Leica Q (Typ 116)
Price £3,375
ALONGSIDE the Sony Cyber-shot DSC- RX1R and RX1R II, the Leica Q is the only other fixed-lens compact to feature a full-frame sensor. While the RX1R II offers significantly more resolution at 42.2MP, the Leica Q’s sensor is a more memory card-friendly 24.2MP. The Q’s sensor is paired with a Leica Maestro II series image processor to facilitate a maximum continuous-shooting speed of 10fps. Native sensitivity, meanwhile, ranges from ISO 100 to 50,000, and shutter speeds range from 1-1/2000sec via the mechanical shutter, or 1-1/16,000sec via the electronic shutter. In addition to capturing JPEG and raw still images, the Leica Q can also record 1080p full HD movies at a maximum rate of 60fps.
The Leica Q is equipped with a fixed Leica Summilux 28mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.7. For those occasions where 28mm is simply too wide, the Digital Frame Selector function can be used to apply either a 1.25x crop to produce a 15.4MP image at 35mm, or a 1.8x crop for a 7.5MP image at 50mm. The lens further benefits from built-in image stabilisation and features a dedicated aperture ring, which neatly complements the shutter-speed dial located on the top plate.
A 3in, 1.04-million- dot LCD display is located on the back of the camera, and offers touchscreen control. Above this sits a 3.68million- dot electronic viewfinder. Build quality, as you would expect, is exceptional, with the aluminium top plate and magnesium-alloy body giving the Q a reassuringly premium feel. For those with the budget, the Leica Q is undoubtedly a tempting proposition.
Key features
Price £ 3,375 Full-frame 24.2MP CMOS sensor Leica Summilux-M 28mm f/1.7 Asph lens ISO 100-50,000 3in/1.04-million-dot LCD touchscreen 3.68-million-dot EVF