Leica Q2 vs Sony RX1R: The Ultimate Large Sensor Compact Camera Showdown

When it comes to large sensor compact cameras, few models command respect like the Leica Q2 and the Sony RX1R. Both carry full-frame sensors, fixed prime lenses, and sleek, pocketable bodies targeted toward enthusiasts and professionals craving superb image quality without lugging around bulky setups. But despite similar categories, these cameras differ significantly in design, capabilities, and overall experience.

Having put both through their paces extensively in various shooting environments - from fast-paced street escapes to deliberate landscape compositions - I want to share insights that go beyond spec sheets. Whether you’re hunting for your next all-in-one performer or a specialized creative tool, this practical comparison will help clarify which camera suits your style, workflow, and budget.

Size and Ergonomics: Handling Matters More Than You Think

Here’s the first obvious difference: size and feel. Both cameras are small for full-frame shooters but not exactly pocket-camera compact. The Leica Q2 is a bit heftier and chunkier, measuring roughly 130x80x92 mm and weighing 718 grams. In contrast, the Sony RX1R comes in at 113x65x70 mm and a featherweight 482 grams.

You feel the difference the moment you pick them up. Leica leans into robust build quality with a distinctive magnesium-alloy shell, weather sealing, and a more pronounced grip area. It feels substantial and reassuring in hand, especially for longer shoots or outdoors in tougher conditions. The RX1R’s smaller footprint grants excellent portability and stealth - ideal if you want a real “pocket rocket” that disappears in casual settings - though you sacrifice a bit of grip comfort.

Control-wise, Leica’s Q2 hosts more thoughtfully laid-out buttons and dials on the top deck (more on that in the control section), catering to tactile shooters who prefer direct clubs-for-thumbs access over buried menu diving. If you prize ergonomics highly and shoot professionally or a lot outdoors, Leica’s form factor has the edge.

Control Layout and User Interface: Speed vs Simplicity

Both cameras have minimalist exteriors with fixed lenses - the Q2 sports a 28mm f/1.7 and the RX1R a 35mm f/2 optic.

Looking from above, the Leica Q2 offers more physical controls:

• Dedicated shutter speed dial
• ISO dial
• Customizable function buttons
• Exposure compensation dial

This setup means changing exposure settings can be a no-look affair. You can quickly dial in settings on the fly, a dream for event and street photographers who need snappy adjustments.

Sony’s RX1R takes a more stripped-down approach, offering fewer dedicated dials and relying on menu systems accessed via rear buttons. This simplicity suits photographers happy to slowly compose shots or those transitioning from smaller cameras or smartphone setups. However, it slows down workflow when you need to adapt quickly.

Leica’s intuitive touchscreen adds to usability, allowing AF point selection and menu navigation with taps or swipes, while Sony’s screen lacks touch capabilities. The Q2 also boasts a high-res electronic viewfinder, taking compositional precision a step further - a big plus for bright outdoor conditions or critical focus work.

Sensor Performance and Image Quality: Megapixels Matter

Both use full-frame CMOS sensors without anti-aliasing filters, maximizing sharpness. The Q2 boasts a 47.3 MP sensor while the RX1R’s is a 24.3 MP unit.

From my side-by-side tests under daylight and mixed lighting, the Q2’s resolution advantage is undeniable. It produces incredibly detailed images with versatile cropping options. Landscapes, portraits, and architectural shots gain that extra “pop” when viewed large or printed.

Sony’s RX1R sensor, while older and lower resolution, still punches above its weight thanks to excellent color depth and dynamic range. Both sensors perform similarly in low light ISO noise, with usable ISOs well beyond 3200 - but the Leica edges slightly in handling noise at very high sensitivities.

DXO Mark overall scores echo these impressions: Leica Q2’s 96 vs Sony RX1R's 91 signals the Leica’s more modern sensor pipeline. For pixel peepers and commercial photographers needing large prints or tight crops, Q2 is the safer bet. But RX1R still delivers gorgeous files well beyond typical social media or web use.

Autofocus and Manual Focus: The Speed vs Precision Dilemma

Autofocus tech is critical in decisive shooting moments. The Q2 employs contrast-detection AF with 49 selectable points and impressive eye detection, especially for portraits. Its phase-detection options are absent, but Leica’s algorithms compensate well for accuracy under most conditions. Continuous AF with tracking remains limited, though adequate for slower subjects.

Sony’s RX1R, being an older design, uses a single contrast AF system with 25 points but adds center-weighted AF and manual focus options. It lacks face detection and continuous autofocus, forcing careful pre-focusing or manual focusing for fast action or street shooting.

I found the Q2's touch-driven AF point selection and eye detection a game-changer for portrait sessions, rendering crisp focus on eyes even wide open at f/1.7. Meanwhile, RX1R requires more patience and steady hands for rooting in perfect focus - great for deliberate compositions but less so for spontaneous moments or wildlife.

If AF reliability and modern features are priorities, especially for events or sports, Q2 outperforms distinctly.

Lens Quality and Focal Length Choice: Classic vs Contemporary

The Q2’s sharp 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens is widely regarded as Leica’s crown jewel in compact optics. Wide enough for environmental portraits, street scenes, and landscapes alike, this fast aperture allows creative bokeh and excellent low light capability.

Sony’s RX1R offers a 35mm f/2 fixed prime - slightly narrower and slower but historically a classic focal length for photojournalism, street, and everyday use. The lens is also meticulously crafted with renowned sharpness and contrast.

Which lens suits you depends on your photography style:

• If you favor ultra-sharp wide compositions or prefer to work near your subject, the Q2’s 28mm offers more creative bending room.
• For classic storytelling with a natural look or more telephoto “reach,” the RX1R’s 35mm is ideal.

Neither camera allows lens swaps, so pick your focal length carefully.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ready for the Elements?

In terms of durability, the Leica Q2 is weather-sealed - dust and splash resistant - to accompany you on rugged adventures. It withstands moderate rain, dust, and typical outdoor hazards without fuss.

The Sony RX1R lacks any official sealing, calling for more cautious handling. If you shoot indoors or in controlled environments, this won’t be a problem. But outdoors in inclement conditions, Leica’s ruggedness offers peace of mind.

LCD Screens and EVFs: Framing and Reviewing Your Shots

Both offer 3-inch LCD screens, but there are marked differences in resolution and functionality.

The Leica’s screen has 1,040k dots with touchscreen support, facilitating quick image review and on-screen focusing. Its location and angle are fixed but bright and easy to see even in daylight.

The RX1R’s screen features a slightly higher 1,229k-dot “Xtra FineTFT” panel but no touchscreen. It also supports optional optical and electronic viewfinders (sold separately as add-ons), whereas the Leica Q2 integrates a built-in 3.68M-dot EVF with 0.76x magnification, making it more versatile for composing in tough light.

For hands-on shooting experience, the Q2 takes the crown - its EVF and touchscreen combo feel modern and responsive.

Burst and Continuous Shooting: Action Capture Edge

With sports and wildlife photography in mind, frame rate and buffer depth matter.

The Leica Q2 maxes out at 20 fps continuous shooting - a seriously impressive number - albeit with some buffer depth caveats if shooting RAW. This speed is excellent for tight sports sequences, street timing, and wildlife bursts.

The RX1R’s 5 fps is adequate for casual action but much more limited. Buffer depth is smaller, making it less suited for dynamic shooting.

Video Capabilities: A Mixed Bag for Hybrid Shooters

Neither camera targets video-centric users, but both offer useful features:

• Leica Q2 shoots 4K UHD at 30 or 24 fps and Full HD at up to 120 fps for slow motion. However, it lacks mic and headphone ports, limiting audio control.
• Sony RX1R maxes out at 1080p HD video and includes a microphone input, catering to vloggers or casual filmmakers.

While not primary shooters, Leica’s newer video specs fit better for hybrid content creators wanting occasional clips, while Sony appeals to those with basic video needs.

Versatility Across Genres: Which Camera Shines Where?

Let’s get down to some real-world categories:

Portrait Photography

Leica Q2 wins hands down here with eye detection AF, wider aperture, and superior autofocus speed. Its file resolution allows cropping without scarifying detail, perfect for tight headshots and artistic bokeh background separation. The 28mm lens adds environmental context.

The RX1R provides beautiful skin tones and natural rendering but lacks AF sophistication for fast-paced portraits.

Landscape Photography

High resolution and dynamic range make Leica Q2 outstanding, with weather sealing a huge plus outdoors. Its wide 28mm is a landscape staple.

Sony RX1R’s excellent dynamic range and sharp 35mm lens perform well, but lower resolution might limit fine detail capture for large prints.

Wildlife Photography

RX1R’s slower AF and 5 fps burst limit usability here. Q2’s 20 fps shoot burst mode and quick AF prove much more capable for fleeting wildlife shots.

Sports Photography

Again, Leica Q2’s fast shutter (up to 1/40000s), quick burst rate, and eye detection give it an edge. Sony RX1R struggles to keep pace.

Street Photography

RX1R’s smaller size and quieter operation favor candid shooting, but Leica’s quiet electronic shutter (up to 1/40000s) also enhances street discretion. Weight and bulk lean toward Sony for casual street thrivers.

Macro Photography

Leica Q2's close focus distance of 17cm allows semi-macro shots with good detail and stabilization helping steady these close frames. RX1R lacks a designated macro range and does not stabilize.

Night & Astro Photography

The Q2 offers a slightly better high ISO ceiling (up to ISO 50000) and superior image stabilization. Low-noise files at high ISO facilitate astrophotography. The RX1R can hold its ground but falls behind somewhat.

Travel Photography

For travel, portability, battery life, and versatility come into play. Sony RX1R’s smaller size and lighter weight come naturally. However, the Q2’s more substantial battery life (370 vs 270 shots per charge) plus weather sealing make it the better reliable travel companion overall.

Professional Work

Here, the Leica Q2 impresses with dual UHS-II card support, expanded RAW formats, and better integration with Leica’s editing workflows. Sony supports RAW but lacks advanced tethering and professional-centric utilities.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Convenience Check

The Q2 adds built-in wifi and Bluetooth, enabling effortless transfer to smart devices or remote control. The Sony uses Eye-Fi compatibility for wireless, a now somewhat dated standard requiring special cards or apps.

Both rely on single SD card slots (Q2 is UHS-II compatible), but the Q2’s faster data pipelines matter for high-res RAW handling.

Battery Life and Usage Practicalities

Battery life influences prolonged use, especially outdoors. Leica’s BP-SCL4 battery lasts around 370 shots on a charge, a decent average for large sensor compacts and allowing a day’s outing without panic.

Sony’s NP-BX1 lasts about 270 shots, more limiting for extended shoots without spares.

Extra points for Leica’s superior power management and standby features.

Value Analysis: What Does Your Dollar Buy?

While the Leica Q2 retails around $5,000 - putting it firmly in premium territory - it offers leading-edge specs, build, and image quality justifying the cost for professionals and passionate enthusiasts.

Sony RX1R, at under $3,000, appeals to serious hobbyists or less financially committed photographers who want full-frame quality and excellent optics but can accept slower AF and fewer modern bells and whistles.

Leica Q2 front Leica Q2 screen back Sony RX1R front Sony RX1R screen back

Looking at sample images side by side, the Q2’s higher resolution files offer greater print size, cleaner ISO 3200+ shots, and richer color depth. The RX1R excels in elegant rendering with a filmic character but, predictably by age, lacks some modern sensor benefits.

The visual ratings underscore Leica’s outright performance superiority but remind us Sony’s RX1R holds its own in image quality and design.

Detailed scores by photography type illustrate how Q2 dominates action, portrait, and night photography, while RX1R shines in street portability and classic prime optics.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Here’s a quick summary to factor into your decision:

|Cons:|Cons:| |High price point | Slower AF and 5 fps burst | |Heavier and less pocketable | No weather sealing and slower shutter speeds | |Single card slot despite price | No touchscreen or built-in EVF (optional add-on) | |No mic/headphone jacks for video | Single contrast-detection AF only | |No flash built-in (needs external) | Limited battery life |

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

I won’t sugarcoat it - if money is no object and you want a camera that excels across the board, the Leica Q2 is the no-brainer choice. Its massive sensor resolution, fast lens, responsive autofocus with eye detection, and rugged build make it a versatile tool for everything from pro portraits and landscapes to wildlife and travel. Plus, the tactile controls and modern interface ensure an enjoyable shooting experience day in and out.

But if you’re a bit of a cheapskate on a serious budget or prefer traveling ultra-light, the Sony RX1R remains an impressive camera capable of stunning results with a classic 35mm perspective. It rewards deliberate composition and slower shooting styles, and its smaller size is hard to beat for discrete street work or casual outings.

Both cameras require some commitment: fixed lenses mean adaptation or complementary gear for differing focal lengths, and neither is for video-first creators. But for pure large sensor, compact camera enthusiasm, Leica Q2 is the modern benchmark while Sony RX1R holds a special place as a classic resurgent favorite.

Recommendations Summary:

• For Professionals & Serious Enthusiasts: Leica Q2 - invest if you want excellence, speed, and ruggedness without carrying larger kits.
• For Travel & Street Photographers Who Prize Lightness and Discretion: Sony RX1R - great optics in a stealthy package at a more accessible price.
• For Portrait and Landscape Focused Photographers: Leica Q2 delivers better autofocus and higher resolution files.
• For Budget-Conscious Buyers Wanting Full Frame Quality: Sony RX1R offers outstanding value with some compromises.

I hope this in-depth comparison helps you make an informed choice tailored to your photography passions and practical needs. Choosing the right camera is as personal as your creative vision, so weigh features, budget, and handling carefully - and happy shooting!

If you want to dive deeper into any specific use case or mode with these cameras, feel free to ask - I’m always ready to geek out over gear!

All technical data is based on tests conducted using standardized imaging benchmarks and my own thorough field trials over months of shooting sessions.

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