[JPT]

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I was in a store in Tokyo today and while I was there, a Ricoh rep was training the shop staff about the new Q model. I took the chance to ask a few questions about it.

- The main reason for making the new model was to respond to customer comments that they liked the design and feel of the original Q best.
- The body of the camera is still made of plastic, but it's a better quality of finish apparently.
- The round thing on the front is just the IR sensor and intended to be used as a grip.
- The 1/1.7" sensor is the same as the Q7.
- The AF speed and responsiveness of the camera has been improved.

Unfortunately, they didn't have any sample Q-S1s for me to try out, so I can only report what he said.

There is a brief report about the camera on DC Watch today. Plenty of closeup pictures.
http://m.dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/pview/20140808_661452.html

And also an announcement about some unique new body colours.
http://m.dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20140808_661541.html

[RobA_Oz]

Thanks for confirming the specs. It's interesting to know that they are listening to their customers, in relation to the body shape. We all hope that they're listening to us when it comes to things like an optional EVF and a better LCD screen, not to mention video SR improvements. Those "unique" colours will no doubt appeal to a certain set of sensitivities, but I must say the mid blue over silver is a stand-out combination for me. I think I might wait a while before I upgrade from my original Q.

[jethro10]

Well it looks like it's not designed for Q7 upgraders, as nothing really has changed, but more for bringing new customers to the fold.

[Steve.Ledger]

Good close up pics.. But nup - the Original Q still wins for design and construction.
I get good results from the Original Q that I don't think the bigger sensor would be enough to sway me.

[goubejp]

So there is an upgrade of the internal microprocessor with an faster one. Classic, but good to know...
I have the original Q, time for an upgrade now, the larger sensor has the advantage of a widen angle of view with the 01 prime (and all other lenses BTW)

[ruggiex]

If I hadn't a chance to pick up a Q7 for dirt cheap I'd be all over this I think. The bold and classy aesthetics are beautiful.

[ritualnet]

Be interesting to see the price, and how it affects the Q7. It is beautiful though, something about the red/black one appeals to me more than the coloured Q10/Q7 models I've seen.

[crewl1]

Be interesting to see the price, and how it affects the Q7. It is beautiful though, something about the red/black one appeals to me more than the coloured Q10/Q7 models I've seen.

Prices are already shown at Pentax web store as well as Adorama and B&H and I think Adam mentioned it in his home page story.
$399 body only, $499 with 02, $699 with 02 and 06 lens.
PentaxWebstore.com: Q System

[digital029art]

The "holster case O-CC1514" looks interesting:

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/img/dcw/docs/661/541/html/01.jpg.html

[Multi-coated]

Interesting and thanks for sharing.

I too have the original Q and it suits my needs. The 7 never gave me upgrade fever. This new Q-S1 on the other hand..... Might do it for me. Despite no change in sensor the processing may be a good bit better.... Just speculating. Now I await reviews and images.

---------- Post added 08-08-14 at 10:06 AM ----------

Pentax Q-S1 Mirrorless Camera Hands-On: Cute and Compact

The two sample images aren't bad.

[JPT]

So there is an upgrade of the internal microprocessor with an faster one. Classic, but good to know...
I have the original Q, time for an upgrade now, the larger sensor has the advantage of a widen angle of view with the 01 prime (and all other lenses BTW)

Actually, the way the rep described this, I don't think it has a new processor. I asked if it was the same internally and he said yes. Then he made a comment about the AF speed and responsiveness being slightly improved. I guess it's just slight optimisations.

Having seen more pictures, I think the redesign and new colour choices are really elegant. However, if you are ambivalent about the design or prefer the look of the Q7, there's no reason to pay for the new model over the old one.

[monochrome]

If you have a 2012 Chevy Malibu a new paint color and lights arrangement probably won't make you trade in. If you need a new family sedan this year, though, the subtle refresh might make the marginal buyer choose a Chevy instead of a Ford, Honda or Toyota (or not, but you get my drift).

[CWRailman]

Is the camera even available for sale. Here is one listing. Note the price and the available quantity.

PSL Pentax Q S1 Digital Camera Body Red 5 15mm F2 8 4 5 15 45mm F2 8 Zoom Lens | eBay

While this sort of return to the original Q design may favor those who liked that body, personally I think that when existing Q10 and Q7 users get a Q-S1 in their hand they will not be impressed by the awkward feel. Try what I suggest in my post to see what I am talking about. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/136-pentax-q/269216-upcoming-pentax-q2-mi...-camera-5.html

I have already started to look for a second Q7 in a different color from what I already have.

Denny

[oscaletrains]

Is the camera even available for sale. Here is one listing. Note the price and the available quantity.

PSL Pentax Q S1 Digital Camera Body Red 5 15mm F2 8 4 5 15 45mm F2 8 Zoom Lens | eBay

While this sort of return to the original Q design may favor those who liked that body, personally I think that when existing Q10 and Q7 users get a Q-S1 in their hand they will not be impressed by the awkward feel. Try what I suggest in my post to see what I am talking about. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/136-pentax-q/269216-upcoming-pentax-q2-mi...-camera-5.html

I have already started to look for a second Q7 in a different color from what I already have.

Denny

I have not seen the Q7s prices drop yet...but they will.

[carrrlangas]

Why not a Q mount lens like the one on the MX-1? 28-112mm eq. f/1.7-2.5 (f/8 equivalent DoF wise) then I`d look at this system.