The PENTAX Q's back-illuminated CMOS image sensor captures high-quality images with great efficiency, despite its compact dimensions. A new-generation imaging engine brings out the maximum potential from the sensor. A new image-processing sequence reproduces beautiful, lively images rich in gradation. This 12.4-megapixels CMOS image sensor also optimizes the outstanding resolving power of high-grade interchangeable lenses, supporting the PENTAX Q's evolution into a truly unique imaging tool harmonizing exceptional image quality with an extra-small, super-lightweight camera body.
PENTAX designed a new Q lens mount for the purpose of downsizing the camera body without compromising digital SLR performance. The incorporation of a compact, high-efficiency CMOS image sensor and new interchangeable-lens construction free of finder optics has resulted in the development of the world's smallest, lightest digital interchangeable-lens camera system.*
Despite their compact, lightweight body, new Q-mount interchangeable lenses provide exceptional image-description power by minimizing various aberrations through the use of high-grade optical elements such as aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lenses. The 01 STANDARD PRIME features two glass-molded aspherical lenses to deliver the sharp, vivid images unique to unifocal lenses. The 02 STANDARD ZOOM assures outstanding image resolving power over the entire zoom range to produce beautiful, lively images.
The PENTAX Qツ痴 body is made of high-grade magnesium alloy - a material often used for upper-class digital SLR cameras - to enhance rigidity and reduce weight at the same time. This camera body also fits comfortably in the hand, while assuring reliable protection of the internal mechanisms and providing the solid feel of a metallic material.
The PENTAX Q performs superbly in demanding situations, such as when shooting at dusk or indoors, or capturing sports action scenes. The back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and the new imaging engine are both well-equipped for high-sensitivity shooting to produce bright, clear images with minimal noise. By raising the sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400, you can take pictures at higher shutter speeds to prevent camera shake and subject shake. The camera even offers a function that automatically minimizes high-sensitivity noise.
* For digital interchangeable-lens-system cameras, as of June 15, 2011 (based on PENTAX research).