Clicky

Pentax Q7

 
Pentax Q7 front
 
  • 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 12800
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax Q Mount
  • 200g - 102 x 58 x 34mm
  • Revealed August 2013
  • Previous Model is Pentax Q10
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
92
Imaging
37
Features
54
Overall
43

Pentax Q7 overview

Pentax Q7 is Pentax's Entry-Level Mirrorless camera originally revealed on August of 2013. The camera uses a 12MP, BSI-CMOS 1/1.7" sized sensor and has a peak resolution of 4000 x 3000.

Pentax launched this camera in order to upgrade the earlier Pentax Q10 (Read Full Comparison)

The Q7 is placed #116 out of 117 in Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras and all round #590 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. You can check our Smart camera search to find camera listings based on your personal factors.

Photography Glossary

The following is a diagram of different criteria used in the scoring system.

Pentax Q7 family

The Pentax Q7 is part of a family of cameras. You can see the full range underneath.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Pentax-Q-S1 front thumbnailPentax Q-S1
Q7 vs Q-S1
12MP1/1.7"5.0 fps2014
Pentax-Q7 front thumbnailPentax Q712MP1/1.7"5.0 fps2013
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone
Pentax-Q10 front thumbnailPentax Q10
Q7 vs Q10
12MP1/2.3"5.0 fps2012
Pentax-Q front thumbnailPentax Q
Q7 vs Q
12MP1/2.3"2.0 fps2011

Pentax Q7 Pros and Cons

Below is a shortlist of benefits and drawbacks of the Pentax Q7 based on features which are typically seen as important in a camera.

above average flash sync speed (1/2,000 seconds)
above average min ISO (100)
built-in flash
comes with HDMI socket
exports RAW files
features face detect autofocus
features tracking focus
good sized screen (3")
has manual focus
high quality video (1920 x 1080 pixels)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
interchangeable lenses (Pentax Q mount)
lighter than others in class (200g)
doesn't have headphone socket
doesn't have mic socket
doesn't posses selfie friendly display
low battery power (250 per charge)
low resolution screen (460 thousand dots)
megapixel count low (12MP)
no phase detect autofocus
painfully slow continuous shooting (5.0 frames/s)
screen does not articulate
tiny sensor (1/1.7")
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

Pentax Q7 Sensor details

The sensor specification in the Pentax Q7 is 7.44mm x 5.58mm (1/1.7"). The 42 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 4000 x 3000 pixels and aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera has got Image Stabilization (Sensor based). Sensor stabilization is more effective than digital stabilization as the latter can easily cause cropping.

Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

The BSI-CMOS sensor boasts 12MP and supports a native ISO range of 100 - 12800. RAW files are saved so you have wider room to maneuver in post.

The graphic underneath shows the Q7's sensor dimensions compared to other common sizes. The Q7 sensor comes with a crop factor of 4.8 and is pointed out in green.

Pentax Q7 sensor size Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

To get an idea of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Pentax Q7 dimensions

Pentax Q7 weighs about 0.44 lbs (200 gr / 7.05 oz) and the volume of the camera is 102mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3"). The weight of general Entry-Level Mirrorless camera is 329 gr so the Pentax Q7 is lighter in comparison with its competitors.

Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing

Down below is a picture of the Pentax Q7 next to a soft drink so you're able to have a feel for its scale.

Pentax Q7 dimensions scale

The top view under will provide the button layout on the Q7.

Pentax Q7 topview buttons dials

Pentax Q7 Lens specs

The Q7 works with the Pentax Q mount and has 8 lenses available for sale. Below is a few of the lenses we have in our database which will fit the Q7.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Pentax-02-Standard-Zoom lensPentax 02 Standard Zoom5-15mmf/2.8-4.5 96g
Pentax-07-Mount-Shield-Lens lensPentax 07 Mount Shield Lens12mmf/9.0 8g
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video
Pentax-03-Fish-Eye lensPentax 03 Fish-Eye3mmf/5.6 29g
Pentax-05-Toy-Lens-Telephoto lensPentax 05 Toy Lens Telephoto18mmf/8.0 18g
Pentax-06-Telephoto-15-45mm lensPentax 06 Telephoto 15-45mm15-45mmf/2.8 90g
Pentax-08-Wide-Zoom lensPentax 08 Wide Zoom4-6mmf/3.7-4.0 75g
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images
Pentax-01-Standard-Prime lensPentax 01 Standard Prime9mmf/1.9 37g
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

Pentax Q7 Connectivity

The Q7 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that have NFC or Bluetooth support can easily be controlled wirelessly by smartphones. You can easily copy pictures and oftentimes change camera settings with no need to connect straight to the camera.

Many applications even allow a Liveview and press the shutter whenever you aren't close to the camera. If the camera provides a HDMI out, it could be attached to an external monitor. Most cameras enable you to charge the battery through the USB socket.

President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban

Pentax Q7 Video specs

The highest video quality in the Pentax Q7 is 1920 x 1080 and it can shoot in MPEG-4 and H.264 format. 1080p quality gives a great balance between quality vs file sizes but FULL HD won't leave you with much room to crop. The camera doesn't include a mic or headphone socket so you get little control over your audio. It is probably a better idea to take a look at another model if you want decent audio in your video clips.

Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

Pentax Q7 Weather Sealing

Pentax Q7 doesn't include weather proofing so wet conditions might ruin the camera.

Pentax Q7 Display and Viewfinder

The Pentax Q7 houses a 3 inch fixed screen supporting a resolution of 460 thousand dots.

Please be aware that the screen offers no touch support.

Pentax Q7 screen and viewfinder Photography Glossary

The ViewFinder specifications regarding Pentax Q7 are the following:

  • ViewFinder Optical (optional)

Viewfinders are pretty handy during sunny outdoor conditions which might make the camera display washed out and difficult to view.

Pentax Q7 Shutter specs

Pentax Q7 continuous shooting rate is 5.0 frames/s. The highest shutter speed is 1/2000 seconds.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

Pentax Q7 Flash and Hot shoe specs

Pentax Q7 has got both integrated flash and also external flash ability. The highest flash sync is 1/2000 seconds.

Pentax Q7 Autofocus specs

Pentax Q7 has got just Contrast Detect Auto Focus and does not have Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more quicker & precise in comparison with Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera boasts Face detect which can be useful for portraits.

It also boasts Tracking Auto Focus for objects on the move. Pentax Q7 includes manual focus if required during low light conditions or you need to have more exact control on focus.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

Pentax Q7 Battery life

The battery power (D-LI68) for the Pentax Q7 is fashioned to last for 250 photos based on the CIPA requirements which is less compared with its competition. The typical Entry-Level Mirrorless camera battery life is 343. Fujifilm X-S20 comes with the highest (750) battery life within this kind of cameras.

Here is a listing of Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras that come with the best battery life:

Pentax Q7 for different categories of photography

The following illustration presents a summation of the Pentax Q7 for different categories of photography. To look at more, browse to the specific section underneath.

Portrait photography with Pentax Q7

The Pentax Q7 gets a points total of 48 which is average, and means the camera is fairly adequate for portrait photography. Photographing portraits leans greatly towards sensor resolution, RAW support & ability to use off-camera flash.

Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing
has manual focus
great flash sync speed (1/2,000 seconds)
includes face detect autofocus
delivers RAW files
resolution not great (12 megapixels)
sensor is small (1/1.7")

Pentax Q7 Street photography information

Coming in at a above average points total of 69, the Pentax Q7 is a good pick for street photography. A decent street photography camera gives a perfect balance of image quality plus portability.

Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video
image stabilization (Sensor based)
exports RAW files
lighter than competition (200g)
screen is fixed
sensor size is very small (1/1.7")

Pentax Q7 Sports photography information

A dreadful sports photography points total of 32 suggests the Pentax Q7 is not really very good for taking photos of sports. A camera needs to have excellent tracking plus fast continuous shooting for sports photography.

Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images
image stabilization (Sensor based)
provides tracking focus
slow continuous shooting (5.0 frames/s)
MP count low (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/1.7")
terrible battery pack (250 shots)
no phase detect autofocus

Pentax Q7 Travel photography info

Size is pretty crucial when selecting a camera for travel. All round, the Pentax Q7 gets a decent 60 as a travel camera which is somewhat acceptable to take on your trips.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month
lighter than competitors (200g)
has built in flash
not so great battery pack (250 per charge)
low megapixels (12MP)
does not have a selfie friendly screen

Pentax Q7 Landscape photography advice

If you are planning to choose a digital camera for landscape pictures, the most vital factor will be image quality. The Pentax Q7 and it's decent grade of 55 as a landscape camera is somewhat suited compared to it's rivals.

President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban
manual focus
swap lenses (Pentax Q mount)
decent sized screen (3")
image stabilization (Sensor based)
saves RAW formats
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
sensor is very small (1/1.7")
not so great battery (250 shots)

Pentax Q7 as a Vlogging camera

A vlogging camera preferably should have a articulating display, microphone port and ideally IBIS. Considering all the details, the Pentax Q7 is not really very good for vlogging as it receives a dreadful score of 35.

Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
provides face detect autofocus
good video quality (1920 x 1080 pixels)
lighter than competitors in class (200 grams)
doesn't have selfie friendly display
lack of microphone port

Pentax Q7 Alternatives

If you are trying to find alternatives to the Q7, here is a number of the highest placed cameras that fall into the category of Entry-Level Mirrorless.

The line chart listed below will give you a summary of the Q7 versus it's top scoring rivals listed above.

There are more cameras you may consider as alternatives. To go through a full comparison, just click on the "compare" link.

Photography Glossary

Specifications

General Information
Make
Pentax
Model
Pentax Q7
Type
Entry-Level Mirrorless
Revealed
2013-08-08
Physical type
Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Sensor size
1/1.7"
Sensor dimensions
7.44 x 5.58mm
Sensor area
41.5mm²
Sensor resolution
12 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution
4000 x 3000
RAW images
Max native ISO
12800
Lowest native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Cross focus points
0
Lens
Lens mount
Pentax Q
Available lenses
8
Focal length multiplier
4.8
Screen
Display type
Fixed Type
Display diagonal
3"
Display resolution
460 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Display technology
TFT color LCD monitor, wide angle viewing, AR coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
Optical (optional)
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Lowest shutter speed
30 secs
Highest shutter speed
1/2000 secs
Continuous shooting rate
5.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation
Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range
4.90 m (ISO100/m)
Flash modes
P-TTL, Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Trailing Curtain Sync
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Highest flash synchronize
1/2000 secs
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions
FullHD(1920x1080, 30fps/25fps/24fps), HD(1280x720,16:9,30fps/25fps/24fps), VGA(640x480,4:3,30fps/25fps/24fps)
Max video resolution
1920x1080
Video file format
MPEG-4, H.264
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
200 grams (0.44 pounds)
Dimensions
102 x 58 x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3")
Other
Battery life
250 shots
Battery type
Battery Pack
Battery model
D-LI68
Self timer
Yes (12 sec, 2 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage
SD, SDHC, SDXC and Eye-Fi Card
Card slots
One
Pricing at launch
$480