M4/3s Being Smaller than Pentax Q

[tjdean01]

This is interesting. I was trying to think of a use for my Pentax Q (since its pixel pitch is too high to adapt lenses) and have even made posts about it. I like the little camera but any lens I try to buy for it is trumped by m4/3s.

-Pentax 01 Standard Prime f/1.9 (40mm eq) - I was thinking this lens would for sure be the default one to buy at around $150, but it doesn't really give me anything my Olympus PM2 + 20mm f1.7 pancake doesn't. Same exact focal length and not decidedly much smaller: http://j.mp/1rurIzj

-Pentax 02 Standard Zoom f2.8-4 (28-80mm eq) - After seeing the sub $100 price for this lens used and the relatively fast speed I figured this would be the one. I do own the Panasonic 12-32mm pancake (similar FL, f3.5-5.6, however) for my PM2 and the combo is quite a shorter than the Q + the Standard Zoom: http://j.mp/1tqc3HV

-Pentax 04 Wide Toy Lens f7.1 (35mm eq) OR 07 Mount Shield f9 (53mm eq) - both small and could be really fun. But, then again, I already have the Olympus 15mm f8 Body Cap Lens which is 1/2" long and I can push the ISO to 3200 and be happy with that. The Q I wouldn't go over ISO800. Plus I have the 14. Neither lenses exact but sizes comparison similar: http://j.mp/1tqegTz

And yes, the body of the Q is definitely smaller than my PM2 (and plus I only paid $100 for it and it's all solid metal so that's probably why I like it), but then again, check it out next to the GM1: http://j.mp/1rus1tS#sthash.54Ls6rdt.dpuf

m4/3s is making me want to sell this Q!

 

[pellicle]

Sensor size on the Q is compact camera sizes

1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
See
http://www.dpreview.com/products/pentax/slrs/pentax_q/specifications

Meanwhile the sensor on a m43 camera is 18 x 13.5mm, so more than twice as wide and twice as high.

No wonder it doesn't perform as well as a m43. Its like comparing m43 to Full Frame

 

[RichardB]

The Q is a worthy camera. Its sensor punches above its weight. I sold mine because its uses were too similar to those of my MFT gear, and I needed only one system for those tasks.

 

[fortwodriver]

I'm pretty sure Pentax made a decision on size based on how holdable the camera would be. Sensor size and lens size factor in, yes, but I suspect they still wanted a camera that had good grip'ability.

It's an interesting experiment, but it's not new. Pentax had a lot of fun with the 110 format. They produced a nice little DSLR system for it in the 70s. I do wonder why they chose not to use the "cigarette pack" design for the Q... It would have been a nifty looking little design for those who never had/saw the original Pentax 110 system.

 

[John M Flores]

I regularly put my Q in harms way for POV shots, comforted by the fact that I'm not risking an expensive bauble. The built-in intervalometer is quite useful too.

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This motorcycle journalism gig isn't all sunshine and rainbows... by john m flores, on Flickr

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Riding through Algonquin Provincial Park by john m flores, on Flickr

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Eastern Connecticut with the 2015 Indian Scout by john m flores, on Flickr

 

[drd1135]

Eastern Connecticut with the 2015 Indian Scout[/url] by john m flores, on Flickr

Great. Now I want a Scout and a pizza. Sadly, I'll probably only get the fattening one. That's a nice set.

 

[pellicle]

I'm pretty sure Pentax made a decision on size based on how holdable the camera would be. Sensor size and lens size factor in, yes, but I suspect they still wanted a camera that had good grip'ability.

It's an interesting experiment, but it's not new. Pentax had a lot of fun with the 110 format. ...a nifty looking little design for those who never had/saw the original Pentax 110 system.

as one who owns a Pentax 110 (and loved them when they were released) I look to that system and wonder why it is we don't have a system today that is as compact as it is.

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cameraTwins

that these lenses perform well enough on m43 today is a testimony to how compact things can be.
this is the 50mm on my GF1

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P1030786


Given that my slim and tiny cell phone has a screen and a 5mp autofocus camera built into it I can't see why such a device as the 110 could not be made today for little money.