The OG Tiny Camera That Everyone Loves

The Pentax Q was the first mirrorless camera system that really took the concept of miniature mirrorless cameras to a whole new level. For years, the Pentax Q held the crown for being the smallest interchangeable lens camera system and amassed a huge cult following that lives on even to this day. So, I got my hands on a Pentax Q-S1 to find out what all the fuss is about and whether it can still handle itself in 2024.

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⏳ TIME STAMPS ⏳
Intro - @0:00
The Q Family Tree - @0:58
The Sensor - @1:53
Why Was It Such A Hit? - @3:24
Handling & Features - @5:30
Video Mode - @10:14
Lenses - @10:30
A Special Trick - @11:16
Image Quality - @12:32

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⚠ PLEASE NOTE ⚠

All of the opinions expressed in this video are my own based on my personal experience whilst using the equipment/software featured. Whilst some videos may include paid sponsorship, I never allow manufactuers to dictate what I can or can't say about their product(s). Their money helps to cover the cost of video production, it does NOT buy my opinion.
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#pentax #mirrorlesscamera #streetphotography

[TomCalton]

Thanks again to Skillshare for sponsoring this video and helping to support the channel 🙌🏻

[denizkendirci]

Why is the smallest interchangable lens camera disputed? Hasn't someone dunked them in water to calculate displaced water 's cubic centimeters? It's not that ambiguous, they are physical objects with measurable dimensions.

[KristianSkylstad]

If you want to get bokeh you can get the Kern 13mm f0.9 and an adapter. It is equivalent to a 60mm f. 4, which should give enough bokeh.

[MicroFourNerds]

Love my Pentax Q cameras. I've managed to "collect them all" with the lenses, got all but the bodycap lens. I had the original Q in 2012 and, predictably, sold it and regretted it. Got to S1's now. The pop up flash is my fave too haha

[batteryboi]

I love my first generation Q, heavy, well built body, amazingly compact, and i can take closeups of the moon with an adaptor and my 1000mm telephoto

[donwallace]

I've been looking at the Q, but just haven't found "the one" yet. Nice review! I was surprised to hear you say the Nikon 1 series used microSD, thinking you were mistaken, then saw you pictured the J5. Apparently, they shifted in the later models, because the J1, S1 and V1 all use full size SD cards.

[LoFiAxolotl]

I mean... i would argue the OG pocketable cameras were the digi cams... the Pentax Q really is just a digi cam with interchangable lenses

[keithliu]

Note that Panasonic made the GM5 as a follow up to the GM1 so that was not a one off. I have both and they are fun for street and travel.

Keep up the great content!!

[GearGeekB]

Best D-Mount lens imo - 12.7mm f2.8 Bosch & Lomb it’s suuuuper sharp and has great character

[ChrisBrogan]

I feel like you're the devil on my shoulder for G.A.S. // You're a really fun guy to watch, Tom. Loved this video and I am grateful you walked us through it. And you're so right. The color combos most certainly make flipping through ebay a bit more fun. :)

[jasongomez]

10:38 The Standard Prime and Standard Zoom lenses are the wrong way around in the picture, which caused me a bit of confusion..

[mooncheese]

I have the Q and a pink Q10. Cool little cameras. Rarely use them.

[pixelpeter]

The Pentax Q is such a fun (but very capable!) little camera; I'm so glad I was able to find a great set with quite a few lenses on eBay a while back. I can fit a camera with two zooms, a fisheye lens, a manual telelens and a lens-bodycap plus some batteries all in one (rather big) pocket of my photography vest! :-)

[adriancoleman]

1.28 in 'those cameras were just one offs'. You've forgotten the Gm5 then 😊

[GearGeekB]

I love my q7 with d-Mount bolex lenses. I’ve shot music videos with it and there are some sharp and quirky lenses from the 40s and 50s

[apricity]

Id love to see some beginner focused videos - such as what types of photography is there? how to set up a camera before shooting etc etc. I just picked up a camera to hopefully find a new hobby that makes me want to go outdoors and explore a bit. Are there any subjects you would recommend a beginner shoot to get a feel for photography?

[YearToRetireAbroad]

Haha. I received Q7 and 06 lens 4 hours ago from Japan. What a coincidence. Paid a lot. I will test drive tomorrow. Could you tell us the name of the site at 4:16? Thank you.

[xmeda]

If only they started with Q7 with that larger sensor. But with that premium price and first cameras with 1/2.3" sensor it was failed from start. Toy lenses also did some share putting this system into some "toy for fun" category in eyes of most photographers.

The problem is that one could simply buy Olympus XZ-2 or Stylus1 and have the 1/1.7" BSI CMOS paired with excellent fast lens in compact stabilized body with tilting LCD and still cost less. XZ-2 also has optional EVF and Stylus1 has one built-in.

[zoebaz]

The menu and button layout you're so complimentary of is pretty similar to any pentax camera-- i spent a couple of years part timing as a concert/event photographer with a K-3 m1, so that was my bread and butter. I've been going through transitioning to sony, and i thought it might just be because i trained myself on the pentax buttons and menu that i found it intuitive, but maybe not?

[kevinblanco]

This Camera is FUN! To each their own but the photos to me are unique. I like the noise. The grain. The flash and ND Filter in the day time. I have the original Pentax Q. I collect specific unique cameras by sensor size and it’s the ONLY interchangeable lens camera with a 1/2.3 sensor. It’s an amazing camera. If you’re complaining then go buy a bigger sensor camera or something.