More than a month out from Photokina, Ricoh Imaging has released details of the rumoured Pentax Q-S1 ultra-compact interchangeable-lens camera.
Three colour versions of the new Pentax Q-S1. (Source: Ricoh Imaging.)
A minor re-design of the Pentax Q7, the Q-S1 features a 12.4-megapixel 7.6 x 5.7 mm CMOS sensor and 3-inch LCD monitor with a resolution of 460,000 dots. Sensor-shift stabilisation is built into the camera body, which lacks a viewfinder. The Q-S1 can record video at 30 frames/second with three resolutions: 1080p, 720p and VGA. The camera body measures 105 x 58 x 34mm and weighs only 203 grams and is made from aluminium with synthetic leather cladding. It accepts Pentax Q-mount lenses.
The US press release states the camera will be manufactured in four colours: black, gold, gunmetal, and white. However, 36 additional custom colour combinations will be available via special order and buyers will be able to choose one of five colours for the standard prime kit lens that is being offered with the new camera. US pricing is as follows: Q-S1 body – $399, Q-S1 zoom kit – $499, Q-S1 dual lens kit – $699. The Australian RRP for the Pentax Q-S1 kit with 8.5mm Standard 01 lens will be $599.00. The camera is expected to start shipping in late August. Details are available at http://www.us.ricoh-imaging.com/qsystem.
