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  • BLOG

Leica Q Typ 116 Review

  • Review
  • Specs
  • Alternatives
  • Leica Q

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    Main Features

    • 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
    • and FHD at 60fps Video Recording
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 640g. 130 x 80 x 93 mm
    • Also known as Typ 116
    • Replaced by Leica Q-P
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Leica Q Overview

    First introduced in June 2015, Leica Q is a 24.0MP Large Sensor Compact camera with a Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 28 mm F1.7 lens. Q Typ 116 is also sold as Typ 116 in some countries. Leica later replaced Q Typ 116 with Q-P. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these cameras:
    Compare Leica Q (Typ 116) vs Leica Q-P

    Leica Q Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Recommended Accessories
    12. Alternatives
    13. Popular Comparisons
    14. Frequently Asked Questions
    15. Detailed Specifications

    Leica Q is a member of Leica's Q series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Leica Q Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Dimensions Weight
    Leica Q3
    Compare
    May 2023 60.0MP - Full frame 130 x 80 x 93mm 743g
    Leica Q2 Monochrom
    Compare
    November 2020 47.0MP - Full frame 130 x 80 x 92mm 734g
    Leica Q2
    Compare
    March 2019 47.0MP - Full frame 130 x 80 x 92mm 734g
    Leica Q-P
    Compare
    November 2018 24.0MP - Full frame 130 x 80 x 93mm 640g
    Leica Q
    June 2015 24.0MP - Full frame 130 x 80 x 93mm 640g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side-by-side:
    Leica Q3 vs Q2 Monochrom vs Q2 vs Q-P vs Q Typ 116

    Alternative Model names found for Leica Q: Q Typ 116, Q Typ116 and Q Type 116.


    **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.

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    Leica Q PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Leica Q review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Image Stabilization
    External Flash Shoe
    Full HD Video
    Touch Screen
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    RAW Shooting
    Face Detection Focusing
    Face Detection Focusing
    24.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    50.000 Max ISO
    1.040k dots LCD Resolution
    1/16000s Electronic Shutter Speed
    10.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    Timelapse Recording
    Fast 1.70 Lens at Wide
    Fast 1.70 Lens at Tele
    3680kdot Viewfinder Resolution
    Good Low Light ISO - 2221
    AE Bracketing
    Remote control with a smartphone
    UHS-I Memory Card Support
    Report a correction

    Buy Leica Q from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Articulating Screen
    Heavy Body: 640
    No Environmental Sealing

    Report a correction


    Leica Q Physical Specs
    Leica Q weighs 640 g (1.41 lb / 22.58 oz) and has external dimensions of 130 x 80 x 93 mm (5.12 x 3.15 x 3.66″). Considering that the average weight of Large Sensor Compact type cameras is 402g, Leica Q is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 93mm, it is not small either, 36mm thicker than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Leica Q
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Leica Q
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Leica Q with the dimensions:

    Leica Q Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Leica Q Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Leica Q, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Leica Q Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Leica Q Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Leica Q with its main competitors:

    Leica Q Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs Q Typ 116 Thickness vs Q Typ 116
    Leica Q Camera Leica Q2
    Compare
    734g 94g heavier 92mm 1mm thinner
    Leica Q Camera Leica Q-P
    Compare
    640g equal weight 93mm equal thickness
    Leica Q Camera Leica Q3
    Compare
    743g 103g heavier 93mm equal thickness
    Leica Q Camera Fujifilm X100V
    Compare
    478g 162g lighter 53mm 40mm thinner
    Leica Q Camera Leica M Typ 240
    Compare
    680g 40g heavier 42mm 51mm thinner
    Leica Q Camera Leica SL
    Compare
    847g 207g heavier 39mm 54mm thinner
    Leica Q Camera Leica D-Lux 7
    Compare
    403g 237g lighter 64mm 29mm thinner
    Leica Q Camera Nikon Z fc
    Compare
    445g 195g lighter 44mm 49mm thinner

    Weather Sealing

    Leica Q doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Leica Q Lens

    Leica Q features a 28 mm F1.7 Prime lens. This prime lens makes Q Typ 116 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.

    Wide Coverage

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

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

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Q Typ 116
    Longest - Panasonic ZS200
    Average

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Q Typ 116
    Fastest - Panasonic LX10
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Q Typ 116
    Fastest - Leica X (Typ 113)
    Average

    Q Typ 116 is equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Leica Q's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Leica Q Sensor and Photography Features

    Leica Q has a 24.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Maestro II processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 6000 x 4000 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. Q Typ 116 has a native ISO range of 100 - 50000 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Leica Q is not the highest resolution Full frame camera. Sony A7R V with its 61.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Leica Q vs Sony A7R V or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Leica Q DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Leica Q sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 85 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Leica Q here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Leica Q's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Leica Q Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Leica Q Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Leica Q LCD and Viewfinder

    Leica Q has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1,040k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

    LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

    Leica Q back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Leica Q doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Compact Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    Q Typ 116 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a resolution of 3,680kdots and coverage of 100%. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later. The magnification ratio of the viewfinder is 0.76x (35mm equivalent).

    Leica Q Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Leica Q features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our Q Typ 116. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    You can connect Q Typ 116 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Leica Q Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Leica Q Camera Leica Q2
    Compare
    4096 x 2160 370shots Yes Yes No
    Leica Q Camera Leica Q-P
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No Yes
    Leica Q Camera Leica Q3
    Compare
    8192 x 4320 350shots Yes Yes No
    Leica Q Camera Fujifilm X100V
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 420shots Yes Yes No
    Leica Q Camera Leica M Typ 240
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 500shots No No No
    Leica Q Camera Leica SL
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 400shots Yes No No
    Leica Q Camera Leica D-Lux 7
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 340shots Yes Yes No
    Leica Q Camera Nikon Z fc
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 300shots Yes Yes No

    Leica Q Video Features

    With Leica Q, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60p,30p fps and save in and MPEG-4 formats. Full HD resolution of Leica Q will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    Video Resolutions Comparison Chart



    Microphones, Speaker and Headphone Connections

    Leica Q has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. On the other hand, Leica Q doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Large Sensor Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Compact Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Compact Cameras with Headphone Port

    If you are getting into videography and want to know what are the must-have video accessories for your camera, read our article:
    Essential Videography / Filmmaking Accessories for your Camera

    Leica Q Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Leica Q can shoot continuously at max speed of 10.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec. Q Typ 116 also has an electronic shutter which can shoot silently at max speed of 1/16000s. One thing to keep in mind is that electronic shutter may cause rolling shutter / jello effects, and also banding issues under artificial light on your images.

    Flash

    Unfortunately Q Typ 116 doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

    Focusing

    Leica Q features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

    Leica Q also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.



    What type of Photography is Leica Q Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Leica Q in 5 different photography areas.

    Leica Q for Portrait Photography

    Leica Q has a score of 73 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    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 of how we scored Leica Q for Portrait Photography

    Leica Q for Street Photography

    Leica Q has a score of 91 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Wide: f1.70
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Small Body
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Leica Q for Street Photography

    Leica Q for Sports Photography

    Leica Q has a score of 53 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
    Good Low Light ISO
    Wireless Connection
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    External Flash Shoe
    Image Stabilization
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
    Environmental Sealings
    Focus Points
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    28 mm Tele Lens

    Read the details of how we scored Leica Q for Sports Photography

    Leica Q for Daily Photography

    Leica Q has a score of 81 for Daily Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Compact Body
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    RAW shooting capability
    640g
    Body Thickness 93mm

    Read the details of how we scored Leica Q for Daily Photography

    Leica Q for Landscape Photography

    Leica Q has a score of 49 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Leica Q for Landscape Photography
    Leica Q Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Leica Q compares with other Large Sensor Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Leica Q alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Leica Q

    Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Leica Q amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Leica Q2
    Leica Q2
    Compare
    Leica Q-P
    Leica Q-P
    Compare
    Leica Q3
    Leica Q3
    Compare
    Fujifilm X100V
    Fujifilm X100V
    Compare
    Leica M Typ 240
    Leica M Typ 240
    Compare
    Leica SL
    Leica SL
    Compare
    Leica D-Lux 7
    Leica D-Lux 7
    Compare
    Nikon Z fc
    Nikon Z fc
    Compare

    Leica Q Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare the Leica Q with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Leica Q's price range.

    Leica Q Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Leica Q has an Overall Score of 73/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Leica Q is ranked #5 out of 64 in Large Sensor Compact cameras (Top 20 Compact), and ranked #156 out of 1276 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #156 out of 1276 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #5 out of 64 in Top Ranking Compact Cameras
    #5 out of 66 in Top Ranking Large Sensor Compact Cameras
    #72 out of 107 in Top Ranking Full frame Sensor Cameras
    #72 out of 393 in Largest Viewfinder Magnification Cameras (0.76x)
    #4 out of 10 in Lightest Compact Cameras with Full frame sensor(640g)
    #27 out of 920 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen
    Geek Score: 0

    Leica Q
    Leica Q
    CHECK PRICE

    CHECK PRICE

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Leica Q
    Does the Leica Q have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Leica Q have RAW support?
    Does the Leica Q have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Leica Q have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Leica Q?
    What is the Sensor Size of Leica Q?
    is the Leica Q a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Leica Q have Touch Screen?
    Does the Leica Q have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Leica Q?
    What is the Weight of Leica Q?
    What are the Dimensions of Leica Q?
    Leica Q Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Leica
    Model Leica Q
    Also known as Typ 116
    Successor Model Leica Q-P
    Announced 2015-06-10
    Body Type Large sensor compact
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Lens Focal Range 28 mm (1x)
    Max Aperture F1.7
    Macro Focus Range 17cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 1,040k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic
    Viewfinder Resolution 3,680k dots
    Viewfinder Coverage 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.76x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Max Electronic Shutter Speed 1/16000s
    Max Continuous Shooting 10.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range no built-in flash
    Flash Modes no built-in flash
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 85
    DxO Color Depth 24.3
    DxO Dynamic Range 12.7
    DxO Low Light ISO 2221
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size Full frame
    Sensor Dimensions 36 x 24 mm
    Sensor Area 864.00mm2
    Sensor Resolution 24 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 6000 x 4000
    Max Native ISO 50,000
    Min Native ISO 100
    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
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 640g
    Physical Dimensions 130 x 80 x 93mm
    Battery Model BP-DC12
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 12 secs)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1
    Report a correction


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