Today Leica announced the new
Leica Q, which they call a camera for YQU.
Indeed it appears to be a big step forward for Leica and for relatively
small, mirrorless, electronic viewfinder cameras in general.
As with Leica and quite a few
other camera manufacturers, the basic layout of the Leica M cameras prevails. As a Leica, we very much have the assurance
of an exquisitely made piece of equipment.
Some have even called it the best, fixed lens, autofocus camera on the
market.
Here is the official press
release from Leica:
Leica Camera proudly
introduces the Leica Q (Typ 116), a symbiosis of design and superior
technology. With its fast lens, easy and intuitive handling, the Leica Q gives
the photographer the creative freedom that makes the difference. With a full
frame sensor and the Summilux 28 mm/f1.7 ASPH lens, the Leica Q is ideal for
street, architecture and landscape photography.
KEY BENEFITS
Easy and intuitive handling
with fast lens
Fastest autofocus
Outstanding craftsmanship
Easy, instinctive use with
touch screen control
Minimalist design
Integrated Wi-Fi and Leica
Q-App makes it easy to share pictures
Range of classic and timeless
accessories
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
available as free download
IMPORTANT FEATURES
Fastest autofocus lens in its
class – Summilux 28 mm/f1.7 ASPH with macro-mode
Full-frame 24 MP CMOS Sensor
Live-View and Focus Peaking
Integrated electronic
viewfinder & thumb rest
Video recordings in Full HD
Made in Germany
Extremely robust – top plate
made of aluminum, body made of magnesium alloy
Made in Germany
LEICA Q – PIONEER BY TRADITION
The Leica Q with its fast
lens, easy and intuitive handling, gives the user the creative freedom that
makes the difference. With a 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and the Leica
Summilux 28 mm/f 1.7 ASPH lens, the Leica Q gives the user the best possible
picture in any light situation. The Leica Q is almost noise-free and takes
pictures which highlight details even in high ISO. The Leica Q has a locking
function which allows the user to switch between automatic and manual focusing.
In the macro mode, the Leica Q has a close focusing distance of 17 cm. True to
the Leica tradition; the Leica Q focuses on the essentials and is made in
Germany.
LEICA Q – PRACTICAL FEATURES
The Leica Q has many unique
features that enhance the user’s experience. The camera has an integrated 3.68
megapixel electronic viewfinder, allowing the user to see the finest details of
the image. There is a thumb rest on the back of the camera, ensuring a solid
grip in one hand. The point of focus can be easily selected with a tap of the
finger to the touch screen.
LEICA Q – FASTEST LENS IN ITS CLASS
The Leica Q has the fastest
lens in its class, the Summilux 28 mm/f1.7 ASPH. The lens offers many creative
possibilities with selective focus. With its classical focal length of 28mm, it
reproduces scenes with natural perspectives and proportions. It is ideal for
street, architectural and landscape photography. The Leica Q’s wide aperture
and built-in Optical Image Stabilization offer exceptional imaging quality in
any lighting situations. The camera’s autofocus also functions in real time and
is the fastest in the compact full-frame camera category. With a newly
developed processor from Leica Maestro II series, data arriving from the sensor
is processed at enormous speed. This allows the user to shoot continuously at a
rate of ten frames per second at full resolution, much faster than all other
comparable cameras.
LEICA Q – DIGITAL FRAME SELECTOR
The digital frame selector of
the Leica Q expands your creative scope. In addition to 28 mm at full
resolution, this function also offers focal lengths of 35 and 50 mm. The
corresponding frames are displayed in the viewfinder at the push of a button.
The advantage – you can still see what is going on outside of the bright-line
frame and have the ability to react more rapidly to changes in and around the
scene in the same way as with the a rangefinder camera. With the Leica Q, this
versatility remains available even after the scene has been captured. While the
scene defined by the frame is captured in JPEG format, DNG format files
preserve the entire field of view of the 28 mm lens.
LEICA Q – VIDEO FUNCTION
The Leica Q allows for video
recordings in Full HD 1080p that give a cinematic look. It can record 30 or 60
frames per second. The Leica Q records high-quality moving pictures in MP4
video format and an integrated wind noise filter guarantees crystal-clear sound
to match.
LEICA Q – SHARING IN A SNAP!
With integrated Wi-Fi, the
Leica Q allows the photographer to shoot and share pictures and videos via
e-mail, Facebook and other social networks. With its wireless transmission, it
is possible to share pictures directly from the Leica Q to a smartphone, tablet
or computer. The Leica Q app is available for free download in the Apple App
Store or Google Play Store.
LEICA Q – REMOTE FUNCTION
The remote function of the
Leica Q app allows the user to connect a smartphone or tablet to the camera
wirelessly and use it as a remote control for the camera. This allows the user
to set the shutter speed, aperture and activate the shutter release remotely.
This allows for self-timer shots, group portraits and easier shooting from
difficult angles.
LEICA Q – PROCESSING SOFTWARE
Leica Q owners can get a free
download of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom. This software offers many creative
options for Apple Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is
the professional work flow solution for managing and processing still pictures
and video recordings.
LEICA Q – MADE IN GERMANY
The Leica Q reflects the
principles of reduction to the essentials and is made in Germany. The materials
used ensure exceptional endurance. The top plate is machined from solid blocks
of aluminum, the body is made of magnesium alloy, and all lettering and the
numbers on the setting dials are laser engraved.
A range of accessories has
been designed for the Leica Q. These accessories reflect Leica’s principle of
reduction to the essentials and are characterized by functional designs and
ease of use. Made of premium materials, these accessories protect the camera,
increase its versatility, provide reliable support in every photographic
situation and expand the creative scope
Protector –
Made of fine quality Italian leather, it protects the camera from unfavorable
conditions without hiding the control elements. The leather is embossed in the
same diamond design as the camera’s leather trim. The protector provides a
matching look and provides extra grip. The bottom flap on the protector has an
integrated compartment for an extra SD memory card. The magnetic clasp makes it
easy to access the SD card and the battery compartment of the camera.
Ever ready case
– It is made of embossed leather and provides all-around protection for the
camera. By folding down the front flap of the case, the Leica Q is ready to
capture the next decisive moment. The front flap has a separate compartment for
storing an extra
SD memory card. The magnetic
clasp allows quick access to the SD card and the camera’s battery.
Day bag –
The day bag is made of premium calfskin leather and has dedicated compartments
for storing a tablet PC (up to 9.7 inches), a smartphone (up to 5.5 inches) a
wallet and a SD card.
Hand grip & Finger Loop – The handgrip ensures safer and steadier camera
handling. The leather covering of the handgrip is elaborately embossed with a
high-quality diamond pattern that offers a safer and steadier handling of the
Leica Q and is an asset when shooting one-handed. Finger loops available in
three different sizes, small, medium and large are recommended for easier
handling when using the hand grip.
Screen Protector – The display protection foil set consist of a foil, an optical
cleaning cloth and a screen cleaning pad. The display protection foil is made
in Germany and provides effective protection against scratches and dirt that
could potentially damage the touch screen. The foil reduces glare significantly
and allows pictures to be viewed with high contrast and clarity in bright light
without any disturbing reflections.
Holster –
The Leica Q is protected in the leather holster and is available in a flash.
With patented multi-angle connector and a rip-resistant adjustable belt, the
holster lays flat against the body regardless if the user is wearing a T-shirt
or padded jacket. The holster can be used when a handgrip is attached to the
Leica Q.
For complete information got
to LEICA Q
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This seems to be a very good camera, but how much better would it be with interchangeable lenses...
ReplyDeleteGive 'em time
DeleteIsn't the price a bit high for a camera without interchangeable lenses?
ReplyDeleteLeicas will forever be accused to be too expensive. Yet this is the lowest priced, full frame Leica currently available. That with the performance of any Leica M model. To me that is a very attractive price.
DeleteAt least this is a real Leica, not some overpriced, outdated Sony clone like the just announced Hasselblad Lusso or its predecessors, which sold for some astronomic prices.
DeleteI doubt that I'll ever be able to afford this camera, but I'll tell you it's the first piece of gear that I've lusted after in a long time. I hope it lives up to its promise.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I thought about getting back into the M system. I patiently waited for the right deal on eBay for an M8 and bought it under their bill me later plan. That way you have 6 months to pay for it without interest. Since then I have added several lenses and I am once again a happy Leica M user. I must say that after having used a Leica Digilux 2 and 3 for several years, using the M8 did require some getting used to again.
Delete