PENTAX Q-S1 / SHOOTING REPORT

The Q series has been updated almost every year since the first model was released in 2011. The new Q-S1 is the fourth generation released in 2014 and it has new appearance which is more classical. The body size is, of course, almost the same as the predecessor, the Q7. It also uses the predecessor's 1/1.7-inch 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor and the "Q ENGINE" image processor. And, existing Q-series users can switch to this model with no difficulty because the basic operation including the front clickable dial hasn't changed. For this report, I used the double-zoom kit including the 02 STANDARD ZOOM (5-15mm) and 06 TELEPHOTO ZOOM (15-45mm).

( Photography : A.inden / Text : KIMURAX )

The resolution is to be high enough. The clarity is also great, even considering the favorable shooting condition. The color reproduction appears to be slightly toward vivid.

At 207mm equivalent tele-end of the telephoto zoom lens. Compression effect is moderate. In order to freeze the moment of birds flying away, switch to the "Hi" burst mode which fires at a speed up to 5fps (the speed effective up to 5 shots).

It wonderfully captures the light of this kind of situation. I decided exposure according to the luminance I saw with my eyes wondering it could be a little dark. The image expresses the softness of the reflection in the water surface and the texture of the wood with plenty of moisture. The green-tinted color of the dippers must be due to the leaves of the trees above and around them.

The 1/1.7-inch sensor is considerably smaller than the ones for conventional interchangeable-lens cameras, but the rendition is quite good. This one was shot with the 02 STANDARD ZOOM which conveniently covers between wide and short-telephoto angle.

The Q-S1 has a variety of "smart effects" including the new "antique" and "fade-color" which gives a nostalgic feel. For this image, I used the "unicolor bold," which is like a color-by-number for adults.

Shoot light with this friendly mirrorless system.

No major change in specs including the sensor and the image processor means no change in the great rendition. Because this report has more long-distance shots than short-distance shots, check our report on the Q7 to look at more short-distance shots. The double-zoom kit is extremely small. As of now, they make 8 lenses from 01 to 08 and when I add the weight of each lens, they weigh less than 380g all together. I mean just 380g for 8 lenses! This system lets you experience the difference expressions of each lens instead of digital effects. And, the price is also "compact." But, don't underestimate the performance of the 06 TELEPHOTO ZOOM because it's F2.8 constant covering between short-telephoto and telephoto range. Of course, because of the small sensor size, we are trading-off between the image quality and compactness. But, if we start discussing it, we know there's no end. Instead, focus on the benefits. The 1/1.7-inch sensor has deeper depth of field, so it's so much easier to focus, which is a big advantage for snapshooting. This is a great camera for someone who wants the replacement for their compact camera and who wants to start using a mirrorless system quickly. You know, we can't shoot without a camera we can always carry around. And quite amazingly, this tiny system can deal with a variety of situations.

( 14.10.2015 )