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Sigma DP1s vs Leica Q Typ 116 Comparison

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Sigma DP1s

5 MP | APS-C (20.7 x 13.8 mm) CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor

Sigma DP1s
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Leica Q

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

Leica Q
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Sigma DP1s vs Leica Q Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the DP1s and the Q Typ 116, two Large Sensor Compact cameras from Sigma and Leica. Sigma DP1s was introduced to the market in October 2009 and Leica Q was launched in June 2015. As you can see, DP1s is 6 years older than Q Typ 116. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Here is a brief look at the main features of the Sigma DP1s and Leica Q before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Sigma DP1s Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2009-10-02
  • 5MP - APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 800
  • 28 mm f Prime Lens
  • 2.50" Fixed Type Screen
  • fps continuous shooting
  • No Video Mode
  • 270g. 109 x 60 x 31 mm
  • Replaced Sigma DP1 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

Sigma DP1s was replaced by Sigma DP1x. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Sigma DP1x vs Sigma DP1s
Sigma DP1x vs Leica Q (Typ 116)

Leica Q was replaced by Leica Q-P. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Leica Q-P vs Leica Q (Typ 116)
Leica Q-P vs Sigma DP1s

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Sigma DP1s and Leica Q compare 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 Sigma DP1s over Leica Q
Built-in Flash
Yes vs No Useful in low-light
Max Mech. Shutter
1/4000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Weight
270 g vs 640 g 370 g lighter
Max Aperture - Wide
vs 1.70 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
vs 1.70 faster lens at tele
Sensor Pixel Area
61.43µm2 vs 36.00µm2 70% larger pixel area
CHECK DP1s PRICE


Reasons to choose Leica Q over Sigma DP1s
Wireless Connection
Built-In vs None Better connectivity
In-built Image Stabilization
Optical vs None Sharper images at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds
Touch Screen
Yes vs No Easy control of camera functions
Viewfinder
Electronic vs None Better framing and control
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs No very handy for portraits
Sensor Resolution
24 MP vs 5 MP 380% more pixels
Max ISO
50.000 vs 800 6150% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size
3 vs 2.5" 0.5 inches larger display
LCD Resolution
1.040k dots vs 230k dots 352% higher resolution screen
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs No creative shooting
Max Video Resolution
1920 x 1080 vs None Higher Resolution Video
AE Bracketing
Yes vs No Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Smartphone Remote
Yes vs No Remote control your camera with a smartphone
UHS Card Support
UHS-I vs none Read/Write in High Speeds
CHECK Q Typ 116 PRICE

Common Strengths of Sigma DP1s and Leica Q
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Max Continuous Shooting
fps vs 10.0fps Fast shooting speeds
Manual Focusing
Yes vs Yes both have manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure
Yes vs Yes better exposure control
Max Aperture - Wide
vs 1.70 Fast lenses at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
vs 1.70 Fast lenses at tele
Common Weaknesses of Sigma DP1s and Leica Q
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No Screen tilts or Flips out independently, perfect for both stills and video
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Focal Length - Tele
28mm vs 28mm No Tele reach
Sigma DP1s vs Leica Q: Physical Specs and Body Features Comparison

Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, we are going to illustrate the Sigma DP1s and Leica Q side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Sigma DP1s has external dimensions of 109 x 60 x 31 mm (4.29 x 2.36 x 1.22″) and weighs 270 g (0.60 lb / 9.52 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 the Sigma DP1s and the Leica Q. Sigma DP1s is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 21mm narrower, 20mm shorter and 62mm thinner than Leica Q.

Sigma DP1s vs Leica Q Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of the Sigma DP1s and the Leica Q Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Sigma DP1s and Leica Q.

Sigma DP1s vs Leica Q Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of the Sigma DP1s and the Leica Q Size and Weight - Back View

Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Sigma DP1s is significantly lighter (370g ) than the Leica Q which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

DP1s
Q Typ 116
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

DP1s
Q Typ 116
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither the Sigma DP1s nor Leica Q (Typ 116) provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Leica Q's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Sigma DP1s's 2.5" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.


Sigma DP1s vs Leica Q: Sensor Comparison

Sigma DP1s has a 5.0MP APS-C (20.7 x 13.8 mm ) sized CMOS (Foveon X3) 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 Q's sensor provides 19MP more than Sigma DP1s'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.

Below you can see the DP1s and Q Typ 116 sensor size comparison.

Sigma DP1s vs Leica Q Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sigma DP1s and Leica Q Cameras


As seen above, Leica Q has a 3.0x Larger sensor area than Sigma DP1s. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.

Sigma DP1s vs Leica Q Lens Specs Comparison

Sigma DP1s features a 28 mm Prime lens whereas Leica Q features a 28 mm F1.7 Prime lens.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 28mm. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f, Sigma DP1s is faster than Leica Q at this focal length. Both cameras have a tele angle reach of 28mm. However, with a max aperture of f, Sigma DP1s is faster than Leica Q at this focal length.

Wide Coverage

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

DP1s
Q Typ 116
Widest - Sony ZV-1 II
Average
Telezoom

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

DP1s
Q Typ 116
Longest - Panasonic ZS200
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

DP1s
Q Typ 116
Fastest - Leica X (Typ 113)
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

DP1s
Q Typ 116
Fastest - Panasonic LX10
Average
What types of Photography are Sigma DP1s and Leica Q Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Sigma DP1s 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.

Sigma DP1s for Portrait Photography

POOR

Leica Q for Portrait Photography

GOOD
Large APS-C (20.7 x 13.8 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Very Low Resolution Sensor: 5.0MP
No Image Stabilization
No Built-in Viewfinder
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

Sigma DP1s for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Leica Q for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
Large APS-C (20.7 x 13.8 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Fast Lens at Wide: f
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
No Image Stabilization
No Built-in Viewfinder
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

Sigma DP1s for Sports Photography

POOR

Leica Q for Sports Photography

AVERAGE
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
No Image Stabilization
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Focus Points
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

Sigma DP1s for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Leica Q for Daily Photography

EXCELLENT
Large APS-C (20.7 x 13.8 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
270g
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
640g
Body Thickness 93mm
Read the details

Sigma DP1s for Landscape Photography

POOR

Leica Q for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE
Large APS-C (20.7 x 13.8 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Very Low Resolution Sensor: 5.0MP
No 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

Sigma DP1s 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 Sigma DP1s 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 Sigma DP1s and Leica Q scores compare:

Sigma DP1s
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #59 out of 64 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #740 out of 1268 in all Cameras
Leica Q
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #3 out of 64 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #149 out of 1268 in all Cameras

Leica Q is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Sigma DP1s in all criteria except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Sigma DP1s. Otherwise, Leica Q is the better camera overall.

Sigma DP1s
Sigma DP1s
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Leica Q
Leica Q
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Leica Q vs Sigma DP1s Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Sigma DP1s Leica Q
Brand Sigma Leica
Announced 2009-10-02 2015-06-10
Body Type Large sensor compact Large sensor compact
Sensor
Type CMOS (Foveon X3) CMOS
Size APS-C Full frame
Dimensions 20.7 x 13.8 mm 36 x 24 mm
Area 285.66mm2 864.00mm2
Megapixels 5 megapixels 24 megapixels
Max Resolution 2640 x 1760 6000 x 4000
Max Native Light sensitivity 800 ISO 50,000 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 100 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 n/a n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 28 mm (1×) 28 mm (1x)
Max Aperture no lens F1.7
Macro Focus Range n/a 17cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 2.50" 3.00"
Resolution 230k dots 1,040k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder 3,680k dots
Viewfinder Coverage n/a 100%
Viewfinder Magnification n/a 0.76x
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/4000s 1/2000s
Max Electronic Shutter n/a 1/16000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization No Optical
Built-in Flash
External Flash
Continuous Shooting n/a 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 None 1920 x 1080
Video Formats Motion JPEG MPEG-4
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 270g 640g
Dimensions 109 x 60 x 31mm 130 x 80 x 93mm
Battery Life n/a n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score not tested 85
DxO Color Depth not tested 24.3
DxO Dynamic Range not tested 12.7
DxO Low Light ISO not tested 2221
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