Pentax Q Pro Reviews

When Pentax announced the tiny Pentax Q compact system camera in the middle of last year, it instantly polarized opinions. Some loved it for its truly compact proportions, fulfilling a promise that they felt other mirrorless cameras had failed to truly deliver upon. Others decried its much smaller-than-typical image sensor, and the constraints this would bring in terms of image quality, especially in the areas of high ISO noise and shallow depth-of-field effects. Here at IR headquarters, we likewise found ourselves conflicted. On the one hand, we admired Pentax's ability to take a bold step in its own direction, offering a camera that truly stood out from the crowd. On the other hand, we understood the Q to be bound by the same laws of physics and the same optical constraints as any other camera, and hence our enthusiasm was tempered by concern as to whether image quality would be sufficient to make the tradeoff worthwhile.

Due to its size and sensor format, the Pentax Q is fighting at a big disadvantage from the start when it comes to image quality. However, it presents itself so well and offers so many enthusiast-friendly features that it’s one underdog that’s really hard not to root for. Despite its limitations, I find myself really wanting to own one.

The world's smallest interchangeable lens camera isn't the best of its kind, but with a recent much-needed price cut – it's one of the best value, for those who value less over more. Would we recommend this over a top quality D-SLR? No – and that's probably why the Q has sold poorly; it's average image quality and limited capabilities makes it a solution looking for a problem. It will suit casual users after a versatile multi-lens option, even with the price-cut the Q appears more a very good compact camera than a true shrinking of the D-SLR concept.

Pentax really has managed to design the world's smallest interchangeable lens camera -- and yes, it does work. But there's no magic at play here. The Q is small because all of its components were downsized -- Pentax took everything from the lens to the image sensor to the mode dial and shutter release and gave them the shrink ray treatment. Everything but the full-size hot shoe, LCD and SD card slot are miniature versions of what you'll find on larger, more capable cameras. The result is an attractive, pocketable ILC that doesn't quite follow its powerful pedigree. The Q is a very unique camera -- one of a kind, even -- but that doesn't mean it's the one for you. If money is no object and you're not keen on capturing incredible images and video footage, then perhaps you'll still consider picking up a Q. As for the rest of us -- we're perfectly happy with our larger, much more capable ILCs, and wouldn't dare consider making such a sacrifice just to carry a bit less weight on our shoulder. Sony announces NEX-C3 and Alpha A35 cameras, new macro lens Pentax intros Q, world's smallest interchangeable lens digital camera (han

The Pentax Q already has divided opinion and is likely to continue to do so. It's a true mix of genius and insanity blended into one product that, therefore, makes it underwhelming. The Q's small sensor does mean lack of shallow depth of field control and despite Pentax's BC mode (pseudo bokeh background effect) making its way into the camera it just doesn't work. The best way to think about the Q's sensor is for what it is: able to produce the best images we've ever seen from a 1/2.3in sensor size. And the wandering street photographer may not care less about shallow depth of field. If this sounds like you then you may be part of that small group that the Q will appeal to. Is the Q better than other DSLR and CSC cameras? No. But it's superior to almost every digital compact we've ever seen, and could happily be the ‘Queen' here. Of course the interchangeable lens aspect makes it a target for the Compact System Camera contingent is where the Q falls down - all the expectation of performance, focusing speed, buffer size, screen quality and other factors can't match up to the larger sensor competitors. Unique and well made, but a novelty camera. The Q's images are exceptional within the sensor's confines, but it's not enough of a stamp to see off the competition, and the £600 price tag will give very few prospective buyers any reason to choose this over a Lumix G or Olympus PEN model. We're charmed - surprised even - but the Q's ‘fun' approach is short of the mark in a cut-throat market.

The Pentax Q may look like a toy camera at first glance, but it actually proves to be a lot more full featured and intuitive to use in practice. Compact-like image quality and a sky-high price tag, however, combine to seriously detract from what is otherwise a surprisingly well built and enjoyable camera. Inheriting a lot of its features and user interface from the company's likeable range of DSLRs, the new Q is very much like a K-r or K-5 that's been shrunk in the wash. Despite its tiny dimensions, it's still straight-forward and fun to use, a real testament to the Pentax engineers, and it also offers a lot of functionality that's made its way down the food chain from the more sophisticated DSLRs. Sure, some of the controls are a little too small for our liking, but overall the Pentax Q is a lot easier to use than it size suggests.

The Pentax Q is the most compact interchangeable lens camera you can buy. But a small sensor that limits fine detail in images, slow start up and processing performance, and a high sticker price hold this small shooter back.

A charming new take on the mirrorless, interchangeable-lens camera, but not really for the serious photographer

Irrespective of its overall score, it’s hard not to warm to the Pentax Q. Not only does it look different, it is different, and for that alone kudos must go to Pentax for daring to tread a different path. The Q can deliver solid results when used as a regular digital camera, but what it really excels at is the ability to deliver effects-laden photography on the fly. The generous number of creative tools and the ease with which they can be used mark the Q out as a camera to experiment and have fun with, and that will surely bolster its appeal to many, irrespective of its inherent limitations.

Unique isn’t a word that should be used lightly, but the Pentax Q more than fits the bill. However, amid a competitive Compact System Camera market it fails to encapsulate true DSLR-like quality in a compact body. Images may be sharp, but other imaging issues and lack of depth of field control hold the Q back. While the camera certainly looks sweet enough, it just doesn’t have the inner guts to outperform its competitors. Plus the £600 asking price is more than most of its larger-sensor compadres.

Amazingly small, frustratingly slow and worryingly expensive, but we can't help but warm to this quirky little compact system camera.

The Pentax Q delivers high image quality - but at a price higher than other mirrorless compacts - and these other mirrorless have better performance in image quality and speed. You also have serious compact cameras that are half the price, have more zoom range, and deliver equal image quality (or near equal). But you can't change the lens on these, even if you wanted to. With the Pentax Q you have a choice of five, and who knows what's round the corner?