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Leica Q2 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Leica Q2

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    Main Features

    • 47MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
    • No Optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter
    • ISO 50 - 50000
    • 28 mm f1.70 Prime Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3 Fixed Type Screen
    • 3680k dot Electronic viewfinder
    • 20.0 fps continuous shooting
    • 4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 718g. 130 x 80 x 92 mm mm
    • Weather Sealed Body
    • Also known as Type No. 4889
    • Replaced Leica Q
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Leica Q2 Overview

    First introduced in March 2019 , Leica Q2 is a 47.0MP 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. Q2 is also sold as Type No. 4889 in some of the countries. Leica replaced the older Q Typ 116 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
    Compare Leica Q2 vs Leica Q

    Leica Q2 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. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Leica Q2 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 Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Leica Q2
    2019 47.0MP - Full frame 20.0 fps 130 x 80 x 92 mmmm 718g
    Leica Q2 Monochrom
    Compare
    2019 47.0MP - Full frame 20.0 fps 130 x 80 x 92 mmmm 734g
    Leica Q-P
    Compare
    2018 24.0MP - Full frame 10.0 fps 130 x 80 x 93mm 640g
    Leica Q
    Compare
    2015 24.0MP - Full frame 10.0 fps 130 x 80 x 93mm 640g

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

    Leica Q2 has an Overall Score of 83/100 and ranked #1 out of 61 in Large Sensor Compact cameras (Top 10 Compact), and ranked #34 out of 1220 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

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



    Leica Q2 Physical Specs
    Leica Q2 weighs 718 g (1.58 lb / 25.33 oz) and has external dimensions of 130 x 80 x 92 mm (5.12 x 3.15 x 3.62″). Considering that the average weight of Large Sensor Compact type cameras is 401g, Leica Q2 is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 92mm, it is not small either, 36mm thicker than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Leica Q2
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Leica Q2
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Leica Q2 with the dimensions:

    Leica Q2 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Leica Q2 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Leica Q2, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Leica Q2 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Leica Q2 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Leica Q2 with its main competitors:

    Leica Q2 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs Q2 Thickness vs Q2
    Leica Q2 Camera Fujifilm X100V
    Compare
    478g 240g lighter 53mm 39mm thinner
    Leica Q2 Camera Leica Q
    Compare
    640g 78g lighter 93mm 1mm thicker
    Leica Q2 Camera Sony RX1R II
    Compare
    507g 211g lighter 72mm 20mm thinner
    Leica Q2 Camera Leica Q-P
    Compare
    640g 78g lighter 93mm 1mm thicker
    Leica Q2 Camera Leica SL2
    Compare
    835g 117g heavier 42mm 50mm thinner
    Leica Q2 Camera Zeiss ZX1
    Compare
    800g 82g heavier 46mm 46mm thinner
    Leica Q2 Camera Sony A7R IV
    Compare
    665g 53g lighter 78mm 14mm thinner
    Leica Q2 Camera Leica D-Lux 7
    Compare
    403g 315g lighter 64mm 28mm thinner

    Weather Sealing

    Leica Q2 has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Leica Q2 will serve you well.

    Leica Q2 Sensor and Photography Features

    Leica Q2 has a 47.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 8368 x 5584 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. Q2 has a native ISO range of 50 - 50000 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Leica Q2 is not the highest resolution Full frame camera. Sony A7R IV with its 61.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Leica Q2 vs Sony A7R IV or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

    Anti-Aliasing Filter

    Another important feature about Leica Q2's sensor is the lack of anti-alias (Low-pass) filter. Removing anti-aliasing filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but on the other side it also increases the chance of moire occurring in certain scenes.

    Let's look at how the size of the Leica Q2's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Leica Q2 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Leica Q2 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Leica Q2 Lens

    Leica Q2 features a 28 mm F1.7 Prime lens. This prime lens makes Q2 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

    Q2
    Widest - Canon G1 X II
    Average
    Telezoom

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Q2
    Longest - Panasonic ZS200
    Average

    Max Aperture at Wide

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Q2
    Fastest - Panasonic LX10
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Q2
    Fastest - Leica Q
    Average

    Q2 is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Leica Q2's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.



    Leica Q2 LCD and Viewfinder

    Leica Q2 has a Fixed Type 3 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 Q2 back view and LCD

    Q2 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 Q2 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Leica Q2 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.Leica Q2's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our Q2. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    You can connect Q2 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Leica Q2 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 370 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Large Sensor Compact type cameras is 303 shots, Leica Q2 has a good battery life for its class.

    Battery Life Comparison in Large Sensor Compact Cameras

    Leica Q2
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Leica X Vario with its 450shots is the model with longest battery life among Large Sensor Compact cameras. Check the comparison of Leica Q2 vs Leica X Vario or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

    Leica Q2 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Leica Q2 Camera Fujifilm X100V
    Compare
    4096 x 2160 420shots Yes Yes No
    Leica Q2 Camera Leica Q
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No
    Leica Q2 Camera Sony RX1R II
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 220shots Yes No Yes
    Leica Q2 Camera Leica Q-P
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No Yes
    Leica Q2 Camera Leica SL2
    Compare
    4096 x 2160 370shots Yes Yes No
    Leica Q2 Camera Zeiss ZX1
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 shots Yes Yes No
    Leica Q2 Camera Sony A7R IV
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 670shots Yes Yes Yes
    Leica Q2 Camera Leica D-Lux 7
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 340shots Yes Yes No

    Leica Q2 Video Features

    With Leica Q2, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 30p, 24p fps and save in and MPEG-4 formats. This means that Leica Q2 provides 4K (Ultra-HD) video. Except some exotic 6K and 8K video recording cameras, 4K is the new standard in consumer video world.
    It is also a big step up from its predecessor Q Typ 116 which has a max video resolution of 1920 x 1080 only. If you are thinking of upgrading your Q Typ 116 and shoot a lot of video, this is a big factor to consider in favor of Q2.

    Q2 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker.
    Leica Q2 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Large Sensor Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II or Fujifilm X100V in a similar price range.

    Leica Q2 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Leica Q2 can shoot continuously at max speed of 20.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec. Q2 also has an electronic shutter which can shoot silently at max speed of 1/40000s. 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 Q2 doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

    Focusing

    Leica Q2 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 49 points to choose from.

    Leica Q2 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Leica Q2 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Leica Q2 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)
    Bluetooth Connectivity
    Image Stabilization
    External Flash Shoe
    4K (UHD) Video
    Touch Screen
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    RAW Shooting
    Face Detection Focusing
    47.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    50.000 Max ISO
    49 Focus Points
    1.040k dots LCD Resolution
    1/40000s Electronic Shutter Speed
    20.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    Long Battery Life (370 shots)
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    Environmental Sealing
    Timelapse Recording
    Fast 1.70 Lens at Wide
    Fast 1.70 Lens at Tele
    3680kdot Viewfinder Resolution
    Good Low Light ISO - 2491
    AE Bracketing
    Remote control with a smartphone
    UHS-II Memory Card Support
    Report a correction

    Buy Leica Q2 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Articulating Screen
    Heavy Body: 718
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Leica Q2 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Leica Q2 in 5 different photography areas.

    Leica Q2 for Portrait Photography

    Leica Q2 has a score of 79 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: 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 of how we scored Leica Q2 for Portrait Photography

    Leica Q2 for Street Photography

    Leica Q2 has a score of 90 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 Q2 for Street Photography

    Leica Q2 for Sports Photography

    Leica Q2 has a score of 56 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: 20.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    49 Focus Points
    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
    Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
    28 mm Tele Lens

    Read the details of how we scored Leica Q2 for Sports Photography

    Leica Q2 for Daily Photography

    Leica Q2 has a score of 90 for Daily Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Compact Body
    Environmental Sealings
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    RAW shooting capability
    718g
    Body Thickness 92mm

    Read the details of how we scored Leica Q2 for Daily Photography

    Leica Q2 for Landscape Photography

    Leica Q2 has a score of 67 for Landscape Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Landscape Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 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: 47.0MP
    Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Leica Q2 for Landscape Photography
    Leica Q2 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Leica Q2 compares with other Large Sensor Compact cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Leica Q2 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Leica Q2

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Leica Q2 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Fujifilm X100V
    Fujifilm X100V
    Compare
    Leica Q
    Leica Q
    Compare
    Sony RX1R II
    Sony RX1R II
    Compare
    Leica Q-P
    Leica Q-P
    Compare
    Leica SL2
    Leica SL2
    Compare
    Zeiss ZX1
    Zeiss ZX1
    Compare
    Sony A7R IV
    Sony A7R IV
    Compare
    Leica D-Lux 7
    Leica D-Lux 7
    Compare

    Leica Q2 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Leica Q2 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Leica Q2's price range.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Leica Q2
    Does the Leica Q2 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Leica Q2 have RAW support?
    Does the Leica Q2 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Leica Q2 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Leica Q2?
    What is the Sensor Size of Leica Q2?
    is the Leica Q2 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Leica Q2 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Leica Q2 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Leica Q2?
    What is the Weight of Leica Q2?
    What are the Dimensions of Leica Q2?
    Leica Q2 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Leica
    Model Leica Q2
    Also known as Type No. 4889
    Announced 2019-03-07
    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
    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 60s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Max Electronic Shutter Speed 1/40000s
    Continuous Shooting 20.0 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
    Max Flash Sync 1/500s
    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 96
    DxO Color Depth 26.4
    DxO Dynamic Range 13.5
    DxO Low Light ISO 2491
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size Full frame
    Sensor Dimensions 36 x 24 mm
    Sensor Area 864.00mm2
    Sensor Resolution 47 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 8368 x 5584
    Max Native ISO 50,000
    Min Native ISO 50
    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
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 4K/30/24p, 1080/120/60/30/24p
    Max Video Resolution 3840 x 2160
    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 718g
    Physical Dimensions 130 x 80 x 92 mmmm
    Battery Life 370 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model BP-SCL4
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 12 secs)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


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