I'm sorry, but I definitely have to disagree, or, to answer the question: I guess/hope not.
It's undeniable that the owner of this forum disliked the Q and showed his disappointment, fair enough, even though I wonder why, but, who cares
But seeing the K-01 the Q makes even more sense, I would say
Why?
Those wanting a mirrorless with the highest possible IQ with K-mount have got this now, those wanting a really pocketable travel camera with high to good enough IQ can have the Q.
I must say, I have awaited the K-01 to be presented and to my surprise I got even more biased towards the Q. The K-01 could have been a compact travel system inbetween APS-C cams like K-r/x/m and the Q, but it isn't. To put it right, I do think the K-01 has found a solid position, but regarding compactness and discreetness it can't beat a Q.
The K-01 is good enough to help reconsider the wish for a m4/3 cam or an APS-C mirrorless, an It would tear me away from those immediately. There is not so much difference between those systems and the bonus of using my K-mount lenses is priceless.
But the cam you don't have with you can't make images, and that is the hot spot of the Q-system. High quality built, good ergonomics, RAW-format, shake reduction, 2 excellent lenses (photozone tests show the lowest corner degradation for the zoom 02 of all lenses I have seen), neat technical details (ND-filter built in, leaf shutter), some fun with adapted K-mount lenses, compatibility with accessoires (flash, O-GPS1?)...
I was looking for a travel camera to just put in my luggage and forget, fit for occasional travel snapshots, architectural photography (corner sharpness!, better more DOF!) and museum photography (no flash allowed, SR), unobtrusive and high class finish.
The best thing I think the Q has? The Q mount, giving Pentax a plattform for small but good enough sensors, be it this BSI-sensor (which is capable of amazing things - e.g.
Fashion photography with Q or slightly larger Sensors with new technology to come. At this size it is more likely that advances in sensor dvelopment and new technologies can be adapted way earlier than at the larger formats. From the images i would think that a slightly larger sensor is possible, we will see. Taking into account that this could bring amazing high iso capabilities, per pixel sharpness, even new technologies (like foveon - at this size affordable
) the only systemic disadvantage is going to be the higher DOF. For those who can live with that amazing things are possible. Looking really forward to a Q²!
Will it die? I hope not, who with some rest of sanity could wish something like this, even if it could not fit his bill at all
Disclaimer: I don't have it (yet)
was waiting for the announcement of the APS-C-CCS and are still awaiting CP+ to have a look on the impact of the new announcements on the Q's price. But I would hate to see this option go away.