By David Farkas, LeicaStore Miami
Today, Leica Camera has
announced the Leica Q2, the highly anticipated successor to the popular Leica Q
(Typ 116). The new model keeps the same compact form factor and exceptional
28mm f/1.7 Summilux ASPH lens, but offers notable and quite significant improvements
over its predecessor.
The headlining changes
include the brand new 47 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with updated Maestro
II image processor, a stunning 3.68 MP OLED EVF, revised camera controls, and a
larger battery from the SL, not to mention full weather and dust sealing. As
good as the original Q was, and still is, the Leica Q2 is a giant leap forward.
Let’s take a look at some of the bigger changes. You can also check out our
hands-on video here:
New Sensor
At the heart of the Leica
Q2 is a newly developed 47.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, offering almost
double the resolution of the Q (Typ 116). The additional pixels now make using
the built-in crop modes a much more realistic option. At the 35mm setting,
you’ll now get 30MP and at 50mm expect 15MP. There’s also a new mode, 75mm,
which will result in a 7MP final image. If you do use the crop modes, the
on-screen review will show the cropped images, but rest assured that the DNG
recorded to the SD card still contains the uncropped, full image off the
sensor.
The maximum ISO remains
unchanged at 50,000, but we’re expecting a slight improvement in performance.
Even if noise remains the exact same as the previous 24MP sensor in the Q, the
result should still be better. Keep in mind that magnification at viewing size,
be it online or in print, will be much less due to the increased pixel count.
This means that any noise will be smaller and less noticeable. We’ll reserve
judgement until we can fully evaluate for ourselves, but our initial impression
after some quick test shots show about a one stop improvement.
Weather Sealed Body
Full weather sealing has
been a frequent request from the Q community, and Leica has listened.
Everything from the battery compartment to the lens now has extensive gasketing
like the larger S and SL cameras. This makes the Q2 an even more ideal travel
companion now that you don’t have to worry about putting it away if the weather
goes south. Part of the sealing process has been to remove the port door on the
side of the camera. So, the Q2 no longer has USB or HDMI out.
New OLED Viewfinder
The EVF resolution of
3.68MP is unchanged from the original Q, but the move from an LCD to an OLED
panel has resulted in a massive jump in viewfinder quality. One look through
the finder and you can immediately see the improved color gamut and accuracy,
with a brighter and clearer image. Greater magnification and additional eye
relief also contribute to a fantastic viewfinder experience, which is crucially
important on a live view camera.
The updated diopter
correction dial features an ingenious design. The dial is fully recessed into
the back of the camera. A single click and it pops out, can be turned to
adjust, then clicked back into place. This eliminates the possibility of
accidentally knocking the diopter yet still allows for easy tweaking.
New battery
Due to the higher power
requirements of the 47MP sensor, the Leica Q2 has switched from the BP-DC12U to
the BP-SCL4. This is the same battery used in the SL and should result in
longer run times and more shots per charge. The move also makes a lot of sense,
since so many Leica SL users keep a Q as a second body. Being able to share
batteries and chargers sure beats having to carry two completely different
power setups. The only drawback here is the increased cost of the larger
batteries.
4K Video
We now have some
additional video options on the Leica Q2, with the ability to shoot Cine 4K and
4K UHD, as well as Full HD at 120fps. Interestingly, all the video modes use
almost the entirety of the sensor, with very little cropping, even at 4K. This
was a nice surprise and adds to the utility of the camera. Unfortunately, no
HDMI output and no microphone input limit recording to SD card and sound to the
stereo microphones on top of the camera. Even though its use for vlogging might
be limited, the Q2 could make a very interesting B roll camera with its wide,
fast and close focusing lens.
Faster everything
Thanks to the refreshed
Maestro II family image processor, the Leica Q2 is blazingly fast in all areas.
Even with twice the pixels, the processor manages to still churn through 10
frames per second at maximum burst. And that speed translates to the autofocus
system as well, with the Q2 locking in quicker than the Q. The electronic
shutter has been juiced up too, from 1/16,000th to an insane 1/40,000th of a
second. Honestly, I can’t imagine a practical application for ever needing such
a high shutter speed, but it’s cool, nonetheless. To record such massive image
data, about 85 MB per DNG file, the Q2 employs full UHS-II SD card
compatibility. The speed difference? In our testing, we saw an almost 60%
faster image recording rate with a 300MB/s UHS-II card versus an already quick
95MB/s UHS-I card.
Better connectivity
Every current Leica
digital camera now has built-in Wi-Fi and connects to the Leica FOTOS app for
iOS and Android. But the Leica Q2 goes one step farther by incorporating
Bluetooth LE (Low Energy). The Wi-Fi/BT combo facilitates an always-on
connection so when you fire up the app, the camera instantly responds.
Unfortunately, since the new FOTOS v1.2 app won’t be released until April 3, we
weren’t able to test this new feature.
Revised controls
Besides the under-the-hood
upgrades we’ve already covered, the Leica Q2 also gets some external changes.
Most are functional and not merely cosmetic. On the back of the camera, the
five rear buttons of the original Q have given way to the three-button setup
that are now standard on the M10 and CL: PLAY, FN and MENU.
As mentioned above, the
diopter has been moved from its previously difficult to reach placement on the
side of the eyecup to its right, recessed in the body. Moving to the top of the
camera, the changes are subtler. The shutter speed dial remains in same spot
but gets a little makeover and more significant detents. A single stage on/off switch
takes the place of the old three-position one. And the shutter release echoes
that of the recent Q-P. Here, we can also see that the video button is gone,
but the top/rear thumb wheel now includes the center function button that works
so well on the CL. The wheel itself is much firmer, and has been moved slightly
forward, both in an effort to address any inadvertent dial turns as well as
increasing tactile feedback.
On the lens, the aperture
and macro mode rings have been widened for improved handling. All three lens
controls feel smoother and with more pronounced detents.
The bottom of the camera
has some obvious changes. Absent is the battery/card door combo. In its place,
the BP-SCL4 battery now slots directly into the Q2, as it does on the SL. A
metal latch releases the battery, but a soft press upwards is still necessary
to fully remove it. This prevents accidentally dropping the battery on the
ground, or worse. On the other end, a new rectangular metal door hides the SD
card slot. The door requires a slide towards the back to open. Both the
openings are fully weather sealed.
Final Thoughts and
Ordering
The Leica Q2 offers some
incredible improvements over the already capable Leica Q (Typ 116). The jump to
47MP now makes the Q2 the highest resolution Leica digital camera, at least
until the S3 comes out in a few months. And this certainly opens the question
about where the SL and M systems are headed in the future. Will we see the same
sensor make its way into other Leica cameras, like what happened with the first
Q and SL? Only time will tell, but for now, the Q2 at $4,995 represents an
incredible value. Throw in weather sealing, the gorgeous OLED viewfinder,
higher-capacity battery, much improved handling, as well as faster everything,
and the revised Leica Q2 promises to be just as big a hit as the original.
Deliveries have already
started in very limited quantities. If you are interested in placing an order
for the Leica Q2, you can do so at Leica Store Miami, by calling them at
305-921-4433, sending an email, or by clicking the link below.
Press Release
Leica Q2: Every great
story deserves a sequel
Leica Camera is pleased to
announce the introduction of its latest camera, and the new evolution of one of
its most popular recent releases, the Leica Q2. The Leica Q2 features a brand
new 47.3 megapixel full
frame sensor, integrated
weather sealing throughout the body and built-in Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 lens, a
brand new electronic
viewfinder, lightning-fast autofocus and burst shooting, 4K video, a revised
button
layout and refined design.
Main Features and
Benefits:
- Newly developed 47.3 MP full frame sensor for best-in-class image quality
- Built-in crop modes are now improved to 30 MP at 35 mm, 15 MP at 50 mm, and 7 MP at a new 75 mm
- Fully weather-sealed to brave the elements and always get the shot while maintaining a compact body
- New 3.68 MP OLED EVF for an improved view of the scene with better color and clarity
- Fixed Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens for tack-sharp images and impeccable low-light quality
- New processor from the Maestro II family ensuring peak performance at these new heights of resolution
- Fast autofocus and 10 fps burst shooting to never miss a crucial moment
- 4K video with UHD and Cine4K resolutions for easy on-the-go high quality recording
- Refined control elements inspired by design languages established with the Leica M10 and CL
- Made in Germany for the most premium quality materials and craftsmanship
- Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) for easier pairing with Leica FOTOS and a continuous connection
- The perfect everyday-carry lightweight travel companion with image quality capable of pro-level output
New Sensor With 95% More
Resolution Than Its Predecessor
The Leica Q2’s newly
developed 47.3 megapixel full frame sensor boasts the highest resolution in its
class. Matched with the high resolving power of its built-in Summilux lens, the
Leica Q2 goes beyond the conventional use-cases of a 28 mm focal length via its
built-in crop functions for equivalent focal lengths of 35 mm, 50 mm, and the
newly available 75 mm – bringing with it more possibilities in the world of
portraiture and close-up work. This new sensor maintains a 30 MP image when
cropped to a 35 mm equivalent frame, even more than the original Leica Q’s
maximum of 24 MP at 28 mm. When shooting cropped DNG files the full sensor
image is still recorded, allowing the user to undo or change the crop during
postprocessing. These newfound heights of resolution and flexibility, combined
with high ISO performance and a fast aperture make the Leica Q2 the perfect
companion for all areas of street, architectural, landscape, travel,
documentary, reportage and even portrait photography.
Weather Sealing and
Improved Battery Life
The Leica Q2’s
IP52-certified weather sealing protects the camera from dust, rain and water
spray and ensures users can photograph under challenging environmental
conditions. The adoption of the BPSCL4 battery from the Leica SL boosts battery
life by 30% over the original Leica Q, and its built-in rubber gasket further
helps seal the Q2. This level of weather-sealing is usually reserved for
pro-level cameras such as the Leica SL and Leica S, putting the Q2 at that
similar level of resilience, and is especially helpful under challenging
environmental conditions.
New OLED High-Resolution
EVF
The Leica Q2 features a
newly developed high-resolution OLED viewfinder, which offers a lag-free high
refresh rate and faster auto-switching between the rear display and EVF. The
high resolution of 3.68 megapixels in the viewfinder provides the clearest
vision of the user’s composition to perfectly and accurately frame subjects.
OLED panels, known today for being utilized in the highest quality smartphone
and TV screens on the market, are superior to LCDs as they control each pixel’s
brightness independently – this yields a better color depth and quality for a
more pleasing experience every time the camera is raised to the user’s eye.
Speed Speed Speed + 4K
Video
The autofocus system of
the Leica Q2 focuses sharply on the subject within milliseconds, making it one
of the fastest cameras in its class. Improvements to its new processor from the
Maestro II family have enabled a high continuous burst shooting rate with an impressive
10 frames per second from the mechanical shutter, even at maximum resolution.
The Leica Q2 adds 4K UHD and Cine4K video recording to its arsenal of features,
with frame rate options across 4K and 1080p.
In combination with the
Leica FOTOS App, the camera’s integrated Wi-Fi module makes it possible to
quickly and easily share pictures and video via social media, and thanks to
Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) a permanent connection can be established between
camera and smartphone. Now users can even remotely wake the camera and connect
any time when in range. (Leica FOTOS v1.2 with Q2 compatibility scheduled to
launch April 3)
Refined Design and
Improved Handling
The design of the Leica Q
carries forward the Leica tradition of reduction to the essentials. The ‘Made
in Germany’ seal of quality guarantees that only the finest and most resilient
materials are employed in its construction. The distinctive thumb rest of the
new Leica Q2 and the sophisticated diamond pattern of its leather trim ensure
optimum grip and highlight the symbiosis of function and form. Also new is the
camera’s uniquely intuitive handling concept, following refined design language
cues established from its brethren in the Leica M10 and Leica CL families –
such as the single-stage On/Off switch, simplified three-button interface on
the rear of the camera and programmable button within the thumb wheel dial. A
new highlight of the Leica Q2 layout is the push-button diopter compensation
dial on the back of the camera that locks and prevents inadvertent changes to
the user’s desired setting. Every refinement, both large and small, pushes
Leica’s design forward without losing sight of the core philosophy of the
camera.
New Accessories
A comprehensive range of
optional accessories is also available for the Leica Q2. These include matching
camera protector cases and carrying straps in premium-quality classic black and
brown leather, and more vibrant versions in red and pink. The elegant new
‘Ettas’ line of soft, coated canvas pouches for various Leica camera models
will also be launched at the same time as the Leica Q2. The pouches will
initially be available in midnight blue, stone gray and red colorways, with
more still to come. The accessory selection also includes technical equipment
for the Leica Q2 such as the Leica SF 40, SF 60 flash units, the SF C1 remote
flash control unit and an additional add-on thumb rest and handgrip. All
accessories are functionally designed for easy handling, perfectly matching the
quality and design of the camera and are manufactured from only the finest
materials to ensure reliability for a lifetime of use.
For complete information and tech specs go here:
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