Pentax Q Pentax Q Black Kit w/ 02 Standard Zoom Lens Review

The Pentax Q is a weird little camera. It's tiny, almost like a toy, but it packs a 12.4MP sensor and a whole new lens mount system. Don't let the size fool you, it's got some serious tech inside, like sensor-shift stabilization and a crazy fast 30fps burst mode.

This thing is a speed demon for its size, hitting a 30fps burst that puts it in the 93rd percentile. The stabilization is also top-notch at the 90th percentile, so your shots stay sharp. But that's where the good news ends. The tiny sensor is its biggest weakness, landing in just the 2nd percentile. Image quality, especially for stills or product work, just can't compete with bigger cameras. The autofocus and video are also pretty average.

At $799, it's a tough sell. You're paying for a niche experience. The speed and stabilization are cool, but the core image quality from that small sensor isn't worth the price for most people. You can get much better picture quality from other cameras in this price range.

Stack it up against something like the Sony a6400, and the Pentax Q gets left in the dust on image quality and autofocus. Even the Fujifilm X-S20 runs circles around it for video and general use. The Pentax Q's only real claim is its wild burst speed and tiny size. If you need a pocket rocket for sports and don't care about ultimate image quality, it's unique. For everyone else, the competition is a smarter buy.

Buy this only if you're obsessed with having the smallest interchangeable lens camera and you absolutely need that 30fps burst. For sports or wildlife where reach and quality matter, look at a Pentax K-3 III or a Sony Alpha. For everyone else wanting a great all-around camera, there are way better options for your money.