We get a hands-on First Look at Pentax's latest Compact System Camera, the Q10

With a newly adopted 12.4MP CMOS image sensor and an upgraded algorithm, the Pentax Q10 promises to deliver an improved basic performance, enhanced image quality and faster AF operation. With an ISO ceiling of 6400, the Pentax Q10 retains all the creative features of its predecessor – the Pentax Q, including the bokeh control function to create a defocused effect and the Smart Effect modes to apply various filters with a simple turn of the dial. At Photokina 2012 we managed to lay hands on the Pentax Q10 for a brief first look.



With an all-new image sensor and an upgraded AF algorithm, the Pentax Q10’s AF operation is designed to be faster than before. An AF Assist Light is provided on the camera body to optimise focusing accuracy in dark shooting environments, while the Face Recognition AF function automatically detects up to 12 faces and pinpoints the focus on the main subject.

Capable of shooting a burst of images at 5fps in its high-speed continuous shooting mode, the Q10 is claimed to record a maximum of five JPEG images in a single sequence.

The Pentax Q10 comes equipped with a Full HD movie-recording function in 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. There’s also the option of using autofocus as movies are being captured and the Q10’s DRII (Dust Removal II) mechanism prevents dust or dirt adhering to the sensor when lenses are being changed.

Other features include a 3in, 460k-dot screen, a choice of shooting aspect ratios (4:3, 3:2, 16:9 or 1:1) and a multi-exposure mode that lets you shoot up to nine exposures on a single image.