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Pentax Q PDF User Manual

Did you lose or misplace the instruction manual that came with your Pentax Q? It happens all too easily, but fortunately Pentax makes a soft copy available that you can browse through online, print out, or download (see the pdf file below). It is certainly good practice to carefully familiarize oneself with the many different functionalities and options that the Pentax Q offers, and the official user manual is without doubt an authoritative and comprehensive source of respective information.

That said, the instruction booklet can be a dry read, so that a dedicated camera guide book from a professional photographer that illustrates the camera's core functions in a real life photography context can be a very helpful complement. Yes, getting one of these camera guides (see here at amazon) would involve an additional expense, but if that book helps to exploit the camera's potential to the full, the (small) additional investment may well be worth it.

Also, you might want to check out the video tutorial on the Pentax Q below.

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In any case, the Pentax Q is an advanced imaging tool, whose many features merit serious attention. This mirrorless interchangeable lens camera was officially introduced on June 23rd, 2011, which means that, as of today, the camera is 4662 days old (young?). The camera has meanwhile been discontinued and was succeeded by the Pentax Q10 as a replacement in the same line of cameras.

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Pentax's operating manual for the Pentax Q

The camera's operating manual is 258 pages long. The pdf version is embedded below. As you browse through, you will hopefully find the information you are looking for. You can also print out a hard copy by right clicking on the manual and then choosing the respective menu option. For convenience, a summary of the key specs of the Pentax Q is included towards the bottom of this webpage.

Don't forget to bookmark this page for future reference (Ctrl-Shift-D on a Windows PC; Cmd-Shift-D on a Mac). Happy browsing!

Click on the button below to download the pdf version of the Pentax Q manual to your computer. The file will open in a new browser window.

Download the Manual

If you prefer to read the user guide in another language, please check the respective availability on Pentax's support site. That site also provides complementary online resources, such as information on the compatibility of various camera accessories or the availability of firmware updates that are not necessarily comprehensively covered in the instruction manual.

Printed, hardcopy versions of the Pentax Q manual can sometimes be found online. You can check the availability on amazon and ebay via the buttons below.

amazon.com ebay.com

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Video tutorial for the Pentax Q

Perhaps instead of reading through a manual or operations guide, you might prefer to better familiarize yourself with your Pentax Q by watching a video tutorial. It can notably help to quickly get to know the key functions and to set up your camera according to your particular preferences and needs.

Once again, the Pentax Q is a sophisticated imaging tool and not exploiting its capabilities to the full would be a pity. Hence, taking the time to study online information material or to read through a well-written camera guide book is highly recommended to make the most of your purchase.

Find Pentax Q guide book at
amazon.com

Pentax Q FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the Pentax Q.

What type of imaging sensor is used in the Pentax Q?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Pentax Q?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 6400.

Can the Pentax Q be equipped with an optional viewfinder?

Yes, Pentax provides the O-VF1 as an accessory (here on amazon) that can be mounted on the hotshoe.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Pentax Q?

Pentax does not publish a shutter rating for the Pentax Q. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Pentax Q?

Pentax embeds the number of shutter actuations in image metadata. You can check the number of shots that your Pentax Q has taken up to now by uploading a recent image to the free online shutter count finder app.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Pentax Q?

No, the Pentax Q has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Does the Pentax Q feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Pentax Q for flash photography?

The Pentax Q's flash sync speed is 1/2000 sec.

Which battery does the Pentax Q use?

The camera gets its power from the Pentax D-LI68, which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

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Further reading

How does the Pentax Q stack up against available alternatives? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Core camera specifications

    Here is a list of the main features and technical characteristics of the Pentax Q.

    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Pentax Q
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Pentax Q mount lenses
    Launch Date June 2011
    Launch Price USD 649
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 000 x 3 000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.53 μm
    Pixel Density 42.74 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 125 - 6 400 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 47
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.1
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 189
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 1.5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI68 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)230 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 98 x 57 x 31 mm
    (3.9 x 2.2 x 1.2 in)
    Camera Weight 180 g (6.3 oz)

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

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