Pentax Fits Larger Sensor in Q-Series

2013.06.14

With the unveiling of the new Pentax Q7, the Q-series gets a larger 1/1.7" sensor instead of the previous 1/2.3" sensor. This replaces a typical compact camera sensor with a typical premium compact sensor, the same size used by the Panasonic Lumix LX7 and Nikon Coolpix P310. Given the resolution remains at 12 megapixels for the Q7, this is bound to improve image quality of the smallest mirrorless system on the market.

The change in sensor-size leads to an interesting and puzzling change: All lenses for the Q-system suddenly become wider and shorter. The obvious follow up question is if those lenses were designed to allow for the new larger image-circle needed by the 1/1.7" sensor.

With a new 4.6X crop factor, instead of 5.6X, the 5-15mm 02 Standard Zoom, becomes a 23-69mm instead of 28-84mm. No a huge change but to some this is an important difference. The 03 Telephoto Zoom shifts accordingly to 69-207mm from 84-252mm.

Along with the Q7, Pentax introduces a pinhole lens, called the 07 Mount Shield. This 11.5mm lens has a fixed F/9 aperture and fixed focus with a 20cm - 3m depth-of-field. This adds one more Q-mount lens in the playful and artistic style which Pentax has been emphasizing since the launch of the Q-series of mirrorless cameras.

The Pentax Q7 is immediately available in 120 color combinations for a suggested retail price of $499 USD or CDN. The 07 Mount Shield will be available next month for $79 USD or CDN.

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