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Press Release

September 11, 2012

PENTAX Q10
A super-compact, ultra-lightweight digital lens-interchangeable camera,
featuring a new image sensor for enhanced basic performance
to accommodate a greater range of subjects and applications

PENTAX Q10 Crystal WhitePENTAX Q10 Crystal BluePENTAX Q10 Black

Silver Black Red

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Q10 digital lens-interchangeable camera, which offers all the features and benefits of the digital lens-interchangeable camera system in its super-compact, ultra-lightweight body.

Launched as the latest model of the PENTAX Q series, offering casual, carefree digital-SLR-quality photography to everyone, the PENTAX Q10 was developed based on the popular PENTAX Q (launched in August 2011) — the world’s smallest, lightest digital lens-interchangeable camera.* Thanks to a newly adopted CMOS image sensor and an upgraded algorithm, it delivers much-improved basic performance, such as higher-quality images and faster AF operation. At the same time, it retains all the creative features of its predecessor — including the bokeh control function to create a defocused effect typical of an SLR camera, and the Smart Effect modes to apply various filters with a simple turn of the dial — allowing the photographer to produce more personalized images with minimal effort. While its overall exterior design closely resembles the PENTAX Q, which was designed as a miniaturized version of a full-scale digital SLR camera, the PENTAX Q10 has added several upgrades in its body design, such as a grip assuring more stable hold of the camera, to improve operability and maneuverability.

* For a digital lens-interchangeable camera, as of August 31, 2012 (based on PENTAX research).

PENTAX Q10
♦ Silver [ ⇒ Product Image] ♦ Black [ ⇒ Product Image] ♦ Red [ ⇒ Product Image]
Major Features
  1. Exceptional image quality delivered by digital lens-interchangeable camera system

    Thanks to the incorporation of a newly designed back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with outstanding high-sensitivity, low-noise characteristics, the PENTAX Q10 delivers high-resolution, rich-gradation images with approximately 12.4 effective megapixels, and a top sensitivity of ISO 6400. Thanks to the combination of a high-performance imaging engine, developed using PENTAX’s long-standing expertise in digital SLR camera development, and exclusively designed, high-performance Q-mount lenses, the PENTAX Q10 also assures clear, high-contrast images rich in gradation and texture, even at the edges. With high-sensitivity noise minimized, the photographer can use the entire sensitivity range from ISO 100 to the highest ISO 6400 without the worry of annoying digital noise. The photographer can even take advantage of the HDR (High Dynamic Range) function, which produces one composite photo from multiple images, to create beautiful, fine-detailed images free of whitewashed highlights and blacked-out shadows.
  2. Upgraded AF performance

    Thanks to the new image sensor and an upgraded AF algorithm, the PENTAX Q10’s autofocus operation is much faster than before, even in dimly lit locations or with a telephoto lens. An AF Assist Light is provided on the camera body to optimize focusing accuracy in the dark, while the Face Recognition AF function automatically detects up to 12 faces and pinpoints the focus on a main subject.
  3. Quick-Dial to simplify the application of creative visual effects

    By assigning the creative Smart Effect function to the easy-to-access Quick-Dial positioned on the camera’s front panel, the photographer can effortlessly add the desired finishing touch to an image, while previewing the effect on the LCD monitor. Since the Quick-Dial has four positions, the photographer can assign four of their favorites from the nine Smart Effect modes in advance. In order to customize the PENTAX Q10 to accommodate specific shooting styles and user preferences, the user can also assign other options — such as a custom image setting, a digital filter or an aspect ratio setting — to this dial.
  4. A selection of image-processing tools to create personalized images

    (1) Custom Image function 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 nine 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 a total of 19 digital filters, 11 filters such as Toy Camera, Invert Color and Posterization can be applied even during the shooting of still images and movie clips, while the remaining eight are applicable only during playback. The user can even apply different filters one after another to a single image to create 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 a desired finishing touch to an image, while previewing the effect on the LCD monitor. From nine Smart Effect modes, including Brilliant Color, which provides a high-saturation finish, and Cross Process, with its dramatic unique-toned finish, the user can assign four favorite modes to the dial in advance.
  5. High-quality, Full HD movie recording of extended movie clips

    The PENTAX Q10 comes equipped with a Full HD movie-recording function employing the H.264 recording format, allowing the user to capture high-quality, extended movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels) at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The user can also take advantage of the advanced image-processing tools like the Smart Effect modes** and other in-body movie editing tools during movie shooting. With a push of the OK button on the back panel, the PENTAX Q10 even offers autofocus operation during movie shooting. The PENTAX Q10 also provides a micro-HDMI terminal (type D), which allows the user to simultaneously output both Full HD movie clips and sound to external devices via a single terminal.

    * The frame rate may vary when a selected Smart Effect mode requires nonstandard image processing

  6. Effortless Bokeh control

    The PENTAX Q10’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 obtrusive objects in the field of view. Since this function simplifies the advanced, SLR-caliber technique of intentional defocusing, even a first-time digital photographer can effortlessly capture high-quality images with the beautifully defocused foreground and/or background.
  7. SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images

    The PENTAX Q10 incorporates the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which automatically shifts the CMOS image sensor to offset camera shake detected by the camera’s motion sensor. As a result, the PENTAX Q10 produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions that are prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, or capturing landscapes in the twilight.
  8. Simple, user-friendly Auto Picture and Scene modes

    The PENTAX Q10 features the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode from such options as Portrait, Landscape and Macro for a given subject or scene, then optimizes all affecting parameters, such as shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness. It also provides 21 Scene modes including Night Scene Portrait, Pet and Backlight Silhouette, allowing even an inexperienced digital photographer to choose the best exposure mode for a complicated scene with the simple choice of an icon on the LCD monitor.
  9. Dependable, flexible exposure system available only with digital lens-interchangeable camera systems

    The PENTAX Q10’s comprehensive exposure system assures all the advantages and flexibility of a digital lens-interchangeable camera system. To accommodate user preferences and varying photographic applications, it offers a choice of four different exposure modes: the all-purpose Programmed AE (P) mode, which automatically selects an optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed; the Shutter-Priority AE (Tv) and Aperture-Priority AE (Av) modes, which allow the photographer to faithfully reproduce specific creative intentions on resulting images; and the Metered Manual (M) mode. The photographer can even instantly switch the exposure mode from P mode to Av or Tv with a simple turn of an electronic dial.
  10. High-speed continuous shooting at approximately five images per second

    The PENTAX Q10’s high-speed continuous shooting mode allows the photographer to record up to five images (in JPEG recording format) in a single sequence, at a maximum speed of approximately five images per second. This mode comes in handy when trying to preserve the action of fast-moving subjects in a series of images.
  11. Dependable DRII mechanism for effective dust removal

    The PENTAX Q10’s DRII (Dust Removal II) mechanism effectively prevents annoying dust spots from spoiling captured images, even after the user changes lenses out in the open. Like the PENTAX K-5 and 645D digital SLR cameras, it incorporates a highly effective supersonic vibration mechanism, which vibrates the image sensor at high speed to shake the dust off its surface.
  12. Built-in auto flash with pop-up mechanism

    The PENTAX Q10 comes with a built-in auto flash (guide number 7 at ISO 200/m). The photographer can either use it at the default position, or raise it to the pop-up position with simple operation to widen its discharge angle to cover a 28mm angle of view (in the 35mm format).
  13. Other features

    1. High-resolution, wide-view 3.0-inch color LCD monitor with approx. 460,000 dots
    2. Long battery life through incorporation of power-efficient components such as a new image sensor
    3. Remote control receptors on front and back panels
    4. HDR mode to produce a photo with extra-wide dynamic range from three images of varying exposures
    5. TTL image-sensor metering, with a choice of multi-segment, center-weighted and spot modes
    6. CTE white-balance control mode to emphasize the predominant color of a particular scene, such as the sunset
    7. A choice of image size (4:3, 3:2, 16:9 or 1:1) to accommodate different subjects and applications
    8. Multi-exposure mode (up to nine exposures on a single image), with an auto exposure compensation function
    9. Interval shooting mode, convenient for recording landscapes and flowers/plants from the exact location and angle
    10. A choice of data storage medium: SD, SDHC and the new-standard SDXC*** memory cards
    11. SILKY Developer Studio 3 for PENTAX RAW-data development software (developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) included; in-camera RAW-data development also available

    *** Not compatible with UHS Speed Class transfer rate.

Optional Accessory

Camera Case O-CC131

White [ ⇒ Product Image] Black [ ⇒ Product Image] Red [ ⇒ Product Image]

Exclusively designed for the PENTAX Q10, this camera case has two strap lugs at its sides to keep the camera suspended in a level position, assuring the photographer of delay-free snapshooting even in unexpected shutter opportunities. This high-grade case not only protects the camera from shock and scratches, but also makes it more elegant and attractive in appearance. Available in white, black and red colors.

PENTAX Q10 Specifications
Model Description Type Lens-interchangeable SL digital-still camera
Lens Mount PENTAX bayonet Q-mount
Compatible Lens Q-mount lenses
Image Capture Unit Image Sensor Type: CMOS sensor with a primary color filter, Size: 1/2.3-inch
Effective Pixels Approx. 12.4 megapixels
Total Pixels Approx. 12.76 megapixels
Dust Removal Image sensor cleaning using ultrasonic vibrations “DR II”
Sensitivity
(Standard Output)
AUTO: ISO 100 to 6400 (1/3 EV steps)
Bulb mode: up to ISO 1600
Image Stabilizer Sensor shift Shake Reduction
File Formats File Format RAW (DNG), JPEG (Exif 2.3), DCF2.0 compliant
Recorded Pixels JPEG
[4:3] 12M (4000x3000), 9M (3456x2592), 5M (2688x2016), 3M (1920x1440)
[3:2] 10M (4000x2664), 8M (3456x2304), 5M (2688x1792), 2M (1920x1280)
[16:9] 9M (4000x2248), 6M (3456x1944), 4M (2688x1512), 2M (1920x1080)
[1:1] 9M (2992x2992), 6M (2592x2592), 4M (2016x2016), 2M (1440x1440)
RAW
[4:3] 12M (4000x3000)
Quality Level RAW (12bit): DNG
JPEG: ★★★ (Best), ★★ (Better), ★ (Good)
RAW and JPEG simultaneously recordable
Color Space sRGB, AdobeRGB
Storage Medium SD, SDHC, and SDXC Memory Card
Storage Folder Date (100_1018, 100_1019...)/PENTX (100PENTX, 101PENTX...)
LCD Monitor Type TFT color LCD monitor, wide angle viewing
Size 3.0 inches
Dots Approx. 460,000 dots
Adjustment Brightness and colors adjustable
Display Field of View: approx. 100%, Grid display (4x4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale display),
Bright/dark area warning, Histogram
White Balance Auto TTL by CMOS image sensor
Preset Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light (D:Daylight Color, N:Daylight White, W:Cool White, L:Warm White),
Tungsten, Flash, CTE, Manual
Manual Configuration on monitor
Fine Adjustment Adjustable ±7 steps on A-B axis or G-M axis
Autofocus System Type Contrast detection AF
Brightness Range EV1 to 18(ISO100)
Focus Method AF/MF switching
Autofocus Method Face Detection, Tracking, AF Select (25 Points), Select, Spot
AF Assist Light Dedicated LED AF assist light
MF Assist OFF/x2/x4
Metering Type TTL image sensor metering, segment metering, centerweighted metering, and spot metering
Exposure Compensation EV1 - 17 (ISO 100, F1.9 lens), +2EV using the Electronic Shutter setting or using the ND filter
Exposure Modes <Auto Picture mode>
Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Night Scene Portrait, Night Scene, Blue Sky, Forest
<Scene Mode>
Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Sunset, Blue Sky, Night Scene,
Night Scene HDR*, Night Snap, Food,
EV Compensation ± 3EV (1/3EV step)
AE Lock Can be assigned to the green/delete button from the menu.
Continuous as long as the shutter release button is pressed halfway.
Shutter Lens shutter: 1/2000 - 30 seconds
(1/3EV step, 1/8000 - 30 seconds when Electronic Shutter setting is enabled), Bulb
*Shooting at 1/8000 - 2 seconds with Electronic Shutter and Bulb shooting are not available when using a lens that has no lens shutter.
Aperture From wide open to F8 *Not available when using a lens that has no lens shutter.
ND Filter Off/On *Not available when using a lens that has no lens shutter.
Drive Modes Mode Selection Single frame, Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self-timer (12s, 2s), Remote Control (0 sec., 3 sec., continuous), Auto Bracketing (3 frames, remote control)
Continuous Shooting Approx. 5 fps, JPEG (12M / ★★★ / Continuous Hi): up to 5 frames,
Approx. 1.5 fps, JPEG (12M / ★★★ / Continuous Lo): up to 100 frames
Built-in Flash Built-in Flash Built-in retractable P-TTL flash
Guide number: approx. 4.9 (ISO100/m) / approx. 7 (ISO200/m)
Angle of view: coverage: wide angle-lens, equivalent to 28mm in 35mm format
Flash Modes P-TTL, Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Trailing Curtain Sync
Sync Speed Lens shutter: 1/2000 seconds, Electronic shutter: 1/13 seconds
Flash Exposure Compensation –2.0 to +1.0 EV
Capture Functions Custom Image Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing
Noise Reduction High-ISO NR
Dynamic Range Setting Highlight Correction, Shadow Correction
Lens Correction Distortion Correction
Digital Filter Toy Camera, High Contrast, Shading, Slim, HDR, Invert Color, Extract Color, Color, Water Color, Posterization, Fish-eye
HDR Capture Auto, HDR 1, HDR 2
Multi-exposure Number of shots: 2-9, Exposure adjusted automatically.
Interval Shooting Shooting interval: 1 sec. to 24 hr., Start Interval setting: immediately from the set time, Number of shots: up to 999 images
Smart Effect Brilliant Color, Unicolor Bold, Vintage Color, Cross Processing, Warm Fade, Tone Expansion,
Bold Monochrome, Water Color, Vibrant Color Enhance, USER 1 to 3
Movie File Format MPEG–4 AVC/H.264
Recorded Pixels Full HD (1920x1080, 16:9, 30fps), HD (1280x720, 16:9, 30fps), VGA (640x480, 4:3, 30fps)
Sound Built-in monaural microphone
Recording Time Up to 25 minutes; automatically stops recording if the internal temperature of the camera becomes high.
Custom Image Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing
Digital Filter Toy Camera, High Contrast, Shading, Slim, HDR, Invert Color, Extract Color, Color, Water Color, Posterization, Fish-eye
Interval Movie Recording interval: 1 sec., 5 sec., 10 sec., 30 sec., 1 min., 5 min., 10 min., 30 min., 1 hr.,
Recording time: 5 sec. to 99 hr.
Start Interval setting: immediately, from the set time
Playback Functions Playback View Single frame, multi-image display (4, 9, 20, 42, 90 segmentation), display magnification (up to 16x, scrolling and quick magnification available), rotating, histogram (Y histogram, RGB histogram), bright/dark area warning, detailed inf
Delete Delete single image, delete all images, select & delete, delete folder, delete instant review image
Digital Filter Monochrome, Toy Camera, High Contrast, Shading, Slim, HDR, Invert Color, Extract Color, Color, Water Color, Posterization, Fish-eye, Retro, Soft, Sketch Filter, Miniature, Frame Composite, Starburst, Base Parameter Adjustment
RAW Development File Format (JPEG), Aspect Ratio, Color Space, Custom Image, White Balance, Sensitivity, High-ISO NR, Shadow Correction, Distortion Correction
Edit Resize, Cropping (aspect ratio adjustment available), Index, Movie Editing (divide or delete selected frames), Capturing a JPEG still picture from a movie, Red-eye Edit, Saving buffer as a RAW file
Customization Custom Functions 13 items
Mode Memory 12 items
Button/
Dial Customization
Green/Delete button: Green Button, Preview, One Push File Format, AE Lock, Enable AF
Quick Dial: Smart Effect, Custom Image, Digital Filter, Aspect Ratio
Text Size Standard, Large
World Time World Time settings for 75 cities (28 time zones)
Language English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese
Power Supply Battery Type Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI68
AC Adapter AC Adapter Kit K-AC115 (optional)
Battery Life Number of recordable images: approx. 250 images (with 50% flash usage),
approx. 270 images (without flash usage)
Playback time: approx. 160 minutes
* Using a new lithium-ion battery under the temperature at 23 °C, Tested in compliance with CIPA standard.
Interfaces Connection Port USB 2.0 (high-speed compatible) / AV output terminal, HDMI output terminal (Type D)
USB Connection MSC/PTP
Video Output Format NTSC/PAL
Dimensions and Weight Dimensions Approx. 102.0mm (W) x 58.0mm (H) x 33.5mm (D) (excluding the operation parts and protrusion)
Weight Approx. 200g (loaded and ready with the dedicated battery and SD Memory Card),
Approx. 180g (body only)
Accessories Package Contents USB Cable I-USB7, Strap O-ST131, Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI68, Battery Charger D-BC68P, Software (CDROM) S-SW131
<Mounted on the camera>
Hot shoe cover FK, Body mount cover
Software SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 for PENTAX

♦ HDMI, the HDMI Logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
♦ All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
♦ Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice.

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