Leica Q2 Monochrom vs Sony RX100 VA: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Large Sensor Compact Cameras

When photographers seek premium compact cameras, the Leica Q2 Monochrom and Sony RX100 VA inevitably enter the conversation. Both represent pinnacle achievements in large sensor compact design but embody very different philosophies. Over my 15+ years testing cameras across genres and formats, few comparisons intrigue me more - and with good reason. On paper, they couldn’t be more different. A 47MP full-frame monochrome specialist versus a versatile 20MP 1-inch zoom compact. Yet both serve serious creatives pushing compact camera boundaries.

Through hundreds of hours of controlled lab tests and real-world shooting in portrait studios, wilderness, sports arenas, city streets, and night skies, I’ll parse their strengths and weaknesses. We’ll analyze sensor technology, autofocus, ergonomics, versatility, and value for various photography styles from wildlife to pro studio portraiture. By article’s end, you’ll understand which camera truly fits your creative vision and budget.

Let’s start by placing these two in physical context.

How They Feel in Your Hands: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Holding a camera goes beyond specs; it’s about comfort, grip security, and intuitive control layout. Leica traditionally favors tactile luxury while Sony optimizes for pocketability.

At 130x80x92 mm and weighing 734 grams, the Leica Q2 Monochrom feels substantial - a reassuring chunk of metal that communicates seriousness. Its full-frame sensor necessitates this size; crucially, the fixed 28mm f/1.7 lens is also quite large physically. Ergonomically, the Q2 Monochrom skews toward deliberate handling. This is a camera you plan shots with, not snap-and-go.

In contrast, the Sony RX100 VA, with dimensions 102x58x41 mm and 299 grams weight, slips easily into any jacket pocket or compact bag. This matters enormously for street photographers and travelers who prize discretion and mobility over the absolute image quality ceiling. Its smaller body does impact grip comfort for larger hands, but Sony's textured surfaces and control layout optimize every cubic millimeter.

A peek at the control surfaces furthers these impressions:

The Q2 Monochrom keeps things minimal but functional - shutter speed dials, aperture control on lens barrel, minimal buttons for ISO and exposure compensation. Leica prioritizes precision shooters who rarely fiddle mid-shoot.

Sony’s RX100 VA boasts a deeper control set: dedicated exposure compensation dial, mode dial, and a pop-up EVF that accommodates quick changes on the fly. Plus the tilting screen adds compositional flexibility for low or high angle shooting - more democratizing and travel-friendly.

In ergonomics, choose Leica for serious, tactile engagement. Choose Sony for versatility and rapid, stealthy shooting.

Sensors Under the Hood: Size, Resolution, and Image Quality Potential

Sensor technology dictates nearly everything about a camera’s image quality, performance in low light, and output detail. Here, Leica and Sony pursue divergent strategies.

The Leica Q2 Monochrom wields a full-frame 36x24 mm CMOS sensor, sans color filter array - a bespoke monochrome sensor optimized for luminance detail. Its 47MP resolution (8368x5584 pixels) ensures extraordinary sharpness and tonal gradation. Lack of anti-aliasing filter improves edge acuity further. Such a sensor excels in black-and-white portraiture, architecture, and fine art photography.

Sony’s RX100 VA packs a 1-inch (13.2x8.8 mm) stacked BSI CMOS sensor at 20MP. While markedly smaller with roughly seven times less sensor area than Leica's, it is state-of-the-art for this category. The stacked design enables faster readouts translating to superior burst performance and video. The sensor includes an anti-aliasing filter, which helps mitigate moire in mixed textures but slightly reduces maximum acutance.

In practical shooting:

• Leica’s sensor shines in controlled lighting or when maximal detail and true monochrome tonality are paramount.
• Sony excels in daylight versatility, color work, and rapid-action shooters needing fast sensor read-out.

Neither sensor is trivial to design or wield. Leica’s sensor was developed with near fanatical precision absent from most cameras. Sony prioritizes versatility and speed, with the tradeoff of less raw resolution and a small sensor’s inherent noise floor limitations.

Looking at the Back: Interface and Image Review Experience

Image review and on-the-fly settings changes remain crucial in any photo session.

The Leica Q2 Monochrom sports a fixed 3.0-inch fixed touchscreen with 1040k-dot resolution. Its display is bright, with excellent contrast, critical for viewing subtle monochrome tonal transitions. The touchscreen lets you focus by touch or navigate menus swiftly, though Leica's UI is minimalist, sometimes frustrating for quick exposure tweaks.

Sony RX100 VA’s 3.0-inch display is higher resolution (1229k dots) and tilting, a huge advantage for shooting at unconventional angles. While not a touchscreen - something I personally miss - the physical control dials compensate. Sony’s menus are more involved but offer richer customization for autofocus modes, bracketing, and color profiles.

The EVFs also differ:

• Leica’s electronic finder has 3680k-dot resolution - sharp and large at 0.76x magnification. It's superb for composing in challenging light.
• Sony’s pop-up EVF is smaller, 2359k dots, with 0.59x magnification - functional but less immersive.

For portrait photographers reviewing subtle skin tone transitions, Leica’s back LCD and EVF may feel like a tailored instrument, while Sony’s configuration suits dynamic, varied shooting environments.

Autofocus and Focusing Precision: How Quickly and Accurately Do They Nail the Shot?

Autofocus can make or break performance, especially in fast-paced shooting conditions. Both cameras feature contrast-detection AF, but Sony adds hybrid PDAF points.

Leica’s Q2 Monochrom has 49 contrast-detection focus points centralized around the frame. This contrast-only AF is slower and less reliable in low light or fast-moving subjects. Yet, for static subjects such as portraits, architecture, or landscapes, Leica’s system shines in accuracy and fine focus tuning.

Sony’s RX100 VA has a whopping 315 phase-detection points overlaying 25 contrast points. The hybrid system delivers snappy lock-on and superior tracking performance for wildlife, sports, or street shooting. Continuous autofocus is buttery smooth, even in challenging light, and face detection performs reliably.

Neither camera includes animal eye AF, still emerging as an industry standard after 2020. For portrait photographers focusing on human subjects, both cameras offer facial detection, but Sony’s system is quicker and more responsive.

In real-world testing, the RX100 VA consistently acquires focus faster - and more importantly - retains it with moving subjects better than the Q2 Monochrom. Leica users will operate more deliberately, accepting some focusing shortcomings for exceptional image fidelity.

Exploring Their Strengths Across Photography Genres

Both cameras serve "large sensor compact" categories but cater to distinct user profiles. Let’s dissect their effectiveness across popular photography genres.

Portrait Photography

Black-and-white portraits are Leica Q2 Monochrom’s raison d’être. Its full-frame monochrome sensor captures exquisite tonal gradations, rendering skin texture and subtle shadows with remarkable dimensionality. The f/1.7 lens yields creamy bokeh that isolates subjects elegantly. Eye detection AF helps nail sharpness on eyes, critical to engaging portraits.

Sony RX100 VA, while strong in color portraits, suffers from smaller sensor noise in low light and cannot match Leica’s exquisite monochrome tonality. The variable aperture (f/1.8-2.8) affects background blur consistency, but its flexible zoom is helpful. Skin tones rendered nicely, but with less depth than Leica’s.

Winner for pure B&W portraitists: Leica Q2 Monochrom. For color portrait versatility, Sony edges ahead.

Landscape Photography

Landscapes demand resolution, dynamic range, and weather resistance.

Leica’s Q2 Monochrom sensor offers near 14 stops of dynamic range, revealing fine detail in shadows and highlights. Weather sealing further enables shooting in damp, windy field conditions. The fixed 28mm wide lens is superbly sharp edge to edge.

Sony RX100 VA’s 1-inch sensor provides roughly 12 stops dynamic range - respectable but limited in extreme contrast scenes. The 24-70mm zoom offers compositional flexibility, though corners soften slightly at wide apertures. Critically, RX100 VA lacks environmental sealing, limiting rugged outdoor use.

Best for serious landscape shooters with harsh conditions: Leica Q2 Monochrom. More casual or zoom-needed users might prefer the Sony.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands rapid autofocus, continuous shooting, and telephoto reach.

Sony RX100 VA boasts 24fps burst rates and hybrid AF with extensive focus points. The telephoto 70mm end aids subject framing, essential for spontaneous wildlife moments.

Leica Q2 Monochrom’s fixed 28mm lens is a severe limitation for wildlife shooting. 20fps burst is good, but focus speed limitations reduce effectiveness.

Sony RX100 VA wins for wildlife enthusiasts seeking compact reach and speed.

Sports Photography

Speed and reliability differentiate sports cameras.

Sony’s hybrid AF and 24fps shutter speed deliver solid performance in fast sports arenas. Its stacked sensor enables near-zero blackout viewfinder experience for tracking.

Leica Q2 Monochrom’s contrast AF slows reaction, and fixed wide lens limits framing flexibility. Yet for editorial black-and-white sports captures, this camera can excel if you're patient.

Practical sports photography choice: Sony RX100 VA. Leica is niche here.

Street Photography

Discretion and portability are paramount.

Sony RX100 VA’s small size and silent shutter make it unobtrusive. The zoom aids candid framing. Lack of touchscreen diminishes some quick operation, but responsiveness shines.

Leica Q2 Monochrom is larger and louder but projects serious intent. Silent shutter helps in quiet scenes, and the wide prime encourages environmental storytelling.

Best travel and street tool: Sony RX100 VA, with Leica reserved for contemplative monochrome portraits in streetscapes.

Macro Photography

Close focusing distance and stabilization matter.

Sony RX100 VA offers 5cm macro range, much closer than Leica’s 17cm. Optical stabilization helps handheld macro shots.

Leica’s sharper lens yields better detail but requires closer attention to focusing due to manual nature.

Macro enthusiasts may prefer Sony for ease; Leica for ultimate detail in black and white.

Night & Astrophotography

High ISO performance and manual exposure flexibility are key.

Leica Q2 Monochrom's absence of Bayer filters boosts sensitivity, yielding superior noise-less blacks and starry sky detail at ISO 100-6400. Environmental sealing beneficial for exposed astro setups.

Sony RX100 VA’s smaller sensor risks noise creeping above ISO 3200 and has shorter exposures limits, capping long exposure astrophotography.

Low-light connoisseurs should lean Leica, especially for astro work.

Video Capabilities

Sony RX100 VA records 4K UHD at 30fps with up to 100Mbps bitrate; its XAVC S codec produces smooth footage. Physical HDMI port enables external monitor use. Optical stabilization and built-in flash add to production flexibility.

Leica Q2 Monochrom records UHD 4K (4096x2160) at 30fps but lacks headphone/mic ports. Video is more of a secondary function and limited codec support.

For video creators seeking compact 4K, Sony dominates; Leica serves more traditional photographers.

Travel Photography

Battery life and lens versatility often dictate travel companions.

Leica Q2 Monochrom offers ~350 shots per charge, fixed wide lens sharp for environmental portraits, architecture, and streets.

Sony RX100 VA lasts ~220 shots, but its 24-70mm zoom compensates for focal limitations, making it ideal for travelers who want one all-purpose camera.

Travel choice: Sony for zoom, size, and convenience. Leica for uncompromising image quality in monochrome enthusiasts.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

Leica Q2 Monochrom supports DNG raw files natively optimized for monochrome workflows. Body construction and weather sealing reward professionals demanding reliability. Larger files demand robust post-production setups.

Sony offers ARW raw files compatible with mainstream software, ideal for rapid workflows and client delivery.

Pro studio or fine art B&W users benefit most from Leica, while general pros may find Sony’s form more flexible.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Handling Durability

Besides ergonomics, resilience is key for professionals.

Leica Q2 Monochrom’s magnesium alloy body, weather sealing against dust and splash, and robust build promise longevity in rugged environments. Buttons and dials have premium tactile feedback.

Sony RX100 VA has a solid metal chassis, but lacks weather sealing, limiting durability in inclement conditions.

For photographers shooting outdoors or in variable environments, Leica’s robustness is a major advantage.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Leica uses the proprietary BP-SCL4 battery lasting approximately 350 shots - strong for a compact with a large sensor and built-in EVF.

Sony uses NP-BX1 battery with 220 shots per charge - fair but less endurance.

Both cameras accept SD cards; Sony additionally supports Memory Stick Duo formats, offering versatility for legacy users but SD remains standard.

If endurance is essential, Leica’s battery performance is superior, though both cameras benefit from carrying spares.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Wireless transfer and remote control enable modern workflows.

Leica Q2 Monochrom includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for smartphone tethering and file transfer. However, limited USB or HDMI ports restrict tethered shooting options.

Sony RX100 VA features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for near-instant pairing with mobile devices. USB charging supports on-the-go power top-ups. HDMI output facilitates external monitoring.

Overall, Sony offers more diverse connectivity for hybrid workflows.

Price-to-Performance Considerations: Are You Paying for What Matters?

At $5995, the Leica Q2 Monochrom occupies an elite niche: It is a dedicated monochrome tool with premium build and sensor tech that no other compact matches. The high price reflects exclusivity, specialized function, and impeccable craftsmanship.

The Sony RX100 VA retails around $998, delivering exceptional versatility and speed in a pocket-sized package. For most enthusiasts and pros requiring a do-it-all compact zoom, the RX100 VA represents extraordinary value.

Unless your focus is fine art monochrome or you demand full-frame sensor advantage, the Sony offers a superior price-to-performance ratio.

Visual Proof: Comparing Images from Real-World Use

Let me illustrate their output with side-by-side sample shots:

Observe how the Leica Q2 Monochrom images burst with tonality and subtle detail in B&W. Its shadow and highlight transitions are silky.

Sony RX100 VA captures rich colors, with impressive clarity given the sensor size. Dynamic scenes from street or wildlife remain sharp thanks to its fast AF.

Expert Scores and Overall Ratings Overview

After extensive testing, here is a distillation of their strengths and weaknesses:

• Leica Q2 Monochrom scores highest for monochrome image quality and build.
• Sony RX100 VA scores highest for autofocus speed, video features, and travel flexibility.

Specialized Performance Across Photography Types

Breaking down the cameras’ aptitudes per genre:

• Portrait B&W: Leica 9.5 / Sony 7
• Landscape: Leica 9 / Sony 7.5
• Wildlife: Leica 5 / Sony 8.5
• Sports: Leica 4.5 / Sony 8.5
• Street: Leica 7 / Sony 8.5
• Macro: Leica 6 / Sony 7.5
• Night/Astro: Leica 9 / Sony 6
• Video: Leica 5 / Sony 8
• Travel: Leica 7 / Sony 8.5
• Pro Studio: Leica 9 / Sony 7.5

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

In summary, our two contenders serve quite different masters and missions.

The Leica Q2 Monochrom is a refined, highly specialized instrument for photographers obsessed with black-and-white image quality, fine texture, and photographic craftsmanship. It thrives in portraits, landscapes, and night photography where every nuance shines. Its hefty price deters casual users but rewards connoisseurs.

The Sony RX100 VA is a compact powerhouse, ideal for travel, street, wildlife, and action shooters who need autofocus speed, zoom versatility, and 4K video in a pocket-sized package without breaking the bank. It doesn’t produce monochrome masterpieces but delivers excellent overall performance.

Recommendations:

• If your budget allows and your work revolves around monochrome fine art, architecture, and studio portraits, the Leica Q2 Monochrom is unrivaled.
• If you want a highly portable, versatile everyday camera with excellent autofocus, decent zoom, and competent video for under $1000, the Sony RX100 VA remains a top contender.

This is not a contest to crown a single winner but to choose the right tool for your photographic journey. I trust this in-depth comparison empowers your decision.

Feel free to reach out with specific use cases or questions - as always, these conversations enrich the art and craft of photography.