Pentax Q10 – ready for anything
I’ve just completed my second hands-on review of the new breed of MILC (mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras) and I’m quickly becoming a huge fan. I’ve been using the Pentax Q10 for the last month and have gotten to the point of actually leaving my beloved DSLR in the case during the entire last trip.
I honestly expected to find some “can’t live with it” limitations; but, after a week of shooting, I’m sold. Oh sure, there are things I can do better with my big DSLR; but, when traveling with my wife, “discreet” and “unobtrusive” are two operable words. This Pentax Q10 fit in my coat’s hand-warmer pocket and was unnoticeable most of the time.
The camera is palm-sized but it’s built like a tank. Everyone that saw it was immediately impressed with how solid it feels, despite its diminutive scale. The pop-up flash is safety tucked away, but rises as high as any concealed flash I’ve ever used and that prevents red-eye. There is also a hot-shoe for a dedicated flash if that’s your style.
This is the first camera I’ve used that uses Adobe’s DNG (digital negative) format, which I think is terrific. Pictures are recorded up to 12.4 megapixels with a processor specifically designed to reduce noise in both 12 bit JPEG and DNG RAW files. Notice the nice black skies outside the Courtyard or the lack of noise during the very dimly lit band and choir concerts in these photos.
This definitely could be the camera for those who like to change their mind. Even after shooting, you can change the size of the photo to four different aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9.) Even more amazingly, you can change DNG’s to JPEG and JPEG’s to DNG’s, provided it’s still in the buffer.
Another pleasant surprise was the increased area covered by this 5-15mm lens. You can choose to shoot in 16:9, 4:3, 3:2 or 1:1 ratios which saves lots of time cropping later.
I shot the following pictures of a pond and trees with the Q10 in 4:3 and then again with my Nikon D300S with a 18-270mm Tamron lens. You’ll notice the width is the same using the Pentax at 5mm and the Tamron at 18mm. Actually, with the 4:3 format you’ll notice how much more foreground is covered, including my shadow. When you are in a confined space and can’t back up any further, you’ll appreciate that additional coverage.
Lens comparison of 4:3 and 3:2 aspect ratiosYou’ll be shooting full 30 fps 1080p HD video, so load up with SD cards. You can also record at 720p or VGA for smaller file sizes. See the video below for samples. One minor problem experienced was that all videos showed a 1/1/1970 date on them when imported into Lightroom. In LR4, just go to Metadata->Edit Capture Time and you can assign the proper date and time.
One of the other reasons to go with an interchangeable lens camera is the variety of additional lenses available. Here you’ll find a number available already and chances are there’s more to come. You can get prime lenses as well as a fisheye and telephoto. The camera will also accommodate the older K-mount Pentax lenses with the Q adapter. Be aware, not all functions work with all lenses.
Actually there are so many cool features to like about this camera, this article could go on for pages….but you wouldn’t read it. So, check out this short video that hits the highlights or see the manufacturer’s Website. Or watch my video above, where I show some of my favorite features and footage using the video capture mode.
Ready to buy? There’s a great deal on B&H Photo’s site for $529.95 with 2% back.
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