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Leica Q2 vs Leica Q Typ 116 Comparison

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Leica Q2

47 MP | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) CMOS Sensor

Leica Q2
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Leica Q

24 MP | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) CMOS Sensor

Leica Q
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Leica Q2 vs Leica Q Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Q2 and Q Typ 116, two Large Sensor Compact cameras by Leica. Leica Q2 was introduced to market in March 2019 and Leica Q was launched in June 2015. As you can see, Q Typ 116 is 4 years older than Q2. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

We can expect this to be a close match up because both models are ranked amongst the best in Large Sensor Compact cameras. Out of 63 cameras in this class, Leica Q2 is ranked #1 with an overall score of 81 and Leica Q is ranked #5 with an overall score of 74.

Q2 and Q Typ 116 are members of Leica's Q series of cameras. Below you can find the latest models from this series.

Leica Q Series History
Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
Leica Q2
2019 47.0MP - Full frame 20.0 fps 130 x 80 x 92mm 718g
Leica Q2 Monochrom
  
2019 47.0MP - Full frame 20.0 fps 130 x 80 x 92mm 734g
Leica Q-P
  
2018 24.0MP - Full frame 10.0 fps 130 x 80 x 93mm 640g
Leica Q
2015 24.0MP - Full frame 10.0 fps 130 x 80 x 93mm 640g

Here is a brief look at the main features of Leica Q2 and Leica Q before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Leica Q2 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2019-03-07
  • 47MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • No Anti-aliasing (AA) filter
  • ISO 50 - 50000
  • 28 mm f1.70 Prime Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • 3680k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 20.0fps continuous shooting
  • 4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 718g. 130 x 80 x 92 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body
  • Also known as Type No. 4889
  • Replaced Leica Q Compare

Leica Q Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2015-06-10
  • 24MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 50000
  • 28 mm f1.70 Prime Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • 3680k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 10.0fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 640g. 130 x 80 x 93 mm
  • Also known as Typ 116

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Leica Q2 and Leica Q compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


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**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reasons to choose Leica Q2 over Leica Q
Sensor Resolution
47 MP vs 24 MP 95% more pixels
Max Elect. Shutter
1/40000s vs 1/16000s faster electronic shutter
Continuous Shooting
20.0fps vs 10.0fps 10 fps faster
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs No shoot at tough conditions
Color Depth
26.4 vs 24.3 higher color depth
Dynamic Range
13.5 vs 12.7 higher dynamic range
Low Light ISO
2491 vs 2221 better High ISO performance
Max Video Resolution
3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 Higher Resolution Video
Bluetooth
Yes vs No Connect your camera to other devices via Blueetooth
CHECK Q2 PRICE


Reasons to choose Leica Q over Leica Q2
Weight
640 g vs 718 g 78 g lighter
Sensor Pixel Area
36.00µm2 vs 18.49µm2 94% larger pixel area
CHECK Q Typ 116 PRICE

Common Strengths of Leica Q2 and Leica Q
Wireless Connection
Yes vs Yes Better connectivity
Image Stabilization
Optical vs Optical Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
Touch Screen
Yes vs Yes Easy control of camera functions
Viewfinder
Yes (Electronic) vs Yes (Electronic) Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
Max Resolution
47 MP vs 24 MP Bigger prints and more details
LCD Screen Resolution
1.040k dots vs 1.040k dots High resolution screens
Continuous Shooting
20.0fps vs 10.0fps Fast shooting speeds
Manual Focusing
Yes vs Yes both have manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure
Yes vs Yes better exposure control
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs Yes creative shooting
Max Aperture - Wide
1.70 vs 1.70 Fast lenses at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
1.70 vs 1.70 Fast lenses at tele
AE Bracketing
Yes vs Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Smartphone Remote
Yes vs Yes Remote control your camera with a smartphone
UHS Card Support
UHS-II vs UHS-I Read/Write in High Speeds
Common Weaknesses of Leica Q2 and Leica Q
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No No flexible viewing angles
Built-in Flash
No vs No Require external flash
Focal Length - Tele
28mm vs 28mm No Tele reach
Leica Q2 vs Leica Q: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Leica Q2 and Leica Q side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Leica Q2 has external dimensions of 130 x 80 x 92 mm (5.12 x 3.15 x 3.62″) and weighs 718 g (1.58 lb / 25.33 oz) (including batteries). Leica Q has external dimensions of 130 x 80 x 93 mm (5.12 x 3.15 x 3.66″) and weighs 640 g (1.41 lb / 22.58 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Leica Q2 and Leica Q. Leica Q2 has the same height and width with Leica Q. On the other hand, with a thickness of 92mm, it is 1mm thinner.

Leica Q2 vs Leica Q Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Leica Q2 and Leica Q Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Leica Q2 and Leica Q.

Leica Q2 vs Leica Q Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Leica Q2 and Leica Q Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Leica Q2 and Leica Q.
Leica Q2 vs Leica Q Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Leica Q2 and Leica Q Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Leica Q is 78g lighter than the Leica Q2 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

Q2
Q Typ 116
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

Q2
Q Typ 116
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

With its weather sealed body, we believe that Q2 has a big advantage over Q Typ 116 which doesn't provide any kind of environmental sealing.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Leica Q2 and Leica Q's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3.00".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Leica Q2 vs Leica Q: Sensor Comparison

Leica Q2 has a 47.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Leica Q has a 24.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Maestro II processor.

Leica Q2's sensor provides 23MP more than Leica Q's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely. On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.

Another difference between these two cameras is that Leica Q2's sensor lacks anti-alias (Low-Pass) filter. Removing anti-alias filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but at the same time, it increases the chance of moire occurring in certain scenes.

Below you can see the Q2 and Q Typ 116 sensor size comparison.

Leica Q2 vs Leica Q Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Leica Q2 and Leica Q Cameras


Leica Q2 and Leica Q have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Leica Q has 94% larger pixel area (36.00µm2 vs 18.49µm2) compared to Leica Q2, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

DxOMark Sensor Scores

Both Leica Q2 and Leica Q sensors have been tested by DxoMark. DxoMark scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Of the two cameras that we are comparing, Q2 has scored 96, 11 points higher than Q Typ 116.

Model Overall Color Depth Dynamic Range Low-light ISO
Leica Q2 96 26.4 bits 13.5 Evs 2491 ISO
Leica Q 85 24.3 bits 12.7 Evs 2221 ISO
Leica Q2 vs Leica Q Lens Specs Comparison

Leica Q2 and Leica Q features 28 mm F1.7 Prime lenses so they have the same focal reach and light collecting ability.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 28mm and have the same max aperture of f1.70 at this focal length. Both cameras have a tele angle reach of 28mm and have the same max aperture of f1.70 at this focal length.

Wide Coverage

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

Q2
Q Typ 116
Widest - Canon G1 X II
Average
Telezoom

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

Q2
Q Typ 116
Longest - Panasonic ZS200
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

Q2
Q Typ 116
Fastest - Leica X (Typ 113)
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

Q2
Q Typ 116
Fastest - Panasonic LX10
Average
What types of Photography are Leica Q2 and Leica Q Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Leica Q2 and Leica Q for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Leica Q2 for Portrait Photography

GOOD

Leica Q for Portrait Photography

GOOD
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 47.0MP
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Leica Q2 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT

Leica Q for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f1.70
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f1.70
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

Leica Q2 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Leica Q for Sports Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 20.0fps
Environmental Sealings
49 Focus Points
Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
28 mm Tele Lens
Read the details
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Focus Points
28 mm Tele Lens
Read the details

Leica Q2 for Daily Photography

EXCELLENT

Leica Q for Daily Photography

EXCELLENT
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
Environmental Sealings
718g
Body Thickness 92mm
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
640g
Body Thickness 93mm
Read the details

Leica Q2 for Landscape Photography

GOOD

Leica Q for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 47.0MP
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Leica Q2 vs Leica Q: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Leica Q2 and Leica Q, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Leica Q2 and Leica Q scores compare:

Leica Q2
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #1 out of 61 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #52 out of 1244 in all Cameras
Leica Q
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #5 out of 61 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #116 out of 1244 in all Cameras

Leica Q2 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Leica Q in all criteria except one: Portability. But the size difference between these cameras are negligible in real world so it is not a big disadvantage for Leica Q2.

Leica Q2
Leica Q2
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Leica Q
Leica Q
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Leica Q vs Leica Q2 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Leica Q2 Leica Q
Brand Leica Leica
Announced 2019-03-07 2015-06-10
Body Type Large sensor compact Large sensor compact
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size Full frame Full frame
Dimensions 36 x 24 mm 36 x 24 mm
Area 864.00mm2 864.00mm2
Megapixels 47 megapixels 24 megapixels
Max Resolution 8368 x 5584 6000 x 4000
Max Native Light sensitivity 50,000 ISO 50,000 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 50 ISO 100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 49 n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 28 mm (1x) 28 mm (1x)
Max Aperture F1.7 F1.7
Macro Focus Range 17cm 17cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3.00" 3.00"
Resolution 1,040k dots 1,040k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution 3,680k dots 3,680k dots
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.76x 0.76x
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/2000s 1/2000s
Max Electronic Shutter 1/40000s 1/16000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Optical Optical
Built-in Flash
Max Flash Sync 1/500s n/a
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 20.0 fps 10.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 1920 x 1080
Video Formats MPEG-4 MPEG-4
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Built-In Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 718g 640g
Dimensions 130 x 80 x 92mm 130 x 80 x 93mm
Battery Life 370 shots n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score 96 85
DxO Color Depth 26.4 24.3
DxO Dynamic Range 13.5 12.7
DxO Low Light ISO 2491 2221
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