New Pentax Q and its new 15-45mm F2.8 fast 80-250mm equiv

[Rog Tallbloke]

Not sure it this needs to go in the 'other cameras' section now Ricoh and Pentax have merged, but I'll play safe.

This for me is the Photokina announcement I've been waiting for.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/09/10 ... ess-camera

Look how compact that long reach zoom is. At a reasonable price point too.
OK, the small sensor and cheaper optics won't rival a professional rig, but that's not the point. The backpacking wildlife phtographer is going to love this for dusk and dawn shooting. I was saying on the 'what's next for GXR' thread that I'd like to see a constant f2.8 zoom lens. Well here it is.

Please Ricoh-Pentax, please can we have a Q mount unit for the GXR??

 

[thelps]

I think you are correct that this type of camera does have a niche, a place in the list of tools.
Its a small body with a small sensor, we have small bodied cameras in the Sony Nex system BUT they have large lenses.

this Pentax with its small sensor (and small body) means it can take smaller designed lenses. For some users this yields enough IQ.
Imagine only doing web page work and so enough IQ here and needing a tiny light system for backpacking anywhere as you mention.
The images may enlarge well. I have see some earlier Q images on other forums and they aren't bad considering the sensor.

It should meet someones needs.
Is it for me? I doubt it with the current subjects I "focus" on.

 

[Rog Tallbloke]

It's pretty much the same sensor as the GXR P10 lensor and my lady's Canon SX230. In good light they produce great results. The Good light collection of the Pentz Q 8,5mm prime at f1.8 and this zoom at f2.8 make it a useful tool so long as you don't stray over ISO 400.

For backpacking it all depends on how much weight in camera gear you are prepared to carry for the IQ you demand. As you say, with many happy to limit display size to a screenful, the IQ is very acceptable from the small sensor. However, at this pixel density, the lens quality is critical, especially with zooms. I'll await test pics from the new 06 lens before I think any further about it.