Two Up… New Leica Q2 Has More MP And 4K Video
The original Q has proved to be a big seller for Leica, combining many of the traditional values of a classic M camera with modern amenities such as autofocusing, an electronic viewfinder and programmed exposure control.
The new Q2 model has the same Smilax 28mm f1.7 ASPH fixed wide-angle lens, but has a higher-resolution sensor, weather sealing, an OLED-type viewfinder and 4K video recording. The new full-35mm CMOS sensor has a total pixel count of 50.4 million (47.3 MP effective) and is claimed to deliver 13 stops of dynamic range. The maximum image size for both JPEGs and RAW files is 8368x5584 pixels. The sensitivity range is equivalent to ISO 50 to 50,000. The Q2 captures JPEGs in three sizes and RAW files in the DNG format with 14-bit RGB colour. Thanks to the sensor’s higher resolution, a new 75mm-equivalent crop is now available, joining the 35mm and 50mm options. Mind you, at 75mm the largest image size is 3136x2096 pixels which is 6.6 MP. Both the Cinema 4K (4096x2160 pixels) and Ultra HD 4K (3840x2160 pixels) resolutions are available for MP4 video recording at 24 fps with UHD also at 25 fps (PAL standard). Full HD footage can be recorded at 24, 25, 50 or 100 fps, this last speed for slow-mo effects. There are built-in stereo microphones, but no provision for connecting an external mic. The single SD memory card slot now supports UHS-II speed devices which are recommended for 4K video recording.
The Q2’s ‘Maestro II’ processor has also been upgraded, enabling continuous shooting at up to 10 fps at the full capture resolution of 47.3 MP and with continuous autofocusing. When using the camera’s sensor-based shutter, the fastest continuous shooting speed is 20 fps. The sensor shutter now has a top speed of 1/40,000 second while the FP shutter’s fastest setting remains at 1/2000 second. The maximum flash sync speed remains at 1/500 second with flash units coupling via a hot shoe. As before, there’s a choice of multi-zone, centre-weighted average and spot metering modes with up to +/-3.0 EV exposure compensation.
The 28mm f1.7 lens is unchanged from the Q and autofocusing is via contrast detection using 225 measuring points with face-detection and subject tracking. The minimum focusing distance is 17 cm with the camera’s macro mode, 30 cm with normal shooting.
The new OLED-type EVF has a resolution of 3.68 megadots and gives 100 percent scene coverage. The 7.62 cm TFT LCD monitor screen is fixed and has a resolution of 1.04 megadots with, as before, touchscreen controls. The Q2’s weather sealing meets the same IP52 standard as the Leica SL mirrorless body. Built at Leica’s factory in Wetzlar, Germany, the Q2 is virtually identical in size and styling to the Q with a magnesium alloy bodyshell, but there have been minor revisions to the control layout, including eliminating the drive mode settings from the power switch and adding a customisable function button inside the main input wheel. The Q2 now uses the same 1860 mAh BP-SCL4 lithiumion battery pack as the SL, giving a 30 percent increase in battery life which is quoted at 400 shots per charge. Both WiFi and Bluetooth LE wireless connectivity are now provided.
Other notable features include in-camera panorama and HDR multi-shot capture, a small selection of subject/scene modes, auto exposure bracketing (over three or five frames), five JPEG picture presets (including High-Contrast Monochrome) and a dual-delay self-timer.
The Leica Q is available in Australia now with a black finish and priced at $7700 (you can be sure there will be limited edition finishes down the track).
For more information visit https://au.leica-camera.com