Pentax Q7
Announced June 12, 2013
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 Q7 is an impressively compact mirrorless camera that offers a rewarding, tactile shooting experience with full manual controls and a unique aesthetic. That said, its small sensor size and noticeable shutter lag can be limiting compared to more modern alternatives.
Weighted from 9 reviewer scores
Pros
- Extensive creative customization including art filters, HDR, and color options
- Highly portable and compact design
- Comprehensive manual controls and RAW shooting capabilities
- Solid build quality with an intuitive interface
- Effective in-body sensor-shift image stabilization
Cons
- Small sensor and fiddly ergonomics
- Limited image detail and performance in low light
- Weak video performance and stabilization issues
- Noticeable shutter lag and sluggish autofocus
- Restricted lens selection and toy-like lens build
- Launch price $499.95 (USD)
- Sensor 12.4MP Smaller than 1-inch BSI CMOS
- Video 1080p 30p 4K 0p
What the Reviewers Say
All 9 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 70/100
The Pentax Q7 does well in everyday shooting, delivering image quality that's generally as good as the best enthusiast compacts.
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If you're a fan of small gadgets, the Pentax Q7 is going to appeal to you, particularly with the range of colours it is available in. It's extremely small, yet packs all the features you'd expect to see on a DSLR, including the ability to change lenses.
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So the smallest mirrorless camera on the block gets a generally successful upgrade and can be considered the most well realized Q camera yet.
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The impressively small Pentax Q7 mirrorless camera features an image sensor that is 50 percent larger than previous models, but its shutter lag is a drawback.
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If you're after a cute compact system camera which takes reasonable pictures in good light, then the Q7 is a good choice. Unfortunately, for Pentax, there are plenty of better options currently on the market.
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The fact that compared with larger, pricier CSC rivals the 12 megapixel Pentax Q7 appears like a bit of a toy may actually appeal to those who like their tech on the cute side.
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Yes, the Pentax Q system had its flaws. It was quickly outgrown by other manufacturers making compact cameras with better image quality.
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It's a really enjoyable tactile experience to use this camera from hand to result. It's just rewarding is the only word that comes to mind.
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[...] I've really wanted to fall in love with it because it's so awesome in so many ways and the final end result is actually really good, but I'm just gonna come to peace with the fact that this is not the camera for me [...]
