Leica is a brand known for producing some of the best cameras in the world, and the Leica Q is no exception. This full-frame camera was released in 2015 and has been a popular choice for photographers ever since. I recently purchased a Leica Q and I’ve been astonished at the quality this camera offers on every level.
The Leica Q is a compact camera that is packed with features and is perfect for many styles of photography, including travel, street photography, events and landscapes. In this article, we will delve into some of the best features of the Leica Q camera to help you decide if this camera is right for you in 2023.
Table of Contents
Leica Q features:
Full-Frame Sensor
The Leica Q has a full-frame sensor, which is a rarity in compact cameras. The sensor is a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor that provides excellent image quality. The full-frame sensor also allows for a shallower depth of field, which means that the subject will be in sharp focus while the background is blurred, giving the photo a professional look.
Along with the full frame, 24-megapixel sensor you also get the incredible colour science that comes with Leica cameras. They have been known for creating the ‘Leica look’, and the Q certainly gives this in abundance.
Fast Lens
The Leica Q has an incredible fixed 28mm F1. 7 Summilux stabilized lens. This means that the camera can capture more light, allowing for better low-light performance. The fast lens also provides a shallow depth of field, which can create stunning bokeh.
If you were to purchase the lens alone for one of Leica’s interchangeable lens cameras, it would cost around £6000 new.
Built-in Viewfinder
The Leica Q has a built-in electronic viewfinder, which is a rarity in compact cameras. The viewfinder has a high resolution of 3.68 million dots and provides a clear and detailed image. The viewfinder is also useful in bright sunlight, where it can be difficult to see the image on the LCD screen.
Manual Focus
The Leica Q has a manual focus ring that provides a tactile feel and allows for precise focus. The manual focus is useful in situations where the autofocus may struggle, such as in low light or when there is a lot of movement in the scene. the manual focus ring is a joy to use as it feels smooth and is very precise. I’ve found it easy to achieve pin sharp photos using manual focus.
Compact and Lightweight
The Leica Q is a compact camera that is easy to carry around. It weighs just 640g, making it perfect for travel and street photography. Despite its small size, the camera is well-built and feels solid in the hand.
Read about how to choose a cameras here
Price
One of the benefits of purchasing a legacy camera is that the price has now dropped because of the release of the newer Q2. In the used market you can now buy the older model for much cheaper, making this camera a bargain. The newer model is still full frame and has exactly the same lens, making the first Q a great purchase today.
Wi-Fi and NFC
The Leica Q has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, which allows for easy sharing of photos to smartphones and tablets. This is useful for social media sharing or for transferring photos to a computer.
Solid Construction
The Leica Q is built to last. It has a magnesium alloy body that is both durable and lightweight. My copy was purchased on the used market and has clearly had a few scratches along the way, but it still feels solid and ready for the next journey.
Easy to Use
The Leica Q is a camera that is easy to use. The camera has a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to navigate. The camera also has physical dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation, making it easy to adjust settings quickly. If you want to change the ISO, there’s a dedicated button to quickly find your desired settings.
Download stunning presets for your images here
Design
When you purchase a Leica camera there’s an added bonus: the look of the design. Leica’s have always been known for their beautiful aesthetics and no frills design, and this is still the case with the Q. It’s built like a tank and yet feels perfect in your hand, with well placed buttons and an indent in the camera for your thumb to grip comfortably.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Leica Q is a masterpiece in photography. I’ve spent the last few years using a large variety of Fujifilm cameras, and in many ways you can see how Fujifilm have been inspired by Leica in their design choices. However, when you hold a Leica in your hand and start capturing images, there’s nothing to compare with how it feels.
It is a compact camera that is packed with features, including a full-frame sensor, fast lens, built-in electronic viewfinder, manual focus, and Wi-Fi and NFC. The camera is built to last and is easy to use. It is a great choice for travel and street photography and is perfect for photographers who want a compact camera that provides excellent image quality.