OK, I’ve tried it out for a day or two (I’ll put a few of my test shots up at some point) and my initial thoughts are as follows.

I quite like the Q10, but it’s a bit disappointing. There’s a lot to like about it - it feels well made and it’s quite well balanced, it produces RAW files and takes good pictures considering the size of the sensor (and the person using it, of course).

But I had the same problem with it that I had with the Olympus SH-1 I used to have - the lack of an EVF made using it in daylight a real pain, especially at this time of year when the sun is low in the sky most of the time. Yes, I expected this, but not to the extent it occurred. Mind you, I did find it less of a problem with table-top stuff indoors, where the light is more under my control – the extending flash is a very good idea.

I feel there are the makings of a good camera here, but I think Ricoh made a (deliberate?) mistake in the design of this camera. Let me explain. The lack of an EVF suggests, to me, it was made for camera-phone users used to holding the camera at arms length, but who were interested in taking their photography a bit further. I get the impression that it wasn’t really made as a serious camera, that would detract from their DSLR sales. Probably intended as a ‘gateway drug’, meant to lead the really enthusiastic onto a DSLR. A bit like the Nikon 1 series, though not as overpriced.

The annoying thing is that a couple of things would have made it a more serious option for those not wanting to go the DSLR route. Obviously, a built in EVF. Or at least an add-on one that links into the camera body, like the Olympus VF-4 for various E series models or the Nikon DF-N100 for the V3. And a larger sensor. A 2/3” would fit or possibly they could have shoe-horned in a 1/1.2” Maybe by making the body slightly larger they could have used a 1” sensor.

But this would have also meant a less compact camera, higher cost/price and a possible loss in DSLR sales. Plus, their core demographic probably wouldn’t be interested, just oddballs like me.

So, it’s OK and I’ll use it occasionally, but probably not generally outdoors.

Oh, and by coincidence, it has the same filter size as my Nikon-1 lenses, so I could experiment with the Nikon close-up lens I bought. Quite impressive.




That’s the full frame – obviously shrunk and sharpened a bit.

We really need a 'Like' button!

A NICE graveyard? Well, I suppose none of the inhabitants have complained...

Like the pictures, by the way, especially 2, 6, 7 and 8.

Erm, about 2/3 the height of a Q10?

One of them gives a "Battery Depleted" message, so I guess that one at least will charge.

Oh and the one in the charger at the moment doesn't give the flashing light, so I assume that is charging OK.

But thanks anyway.

...browsing used camera sales sites when I'm bored and the credit cards are (nearly) clear!




Yeah, I found a q10 going for just over a ton. So I ordered it.

After a certain amount of messing about, it arrived. With charger, cables and three batteries. Two of them non-Pentax and all of them dead! One charging as I type, so testing is delayed somewhat.

What it didn't come with is a lens cap. Or a SD card. More expense!

Lego man added to pic to give an idea of size to those who don't know. Thought balloon added 'cause I'm in a funny mood!

Last Pentax related was the 50-200mm ED, for the K10D.

Last actual acquisition would be the Nikkor 18.5mm lens (50mm equivalent) for Nikon 1 V2.

Oh... I thought it was a Russian copy of a Pentax...

Well, this IS the General Digital Photography chat Forum (my bold).

There is and there is.