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Leica Q2 vs Leica Q2 Monochrom Comparison

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Leica Q2

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

Leica Q2
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Leica Q2 Monochrom

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

Leica Q2 Monochrom
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Leica Q2 vs Leica Q2 Monochrom Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Q2 and Q2 Monochrom, two Large Sensor Compact cameras by Leica. Leica Q2 was introduced to market in March 2019 and Leica Q2 Monochrom was launched in March 2019. Both Q2 and Q2 Monochrom were launched within the same month so we are expecting this to be a fair comparison regarding age and available technology level.

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 Q2 Monochrom is ranked #8 with an overall score of 69.

Q2 and Q2 Monochrom 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 Q2 Monochrom 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 Q2 Monochrom Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2019-03-07
  • 47MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • No Anti-aliasing (AA) filter
  • ISO 100 - 100000
  • 28 mm f1.70 Prime Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • 3680k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 20.0fps continuous shooting
  • 4K (DCI) - 4096 x 2160 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 734g. 130 x 80 x 92 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

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


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Reasons to choose Leica Q2 over Leica Q2 Monochrom
Battery Life
370 shots vs 350 shots 20 more frames with a single charge
Weight
718 g vs 734 g 16 g lighter
CHECK Q2 PRICE


Reasons to choose Leica Q2 Monochrom over Leica Q2
Max ISO
100.000 vs 50.000 100% higher Max ISO
Max Video Resolution
4096 x 2160 vs 3840 x 2160 Higher Resolution Video
CHECK Q2 Monochrom PRICE

Common Strengths of Leica Q2 and Leica Q2 Monochrom
Wireless Connection
Yes vs Yes Better connectivity
Bluetooth Connection
Yes vs Yes Connect to other devices via Bluetooth
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 47 MP Bigger prints and more details
LCD Screen Resolution
1.040k dots vs 1.040k dots High resolution screens
Continuous Shooting
20.0fps vs 20.0fps Fast shooting speeds
Manual Focusing
Yes vs Yes both have manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure
Yes vs Yes better exposure control
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs Yes shoot at tough conditions
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-II Read/Write in High Speeds
Common Weaknesses of Leica Q2 and Leica Q2 Monochrom
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 Q2 Monochrom: 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 Q2 Monochrom 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 Q2 Monochrom has external dimensions of 130 x 80 x 92 mm (5.12 x 3.15 x 3.62″) and weighs 734 g (1.62 lb / 25.89 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Leica Q2 and Leica Q2 Monochrom. In this case, we can see that Leica Q2 and Leica Q2 Monochrom have the exact same height, width and thickness.

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

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

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

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

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Leica Q2 is 16g lighter than the Leica Q2 Monochrom but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

Q2
Q2 Monochrom
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

Q2
Q2 Monochrom
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Both Q2 and Q2 Monochrom have weather sealings in their body, making them resistant to water and dust.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Leica Q2 and Leica Q2 Monochrom'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 Q2 Monochrom: Sensor Comparison

Both Leica Q2 and Leica Q2 Monochrom have Full frame sized 47.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.

Another similarity between these two cameras is that both Leica Q2 Monochrom and Leica Q2 sensors lack anti-alias (Low-Pass) filters. 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 Q2 Monochrom sensor size comparison.

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


Leica Q2 and Leica Q2 Monochrom 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.

Leica Q2 vs Leica Q2 Monochrom Lens Specs Comparison

Leica Q2 and Leica Q2 Monochrom 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
Q2 Monochrom
Widest - Canon G1 X II
Average
Telezoom

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

Q2
Q2 Monochrom
Longest - Panasonic ZS200
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

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

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

Q2
Q2 Monochrom
Fastest - Panasonic LX10
Average
What types of Photography are Leica Q2 and Leica Q2 Monochrom Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Leica Q2 and Leica Q2 Monochrom 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 Q2 Monochrom 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: 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

Leica Q2 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT

Leica Q2 Monochrom 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 Q2 Monochrom 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: 20.0fps
Environmental Sealings
49 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
28 mm Tele Lens
Read the details

Leica Q2 for Daily Photography

EXCELLENT

Leica Q2 Monochrom for Daily Photography

GOOD
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
Environmental Sealings
734g
Body Thickness 92mm
Read the details

Leica Q2 for Landscape Photography

GOOD

Leica Q2 Monochrom for Landscape Photography

GOOD
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: 47.0MP
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Environmental Sealings
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

Leica Q2 vs Leica Q2 Monochrom: 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 Q2 Monochrom, 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 Q2 Monochrom 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 Q2 Monochrom
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #7 out of 61 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #169 out of 1244 in all Cameras

Leica Q2 has a higher Overall Score than the Leica Q2 Monochrom and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Leica Q2
Leica Q2
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Leica Q2 Monochrom
Leica Q2 Monochrom
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Leica Q2 Monochrom vs Leica Q2 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Leica Q2 Leica Q2 Monochrom
Brand Leica Leica
Announced 2019-03-07 2019-03-07
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 47 megapixels
Max Resolution 8368 x 5584 8368 x 5584
Max Native Light sensitivity 50,000 ISO 100,000 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 49
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 1/40000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Optical Optical
Built-in Flash
Max Flash Sync 1/500s 1/500s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 20.0 fps 20.0 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 4096 x 2160
Video Formats MPEG-4 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Built-In Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 718g 734g
Dimensions 130 x 80 x 92mm 130 x 80 x 92mm
Battery Life 370 shots 350 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score 96 not tested
DxO Color Depth 26.4 not tested
DxO Dynamic Range 13.5 not tested
DxO Low Light ISO 2491 not tested
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