• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 24.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000

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Differences

Leica Q advantages over Leica CL

  • Less expensive
    $3695* vs $6995
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.00 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/500 vs 1/180 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Leica CL advantages over Leica Q

  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Thinner
    45 mm vs 93 mm
    Thinner
  • Faster shutter
    1/25000 vs 1/16000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica CL

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony RX1

Leica Q
Sony RX1
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
Leica CL
Sony RX1
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Leica X-U (Typ 113)

Leica Q
Leica X-U (Typ 113)
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $3495
  • APS-C
  • Waterproof
  • More telephoto lens reach
Leica CL
Leica X-U (Typ 113)
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $3495
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compared to Sony A6500

Leica Q
Sony A6500
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
Leica CL
Sony A6500
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Top deck display
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Leica Q2

Leica Q
Leica Q2
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $5447
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Leica CL
Leica Q2
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Top deck display
  • Thinner
  • $5447
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Fujifilm X-Pro3

Leica Q
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
Leica CL
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
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