• out of stock

Pentax Q + 8.5mm Lens $199.95 at Teds + $9.95 Shipping

320

Looks like this popular 'out of stock' deal from Nov 2012 http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/84561 is back on.

http://www.teds.com.au/pentax-q-std-lens
Pentax Q + 8.5mm lens $199.95
$9.95 shipping

Staticice suggests regular price is $399
http://www.staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=pentax%20q%…

Description and specifications from the Teds website:
"Does size matter? When it comes to cameras, yes. Introducing the smallest interchangeable lens camera on the market, the Pentax Q. Designed for those wanting a camera which they can fully control, change lenses over and fit in their pocket, the Pentax Q delivers. When you consider the size of the 12 Megapixel sensor, the Q’s image quality truly is miraculous, and the dramatic price plummet since its release has made it all the more affordable for those wanting a dynamic and pocket-sized camera. The Pentax Q still offers Full High Definition video recording, and even in-camera HDR rendering. The Q really is a great thing in a small package."

Specifications
Available Colours Black
Megapixels 12MP
Sensor Size 1/2.3"
ISO/Sensitivity 125 - 6400
Image Stabilisation Sensor Shift
Autofocus Points 35 points
Lens Mount Pentax Q
LCD Size 3.0"
Touchscreen -
Liveview Yes
Viewfinder -
Min Shutter Speed 30 sec
Max Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec
Built-in Flash Pop-up
Continuous Shooting Speed 5 fps
Self Timer 2 or 12 sec
Metering Centre-weighted, Multi-pattern, Spot
Video Resolution Full HD 1080
Memory Type SD, SDHC, SDXC
Connectivity USB 2, mini HDMI
Battery D-LI68
Battery Type Lithium-ion
Charger Includes Li-Ion Charger
File Formats JPEG, RAW, MPEG-4
Dimensions 98 x 57 x 31 mm
Skill Level Beginner, Enthusiast
Lifestyle Uses Family/Pets/Party, Lightweight, Portrait, Sports, Travel/Landscape
Waterproof -

Related Stores

Ted's Cameras
Ted's Cameras

closed Comments

  • +1

    What's the general consensus from those who bought in previous deal? Worth it?

    • +1

      +1, wondering what the lessons learned are and how people have found ownership with it.

    • I got one in the previous deal. Used it for just a couple of days. It was nice to use and indeed very compact, even the image quality was fine. But it just wasn't different enough compared to my Micro Four Thirds Olympus E-P1. So, sold the Q off and made a good profit on it too.

    • +1

      Fantastic little camera for a steal. Great image quality. I take it everywhere as it is tiny. I also have since got the toy telephoto lens. (paid about $50 s/h for that lens). I've put an optical viewfinder on it and it makes a fantastic street camera. Also have an adapter for my Canon EF lenses which works alright (completely manual) and am sourcing a macro lens to get some truly stunning photography out of it. (Super long macro reach/crop factor and a bigger depth of field thanks to the small sensor size).

      Only negative is that it is a little slow when shooting raw (can't burst) and that you cant customise the twisty knob thing enough on the front face adjacent to the lens - you can only assign presets to it.

      Built in ND filter on the included lens is super handy also.

      Very well built camera - tiny and still nice and heavy due to metal body.

      Awesome camera for $200.

      (I am a semi-professional photographer - it is not my primary income)

    • +1

      Great although I really wish it came with an adjustable zoom (even if it was only 18-45mm). Having no zoom at all unless you buy a separate $300 is a bit nasty!

      Also the battery doesn't last very long either, sometimes it feels like I only get 150 shots

      • I turn it off when I'm not shooting and it lasts a while. I didn't charge it once during a 3 day trip to Melbourne (although it wasn't my only camera during the trip). Spare batteries are pretty cheap though so might as well get some.

        • I'm just a happy snapper & I always turned it off whilst I wasn't shooting either. Besides snapping I'm also adjusting the camera settings all the time too

          In comparison to my old Nikon DSLR it doesn't hold a candle! (~150-200 vs 400)

      • I average about 200 shots per charge

      • Dead right on both counts. Image quality is great though and easy to use.

  • +3

    I bought and sold it after trying it out for a couple of days. Although the deal itself is great, what's the point of buying an interchangeable lens camera and just sticking with the 8.5mm prime right? But that's the thing, the zoom lenses are mighty expensive (around $300), once you factor in just one extra lens, you're initial $199 outlay grows to $500-$600, and at that price range, I would rather invest in micro 4/3 or NEX 5N or RX100 which will deliver materially better IQ, among other things.

    In terms of actual use, I found it actually too small for my liking, the shutter lag was quite slow and it had AF issues in lowlight. Nice build quality though and the IQ was actually pretty good for such a small sensor.

    • This is the problem with all interchangeable lens cameras, additional lenses cost disproportionately more than people pay in a bundle. I think its harsh to judge the camera for that reason, however if u believe the q lenses should be cheaper as they are smaller, fair play, but the quality all round is quite good.

      Perfect for those who:

      Want something small or
      Don't plan on buying additional lenses and don't want to spend much

      • I agree with you, was just trying to state for those who were not in the know, that lenses for this camera were not cheap and once you factor in a few additional lenses, there are a lot of alternatives (with much bigger sensors) to consider.

    • "what's the point of buying an interchangeable lens camera and just sticking with the 8.5mm prime right?"

      Because primes are so much faster than every other lens, you can also take advantage of your camera's features, especially if it's a DSLR.

      • I was trying to convey the point, if you buy an interchangeable lens camera, that usually implies you want to use just more than just the kit lens (regardless of whether it's a prime or zoom) that comes with it. The moment you add one extra lens, the initial outlay blows out and other viable alternatives at that price range should be considered (given the small sensor size and the limited lens selection compared to say m4/3).

        Prime gives better IQ than a zoom, everyone knows this already. I wasn't referring to Primes vs Zoom.

  • +1

    Basically this is a compact camera with interchangable lens. The sensor in this is the same size as a compact and much smaller then the micro four thirds system.

    • +3

      it annihilates the picture that any of my good p&s cameras have ever given, the sensor punches above its weight

      • +3

        "the sensor punches above its weight"

        I couldn't agree more. Plus it has a lot more features than most point and shoot cameras don't have. Features that can inspire creativity. It can be a point and shoot camera if that's all you want it to be but it can be more and you can learn a lot about photography from using it. Sensor size isn't everything.

  • Got a EPM1 and now thinking if I should
    1. get this for P&S
    2. get the pancake lens for EPM1 instead….

    • +3

      Look at the Panny 14mm on ebay, they go for around $160-170 from overseas sellers (split from kits). Very popular among m4/3 users.

    • +1

      If you're willing to spend more, definitely consider the Panasonic 20mm f1.7
      It is glued to my epm1 99% of the times and this is when I have an oly 45mm!

      Also, I bought the pentax during the last deal and after a day of use, went straight back to the epm1.

  • i just think wider lens is better, and HARD to find a (nice looking) case for this because of the lens sticking out. most of the cases at teds/ebays, no extra spaces to put extra batteries,etc

  • +4

    I'm still using mine and still loving it. It's not my fave cam but it's very nice to use and small enough to bring with me everywhere. That said, I've adapted several C-Mount lenses to use with it. It's not as much fun if you're just stuck with the lens that comes with it.

    Image quality isn't the best when compared to larger sensor cameras but not horrible. You can actually get decent bokeh (depending on how you shoot a scene) even though it has a small sensor. Pretty good video performance too (although only 720p) and a lot of useful features like time lapse and ND filter. Excellent camera for the price but other Pentax Q lenses are pretty pricey so it might not be good value if you want to get a zoom lens with it.

    • +1

      I agree, if you use it as a regular P&S & just stick with the kit prime, the novelty will wear off pretty quick.

      • Cheers, that settles it for me. Other lenses are expensive and don't think I could be bothered figuring out how to mount others, so I guess I'll just save my money for something better.

        • If you shop around and don't mind buying from the US, you might be able to get a Micro Four Thirds camera (Olympus/Panasonic) with the kit zoom for around $100 more. That said, there's the shipping costs (unless you know someone there who can bring it to you).

      • Ted's should discount the kit zoom, I bet they'd sell quite a bit. It's not like they're selling a ton of them at regular price anyway.

        • For the average punter, if the camera came with the kit zoom instead of the prime, it would probably be a better buy and have a longer appeal.

      • +1

        that's your opinion JetLi. I've got two with the prime lens only, one for me, one for the mrs and we love them with the prime only.

        • That's cool and since I'm hanging onto mine, it'd be more fun from my point of view if more people bought into the system. I do prefer shooting with primes and none of my C-Mount lenses are zooms.

          I do think though that Ted's should give a substantial discount to the kit zoom to pull in more people. Can't hurt to have options.

        • I'm just saying for those who are are considering this as a potential P&S option, they would probably prefer the convenience of a kit zoom, especially if they have no experience shooting with primes. I got nothing against primes at all, I like them too.

        • agreed bargainjargon, can't beat a prime lens no matter specs..

          it'd be great for them to do a deal on the zoom kits, it's pretty frustrating having to shell out substantially more than the camera cost for a zoom

        • $299 at Ted's for the standard zoom. Way too much money. You can buy a lot of things for the price of that zoom lens plus the Q.

        • fair enough JetLi, i see this camera (at this price) as a p&s camera for those who want a better image than a normal p&s will give, who understand they'll lose zoom

    • Yeah, the appeal for me is that it can take C-mount and (I think, haven't tried yet) D-mount lenses, meaning that there's plenty of cheap lenses to play around with (as long as you figure in the crop factor and can live with manual focus). I'm going to have to get an adaptor one day for my 500mm DSLR mirror lens just to see how utterly ridiculous the combo looks ;)

      The only native lens I really wanted for it would've been the fisheye, but I haven't been able to bring myself to spend $160 on what is effectively a toy lens for a camera I paid $200 for.

      • I'd rather spend the extra money and get a Samyang* 7.5mm fisheye since I have a couple of Micro Four Thirds cameras. I wouldn't consider the Pentax Q fisheye unless it was somewhere south of $100. As it is, I still probably wouldn't buy one unless it's $50 or less (but that's mainly because I already have a C-Mount fisheye lens).

        *Or Rokinon. They're the same guys but Rokinons come up slightly cheaper on eBay.

        • That looks awesome.

    • +1

      the video i shot of NYE fireworks was 1080, unsure where 1080i or p but 1080 definitely.

      • +1

        Actually I shot some video on NYE too and they were 1080. It might be 'i' and not 'p' but you're right. It's 1080. I stand corrected :)

        • Def p

  • +1

    I have two of them. They're great cameras, and even if you just buy it as a point-n-shoot and stick with the prime lens you'll still be a very happy camper. It delivers great pics, is easy to use and cheap as chips for the price Ted's are selling it at. If you're an RACV member, use that for a further 5% discount in store.

  • +1

    By the way, for those deciding on whether to get this or not, there's a bit of discussion about the camera over at the forum http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/84849

  • its back again? Too bad I already have a Nikon J1 and an Olympus EP3……these bloody mirrorless cameras are making me consider getting rid of the DSLRs

    • +2

      This was me 2 years ago. I'm all mirrorless now.

  • I vouch for this camera, if I don't have my OM-D I'll definitely get this straight away.
    IMHO this much better than what Nikon (J1 or V1) or Canon (EOS-M) offering and at this price, its a STEAL!
    Check the review here:
    http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2011/09/27/the-pentax-q-digita…

    • Nikon is a 1" sensor i.e. 2.3 x the sensor size of this camera. EOS-M is even bigger sensor. This sensor is the size of a compact P&S. Don't think you will get much DOF control with this one.

      • Sure, you'd get better depth of field control with lager sensor cameras but it's not impossible with the Q.

        http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdzx4dDxUg1r23tsqo6_1280.j…
        http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdl7x7SdMQ1r23tsqo2_1280.j…
        http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdl7x7SdMQ1r23tsqo3_1280.j…

        Those were taken with the 01 Standard Prime that comes with the camera. It gets even better when you start using fast C-Mount lenses.

        That said, not everyone requires a shallow depth of field (although I'll admit that I do like the look from time to time).

        • Don't need shallow DOF all the time, but having the ability is very valuable. I think the photos were taken with quite a long focal length lens and the background is is very far away. I managed to do this with a Canon powershot sx20 too, but when you are taking photos of people you have to be standing very very far from the subject.

        • The system needs a longer/faster prime for that sort of shooting. I think the system needs more fast primes overall. Their lineup isn't as exciting as the Micro Four Thirds lineup. Even the NEX lineup is getting interesting. Like I said, I find the Q a lot of fun to shoot with but if you told me I have to stick with one system, I wouldn't consider the Q. Just a personal preference thing.

    • The J1/V1 still is faster focusing (with native lenses) than even the OM-D and I cannot see the Q beating any of these cameras, not in AF speed, not in image quality. It is a great price for this camera, but having used one, I wouldn't say I would take it over my J1

  • I love the Q for street candids. I just wish there were more lens choices particularly a fast 35mm equivalent.

    • If you put a 50mm prime on this, you will get an angle of view of 260mm lens.

  • i love this camera and for $199 it is WELL WORTH THE GAMBLE

    if you don't like it, sell it for cost price because these are VERY POPULAR

    but I absolutely loved mine

    my best ozbargain ever

  • OOS!

    • Yeah, went fast! Solves that problem, thankfully.

  • nah, the sale price on ebay is close to $199 these days.

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Pentax-Q-12-4-MP-Digital-SLR-Came…

  • out of stock

  • Yes. out of stock :( I just checked too…..

  • Missed out :(

  • Low light performance is awesome. I find that I use it more than my Canon DSLR due to the size and convenience.
    The nicest thing I find about it is having a dedicated control wheel to quickly adjust Av/Tv and manual settings without having to use stupid buttons like in most small compact cameras.

  • The Q ( sorry bargainjargon ! i just borrowed your word…THE Q hahaha.)is a class above all other p&s cameras at that price rages.

    • Yes it is (apart from the complete lack of zoom), the build quality alone is worth it for any clumsy people as I'd imagine a traditional compact would smash into many pieces after being dropped

  • +1

    Sensor Size 1/2.3"

    Isn't this the standard sensor size of compact P&S cameras? That is a crop factor of 5.2. 5.2 x 8.5mm = angle of view of 44mm lens. So you basically have a fish eye lens and can only see tiny center part of it? Sensor is like quarter of size of a micro 4/3? Do I have this wrong?

  • I'm looking for one of these Pentax Q kits?

    Anyone know of another deal around or want to sell?

    • just go to ebay and grab one of local sales. Bound to be an unwanted one from the Ted's cracker deal. you probably pay an extra 20 bucks.

      EDIT: here you go http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-pentax+q/k0

      2nd last one is $200 in Brissy.

  • Found one at my local Ted's Camerstore.

    Brisbane store had a few in stock at the same price too.

  • Same here I bought one from the Highpoint Vic store. They still had another display unit there. Might be worth checking your local store if you still want one

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