Pentax recently launched its Pentax Q mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (ILC), which tries to outdo its competitors by being the smallest mirrorless ILC around (at least as of June 2011).
Looking like a spy camera from the 1960s, the Pentax Q can actually be hidden in the palm of most people's hands and has a range of tiny lenses to complement the system.
The secret to its small size is the fact that it uses a relatively small 12.4-megapixel 1/2.3in backlit CMOS sensor, which is similar to the sensor used in high-end compact cameras and much smaller than the sensors used in any other mirrorless ILC out there.
While it can be used as a simple point-and-shoot camera, Pentax has packed in a bunch of advanced features for those who need it, including the ability to shoot in 12-bit DNG RAW format, sensor -shift image stabilisation, 1080/30p video using the H.264 recording format, in-camera HDR and even a nifty digital bokeh control to simulate a pro DSLR's telephoto background blur.
The Pentax Q uses a new mount called, appropriately, the Q mount, and comes with a range of lenses with built-in shutter systems. The the kit lens is a 5-15mm zoom (equivalent to 27.5-83mm in 35mm format) but there are also four other optional lenses, namely an 8.5mm f/1.9 (equivalent to 47mm), a 3.2mm f/5.6 fisheye (equivalent to 17.5mm), 6.3mm f/7.1 toy telephoto (equivalent to 35mm) and an 18mm f/8 toy telephoto (equivalent to 100mm). Yes, they're called toy telephotos simply because they're so small.
Price for the Pentax Q with the standard 5-15mm zoom lens is USD 833. There is also a two-lens bundle that gives you Pentax Q, the kit zoom lens and the 8.5mm f/1.9 for USD 1100. The three other lenses, i.e. the 3.2mm f/5.6, 6.3mm f/7.1 and 18mm f/8 can only be bought as a bundle for USD 333.
