Pentax 149 euro for Pentax Q and 8.5mm Prime

[bobbywise]

I've been using M43 gear and Fujifilm X cameras for some time now.
I've always been curious with the Q.
Well, there were some big sales on at Fnac recently, so I picked one up for 149 euros
Boy, am I happy with it.
Intuitive user interface.
Great little near to 50mm equivalent prime lens.
Fast auto focus.
I think this is both a fun and serious little camera !

 

[pictogramax]

That is a sweet price indeed Would you show some of your Q shots, please?

 

[bobbywise]

I will do in due course.
Just got the battery on charge !
I'm looking forward to taking some shots with this little baby

 

[lenshoarder]

The Q is a fabulous little camera. I've had the LX5, XZ-1 and S100. It beats them all. It can go toe to toe with my GF2. It's amazing what Pentax has done with that little sensor.

 

[bobbywise]

A couple of shots. More to come later.

Untitled (2013-02-03 13:04:44) by Robert Wisbey, on Flickr

Untitled (2013-02-03 14:54:09) by Robert Wisbey, on Flickr

 

[hannahntilly]

The Q is a fabulous little camera. I've had the LX5, XZ-1 and S100. It beats them all. It can go toe to toe with my GF2. It's amazing what Pentax has done with that little sensor.

I agree that it was a very good price and that it's a fun camera but I'm not sure you can compare the image quality with a larger sensor camera like a GF2. Here's a snap that I took from the same(ish) spot in 2012 with my G1 & 14-45mm. The focal length looks similar.

P1000467.jpg by nearlycossack, on Flickr

If you compare them in Flickr at higher resolution, they don't look very "toe to toe" to me. Take a look at the chateau and the sky to see what I mean. As a free (budget) Flickr user, I can't upload a 4k x 3k image but here's my original compared to the Q image. They're both "clickable":

Lumix G1

Pentax Q

 

[bobbywise]

Hey Peter,

When I saw your photo I had a double take, and started playing spot the difference.
A few conclusions came to mind, as follows:
- Is it always cloudy in Pornic ?
- Do those boats ever move ?



Joking aside, I think your photo illustrates there is a fair amount of difference between the two systems.
Having said that, I think the IQ is amazing considering the size of the Pentax sensor, and it sure is a fun little camera to use.
I've become a bit of a Fujifilm Fan Boy, and I'll probably be picking up an XF1 as an "excuse" to do comparitive tests with the Q

I've added you on Flickr.
If you are ever in the region again, look me up (I'm based in Nantes).

With Well Wishes,

Rob

 

[hannahntilly]

Hi Rob, When I saw yours the scene looked vaguely familiar so I had a search through LR. I actually took mine on summer holiday in 2010 not 2012 - it rained a lot so we go camping further south now!! (It's a pretty part of the world but our tent was very nearly blown away by "Une Tempête" when we pitched it on a cliff in Prefailles nearby.)

I agree that the quality of these little "serious" cameras is very good. I use an LX5 too and often think that the results are better than my years of 35mm film SLR experience with a variety of decent cameras & lenses. Looks like you got the Q for a good price and I always like a bargain!! Peter

 

[lenshoarder]

I agree that it was a very good price and that it's a fun camera but I'm not sure you can compare the image quality with a larger sensor camera like a GF2. Here's a snap that I took from the same(ish) spot in 2012 with my G1 & 14-45mm. The focal length looks similar.

Check out this thread were I posted shots of a resolution chart from a Q and a GF2. The corners are a touch sharper on the GF2. Arguably, the Pentax Q is a bit sharper in the center. Overall, I think it compares very well with the GF2.

https://www.photographerslounge.org/f90/pentax-q-little-camera-could-16176/