Pentax has launched a new addition to its Q series interchangeable lens cameras.
Posted: 13/06/2013 - 08:35
Pentax Ricoh Imaging Uk Ltd. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Q7 digital interchangeable-lens camera.
As the flagship model in the Pentax Q series, the Q7 is equipped with an image sensor much larger than other Q models for upgraded image quality, while retaining a super-compact, lightweight body that comfortably fits into a photographer’s hand.
The Pentax Q7 makes digital-SLR-quality photography accessible to everyone, and thanks to a new 1/1.7-inch, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, delivers much improved image quality. In addition, the camera also offers a host of advanced features expected in a top-of-the-range model, such as; high-sensitivity shooting, improved shake-reduction performance and effortless, user-friendly operation.
The Q7 also features an array of creative tools such as Bokeh Control and Smart Effect, which assist the photographer in easily creating personalised images.
The Q7 will be available from September. The price is yet to be announced.
Pentax Q7 Mirrorless Key Features:
Extra-large 1/1.7-inch image sensor — the largest in the Q series
Thanks to a new 1/1.7-inch, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, the Pentax Q7 boasts the finest image quality in the Q series. By coupling this image sensor with the state-of-the-art Q ENGINE high-speed imaging engine, the Q7 not only offers high-sensitivity shooting at an ISO 12800 and delivers beautiful images with faithful reproduction of gradation and texture, it also minimises annoying noise effectively at all ISO sensitivity levels.
Its autofocus accuracy during low-illumination shooting has also been improved, assuring pinpoint focus on the subject even at the faintest light level of EV 0. Because of its larger sensor, the angle of view for the Q7 is wider than that of its sister models, even when the same lens is mounted.* When the 02 Standard Zoom lens is mounted, for instance, the angle of view is 23mm to 69mm in the 35mm format (compared to 27.5mm to 83mm for the Q10). Likewise, when the Adapter Q for K-mount Lenses is used with the Q7, the focal length of the mounted lens is extended by approximately 4.6 times (compared to approximately 5.5 times for the Q10).
* With Q-mounted lenses, the shift in angle of view may vary depending on the lens type.
Outstanding operability
Thanks to the incorporation of a new Q ENGINE which provides a 10% improvement in clock frequency compared to existing engines, and optimised algorithm, the Q7 features a shortened start-up time lag of approximately one second. It also means much-improved response during shooting, such as a shortened time lag between exposures. The Quick Dial, to which the photographer can assign as many as four favourite functions, is now more versatile and functional than ever before, with the addition of AF/MF switching, focus assist ON/OFF and ND filter ON/OFF to the list of assignable functions.
Dependable SR mechanism
Featuring a latest gyro sensor, the Q7’s upgraded SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism compensates camera shake by as much as three shutter steps. As a result, the Q7 produces sharp, blur-free images even under conditions prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, or capturing landscapes in the twilight.
High-quality, Full HD movie recording, even during high-sensitivity shooting
Thanks to the improvements in the image-processing algorithm, the Q7 captures beautiful Full HD movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels, at 30 frames per second, in the H.264 recording format) with minimal noise, even during high-sensitivity recording at ISO 12800. A new interval HD movie recording function adds more creativity to visual expression. The user can also take advantage of advanced image-processing tools including the Smart Effect modes,** an array of in-body movie editing tools, and autofocus operation during movie shooting.
** The frame rate may vary when a selected Smart Effect mode requires nonstandard image processing.
High-resolution, wide-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor
The Q7 features a high-resolution 3.0-inch, 3:2-proportion LCD monitor with approximately 460,000 dots. The monitor has been treated with AR (Anti-Reflection) coating to offer sharp, bright images even in bright sunshine by effectively minimising glare and reflection on the screen. Since its wide-view design makes it possible to view the image from 170 degrees horizontally and vertically, the user has a clear view of the image even when facing the monitor diagonally.
A selection of image-processing tools to create personalised images
1. Custom Images to add distinctive finishing touches
The Custom Image function adds a distinctive finishing touch to an image, to more faithfully express the photographer’s creative intention or reproduce the ambience of a specific scene. The user has a choice of 11 Custom Image modes, including Bleach Bypass, which produces a dramatic, movie-like finish.
2. Digital filter function to apply artistic visual effects
The digital filter function lets the photographer apply a variety of visual effects without requiring a computer. Of the total 17 digital filters, 11 filters including Toy Camera, Invert Colour and Posterisation can be applied during the shooting of still images and movie clips, while the remaining six are applicable only during image editing. The user can even apply different filters one after another to a single image to produce more inventive visual effects.
3. Smart Effect function for simple dial control of finishing touches
Using the Quick-Dial positioned on the camera’s front panel, the user can quickly and effortlessly add the desired finishing touch to an image, while previewing the applied effect on the LCD monitor. From nine Smart Effect modes — including Brilliant Colour for a high-saturation finish, and Cross Process for a dramatic unique-toned finish — the user can assign four favourite modes to the dial in advance.
Effortless Bokeh control
The Q7’s unique Bokeh control function allows the user to purposely make the subject stand out by automatically assessing the relative distance between the in-focus subject and objects in the field of view. Since this function simplifies the advanced, SLR-calibretechnique of intentional defocusing, even a first-time digital photographer can effortlessly capture high-quality images with beautifully defocused foregrounds and/or backgrounds.
Outline of Pentax Q7 colour-to-order service
The new PENTAX Q7 colour-to-order service allows customers to choose from 120 camera colour combinations (including three standard models). The colour-to-order service has been extremely popular as a unique, stylish way for Pentax camera users to express individual taste in their photographic system.
When ordering a Pentax-02 STANDARD ZOOM lens kit with a black, silver or yellow camera body, the lens will be the same colour as the camera body. The Lens Kits ordered with any other camera body colour will come with silver lenses.
For more information, visit the Pentax website.
Specifications: Pentax Q7 |
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Availability | ||||
Discontinued | No | |||
Year announced | 2013 | |||
Box Contents | ||||
Box Contents | USB Cable I-USB7, Strap O-ST131, Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI68, Battery Charger D-BC68P, Hot shoe cover FK, Body mount cover | |||
Dimensions | ||||
Depth | 33.5mm | |||
Height | 58mm | |||
Weight | 180g | |||
Width | 102mm | |||
Exposure Control | ||||
Digital filter | Yes | |||
Exp modes | Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority, Manual, Scene modes, A | |||
Exposure Comp | +/-2 | |||
ISO sensitivity | 6400 - 100 | |||
Metering | Centre-weighted - Average, Spot, TTL | |||
Self Timer | 12 seconds, 2 seconds | |||
Shutter speeds longest | 30sec | |||
Shutter speeds shortest | 1/8000sec | |||
White balance | Auto, Manual, Outdoors/Daylight, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Shade, Flash | |||
Flash | ||||
Hot Shoe | Yes | |||
Focusing | ||||
Focusing modes | Autofocus, Spot, Face Detection, AF Tracking | |||
General | ||||
Lens Mounts | Pentax Q | |||
Image Sensor | ||||
Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1 | |||
Pixels | 12Mp (Megapixels) | |||
Pixels (H) | 3000 | |||
Pixels (W) | 4000 | |||
Sensor Size | 1/1.7 inch | |||
Sensor Size (height) | 3000mm | |||
Sensor Size (width) | 4000mm | |||
Sensor Type | Back-lit CMOS (B.S.I.) | |||
Interface | ||||
Ethernet | No | |||
Firewire | No | |||
HDMI | Yes | |||
Platform | PC, MAC | |||
USB | USB 2 | |||
Wi-Fi | No | |||
LCD Monitor | ||||
Brightness adjust | Yes | |||
LCD Monitor | 3in | |||
Live view | Yes | |||
Screen resolution | 460,000 dots | |||
Tilting screen | No | |||
Touch Screen | No | |||
Other Features | ||||
Dust removal | Yes | |||
GPS enabled | No | |||
Histogram | Yes | |||
Image Stabilisation | Yes | |||
Thumbnail / Index view | Yes | |||
Power Source | ||||
Battery Life (CIPA rating) | 250shots | |||
Battery Type | Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI68 | |||
Shooting Options | ||||
Continuous shooting | 5fps | |||
Sound recording | Yes | |||
Storage | ||||
Card Type | SD, SDHC, SDXC | |||
File Type | RAW, JPG, RAW + JPG | |||
Video | ||||
Movie mode | Yes | |||
Optical Zoom with Video | Yes | |||
Stereo Sound | No | |||
Video FPS | 30 | |||
Video Resolution | 1920x1080 FullHD, 1280x720 HD 720p, 640x480 VGA |
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