Press Release June 13, 2013 PENTAX Q7 The minimum sized interchangeable lens digital camera with an extra-large image sensor; the top-of-the-line model of the PENTAX Q series, available in 120 color combinations PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Q7 digital lens-interchangeable camera. Developed as the top-of-the-line model of the PENTAX Q series, this new model is equipped with an image sensor much larger than those of its sister Q-series models for upgraded image quality, while retaining the super-compact, ultra-lightweight body that comfortably fits in the photographer’s palm. Launched as the flagship model of the popular PENTAX Q series , the PENTAX Q7 offers casual, carefree digital-SLR-quality photography to everyone. Thanks to a new 1/1.7-inch, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor — the largest in the Q series — the Q7 delivers image quality that has been much improved from its sister models. It also offers a host of the advanced features expected in a top-of-the-series model, including high-sensitivity shooting at a top sensitivity of ISO 12800 (compared to ISO 6400 for the Q10); improved shake-reduction performance; reduced operation time lag at start-up and between exposures; and effortless, user-friendly operation. In addition, it features an array of creative tools such as Bokeh Control and Smart Effect, which assist the photographer in easily creating more personalized images. Major Features 1. Extra-large 1/1.7-inch image sensor — the largest in the Q series Thanks to the incorporation of a new 1/1.7-inch, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, the PENTAX Q7 boasts the finest image quality in the Q series. By coupling this image sensor with the state-of-the-art Q ENGINE high-speed imaging engine, the Q7 not only offers high-sensitivity shooting at an ISO 12800 and delivers beautiful images with faithful reproduction of gradation and texture, it also minimizes annoying noise effectively at all ISO sensitivity levels. Its autofocus accuracy during low-illumination shooting has also been improved, assuring pinpoint focus on the subject even at the faintest light level of EV 0. Because of its larger sensor, the angle of view for the Q7 is wider than that of its sister models, even when the same lens is mounted.** When the 02 Standard Zoom lens is mounted, for instance, the angle of view is 23mm to 69mm in the 35mm format (compared to 27.5mm to 83mm for the Q10). Likewise, when the Adapter Q for K-mount Lenses is used with the Q7, the focal length of the mounted lens is extended by approximately 4.6 times (compared to approximately 5.5 times for the Q10). * With Q-mounted lenses, the shift in angle of view may vary depending on the lens type. 2. Outstanding operability Thanks to the incorporation of a new Q ENGINE which provides a 10% improvement in clock frequency compared to existing engines, and optimized algorithm, the Q7 provides a shortened start-up time lag of approximately one second. It also means much-improved response during shooting, such as a shortened time lag between exposures, making camera operation more comfortable and flawless in all types of shooting. The Quick Dial, to which the photographer can assign as many as four favorite functions, is more versatile and functional than ever, with the addition of AF/MF switching, focus assist ON/OFF and ND filter ON/OFF to the list of assignable functions. 3. Dependable SR mechanism Featuring a latest gyro sensor, the Q7’s upgraded SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism compensates camera shake by as much as three shutter steps. As a result, the Q7 produces sharp, blur-free images even under conditions prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, or capturing landscapes in the twilight. 4. High-quality, Full HD movie recording, even during high-sensitivity shooting Thanks to the improvements in the image-processing algorithm, the Q7 captures beautiful Full HD movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels, at 30 frames per second, in the H.264 recording format) with minimal noise, even during high-sensitivity recording at ISO 12800. A new interval HD movie recording function adds more creativity to visual expression. The user can also take advantage of advanced image-processing tools including the Smart Effect modes,** an array of in-body movie editing tools, and autofocus operation during movie shooting. * The frame rate may vary when a selected Smart Effect mode requires nonstandard ima ge processing. 5. High-resolution, wide-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor The Q7 features a high-resolution 3.0-inch, 3:2-proportion LCD monitor with approximately 460,000 dots. The monitor has been treated with AR (Anti-Reflection) coating to offer sharp, bright images even under bright sunshine by effectively minimizing glare and reflection on the screen. Since its wide-view design makes it possible to view the image from 170 degrees horizontally and vertically, the user has a clear view of the image even when facing the monitor diagonally. 6. A selection of image-processing tools to create personalized images (1) Custom Images to add distinctive finishing touches The Custom Image function adds a distinctive finishing touch to an image, to more faithfully express the photographer’s creative intention or reproduce the ambience of a specific scene. The user has a choice of 11 Custom Image modes, including Bleach Bypass, which produces a dramatic, movie-like finish. (2) Digital filter function to apply artistic visual effects The digital filter function lets the photographer apply a variety of visual effects without requiring a computer. Of the total 17 digital filters, 11 filters including Toy Camera, Invert Color and Posterization can be applied even during the shooting of still images and movie clips, while the remaining six are applicable only during image editing. The user can even apply different filters one after another to a single image to produce more inventive visual effects. (3) Smart Effect function for simple dial control of finishing touches Using the Quick-Dial positioned on the camera’s front panel, the user can quickly and effortlessly add the desired finishing touch to an image, while previewing the applied effect on the LCD monitor. From nine Smart Effect modes — including Brilliant Color for a high-saturation finish, and Cross Process for a dramatic unique-toned finish — the user can assign four favorite modes to the dial in advance. 7. Effortless Bokeh control The Q7’s unique bokeh control function allows the user to purposely make the subject stand out by automatically assessing the relative distance between the in-focus subject and obtrusive objects in the field of view. Since this function simplifies the advanced, SLR-caliber technique of intentional defocusing, even a first-time digital photographer can effortlessly capture high-quality images with beautifully defocused foregrounds and/or backgrounds. 8. Simple, user-friendly Auto Picture and Scene modes The Q7 features the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode from such options as Portrait, Landscape and Macro for a given subject or scene, then optimizes all affecting parameters, such as shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness. It also provides 21 Scene modes including Night Scene Portrait, Pet and Backlight Silhouette, allowing even an entry digital photographer to choose the best exposure mode for a complicated subject or scene with the simple choice of an icon on the LCD monitor. 9. Flexible exposure system available only with digital lens-interchangeable camera systems The Q7’s comprehensive exposure system assures all the advantages and flexibility of a digital lens-interchangeable camera system. To accommodate user preferences and varying photographic applications, it offers a choice of four different exposure modes: the all-purpose Programmed AE (P) mode, which automatically selects an optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed; the Shutter-Priority AE (Tv), Aperture-Priority AE (Av) and manual Exposure (M) modes, which allow the photographer to more faithfully express specific creative intentions on resulting images. 10. DRII mechanism for effective dust removal The Q7’s DR II (Dust Removal II) mechanism effectively prevents annoying dust spots from spoiling captured images, even after the user changes lenses out in the open. Like the PENTAX K-5 II and 645D digital SLR cameras, it employs a highly effective supersonic vibration mechanism, which vibrates the image sensor at high speed to shake the dust off its surface. 11. Outline of PENTAX Q7 color-to-order service For the new PENTAX Q7, the color-to-order service allows for the selection from 120 camera color combinations (including three standard models). The color-to-order service has been extremely popular as a unique, stylish way for PENTAX camera users to express individual taste in their photographic system. For the new PENTAX Q7, the service will accept orders for 120 camera body color combinations (including three standard colors). so that the user can choose the desired color combination to personalize their Q7 camera. Color options : a choice of 20 body colors and six grip colors are available. For the Lens Kit with PENTAX-02 STANDARD ZOOM lens with a black, silver or yellow camera body comes with the lens of identical color. The Lens Kit with any other body color comes with the silver lens. 12. Other features I. Compatibility with Eye-Fi wireless LAN SD memory cards II. High-speed continuous shooting of up to five images per second III. HDR mode to composite a photo with extra-wide dynamic range from three images of varying exposures IV.