Raw Capable Compact

Is there a Pentax Compact that is capable of shooting RAW images with good camera controls?

I know about GR range...

Thanks

Pentax do not make compacts.

If you want to stay in-brand there is Ricoh. But why bother when the latest smartphones can do as good a job, and are always on your person ?

Besides i dont think the GR range do the internet or mobile banking.

I know the do not.... but they did....

Maybe the old Pentax mirrorless ones would be worth a look.

I have often thought it would be nice to get a more compact camera for trips away when i didnt want to worry about taking the K-1 and lenses. I did look at the Ricoh G range.

But todays mobile phones offer a lot.

Panasonic LX range, secondhand Spad
I know its not a Pentax but still, it begins with the letter P
Very expensive new but bargains to be had used
Do the research yourself

Pentax MX-1. Produced nearly 10 years ago so only available used but, if you can find one, amazing lens and very good image quality from raw and JPEG.

link 1

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Philip

Pentax Q range. Interchangable lens compacts. Some fine Q lenses. And you can get adapters to attach a K-mount lens if you like experimenting (can be a bit front-heavy!) .

Steve

Fujifilm X100 series, I picked up an X 100s for £325 used, a brilliant little camera.

I suppose it depends on what you mean by compact, (and I don't mean the photographic definition.) My 'compact' is my K3iii, (ahem, my K3ii is still for sale.) I use small form primes on it, (e.g. pancake, 15mm). I also have the benefit of knowing the menu; can change lenses; and can use the full frame lenses I already have if I feel the need. Therefore, compact for me but with the additional benefit of allowing me to use a larger form.

T140's point about the Fujifilm X100 series is spot on. I had the 100F, really liked it. It took great pictures but was fixed lens. For reasons mentioned elsewhere, I wanted to stay with cameras that had the same menus albeit in different format, e.g. K1 / K3 and so on. Plus, allowed me to change lenses. I sold the 100F on. Still think this series is awesome but not for me.

Lubbyman's images with his Pentax Q have been mightily impressive, plus the Q has a variety of lenses. Again, compact. However, I like looking through a viewfinder. (One of the reasons I liked the X100f.) So that's not for me.

Finally, the other observations regarding options worth considering are also spot on. In sum, I suppose it depends on what you define as 'compact' for your needs. It's a fascinating question, that's for sure and I'll be interested in seeing where this thread goes.

Another option- Panasonic Lumix LX100.
I have the mark 2 version which I use as a small carry around or when cycling when i do not want the bulk of a DSLR.

I agree modern smartphones are great and it is remarkable what they can produce but I miss the ability to change settings with them.

The Lumix gives complete manual control as well as auto. It has a viewfinder which was critical for me
I find the Lumix is fiddly at times and it is easy to hit the wrong button.
The menus are very different to Pentax and the raw format is Panasonic RAW (RW2) which may not be recognised by earlier versions of LR.
It is not as compact as the Sony RX100 series but I found it easier to handle than Sony.
It is certainly worth considering but I recommend trying it in store.

I have a Sony RX100 Mk1 as my pocketable compact and cannot fault the quality of images from the Zeiss lens. I've had it for around 10 years and it has suffered plenty of abuse but still performs.

However before buying I would suggest trying any camera you are thinking of buying. The Sony menu can be frustrating if you want to change settings regularly and the camera is very small in the hand. I would get myself over to Harrisons Cameras in Sheffield and try a few cameras. Looking at their website they actually have quite a good selection of secondhand compact cameras, including Sony RX100, Ricoh GRII and GRIII, Leica D and Panasonic TZ200 and Fuiji cameras.

The Ricoh GR cameras have a fine reputation but unless you are happy with a single prime lens and no viewfinder then you need to look elsewhere. I get that phones have taken over the compact market but for me they are last resort only, I prefer a viewfinder over a screen which is often hard to see, and the ergonomics are dreadful. For a compact I use a Leica D-Lux 7 which is a poser’s version of a 16mp Panasonic, and the results are excellent.