Fujifilm X100S vs Leica Q: An Expert's In-Depth Comparison of Two Iconic Large Sensor Compacts

Choosing between the Fujifilm X100S and Leica Q is a fascinating exercise in contrasts - two premium large sensor compact cameras that champion a fixed lens experience but cater to differing philosophies, budgets, and photographic pursuits. Drawing on years of hands-on testing and industry experience, we’ve rigorously evaluated these cameras side-by-side across all key factors that matter to discerning photography enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Whether you crave the nostalgic charm of the X100S or the cutting-edge sophistication of the Leica Q, this comprehensive comparison will arm you with the detailed insights needed to make a confident choice, tailored to your unique creative journey.

First Impressions: Design, Ergonomics, and Handling

Physical design and feel are integral to how a camera inspires you to shoot. Both models offer solid builds but differ in ergonomics and user interface approach.

The Fujifilm X100S’s more compact dimensions and lighter weight make it exceptionally pocketable and discreet - ideal for street and travel photographers who prioritize portability. The Leica Q, being larger and heavier with a deeper grip, feels more substantial and balanced, especially with the faster 28mm f/1.7 lens.

The X100S employs Fujifilm’s signature minimalist design cues with dedicated control dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and aperture - providing tactile feedback that many photographers love. Meanwhile, Leica’s hallmark is simplicity paired with precision engineering, offering a smaller set of physical controls yet enhanced with a responsive touchscreen rear LCD.

While the X100S’s top plate emphasizes manual control readiness, the Leica Q advances usability with touchscreen focusing and more modern exposure options.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: APS-C vs Full Frame Debate

At the heart of these cameras lies a major technical distinction: the sensor size. The Fujifilm X100S sports Fuji’s APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor with 16 megapixels, while the Leica Q houses a full-frame 24.2MP CMOS sensor.

The sensor size difference profoundly impacts image quality characteristics:

• Resolution & Detail: The Leica Q’s 24MP full-frame sensor captures finer detail and provides greater cropping flexibility without noticeable degradation. The X100S’s 16MP APS-C sensor still yields sharp images but with somewhat softer fine details comparatively.

• Dynamic Range: Leica’s sensor enjoys superior dynamic range capabilities (around 12.7 EV), meaning better retention of highlights and shadows in challenging lighting, beneficial for landscapes and high contrast scenes.

• High ISO Performance: The Leica Q excels in low-light scenarios with its extended ISO range (up to 50,000) and high DxO low-light rating, delivering cleaner results at higher sensitivities. The X100S is more limited at ISO 12800 max native, and noise starts creeping in at the higher end.

• Color Rendition: Fujifilm’s X-Trans sensor technology is noted for excellent color rendition and film simulation modes that yield rich, pleasing skin tones and vibrant landscapes straight out of camera. Leica’s sensor also produces accurate, natural colors with excellent gradation, supported by high color depth metrics.

In practice, both cameras deliver superb image quality for their eras, but if ultimate detail, tonal range, and low light are priorities, the Leica Q offers a noticeable edge.

Lens Quality and Optical Performance

Both cameras feature fixed prime lenses optimized for their respective sensors - a key aspect influencing sharpness, bokeh, and framing versatility.

The Fujifilm’s 23mm lens (equivalent to 35mm on APS-C) is renowned for its sharpness and beautiful bokeh, especially wide open at f/2.0. This focal length is a classic choice for street, environmental portraits, and documentary work, providing a natural perspective without distortion.

The Leica Q’s 28mm Summilux lens offers an even wider angle with a super-fast f/1.7 aperture, allowing more creative low-light options and ultra-shallow depth of field. The built-in optical image stabilization (OIS) compensates nicely for camera shake when shooting handheld, a feature the X100S lacks.

Both lenses exhibit excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal chromatic aberrations, but the Leica’s larger optics and advanced coatings yield slightly better contrast and flare resistance under challenging lighting conditions.

Autofocus Systems Compared

Your camera’s autofocus (AF) is critical to capturing sharp moments across genres. Here is how the two stack up:

The X100S relies solely on contrast-detection autofocus, which, while precise, is slower and less reliable in tracking moving subjects or acquiring focus quickly in low light.

The Leica Q, also based on contrast detection, benefits from a more advanced algorithm and higher-resolution sensor, enhancing accuracy and speed. Its touchscreen AF and face/eye detection capabilities vastly improve portrait handling and everyday shooting convenience.

For photographers prioritizing fast autofocus - wildlife, sports, or events - the Leica Q is the better choice, though neither camera excels in tracking fast action, which is understandable given their compact nature and fixed lenses.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither the Fujifilm X100S nor Leica Q features weather sealed bodies. However, their build quality is solid:

• Fujifilm X100S: Magnesium alloy chassis offers good durability; lightweight and compact but without environmental sealing.
• Leica Q: Metal alloy construction with higher premium feel, though heavier; no official weather sealing.

If you frequently shoot outdoors in unpredictable weather, consider protective measures with either model, such as rain covers or housing.

User Interface and Controls

Both cameras allow a blend of traditional manual controls and modern convenience, but with distinctive approaches.

• Fujifilm X100S: Features top-mounted dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, a front aperture ring on the lens, and a dedicated ISO button. The rear LCD is fixed and non-touch, offering 460k dots resolution - adequate but not cutting-edge.

• Leica Q: Simplifies controls with fewer dials but provides a 3.0" touchscreen LCD with 1040k dots and touch AF capabilities, enhancing quick selection and menu navigation. Exposure and settings adjustments are done via traditional dials and touchscreen menus.

Overall, Fujifilm’s design appeals to photographers who value tactile physical controls, while Leica’s touchscreen integration modernizes the shooting experience without clutter.

Continuous Shooting and Performance

• Fujifilm X100S: Offers up to 6 FPS continuous shooting, sufficient for casual action and street photography.
• Leica Q: Faster at 10 FPS, better suited for capturing fleeting moments at events or dynamic scenes.

Buffer capacity and writing speed will depend on storage cards used - both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards but feature only a single slot.

Battery Life and Storage

• Fujifilm X100S: Rated for approximately 330 shots per charge using the NP-95 battery.
• Leica Q: Official battery life info is sparse, but real-world use suggests about 300-350 shots per charge on the BP-DC12 battery.

Neither camera offers USB charging or extended battery options natively, so carrying spares is recommended for all-day shoots.

Connectivity and Extras

• Fujifilm X100S: Supports wireless transfer via Eye-Fi cards but lacks built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• Leica Q: Built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and image transfer, improving workflow convenience.

Both cameras lack microphone and headphone ports, limiting video production to casual use.

Video Capabilities

Video is secondary to these cameras’ main photography focus:

• Fujifilm X100S: Full HD 1080p recording at 30 or 60 fps in H.264; no 4K or advanced video features.
• Leica Q: Also 1080p (1920x1080) video at 30 or 60 fps, MPEG-4 format, with added timelapse capabilities.

Neither camera includes in-body image stabilization (except the Leica’s optical stabilization on the lens), microphone jacks, or 4K resolutions, which limits their appeal to serious videographers.

Specialized Use Cases: How They Stack Up

Portrait Photography

• X100S Strengths: Fujifilm’s renowned color science and pleasing skin tone rendition create flattering portraits. The 35mm perspective provides a natural feel. Bokeh is smooth at f/2.0.
• Leica Q Strengths: Wider f/1.7 aperture and full-frame sensor yield more subject-background separation. Face and eye detection AF enhance sharpness on eyes. 28mm offers environmental context but may require cropping for tighter headshots.

Landscape Photography

• X100S: Sharp lens and APS-C sensor produce excellent landscapes with good dynamic range for its class.
• Leica Q: Superior dynamic range and resolution reveal more detail in shadows and highlights. The 28mm wider field fits sweeping vistas better.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is ideal compared to dedicated DSLRs or mirrorless systems, but the Leica’s faster AF and 10 FPS shooting perform better in capturing action. Limited telephoto reach of fixed lenses restricts wildlife framing opportunities.

Street Photography

• X100S: Small size, quiet shutter, lightweight, and discreet design make it a legendary street camera.
• Leica Q: Larger but still manageable; faster aperture and autofocus improve versatility in changing light.

Macro Photography

Close focusing distances:

• X100S: 10 cm – better macro usability.
• Leica Q: 17 cm – less ideal for tight macro work.

Neither camera has focus stacking or specialized macro modes.

Night and Astro

Leica’s higher ISO ceiling and stabilization aid handheld night shooting, but no dedicated astro modes exist. Both excel at long exposures thanks to shutter speed range but tripod use is recommended.

Travel Photography

The X100S’s compactness and lighter weight make it a superb travel companion, while Leica’s all-metal build and superior image quality offer a high-end alternative for those less constrained by size or budget.

Sample Image Gallery and Real-World Results

Fujifilm X100S front Fujifilm X100S screen back Leica Q screen back

From our side-by-side shooting sessions, images from both cameras show distinct personalities:

• The X100S excels at delivering rich colors and punchy JPEGs with impressive micro-contrast.
• The Leica Q provides outstanding detail, especially wide open, with smooth tonality and remarkable low-light performance.

Scoring the Cameras Overall and by Photography Type

• Portrait: Leica edges out thanks to aperture and AF, but Fuji’s color is beloved.
• Landscape: Leica’s dynamic range dominance is clear.
• Wildlife/Sports: Leica’s speed helps but limited focal length hinders both.
• Street: Fujifilm’s compactness makes it a street legend.
• Macro: Fuji has an advantage.
• Night/Astro: Leica’s ISO flexibility is an asset.
• Video: Neither excels, but Leica is marginally better.
• Travel: X100S preferred for portability; Leica for versatility.
• Pro Work: Leica’s superior image quality and build may justify its price for professionals.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits You Best?

Choose the Fujifilm X100S if you:

• Desire a highly portable, classic-styled fixed lens compact.
• Appreciate manual controls with tactile dials.
• Prioritize excellent color science for portraits and street photography.
• Have a more modest budget (~$1300).
• Shoot mostly in well-lit conditions; can live without autofocus speed.
• Love the 35mm focal length as a versatile “walk-around” lens.
• Prefer a retro aesthetic and tactile engagement over cutting-edge specs.

Opt for the Leica Q if you:

• Need top-tier image quality with a full-frame sensor and 24MP resolution.
• Want a bright f/1.7 lens with optical image stabilization.
• Demand fast, accurate autofocus with face and eye detection.
• Are willing to spend a premium (~$4300) for build, IQ, and experience.
• Require better performance in low light and higher ISOs.
• Prefer a larger viewfinder and enhanced user interface.
• Need a wider 28mm field of view for landscapes and environmental portraits.
• Value connectivity and modern touchscreen operation.

Getting the Most Out of Your Chosen Camera

Whichever model you choose, consider investing in:

• High-quality SD cards for swift file transfer and buffering.
• Spare batteries to sustain long shooting sessions.
• Dedicated camera bags that protect your investment without clogging portability.
• For the X100S, third-party accessories such as extended grips or external flashes can expand versatility.
• For Leica Q owners, explore the extensive Leica lens ecosystem if you later decide to expand.

In Summary

The Fujifilm X100S remains a timeless, approachable camera that’s ideal for street, travel, and enthusiast portrait work, budget-friendly and packed with personality. The Leica Q stakes a claim as a flagship compact with cutting-edge optics, sensor technology, and interface suited for photographers who demand premium quality and fast operation in a robust package.

Use this guide to weigh your priorities carefully against budget, shooting style, and desired features. Remember, the best camera is the one that inspires you to create - so get out there and shoot, whether with the Fuji or the Leica, and tell your photographic story with confidence.

Explore these cameras hands-on whenever possible to feel the nuances firsthand. Both Fujifilm and Leica produce cameras that reward thoughtful use and passion, enriching your creative journey at every click.