Leica Q
- 24MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 50000
- Yes Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 28mm (F1.7) lens
- 640g - 130 x 80 x 93mm
- Released June 2015
- Additionally referred to as Typ 116
- Successor is Leica Q2
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
63 Imaging
72 Features
64 Overall
68
Leica Q overview
Leica Q is Leica's Large Sensor Compact digital camera first launched on June of 2015. It has got a 24 MegaPixel, CMOS Full frame sized sensor and has a maximum resolution of 6000 x 4000. It is also known as "Typ 116" in other markets.
Leica launched the updated Leica Q2 (Read Full Comparison) as a way to improve this model.
The Q is ranked #8 out of 65 in Large Sensor Compact cameras & all round #182 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. Remember to check our Smart camera filter to see camera listings based on your personal factors.
Here is a graph of multiple criteria used in the scoring system.
Leica Q history
The Leica Q is part of a family of products. You can view the detailed range underneath.
F1.724MPFull frame2015
Leica Q Gallery
You can check the Q from several angles in the gallery below.
Leica Q Pros and Cons
Below is a list of positives and negatives of the Leica Q based on criterias which are typically viewed as crucial in a digital camera.
Leica Q Sensor details
The Leica Q houses the Maestro II processor. The dimension of the sensor on the Leica Q is 36mm x 24mm (Full frame). The 864 mm² sensor is able to resolve 6000 x 4000 pixels and aspect ratios of 3:2. The camera has Image Stabilization (Yes). Optical stabilization is superior than digital stabilization since the latter might produce cropping.
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesThe CMOS sensor has 24 megapixels and provides a standard ISO range of 100 to 50000. RAW files are saved which means that you have wider room to maneuver in post.
The graphic underneath shows the Q's sensor dimensions compared to other popular sizes. The Q sensor has a crop factor of 1 and is displayed in green.
Photography GlossaryTo get an idea of specific aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.
Leica Q dimensions
Leica Q weighs in at 1.41 pounds (640 gr or 22.58 ounces) & the volume of the camera is 130mm x 80mm x 93mm (5.1" x 3.1" x 3.7"). The weight of normal Large Sensor Compact camera is 396 gr and the Leica Q is heavier in comparison with various rivals.
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music videoHere is a picture of the Leica Q besides a softdrink so you can get a feel for its scale.
The top view underneath will show you the button layout on the Q.
Leica Q Lens specs
The Q is equipped with a built-in lens and it has a constant focal length of 28mm meaning that you do not have the ability to zoom.
At the widest 28mm, it has an aperture of f1.7 making it amazing for low light situations and capturing good bokeh. It is going to also let you set a much lower ISO to produce cleaner images.
Leica Q Connectivity
The Q has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- Wireless Yes
- HDMI Yes
Cameras that have NFC and Bluetooth compatibility are able to be used wirelessly through smartphones. You will be able to transfer images and at times alter camera settings without the hassle of connecting directly to the camera.
A few applications even give a Liveview and click the shutter when you aren't close to the camera. If the camera provides a HDMI port, it can easily be connected to an external monitor. Most cameras enable you to charge the battery through the USB port.
Leica Q Video specs
The maximum video resolution on the Leica Q is 1920 x 1080 and you can shoot in MPEG-4 file format. 1080p resolution gives a great balance in video quality vs file sizes but FULL HD won't give you any room to downsample. The camera doesn't feature a microphone and headphone port which means you have got little control over the audio. It is probably a better idea to purchase another model if you require decent audio for your videos.
Leica Q Weather Sealing
Leica Q doesn't include weather proofing so rainy conditions can easily ruin the camera.
Leica Q Screen and Viewfinder
The Leica Q has got a 3" fixed screen supporting a resolution of 1,040k dots.
Moreover the screen is touch friendly which means that you are able to switch focus points plus change settings using your fingertips.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthThe View Finder details for Leica Q are the following:
- ViewFinder Electronic
- ViewFinder Resolution 3,680k dots
- ViewFinder Coverage 100 percent
- ViewFinder Magnification 0.76x
For sunny outdoor situations which make the camera screens washed out and tricky to see, viewfinders can be rather helpful.
Leica Q Shutter specs
Leica Q continuous shooting rate is 10.0 frames per second. The max shutter speed is 1/2000 seconds. The camera also has silent electronic shutter of 1/16000 seconds. Beware that the electronic shutter might result in "rolling shutter" in certain lighting conditions.
Leica Q Flash and Hot shoe specs
Leica Q has external flash ability but is without in-built flash.
Leica Q Autofocus specs
Leica Q has just Contrast Detect AF & is missing Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more snappier and precise in comparison with Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera has got Face detection which can be helpful for people photography.
Leica Q has tap to focus. You can use your fingers to change focus. Leica Q supports manual focus if needed in low light situations or you require more precise focus control.
Leica Q Battery life
The general Large Sensor Compact camera battery life is 301. Leica X-U offers the highest possible (450) battery life in this group of cameras.
Here is a listing of Large Sensor Compact cameras that have the best battery life:
Leica Q for specific forms of photography
The following graph presents a analysis of the Leica Q for specific forms of photography. To look at more, browse to the specific section underneath.
Leica Q as a Portrait photography camera
The Leica Q receives a points total of 83 which is exceptional, meaning that it is a excellent fit to use for portrait photography. Photographing portrait photos leans heavily to sensor dimension, support for RAW photos and potential to utilize off-camera lighting.
Leica Q Street photography highlights
Having a very good points total of 67, the Leica Q is a very decent choice to buy for street photography. A good street photography camera has a good balance of image quality plus portability.
Leica Q Sports photography advice
A very good sports photography rating of 69 indicates the Leica Q is a fine choice for taking photos of sports. A camera should have good focusing plus continuous shooting for sports photography.
Leica Q Travel photography highlights
Weight is really important in choosing a travel camera. All things considered, the Leica Q gets a nice 63 for a travel camera which makes it a good pick to buy for your holidays.
Leica Q Landscape photography highlights
When you are looking to choose a camera for landscape photography, the most critical aspect is going to be image quality. The Leica Q with it's above average rating of 75 for a landscape camera is a respectable fit compared to it's rivals.
Leica Q Vlogging info
A vlogging camera really should offer a moving display, mic input and ideally IBIS. Considering every thing, the Leica Q is simply not good for vlogging as it gets a terrible rating of 32.
Leica Q Alternatives
If you are trying to find alternatives to the Q, below is a number of the highest rated cameras which fall in to the category of Large Sensor Compact.
The line graph below offers you an overview of the Q versus it's highest ranked competitors listed previously.
These are some more cameras you might regard as alternative options. To review a complete comparison, simply click the "compare" link.