Hi All,
I have been spending some time researching the new Pentax Q, to find out if it's really any good, I had my doubts mainly due to the small size if the image sensor.
The Sensor size is 1/2.3-inch's which relates to less data captured through the exposure and poor Depth Of Field.
The Pentax Q seems to have a new function that controls Bokeh digitally, and It seems to do a pretty good job, using a low max aperture prim lens coupled with the Bokeh Control Filter you can get similar results to an f2.8 shot on an APS-C Camera.
I have compared it to the Nikon D3000, Nikon's last CCD sensor DSLR (I would like to think) which don't perform as well as current BSI CMOS sensors unless they are huge, like 45mm Medium Format Size.
I thought it would be an unfair comparison, but it appears not so much, the D3000 seems to be only a little bit better in terms of JPEG processing, I am very impressed they are even comparable at all.
These are shrunk photo comparisons of some photo's below
Left Photo Pentax Q Right is D3000
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Why I would buy a Pentax Q?
Size, Image Quality for it's size, 12bit RAW files, Features and Interchangeable lens compatibility.
Seems to have Decent ISO/Noise Performance also.
Word on the street is they are making a Pentax K to Q mount lens adapter.. The Pentax Q has a 5.5X Crop factor, imagine adding your 55-300mm Pentax lens to that.
Imagine 302.5-1650mm 35mm equivalent! (1600mm shot of the moon - www.mikeoates.org/mas/members/…) Or if your one of those Lucky ones to have a 400mm lens it would make it 1650mm! Now that is zoom!
Why I wouldn't buy it?
Because the Sony Nex-7 exists and is not too much bigger with the a pancake prime 16mm f2.8 but is the best mirror-less camera
Comparing Basic Features
Advantages of the Nikon D3000
Autofocus Faster autofocus Phase detection vs Contrast detection
Catch candid moments easily
Sensor size Much larger sensor APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm
Around 13.5x larger sensor
Lens availability Much more lenses available 169 lenses vs 4 lenses
Around 42.5x more lenses available
Viewfinder Has a viewfinder Pentamirror vs None
A viewfinder can save battery life by keeping the screen turned off
Battery life Longer battery life 550 shots vs 230 shots
Around 2.5x more shots per battery charge
Fastest shutter speed Significantly faster max shutter speed 1/4000s vs 1/2000s
2x faster max shutter speed
Lowest price Cheaper $371.65 vs $773.12 (USD)
The best price we've seen is $401 cheaper (2.1x less)
True resolution Slightly higher true resolution 10 MP vs 9.7 MP
Almost the same
Advantages of the Pentax Q
Movie format Shoots movies 1080p @ 30fps vs None
Shoots Full HD (1080p) video as well as still pictures
Lens focus motor Has a built-in focus motor Yes vs No
Autofocuses with all autofocus lenses
Size Significantly smaller 98x57x31 mm vs 126x97x64 mm
4.5x smaller
HDR Has in-camera HDR Yes vs No
Combines multiple exposures to capture high dynamic range
Live view Has live view Yes vs No
Preview your photos on the camera's screen before taking them
Image stabilization Image stabilization Sensor shift vs None
Better able to eliminate blur caused by small camera movements with all lenses.
Autofocus Video autofocus Contrast detection vs None
Automatically focuses shooting video
Weight Significantly lighter 200 g vs 536 g
2.7x lighter
Screen resolution Higher resolution screen 360k dots vs 230k dots
Around 60% higher resolution screen
Light sensitivity Better maximum light sensitivity 6,400 ISO vs 1,600 ISO
The Q's maximum light sensitivity is 2 f-stops better
Thickness Significantly thinner 1.2" vs 2.5"
2.1x thinner
Focus points More focus points 25 vs 11
Set focus accurately within the frame
Sensor type Has a CMOS-family sensor CMOS vs CCD
CMOS-family sensors often produce better quality images
Continuous shooting Shoots slightly faster 5 fps vs 3 fps
Around 70% faster continuous shooting