Build quality and handling
We recently managed to get hold of two full production samples of the Pentax Q for a couple of hours and were able to put them through their paces.
We'll still conduct a longer, full test in the near future, but in the meantime, here are our first thoughts on the Pentax's first compact system camera (CSC) along with the full Techradar lab data and a few sample images.
Size
Imagine a compact camera with DSLR-like control that accepts interchangeable lenses – that's the Pentax Q.
If compact system cameras are all about small-scale cameras with lots of control and interchangeable lenses, Pentax has created a winner with its Q.
Panasonic, Olympus, Samsung and Sony have all been in the CSC market for some time and are onto their second and third generation cameras, but the Q is Pentax's first model. While the other manufacturers use Four Thirds and APS-C format sensors, Pentax has opted to use a much smaller device. In fact the 1/2.3inch Sony back illuminated CMOS sensor found in the Q is smaller than the 1/1.7inch device found in compact cameras like the Canon PowerShot G12.
Above: Pentax Q (left) and Olympus PEN E-PL3 (right)
The advantage of using a small sensor is that both the camera body and the lenses that mount on it can be made much smaller than the average CSC. The Q is really quite tiny in comparison.
Above: Pentax Q (left) and Olympus PEN E-PL3 (right)
Build quality
It's great to see (and feel) that Pentax has maintained its high build quality standards for the Q, as Pentax's new CSC seems very nicely put together. The magnesium alloy shell gives the Q a durable feel and it neither looks or feels like a toy. It's very reminiscent of Pentax's Auto 110 SLR of the 1970's.
Though very light, the Q has a narrow fingergrip and this, in combination with the textured rubber-like coating over the body, makes the camera feel secure in your grasp. The supplied shoulder-strap seems largely unnecessary.
While it's closer in size to a compact camera than a DSLR, the Q still has a smattering of direct controls that allows quick settings adjustments. Having small fingers, or a reasonably long thumbnail is a distinct advantage when it comes to pressing the buttons on the rear of the Q, those with sausage-like fingers may struggle a little.
Although we only had a relatively short time with the Q, we found it very easy to get the grips with as the control layout and menu structure are logical.
It seems odd that Pentax provides several different ways of adjusting image colour though. As they have some overlap, it might have been more sensible to merge the Smart Effects, Digital Filters and Custom Image modes into one.
The front of the Q has a customisable Quick Dial that can be used to access up to four options from the either the Smart Effects, Digital Filters, Custom Image or aspect ratio mode lists. It's a really quick way to make changes and we like the idea of being able to switch the camera into black and white or cross-processed mode whatever the exposure mode.
Speed
One area that we want to look at more closely during our full test of the Q is its speed. We'll experiment with different memory cards and shooting settings before we can say for certain, but we experienced 6 second delays between shots when shooting raw and JPEG files simultaneously with a basic SD card inserted.
Switching to a faster (30Mb/S) card pushed the write time closer to 3 sec, which is better, but still a little frustrating. Shooting raw or JPEG files separately, proved a much more satisfying experience.
Image quality
A key downside to using a small sensor is that image quality is likely to be compromised in comparison with the results from a CSC with an APS-C or Four Thirds format sensor. Pentax has employed a back illuminated CMOS sensor which means that a greater proportion of the light that reaches it will be turned into an image signal. Nevertheless the difference in the scale of the sensors is very significant.
Naturally, we will take a detailed look at how the Q performs at its higher sensitivity settings in our full test. However, our shots of our resolution chart give an indication of the drop in detail rendition that can be expected.
Of course the point of the Q is that it is small and very portable, so it's easier to take out and about than a DSLR, or a larger CSC. However, with a sensor that is smaller than the Canon G12's, the Q has its work cut out to impress photographers with its image quality.
Interchangeable lenses should have better optical performance than a zoom lens with a wide focal length range. Pentax may make lenses for specific situations, making the Q more versatile than a compact camera. Pentax hasn't announced that there's a macro lens in the pipeline, but it would be of interest to enthusiast photographers – especially given the extensive depth of field afforded by the short (actual) focal length lenses.
There is a Blur Control (BC) option of the Q's mode dial. When this is selected the camera applies additional, processed blur to out of focus areas. It seems fairly effective, but we will need to experiment more with it during our full test.
Image quality: Detail resolution
As part of our image quality testing for the Pentax Q, we've shot our resolution chart.
If you view our crops of the resolution chart's central section at 100% (or Actual Pixels) you will see that, for example, at ISO 125 the Pentax Q is capable of resolving up to around 22 (line widths per picture height x100) in its highest quality JPEG files.
Examining images of the chart taken at each sensitivity setting reveals the following resolution scores in line widths per picture height x100:
ISO 125, score: 22 (see full image)
ISO 160, score: 22 (see full image)
ISO 200, score: 22 (see full image)
ISO 250, score: 22 (see full image)
ISO 320, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 400, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 500, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 640, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 800, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 1000, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 1250, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 1600, score: 18 (see full image)
ISO 2000, score: 18 (see full image)
ISO 2500, score: 18 (see full image)
ISO 3200, score: 16 (see full image)
ISO 4000, score: 16 (see full image)
ISO 5000, score: 16 (see full image)
ISO 6400, score: 14 (see full image)
Pentax Q: Raw images
ISO 125, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 160, score: 22 (see full image)
ISO 200, score: 22 (see full image)
ISO 250, score: 22 (see full image)
ISO 320, score: 22 (see full image)
ISO 400, score: 22 (see full image)
ISO 500, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 640, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 800, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 1000, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 1250, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 1600, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 2000, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 2500, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 3200, score: 20 (see full image)
ISO 4000, score: 18 (see full image)
ISO 5000, score: 18 (see full image)
ISO 6400, score: 18(see full image)
Noise and dynamic range
These graphs were produced using data generated by DXO Analyzer.
We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images are analysed using the DXO software.
Signal to noise ratio
A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.
Pentax Q: JPEG signal to noise ratio
Although the signal to noise ration of the Pentax Q JPEG images is a little lower between ISO 200 and IS) 800, they are generally on a par with those from the Canon Powershot G12 and Panasonic Lumix GF3
There is little to separate them from the GF3 and Sony NEX-C3 from ISO 1600 and above.
Pentax Q: Raw file signal to noise ratio
Raw images from the Pentax Q compare well with those from the Canon Powershot G12. The Panasonic Lumix GF3 performs a little better up to around ISO 1600, from which point the Q has a higher signal to noise ratio.
Pentax Q: JPEG Dynamic range
This chart indicates that the Pentax Q's JPEGs have a at least a 1EV higher dynamic range than the Panasonic Lumix GF3 and compare well with the Canon Powershot G12.
Pentax Q: Raw dynamic range
This chart indicates that the Pentax Q's raw files have at least a 1EV higher dynamic range than the Panasonic Lumix GF3 and Canon Powershot G12, and compare closely with the Sony NEX-C3.
Sample images
Natural Custom Image mode (see full image)
Bright Custom Image mode (see full image)
Muted Custom Image mode (see full image)
Cross Processed Custom Image mode (see full image)
The leaves look natural in the Natural Custom Image mode, and for the sensor size, the image has an impressive level of detail (see full image)
This red door is vibrant, but not excessively saturated (see full image)
Taken with the 47mm (equivalent) f/1.9 lens at F/4.0, when viewed at 100% it's clear that detail becomes a little soft towards the edges, but the Q gives the average compact camera serious run for its money (see full image)
Taken at f/1.9 with in aperture priority mode (see full image)
Taken in Blur Control mode, the background is much softer (see full image)
Blur Control mode got it slightly worng here, the blur cuts across the subject (see full image)
-0.7EV exposure compensation was required to get this scene looking right (see full image)
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