The mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera market is already packed with great models from almost every camera maker. Olympus has its PEN E-P2 model, Samsung has its NX10, and Sony has its NEX line. Any camera maker looking to enter the market will need to do something major to make its rig stand out. Pentax looks to do just that with the announcement of its new Q mirrorless camera, which it calls the world's smallest and lightest interchangeable-lens camera.

Is it really the world's smallest and lightest? We think so: the Q measures in at 1.2 x 2.3 x 3.9 inches and tips the scales at a scant 7.1 ounces with both the battery and memory card plugged in. Specs are as follows: 12.4 megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, in-camera HDR, 21 scene modes, RAW support, 1080p 30-fps video, shutter speeds from 1/2000 to 30, ISO from 200 to 6400, and a 3-inch LCD. It's pretty stacked.

Pentax is an old and cherished camera brand that many thought might be nearing the end in the light of a diminishing presence in the DSLR camera market and new ownership by a demanding Hoya Corporation. But Pentax can now justifiably claim to be the only camera marque with three different interchangeable lens digital camera systems covering medium format (645D), DSLR (K-series) and, now, compact system cameras with the Q-range announced today. Hoya has, effectively, placed a vote of confidence in Pentax by giving the Q system the go-ahead.

In case you aren't yet familiar with the term 'compact system camera' or CSC, this is a new segment of the camera market that describes camera systems with interchangeable lenses that don't rely on a DSLR-style reflex mirror viewfinder. Panasonic Lumix pioneered CSCs with its DMC-G1 back in 2008, followed by the Lumix Micro Four Thirds compatible Olympus Pen range a year later, then Samsung NX, Sony Alpha NEX, and now - Pentax Q....

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This is a discussion on Metz 50 AF-1 stand? Hey guys, trying to find a stand for the flash, but having no luck. Basically the legs for it so I can place it on a table, I believe. Is this something that's not necessary? Thanks in advance...., located within Pentax Lenses and Accessories: Pentax Flashes and Lighting Technique. Topics: advance, af-1, flash, guys, legs.