Is the Q sensor that bad?

Outsiderr · 06-18-2013, 07:13 PM

Hey guys, thanks for the reply in the colour thread I posted. After reading/watching lots of reviews i've seen many people comment on the sensor size. Is it as bad as people are making it out to be?

I already have a Canon 550d/T2i and plan to get the Pentax Q with Prime Lens for £180 ($250)

Thanks

robtcorl · 06-18-2013, 07:18 PM

Small? yes
Bad? Hell no!
see for yourself

jimr-pdx · 06-18-2013, 07:25 PM - **1 Like**

It's the best 1/2.3" sensor out there, by a great distance - that's the good news, and the limitation, all in one sound bite.

**jva59** · 06-18-2013, 07:25 PM

Originally posted by robtcorl

Small? yes
Bad? Hell no!
see for yourself

I strongly endorse this view. Q-enthusiasm is infectious, and it's based on the fact that this tiny camera can take great pictures.

Adam · 06-18-2013, 07:29 PM

Originally posted by Outsiderr

Hey guys, thanks for the reply in the colour thread I posted. After reading/watching lots of reviews i've seen many people comment on the sensor size. Is it as bad as people are making it out to be?

I already have a Canon 550d/T2i and plan to get the Pentax Q with Prime Lens for £180 ($250)

Thanks

The bigger the sensor size, the better the image quality. The Q/Q10 have point and shoot sensors, so it isn't really fair to compare their IQ to that of a DSLR.

For me personally, 1/2.3" sensors are too small. I might be able to live with the 1/1.7" sensor found in the Q7, though, as it's already proven to be a big upgrade

**crewl1** · 06-18-2013, 07:41 PM

Originally posted by Outsiderr

I already have a Canon 550d/T2i and plan to get the Pentax Q with Prime Lens

At base ISO (125) the sensor is decent. Some folks are OK shooting it at higher ISO's but I prefer not to.
It depends on the type of photography you do, whether you like grain or not and/or if you have good noise reduction skills/software.

Don't try to compare the output to a DSLR as Adam states, evaluate the Q on its own (many) merits.

Grimmy · 06-18-2013, 08:41 PM

Well if i'm using the Q more than my X-Pro1 then that should tell you something about the Q sensor and functionality. As I mentioned before on my site Answer to previous post + My love for the Q — BokehDreams

Outsiderr · 06-19-2013, 05:06 AM

Thanks for the replies, how would it compare to something like the PEN MINI (E-PM1)??

Or even a compact camera such as the Sony DSCW670?

Steve.Ledger · 06-19-2013, 05:56 AM

Why all the procrastination? You said in post#1 you planned to buy a Q and Prime lens kit? Do it, it's a great little camera - honest. Punches way above it's weight and will surprise you every time you use it..

Quote:

Or even a compact camera such as the Sony DSCW670?

Serious??? Not even the same class of camera, you can't compare..
Comparisons with other cameras are subjective and a lot is based on how good you are with a camera and as a photographer in general.
Besides, this is a Pentax camera forum..

jpyykonen · 06-19-2013, 06:30 AM

I haven't had Q for long time yet but here are some full size samples with 02 zoom, so judge yourself (click image for full size). Shot DNG and exported from Lightroom with some levels/contrast and sharpness adjustments:

5mm, ISO 500

6,6mm, ISO 640

7,3mm, ISO500

8,5mm, ISO 200

11,8mm, ISO 125

14,9mm, ISO 125

And some with 01 prime (click image for full size):

ISO 125

ISO 125

Original RAW file may seem bit soft at first but with some careful sharpening it does pretty good. I haven't tried jpg as I shoot only RAW. I don't know what others think but IMO that's pretty good for small and "bad" sensor

But of course small size comes with a price as the details start to fade rapidly at ISO 800 and forward.

pinholecam · 06-19-2013, 07:22 AM

Its more a state of mind.

The Q is more about portability, fun and the IQ is good enough for A4 prints and most normal viewing.
and a bit more than that

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-q/194467-pentax-q-real-world-user-review.html

As for high ISO, here's my practical take on it.
Pentax Q10 - a quick review

Is it not able to take good photos?
Pls see this :

more from this photographer
Fashion/portraits by Pentax Q10
2013 | 06 | 02 - Q10 by Tiak Siew Sim of <a href="http://www.sim4nee.com" rel="nofollow">www.sim4nee.com</a> - a set on Flickr

**felixkh** · 06-19-2013, 07:25 AM

One of the Clubsnap forumers used a Q10 for portraiture:
Fashion/portraits by Pentax Q10

Did not see Post #11, which is what I wanted to refer to as well.

**monochrome** · 06-19-2013, 12:52 PM

Is it really this good?

pinholecam · 06-19-2013, 08:06 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

Is it really this good?

You sure can link to the post whenever a 'too small sensor" discussion comes up

The photographer is good, he shoots for various local publications.
It goes to show that the vision and execution by the photographer is more important that the camera in many cases.

**monochrome** · 06-19-2013, 08:53 PM

Originally posted by pinholecam

You sure can link to the post whenever a 'too small sensor" discussion comes up

The photographer is good, he shoots for various local publications.
It goes to show that the vision and execution by the photographer is more important that the camera in many cases.

I hope you understood that my question was fairly dry.

06-18-2013, 07:29 PM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by Outsiderr Hey guys, thanks for the reply in the colour thread I posted. After reading/watching lots of reviews i've seen many people comment on the sensor size. Is it as bad as people are making it out to be? I already have a Canon 550d/T2i and plan to get the Pentax Q with Prime Lens for £180 ($250) Thanks The bigger the sensor size, the better the image quality. The Q/Q10 have point and shoot sensors, so it isn't really fair to compare their IQ to that of a DSLR. For me personally, 1/2.3" sensors are too small. I might be able to live with the 1/1.7" sensor found in the Q7, though, as it's already proven to be a big upgrade Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

06-19-2013, 06:30 AM	#10
jpyykonen Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tampere, Finland Posts: 191	I haven't had Q for long time yet but here are some full size samples with 02 zoom, so judge yourself (click image for full size). Shot DNG and exported from Lightroom with some levels/contrast and sharpness adjustments: 5mm, ISO 500 6,6mm, ISO 640 7,3mm, ISO500 8,5mm, ISO 200 11,8mm, ISO 125 14,9mm, ISO 125 And some with 01 prime (click image for full size): ISO 125 ISO 125 ISO 125 Original RAW file may seem bit soft at first but with some careful sharpening it does pretty good. I haven't tried jpg as I shoot only RAW. I don't know what others think but IMO that's pretty good for small and "bad" sensor But of course small size comes with a price as the details start to fade rapidly at ISO 800 and forward.

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06-18-2013, 07:13 PM	#1
Outsiderr New Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 5	Is the Q sensor that bad? Hey guys, thanks for the reply in the colour thread I posted. After reading/watching lots of reviews i've seen many people comment on the sensor size. Is it as bad as people are making it out to be? I already have a Canon 550d/T2i and plan to get the Pentax Q with Prime Lens for £180 ($250) Thanks

06-18-2013, 07:18 PM	#2
robtcorl Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,606	Small? yes Bad? Hell no! see for yourself

06-18-2013, 07:25 PM - 1 Like	#3
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	It's the best 1/2.3" sensor out there, by a great distance - that's the good news, and the limitation, all in one sound bite.

06-18-2013, 07:25 PM	#4
jva59 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,409	Originally posted by robtcorl Small? yes Bad? Hell no! see for yourself I strongly endorse this view. Q-enthusiasm is infectious, and it's based on the fact that this tiny camera can take great pictures.

06-18-2013, 07:41 PM	#6
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by Outsiderr I already have a Canon 550d/T2i and plan to get the Pentax Q with Prime Lens At base ISO (125) the sensor is decent. Some folks are OK shooting it at higher ISO's but I prefer not to. It depends on the type of photography you do, whether you like grain or not and/or if you have good noise reduction skills/software. Don't try to compare the output to a DSLR as Adam states, evaluate the Q on its own (many) merits.

06-18-2013, 08:41 PM	#7
Grimmy Junior Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 26	Well if i'm using the Q more than my X-Pro1 then that should tell you something about the Q sensor and functionality. As I mentioned before on my site Answer to previous post + My love for the Q — BokehDreams

06-19-2013, 05:06 AM	#8
Outsiderr New Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 5 Original Poster	Thanks for the replies, how would it compare to something like the PEN MINI (E-PM1)?? Or even a compact camera such as the Sony DSCW670?

06-19-2013, 05:56 AM	#9
Steve.Ledger Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,301	Why all the procrastination? You said in post#1 you planned to buy a Q and Prime lens kit? Do it, it's a great little camera - honest. Punches way above it's weight and will surprise you every time you use it.. Quote: Or even a compact camera such as the Sony DSCW670? Serious??? Not even the same class of camera, you can't compare.. Comparisons with other cameras are subjective and a lot is based on how good you are with a camera and as a photographer in general. Besides, this is a Pentax camera forum..

06-19-2013, 07:22 AM	#11
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	Its more a state of mind. The Q is more about portability, fun and the IQ is good enough for A4 prints and most normal viewing. and a bit more than that https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-q/194467-pentax-q-real-world-user-review.html As for high ISO, here's my practical take on it. Pentax Q10 - a quick review Is it not able to take good photos? Pls see this : more from this photographer Fashion/portraits by Pentax Q10 2013 \| 06 \| 02 - Q10 by Tiak Siew Sim of <a href="http://www.sim4nee.com" rel="nofollow">www.sim4nee.com</a> - a set on Flickr

06-19-2013, 07:25 AM	#12
felixkh Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,201	One of the Clubsnap forumers used a Q10 for portraiture: Fashion/portraits by Pentax Q10 Did not see Post #11, which is what I wanted to refer to as well.

06-19-2013, 12:52 PM	#13
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Is it really this good?

06-19-2013, 08:06 PM	#14
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	Originally posted by monochrome Is it really this good? You sure can link to the post whenever a 'too small sensor" discussion comes up The photographer is good, he shoots for various local publications. It goes to show that the vision and execution by the photographer is more important that the camera in many cases.

06-19-2013, 08:53 PM	#15
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by pinholecam You sure can link to the post whenever a 'too small sensor" discussion comes up The photographer is good, he shoots for various local publications. It goes to show that the vision and execution by the photographer is more important that the camera in many cases. I hope you understood that my question was fairly dry.