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

Buy From

Differences

Leica Q advantages over Leica SL (Typ 601)

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,221 vs 1,821 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/500 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Lighter weight
    640g vs 847g
    Lighter weight

Leica SL (Typ 601) advantages over Leica Q

  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Thinner
    39 mm vs 93 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • 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.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Superb build quality; Amazing EVF; Great image quality from RAW files; Good high ISO performance; Very good dynamic range; Very low shutter lag; Fast AF on stationary objects; Class-leading ~11 fps burst mode; 4K DCI and UHD video; Full HD up to 120p. Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS; Dual card slots; Decent battery life for its class.

  • Big for a full-frame mirrorless camera; Very slow buffer clearing; Contrast-detect AF system struggles with moving subjects; In-camera JPEGs are muted and dull; Very limited native lens selection (but supports many other Leica lenses via adapters); Expensive.

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 SL (Typ 601)
Sony RX1
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

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 SL (Typ 601)
Leica X-U (Typ 113)
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $3495
  • APS-C
  • Waterproof
  • Internal flash

Compared to Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Leica Q
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • Thinner
  • Longer exposure
Leica SL (Typ 601)
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking
  • $5995
  • 35mm

Compared to Sony A9

Leica Q
Sony A9
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
Leica SL (Typ 601)
Sony A9
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Top deck display
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • 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 SL (Typ 601)
Leica Q2
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $5447
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
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