The Pentax Q10 features DSLR controls and arrives with a range of fun and functional lenses. It stands out from its CSC peers, but is that necessarily a good thing? Find out in our full Pentax Q10 review
Pentax Q10 Review
First Look
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.