The prestige compact with a full-frame sensor
The Leica Q might seem eye-wateringly expensive, but what you’re getting for your money is arguably the best compact camera ever built. Okay, so its built-like-atank aluminium and magnesium alloy body isn’t exactly light or compact, its lens is fixed, and its price-tag is, well, Leica-esque, but excluding Sony’s RX cameras, the Q is in a league of its own. With styling that alludes to the brand’s M-series, this camera has a fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH lens. Sharp and virtually distortion-free, the optic lacks none of the performance the brand is associated with. While its fixed focal range may put off some users, 28mm is wide enough for landscapes and perfect for street photography. Combined with the full-frame sensor found in the camera, its wide f/1.7 aperture provides the shallowest depth-of-field and maximum light-gathering capabilities of any compact available on the market.
The massive CMOS sensor puts in a performance that rivals its DSLR rivals, and with an ISO range that stretches from 100 to a huge 50,000, it comfortably produces high quality 24.2MP images up to ISO 3200. No anti-aliasing filter means none of the lens’ sharpness is lost either.
Thanks to the Maestro II processor, full resolution DNGs can be captured at up to 10fps on the Leica Q. A speedy 49-point contrast detect AF system performs well in any light and offers tracking and face detection options alongside standard modes. Manual focusing on the camera is also pleasingly smooth, owing to a focus ring with thumb tab and AF lock control. In addition, focus peaking and digital magnification options are available. The minimum focus distance of the lens is 30cm as standard, but turning the dedicated macro ring reveals a new distance scale for focal distances up to 17cm.
The Q’s 3.68MP LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicone) EVFprovides an excellent stream for composition, while a rear 3in 1040k-dot LCD offers bright menu operation, focus point control and shutter release by touch. Aperture has a dedicated ring on the lens, while shutter speed has a dial on the camera body for manual control. Both have automatic positions that when selected can be used for the standard semi-auto and fully-auto shooting modes.
Despite its retro styling, the camera is packingWi-Fi for remote shooting and file transfer, while Full HD video can be recorded at 60fps. The camera has a hotshoe for an external flash, but lacks a pop-up flash like the Sony RX1. Battery life is a reasonable 300 shots.
Verdict
As with all Leicas, the Q is not exactly cheap. But its nearest competition, the Sony RX1, costs £1900 without an EVF, and Leica’s next-cheapest full-frame sells for £4750, so its price isn’t as outrageous as it sounds. For professionals looking for ultimate performance from a fixed lens camera, this is the ideal choice. You’ll just need deep pockets in more ways than one to take it home
Specs
Camera: Leica Q (Typ 116)
Lens: 28mm f/1.7
Price: £2900
Effective resolution: 24.2MP
Sensor: 24x36mm full-frame CMOS
LCD: 3in 1040k-dot touchscreen
EVF: 3686k-dot LCOS
Autofocus: Contrast
ISO: 100-50,000
Shooting speed: 10fps for 13 RAW files
Video: Full HD (1080p) at 60fps
Battery life: 300 shots
Size (WxHxD): 130x80x93mm
Weight: 640g