[DaveBlack]

The Q7 does look really nice. I know several people that have the original Q and they all love the camera. If there is a new high-end normal kit zoom like the patent from a few months ago it will be really nice. It seems like it is just missing built-in wifi. If it had built-in wifi I would finally stop using my smartphone to take photos that I want to post on Facebook. Without built-in wifi I just don't see myself buying the camera. Maybe next year when the Q5 is released.

[GibbyTheMole]

Yep, all (non-phone) cameras use DOS. So even earlier than Windows 3.1.

Actually, I think it's a variant of Linux, if I'm not mistaken.

[ogl]

Android is variant of Linux.

[anthony mazzeri]

Actually, I think it's a variant of Linux, if I'm not mistaken.

You may be right. Sony apparently has changed over with the NEX and SLT for a more graphic/touch ability (maybe Canon too):

software - What operating systems run on today's DSLRs? - Photography Stack Exchange

But otherwise, the typical tabbed/scrolling menu system for 20 years of up/down/right arrow, click okay-select is as basic as you can get and no need for Linux.

[ogl]

12,4 MP CMOS sensor 1/1.7"
- NEW Processor "Q ENGINE”
- Improved AF system - from EV0
- ISO 100-12800
- 30 - 1/8000 sec
- Improved SR system
- Interval HD movie recording functions
- AF in video
- Impoved Full HD video at 30fps
- 5 fps
- LCD 3" 460.000
- DRII dust removal system
- SD / SDHC / SDXC, Eye-Fi
- Dimension: 102,0 х 58,0 х 33.5 mm
- Weight 180 g (body only), SD + battery - 200 g
- Price: body only - 40000 ¥, 50 000 ¥ - kit zoom set

[Mistral75]

Thank you ogl. If you are looking for a tentatively better English, you'll find it two pages above

Q7 specifications from Digital Camera Info :

??????Q7??????????? - ????info

- 12.4 million effective pixels 1/1.7" CMOS sensor
- New high-speed image processing engine "Q ENGINE"
- Improved AF performance, AF effective from EV0
- Sensitivity: ISO100-12,800
- Shutter speed: 30 seconds to 1/2,000 second with lens leaf shutter, up to 1/8,000 sec in combination with electronic shutter
- In-camera shake correction (SR) improved, efficiency of around 3 stops
- Improved full HD at 30fps video; high sensitivity video mode corresponding to ISO12,800
- Interval HD movie recording function
- AF enabled in video mode
- Fastest continuous shooting burst: 5 frames per second
- 460,000 dot 3 inch monitor
- Blur control function
- DR II (Dust Removal II)
- SD / SDHC / SDXC, Eye-Fi cards
- Dimensions: 102.0 x 58.0 x 33.5mm
- Weight:180g body only, 200g with battery and card
- Estimated retail price: around JPY40,000 yen body only, around JPY50,000 with zoom lens

There is also a picture:

[ogl]

I've got specs from another source - not English too...

[Edgar Matias]

The Q7 can actually be viewed now as a GRD with interchangeable lenses. Even better actually with a new 12MP backlit CMOS sensor versus the GRD IV's aging 10MP CCD. Even slightly smaller body too...

If Ricoh had launched an actual GRD system, it would have been an awesome development. And it is.

I think this is the most insightful comment I've read on this thread so far.

I have an LX7 and am really looking forward to pairing it with a Q + 06 telephoto zoom. A 1/1.7" sensor would be a bonus.

Those calling for 1" or bigger sensor Qs are really missing the point. If you want a 1" sensor, go get a Nikon 1 or an RX100. I'm sure there'll be other fixed lens models coming too.

The 1/1.7" sensor cameras are perfectly suited to deep DOF and macro. If that's not what you need, then you should be looking elsewhere. All this talk of not being able to compete with bigger sensor cameras just shows a lack of understanding of market forces and customer preferences, and appropriate tool selection. Photographers are not accountants. It's not so cut and dry -- especially now, with such a variety of cameras available.

We're very lucky to have so many great cameras and lenses available at such low prices.

[kenafein]

I like the new shutter button.

[Mistral75]

i've got specs from another source - not english too...

Русский язык, я полагаю?

[IchabodCrane]

I don't think the $500 (equiv.) MSRP is out of line. After a couple of months, people won't be paying that full price one way or another. Seems rather consistent with high end P&S market pricing before discounts.

I still struggle with the target audience but maybe Pentax if fine with it possibly turning out to be a niche product. Case in point, my wife. She has a high end P&S (Panny LX7). Her wishes were relatively good IQ (1/1.7" sensor -- check), relatively easy to use (check), no fiddling around with lenses (check), small (check), and zoom capability (check). This Q7 might be of interest to me but probably not her. However, I already have a good camera. Could Pentax be targeting existing DSLR users who want a semi-serious camera for those times they don't want to lug the big gun around? Perhaps but then why do they keep doing this million color thing? That's a different customer who probably doesn't want to change a lens.

[ogl]

Русский язык, я полагаю?

Да.

[mamethot]

Again, hoping for improved processing power with the new Q "Engine"...

[Alizarine]

not a rumor anymore!

[tclausen]

The Q has almost no presence on Flickr and as a system camera it is dead last in mirror less sales on Japan. The large chain camera store I frequent only has online stock as there is no walk-in requests.

Companies release money-losing duds all the time. Windows 8.

Which "large chain camera store" would that be? Last I was in Japan, about a month back, it was hard to actually /not/ stumble over the Pentax Q stand when walking into Labi, Yodobashi, Bic, ....., and with those 3 being almost "setting the tone" over there, I'd imagine that other camera shops would follow suit (although, admittedly, I did not visit all the camera shops in Japan - that'd be a challenge....)