Pentax Q10
Announced September 10, 2012
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
The Pentax Q10 is an exceptionally compact interchangeable lens camera that offers a fun, highly portable experience for casual street photography. That said, its small sensor size significantly limits image quality compared to larger systems, often resulting in lackluster performance in challenging lighting.
Weighted from 10 reviewer scores
Pros
- Ergonomic grip and solid build quality
- Highly portable and compact design
- Extensive physical controls and manual settings
- Versatile lens system and accessory support
- Integrated sensor-shift stabilization
Cons
- Poor image quality due to small sensor
- Fiddly, difficult-to-use controls
- Limited low-light performance and noise reduction issues
- Slow or inconsistent autofocus
- Restricted lens selection and lack of professional video features
- Launch price $599 (USD)
- Sensor 12.4MP Smaller than 1-inch CMOS
- Video 1080p 30p
- Stabilization In-body IS
What the Reviewers Say
All 10 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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Packing so much into a tiny camera while retaining a good level of handling is quite a feat, as is the small but interesting range of lenses offered for the Pentax Q10.
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The Pentax Q10 is a minor improvement on last year's original Q model, most notably offering a slight improvement in image quality, snappier focusing and a more ergonomic handgrip.
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[T]he Pentax Q10 has its control-to-size ratio to recommend it, and a number of positive aspects with its design, it’s sorely let down by inconsistent and often lacklustre image quality.
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The Pentax Q10 is the second in the Q series of compact system cameras (CSCs) that offer the flexibility of interchangeable lenses with a camera that is no bigger or heavier than many high-end compact cameras.
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[T]he Pentax Q10 has its control-to-size ratio to recommend it, and a number of positive aspects with its design, it’s sorely let down by inconsistent and often lacklustre image quality.
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We've been conditioned to believe smaller is better when it comes to consumer electronics, and the Pentax Q10 is the kind of camera you'd be happy to have on you at all times. But naturally, that convenience and portability doesn't come without caveats.
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A novel camera for the person who has everything.
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[T]his is an incredibly competent and fun camera to use, and it would be particularly well suited for casual snappers and street photographers looking for something that's portable, functional, yet fashionable.
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The Pentax Q10 has a good set of features and has extremely solid, well-built body.
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There are a few different variations and all of them are dinky and tiny and just secretly one of my favorite camera systems of all time, not gonna lie.
