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Leica Q2 Comparison Review

The Leica Q2 is a fixed lens compact camera that was officially introduced in March 2019 and is equipped with a full frame sensor. It offers a resolution of 46.7 megapixel.

camera

Is the Leica Q2 a good camera? The Q2 has a Camera Elo of 2648. This rating puts the Q2 among the top 20 percent of all prime lens compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (full frame cameras), the Q2 ranks among the top 50 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 4-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Leica Q2
Fixed lens compact camera
28mm f/1.7
46.7 MP, Full Frame Sensor
4K/30p Video
ISO 50 - 50 000
Electronic viewfinder (3680k dots)
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed touchscreen
10 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body
370 shots per battery charge
130 x 80 x 92 mm, 718 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Leica Q2 vis-à-vis a credit card. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Leica Q2 vs credit card front
Q2 versus credit card top view
Q2 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica Q2 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
    Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica Q2 130 mm 80 mm 92 mm 718 g 370 Y Mar 2019 US$ 4 999 amazon.com
2.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50R 161 mm 97 mm 66 mm 775 g 400 Y Sep 2018 US$ 4 499ebay.com
3.
 
Hasselblad X1D 150 mm 98 mm 71 mm 725 g .. Y Jun 2016 US$ 8 995ebay.com
4.
 
Hasselblad X1D II 148 mm 97 mm 70 mm 766 g .. Y Jun 2019 US$ 5 749ebay.com
5.
 
Leica M Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Sep 2012 US$ 6 949ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M Typ 262 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 400 Y Nov 2015 US$ 5 195ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M10-R 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jul 2020 US$ 8 299ebay.com
8.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 640 g 300 n Jun 2015 US$ 4 249ebay.com
9.
 
Leica Q3 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 743 g 350 Y May 2023 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
10.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
11.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 140 mm 79 mm 88 mm 635 g 450 Y Jan 2016 US$ 2 949ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Leica Q2 was launched in the US market at a price of $4,999. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Check Q2 price at
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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Leica Q2 features a full frame sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Leica Q2 among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality.

Leica Q2 sensor measures

For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica Q2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/30p26.413.5249196
2.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50R Medium Format 51.1 8256 61921080/30p25.714.4316998
3.
 
Hasselblad X1D Medium Format 51.3 8272 62001080/25p26.214.84489102
4.
 
Hasselblad X1D II Medium Format 51.3 8272 62001080/25p25.714.5323499
5.
 
Leica M Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p24.013.3186084
6.
 
Leica M Typ 262 Full Frame 23.7 5952 3976none24.813.7247890
7.
 
Leica M10-R Full Frame 40.9 7864 5200none25.314.3292495
8.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.7222185
9.
 
Leica Q3 Full Frame 60.3 9528 63288K/30p25.414.7321696
10.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
11.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.813.0161480
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The Q2 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the Q2 can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the Q2 has an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 3680k dots. The viewfinder offers a field of view of 100% and a magnification of 0.76x. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Leica Q2 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
    Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Leica Q23680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
2.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50R3690 n3.2 / 2360 tilting Y 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
3.
 
Hasselblad X1D2360 n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/2000s 2.3/s n n
4.
 
Hasselblad X1D II3690 n3.6 / 2360 fixed Y 1/2000s 2.7/s n n
5.
 
Leica M Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica M Typ 262optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
7.
 
Leica M10-Roptical n3.0 / 1037 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
8.
 
Leica Q Typ 1163680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
9.
 
Leica Q35760 n3.0 / 1840 tilting Y 1/2000s 15.0/s n Y
10.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
11.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

It is worthwhile pointing out that the Q2 has a touchscreen. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, when trying to adjust the focus point.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica Q2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
    Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica Q2Ystereo / mono----Y-Y
2.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50RYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y-Y
3.
 
Hasselblad X1DYstereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
4.
 
Hasselblad X1D IIYstereo / monoYY-3.0Y--
5.
 
Leica M Typ 240Ystereo / mono---2.0---
6.
 
Leica M Typ 262Y- / ----2.0---
7.
 
Leica M10-RY- / -----Y--
8.
 
Leica Q Typ 116Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Leica Q3Ystereo / mono--micro3.1Y-Y
10.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
11.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113Ystereo / mono---2.0---

It is notable that the Q2 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

The Q2 has a prime lens built in (28mm f/1.7). The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic of similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the Q2 can be found in the free online Leica Q2 Manual or on the Leica support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the Q2. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why expert reviews are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
     Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica Q2....4.5/584/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2019 US$ 4 999 amazon.com
2.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50R5/5..5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2018 US$ 4 499ebay.com
3.
 
Hasselblad X1D..o..81/100..4/5 Jun 2016 US$ 8 995ebay.com
4.
 
Hasselblad X1D II....4/5..4/54/5 Jun 2019 US$ 5 749ebay.com
5.
 
Leica M Typ 2404/5......4/5.. Sep 2012 US$ 6 949ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M Typ 262............ Nov 2015 US$ 5 195ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M10-R4.5/5..4/5....4/5 Jul 2020 US$ 8 299ebay.com
8.
 
Leica Q Typ 1165/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 US$ 4 249ebay.com
9.
 
Leica Q35/5..4.5/5....4.5/5 May 2023 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
10.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
11.
 
Leica X-U Typ 1133.5/5........3.5/5 Jan 2016 US$ 2 949ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Leica Q2 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the Q2.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Leica Q2 based on?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica Q2?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 50 to ISO 50000.

Is completely silent shooting possible with the Leica Q2?

The camera has an electronic shutter option, so that it is indeed feasible to capture images without any shutter noise.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Leica Q2?

No, the Leica Q2 has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Leica Q2?

The Q2 offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.

Does the Leica Q2 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Leica Q2 for flash photography?

The Q2's flash sync speed is 1/2000 sec.

Does the Leica Q2 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?

Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-II cards (data transfer speed of up to 312 MB/s).

Which battery does the Leica Q2 use?

The camera gets its power from the Leica BP-SCL4 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Where can I find the best deals for the Leica Q2?

Grey imports from Asia, as found on ebay, are often very attractively priced. However, these cameras come without a warranty from Leica.

Camera to camera comparisons

If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Leica Q2
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 28mm f/1.7
    Launch Date March 2019
    Launch Price USD 4 999
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 46.7 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8 368 x 5 584 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.30 μm
    Pixel Density 5.41 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 50 - 50 000 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 96
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2491
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.76x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3680k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s
    Silent ShootingElectronic Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector no USB
    HDMI Port no HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL4 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)370 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 130 x 80 x 92 mm
    (5.1 x 3.1 x 3.6 in)
    Camera Weight 718 g (25.3 oz)

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