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Sony ZV-1 vs Leica Q Typ 116 Comparison

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Sony ZV-1

20 MP | 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

Sony ZV-1
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Leica Q

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

Leica Q
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Sony ZV-1 vs Leica Q Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing ZV-1 and Q Typ 116, two Large Sensor Compact cameras from Sony and Leica. Sony ZV-1 was introduced to market in May 2020 and Leica Q was launched in June 2015. As you can see, Q Typ 116 is 5 years older than ZV-1. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Sony ZV-1 and Leica Q before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Sony ZV-1 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2020-05-27
  • 20MP - 1″ BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 125 - 12800 ( expands to 80 - 25600)
  • 24-70 mm F1.8–2.8 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fully Articulated Screen
  • 24.0fps continuous shooting
  • 4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
  • 960fps High-Speed Video
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 294g. 105 x 60 x 44 mm

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

Leica Q was replaced by Leica Q2. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Leica Q2 vs Leica Q (Typ 116)
Leica Q2 vs Sony ZV-1

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Sony ZV-1 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 Sony ZV-1 over Leica Q
Gyroscopic Stabilization
Yes vs No Stabilize video in post process
Video Record Limit
Unlimited vs Limited Record clips longer than 30 minutes
LCD Screen
Fully Articulated vs Fixed Type Flexible shooting positions
Max Elect. Shutter
1/32000s vs 1/16000s faster electronic shutter
Continuous Shooting
24.0fps vs 10.0fps 14 fps faster
Weight
294 g vs 640 g 346 g lighter
Microphone Port
Yes vs No High quality audio recording option
Focal Length - Wide
24mm vs 28mm 4 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
70mm vs 28mm 42 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
2.9× vs 1x more flexible focal coverage
Max Video Resolution
3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 Higher Resolution Video
AE Bracketing Range
±5 EV vs ±3 EV Wide Bracketing range is useful for HDR
Built-in ND Filter
3.0-stops vs No Use larger aperture under strong light
Selfie & Vlogger LCD
Yes vs No Rotate LCD for taking Selfies
Bluetooth
Yes vs No Connect your camera to other devices via Blueetooth
Webcam Function
Yes vs No Use your camera as a Webcam
CHECK ZV-1 PRICE


Reasons to choose Leica Q over Sony ZV-1
Viewfinder
Electronic vs None Better framing and control
Sensor Resolution
24 MP vs 20 MP 19% more pixels
Max ISO
50.000 vs 12.800 290% higher Max ISO
LCD Resolution
1.040k dots vs 922k dots 12% higher resolution screen
Max Aperture - Wide
1.70 vs 1.80 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
1.70 vs 1.80 faster lens at tele
Sensor Pixel Area
36.00µm2 vs 5.82µm2 518% larger pixel area
UHS Card Support
UHS-I vs none Read/Write in High Speeds
CHECK Q Typ 116 PRICE

Common Strengths of Sony ZV-1 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
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
Max Resolution
20 MP vs 24 MP Bigger prints and more details
LCD Screen Resolution
922k dots vs 1.040k dots High resolution screens
Continuous Shooting
24.0fps 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
1.80 vs 1.70 Fast lenses at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
1.80 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
Common Weaknesses of Sony ZV-1 and Leica Q
Built-in Flash
No vs No Require external flash
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Sony ZV-1 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 Sony ZV-1 and Leica Q side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Sony ZV-1 has external dimensions of 105 x 60 x 44 mm (4.13 x 2.36 x 1.73″) and weighs 294 g (0.65 lb / 10.37 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 Sony ZV-1 and Leica Q. Sony ZV-1 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 25mm narrower, 20mm shorter and 49mm thinner than Leica Q.

Sony ZV-1 vs Leica Q Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Sony ZV-1 and Leica Q Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Sony ZV-1 and Leica Q.

Sony ZV-1 vs Leica Q Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Sony ZV-1 and Leica Q Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Sony ZV-1 and Leica Q.
Sony ZV-1 vs Leica Q Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Sony ZV-1 and Leica Q Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Sony ZV-1 is significantly lighter (346g ) than the Leica Q which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZV-1
Q Typ 116
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

ZV-1
Q Typ 116
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Sony ZV-1 nor Leica Q (Typ 116) provides any type of weather sealing in their body, 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

Sony ZV-1 and Leica Q's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3.00".

On the other hand, Sony ZV-1 sports a Fully Articulated screen which you can change the angle and position of the screen almost freely, making it possible to shoot from waist or over the head levels, and especially very useful for shooting selfies and video. Leica Q's LCD screen is a fixed type which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to ZV-1.
Sony ZV-1 vs Leica Q: Sensor Comparison

Sony ZV-1 has a 20.0MP 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Bionz X processor. On the other hand, Leica Q has a 24.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Maestro II processor.

Below you can see the ZV-1 and Q Typ 116 sensor size comparison.

Sony ZV-1 vs Leica Q Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony ZV-1 and Leica Q Cameras


As seen above, Leica Q has a 7.4x Larger sensor area than Sony ZV-1. 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.

Sony ZV-1 vs Leica Q Lens Specs Comparison

Sony ZV-1 features a 24-70 mm F1.8–2.8 2.9× zoom lens whereas Leica Q features a 28 mm F1.7 Prime lens.

It is not easy to compare a prime lens with a zoom lens. Sony ZV-1's zoom lens provides a great flexibility compared to Leica Q's 28mm fixed focal length lens. On the other hand, Q Typ 116's prime lens makes it a specialized camera. You compromise the flexibility of a zoom in order to enjoy the high image quality and unique rendering of this fast lens. On the tele end, Sony ZV-1 has 42mm longer reach than the Leica Q. However, with a max aperture of f1.70, Leica Q is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Large sensor compact Cameras

ZV-1
Q Typ 116
Widest - Canon G1 X II
Average
Telezoom

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

ZV-1
Q Typ 116
Longest - Panasonic ZS200
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

ZV-1
Q Typ 116
Fastest - Leica X (Typ 113)
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

ZV-1
Q Typ 116
Fastest - Panasonic LX10
Average
What types of Photography are Sony ZV-1 and Leica Q Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Sony ZV-1 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.

Sony ZV-1 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Leica Q for Portrait Photography

GOOD
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
No Built-in Viewfinder
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

Sony ZV-1 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT

Leica Q for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fully Articulated LCD Screen
Fast Lens at Wide: f1.80
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
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

Sony ZV-1 for Sports Photography

POOR

Leica Q for Sports Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 24.0fps
315 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No Built-in Viewfinder
Environmental Sealings
Poor Battery Life: 260 shots
70 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

Sony ZV-1 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Leica Q for Daily Photography

EXCELLENT
RAW shooting capability
294g
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
Body Thickness 44mm
2.9X Optical Zoom
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
640g
Body Thickness 93mm
Read the details

Sony ZV-1 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Leica Q for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
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

Sony ZV-1 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 Sony ZV-1 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 Sony ZV-1 and Leica Q scores compare:

Sony ZV-1
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #18 out of 61 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #207 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 Q has a higher Overall Score than the Sony ZV-1 mainly because of its huge advantage in Image quality. In all other areas, Sony ZV-1 excels. It is a tough choice!
If image quality is your priority, get the Leica Q.
If you are ready to compromise image quality for extra features, compactness and value, choose Sony ZV-1

Sony ZV-1
Sony ZV-1
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Leica Q
Leica Q
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Leica Q vs Sony ZV-1 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Sony ZV-1 Leica Q
Brand Sony Leica
Announced 2020-05-27 2015-06-10
Body Type Large sensor compact Large sensor compact
Sensor
Type BSI-CMOS CMOS
Size 1″ Full frame
Dimensions 13.2 x 8.8 mm 36 x 24 mm
Area 116.16mm2 864.00mm2
Megapixels 20 megapixels 24 megapixels
Max Resolution 5472 x 3648 6000 x 4000
Max Native Light sensitivity 12,800 ISO 50,000 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity 25600 ISO -
Min Native Light sensitivity 125 ISO 100 ISO
Min Boosted Light Sensitivity 80 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 315 n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 24-70 mm (2.9×) 28 mm (1x)
Max Aperture F1.8–2.8 F1.7
Macro Focus Range 5cm 17cm
Screen
Type Fully Articulated Fixed type
Size 3.00" 3.00"
Resolution 922k 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 1/2000s 1/2000s
Max Electronic Shutter 1/32000s 1/16000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Optical Optical
Built-in Flash
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 24.0 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, AVCHD, XAVC S MPEG-4
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Built-In Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 294g 640g
Dimensions 105 x 60 x 44mm 130 x 80 x 93mm
Battery Life 260 shots 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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