Ricoh officially announces Pentax Q-S1 mirrorless camera

Ricoh has officially introduced the new Pentax Q-S1, a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera which has been leaked several times during the past few days.

As the mirrorless camera industry appears to be on the rise, Ricoh has introduced a new shooter that falls into this category. The Pentax Q-S1 has been mentioned and leaked multiple times by the rumor mill, but now it is finally official and promises to be the world’s smallest and lightest mirrorless camera.

Pentax Q-S1 has been revealed alongside a 12.4-megapixel 1/1.7-inch-type sensor.

Ricoh takes the wraps off of the Pentax Q-S1 mirrorless camera

Pentax Q-S1 is quite similar to another Q-mount shooter called Q7. Beside the design, the new device comes packed with an identical 12.4-megapixel 1/1.7-inch-type BSI-CMOS image sensor.

The MILC features built-in shake-reduction technology, although this designation cannot be seen in front of the camera like in other models. The SR system is based on a cutting-edge gyroscopic sensor that will stabilize the Q-S1 and prevent blur (caused by hand shakes) from appearing in your shots.

The new Q-S1 is powered by the Q Engine processor and it is capable of capturing RAW photos, while offering a continuous shooting mode of up to 5fps.

Pentax Q-S1 features a 3-inch LCD screen on the back.

Pentax Q-S1 specs list includes very fast shutter speed

Pentax Q-S1 offers a decent specs list which includes a maximum ISO of 12800, a shutter speed range between 1/8000th of a second and 30 seconds, and full HD video recording at up to 30fps.

The mirrorless camera comes with a 3-inch 460K-dot LCD screen on the back but a viewfinder is nowhere to be seen.

The device comes with USB 2.0, microHDMI, and SD/SDHC/SDXC slots, as well as built-in flash and autofocus assist light.

If you want to become creative, then you can choose from several filters and effects, which will result in more personalized photos.

Pentax Q-S1 is a very compact and lightweight mirrorless camera.

World’s smallest and lightest digital camera or not?

Ricoh calls it the smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera in the world. This title has been taken from the Sony A5000, which has grabbed it from the Panasonic GM1.

Pentax Q-S1 measures 105 x 58 x 34mm / 4.13 x 2.28 x 1.34-inches and weighs 203 grams / 7.16 ounces including the battery.

Sony A5000 is sized at 110 x 63 x 36mm / 4.33 x 2.46 x 1.42-inches and has a total weight of 269 grams / 9.49 ounces (including the battery).

Panasonic GM1’s dimensions are 99 x 55 x 30mm / 3.88 x 2.16 x 1.2-inches, while its weight stands at 204 grams / 7.20 ounces including the battery.

The Q-S1 appears to be the lightest, although the most compact is the GM1.

Pentax Q-S1 will be available in four simple colors. However, 36 custom colors will be available for users ordering the camera from Ricoh’s website.

Availability information

The new Q-mount mirrorless camera will be available in four base colors. However, users will be able to choose from 36 other colors for the body and grip. The custom colors will be put at photographers’ disposal on Ricoh’s website.

Pentax Q-S1 will be released by the end of this month for a price of $499.95. The device is available for pre-order at B&H PhotoVideo.