• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 24.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 45.7 megapixels
  • ISO 64 - 25,600

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Differences

Leica Q advantages over Nikon D850

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.00 vs 4.35 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • 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 max flash sync
    1/500 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Lighter weight
    640g vs 915g
    Lighter weight
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.0 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D850 advantages over Leica Q

  • Less expensive
    $2497 vs $3695
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,660 vs 2,221 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    14.8 vs 12.7 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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
  • More dots on screen
    2359k vs 1040k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    45.7 vs 24.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 50000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Class-leading resolution; Excellent dynamic range; Very good high ISO performance; Very fast AF and burst shooting; Durable weather-sealed body; Improved ergonomics; Touchscreen; Dual card slots; 4K video.

  • Live view/video mode still uses sluggish contrast-detect AF; Viewfinder only tests at ~98% coverage; No 4K at 60p; 30-minute video clip limit; Focus peaking not supported with 4K.

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
Nikon D850
Sony RX1
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • 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
Nikon D850
Leica X-U (Typ 113)
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $3495
  • APS-C
  • Waterproof
  • Internal flash

Compared to Sony A99 II

Leica Q
Sony A99 II
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D850
Sony A99 II
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Leica Q
Pentax K-1 II
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
Nikon D850
Pentax K-1 II
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Leica Q2

Leica Q
Leica Q2
  • $3695
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $5563
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Nikon D850
Leica Q2
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $5563
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
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