in September, 2012, the Q10 has a slightly redesigned body and an improved sensor.[9] Most features and specifications were unchanged.
The Q7 was announced in June 2013 and has a larger 1/1.7" sensor.[10] It is available in a wide variety of colors.
The Q-S1 was announced August 4, 2014. It has a 1/1.7" sensor. In addition to the Q-7 features, it has auto focusing in the video mode (with the 01, 02 and 08 lenses.)
Eight lenses have been released in the Pentax Q system. (AF = Auto Focus, MF = Manual Focus):
| Mfg. | Lens | Type | Focal Length | 35mm Equiv (Q, Q10) | 35mm Equiv (Q7, Q-S1) | Max. Aperture | Min. Aperture | Leaf Shutter | Filter Diameter | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentax | 01 Standard Prime | AF/MF, single-focal | 8.5 mm | 47 mm | 39 mm | 1.9 | 8 | yes | 40.5mm | 2011 | |
| Pentax | 02 Standard Zoom | AF/MF, varifocal | 5–15 mm | 27.5–83 mm | 23–69 mm | 2.8-4.5 | 8 | yes | 40.5mm | 2011 | |
| Pentax | 03 Fisheye | MF, single-focal | 3.2 mm | 17.5 mm | 16.5 mm | 5.6 | 5.6 | no | n/a | 2011 | |
| Pentax | 04 Toy Lens Wide | MF, single-focal | 6.3 mm | 35 mm | 33 mm | 7.1 | 7.1 | no | n/a | 2011 | |
| Pentax | 05 Toy Lens Telephoto | MF, single-focal | 18 mm | 100 mm | 94 mm | 8 | 8 | no | n/a | 2011 | |
| Pentax | 06 Telephoto Zoom | AF/MF, varifocal | 15–45 mm | 83–249 mm | 69–207 mm | 2.8 | 8.0 | yes | 40.5mm | 2012 | |
| Pentax | 07 Mount Shield Lens | Fixed focus, single focal | 11.5 mm | 63.5 mm | 53 mm | 9 | 9 | no | n/a | 2013 | |
| Pentax | 08 Wide Zoom | AF/MF, varifocal | 3.8-5.9 mm | 21–32.5 mm | 17.5–27 mm | 3.7 - 4 | 7.1 - 8 | yes | 49.0mm | 2013 | |
| Pentax | Adapter Q for K-Mount Lens | n/a* | See below** | Approx. 5.6 times thefocal length of lens | Approx. 4.5 times thefocal length of lens | See below*** | See below**** | yes | See below** | 2012 |
**Although the adapter itself cannot have a focal length or filter diameter, the focal length/filter diameter for adapter/lens combination will depend on the lens attached.
***The maximum aperture depends on the lens aperture for most lenses. However, for larger-aperture lenses, since the adapter controls the aperture, the effective f-stop may increase or falloff may become more apparent.
****The minimum aperture depends on the adapter.