Pentax Q10

    62
    Image cannot be found

    Highlights

    • 12.4 MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
    • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
    • 25 Focus Points (25 Cross-type)
    • Image Stabilization
    • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
    • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
    • 25 min Video Recording Limit
    • Built-in Flash
    Image cannot be found
    Image cannot be found

    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Pentax Q10 was announced in 2012 and is a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) Mirrorless camera with 12.4 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 6,400. The camera has a Fixed 3.0" screen with 460k dot resolution. It has a built-in Sensor Shift in body image stabilization.

    Pentax Q10 can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen and Viewfinder
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Pentax Q10.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Light - 200 g (0.44 lb / 7.05 oz)

    CONS

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.4 Megapixel
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   Low DxO Overall Score - 49
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 270 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
    •   25 Focus Points
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Pentax Q10 to its predecessor Q and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Pentax Q10 vs Pentax Q
    Lower Native ISO 100 vs 125
    Timelapse Recording vs
    Face Detection vs
    Viewfinder Optical (optional) vs
    Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/2000 sec
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 1.5 fps
    Higher DxO Color Depth 21.1 vs 20.2
    Higher DxO Overall Score 49 vs 47
    Longer Battery Life 270 shots vs 230 shots
    DOWNGRADES Pentax Q10 vs Pentax Q
    Lower DxO Low Light ISO 183 vs 189
    Lower DxO Dynamic Range 10.9 vs 11.1
    Heavier 200 g (0.44 lb / 7.05 oz) vs 180 g (0.40 lb / 6.35 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pentax Q10 vs Q.

    Successor

    In 2013 Pentax Q10 was replaced by Pentax Q7. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Pentax Q10 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Pentax Q7 vs Pentax Q10
    Sensor Type BSI-CMOS vs CMOS
    Larger Sensor 1/1.7-inch vs 1/2.3-inch
    Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 6,400
    Live View Autofocus vs
    DOWNGRADES Pentax Q7 vs Pentax Q10
    Multi Area Autofocus vs
    Continuous Autofocus vs
    Lower Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/2000 sec vs 1/8000 sec
    Shorter Battery Life 250 shots vs 270 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pentax Q10 vs Q7.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fixed screen

    Pentax Q10 has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 460k dot resolution which is quite low by today's standards.

    Camera does not have a built-in viewfinder but an optional optical viewfinder can be attached.

    Sensor

    Pentax Q10 features a 12.4 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Pentax Q10's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 4000 x 2664, 4000 x 2248, 3456 x 2595, 3456 x 2304, 3456 x 1944, 2992 x 2992, 2688 x 2016, 2688 x 1792, 2688 x 1512, 2016 x 2016, 1920 x 1440, 1920 x 1280, 1440 x 1440 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Pentax Q10 has Pentax Q lens mount. Due to 1/2.3-inch sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 5.6x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 5.6.


    In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax Q10.

    Pentax Q7
    Image cannot be found

    1/1.7-inch

    12.4 MP

    Pentax Q
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    12.4 MP

    Leica D-Lux (Typ 109)
    Image cannot be found

    Micro Four Thirds

    12.8 MP

    Nikon D6
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    20.8 MP

    Nikon P7000
    Image cannot be found

    1/1.7-inch

    10.1 MP

    Sony RX100 II
    Image cannot be found

    1-inch

    20.2 MP

    Canon Rebel SL1
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    18.0 MP

    Pentax K-1 II
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    36.4 MP

    Olympus OM-D E-M10 II
    Image cannot be found

    Micro Four Thirds

    16.1 MP

    Fujifilm X-T5
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    40.2 MP

    Fujifilm X10
    Image cannot be found

    2/3-inch

    12 MP

    Leica C-Lux
    Image cannot be found

    1-inch

    20.1 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Pentax Q10 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Pentax Q10 comes with D-LI68 battery pack with battery life of 270 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Pentax Q10's shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.


    Flash

    Pentax Q10 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 7.00 m and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/2000 sec.

    Physical Parameters

    Pentax Q10 has dimensions of 102 x 58 x 34 mm (4.02 x 2.28 x 1.34"). It weighs 200 g (0.44 lb / 7.05 oz), so it is a lightweight camera.

    102 mm (4.02")

    58 mm (2.28")

    Image cannot be displayed


    58 mm (2.28")

    Image cannot be displayed


    34 mm (1.34")

    Image cannot be displayed

    Pentax Q10 dimensions

    Pentax Q10 for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Pentax Q10 is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    AVERAGE
    56

    Pentax Q10 gets a score of 56 and is AVERAGE choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    68

    Pentax Q10 gets a score of 68 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
    •   25 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 270 shots

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    64

    Pentax Q10 gets a score of 64 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
    •   25 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 270 shots

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    78

    Pentax Q10 gets a score of 78 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   25 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    83

    Pentax Q10 gets a score of 83 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   25 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 200 g (0.44 lb / 7.05 oz)

    Travel Photography

    EXCELLENT
    85

    Pentax Q10 gets a score of 85 and is EXCELLENT choice for Travel photography.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 200 g (0.44 lb / 7.05 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 270 shots

    Pentax Q10 Evaluation

    We evaluate Pentax Q10 and give score of 62 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    62

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    59

    We give Pentax Q10 a score of 59 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.4 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
    •   Low DxO Overall Score - 49

    Photo

    GOOD
    77

    We give Pentax Q10 a score of 77 for Photo parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
    •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec

    Video

    POOR
    45

    We give Pentax Q10 a score of 45 for Video parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit

    Focusing

    AVERAGE
    64

    We give Pentax Q10 a score of 64 for Focusing parameters.

    •   25 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection

    Screen and Viewfinder

    AVERAGE
    66

    We give Pentax Q10 a score of 66 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot

    Connectivity

    AVERAGE
    61

    We give Pentax Q10 a score of 61 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    43

    We give Pentax Q10 a score of 43 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 200 g (0.44 lb / 7.05 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 270 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

    Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
    ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.