Leica’s second-generation Q brings improvements all round while retaining the same fixed 28mm Summilux f/1.7 ASPH lens as its predecessor. The new 47.3MP sensor is claimed to offer the best image quality in the full-frame compact camera segment. The body and lens is dust and spray-water proofed.
While offering a similar 3.68MP resolution to the Q’s viewfinder, the unit in the Q2 is a newly developed high-resolution OLED offering what Leica claims to be the best EVF image quality. The push-button diopter control, to the right of the viewfinder, has been reworked to ensure that it cannot be nudged out of its
Autofocus has been improved to 0.15s, said to be the fastest in its class, while high-speed burst shooting rate has been boosted to 10fps at the full resolution of 47.3MP with the mechanical shutter. This increases to 20fps when the electronic shutter is in use. The Q2 offers full HD capabilities with 4K video with a choice of resolutions and film styles, including a monochrome mode. Top ISO at 50,000 is the same as on the original Q but minimum ISO has been reduced from 100 to 50.
As with the Q, the mechanical shutter ranges from 60s to 1/2000s but the electronic shutter speed is increased from 1/16000s to 1/40000s.
The haptics of the Q2 have been improved with a dedicated on/off switch concentric with the shutter button (similar to that on the M10) and the rear button layout is now similar to that of the CL, with just three major controls (Play, Fn and Menu) in addition to the four-way pad. From April 2 the Leica FOTOS app will support the Q2, offering easier Bluetooth pairing, remote wake up and synchronisation of time settings between smartphone and camera.
While the 28mm Summilux is identical to that of the original Q, the higher resolution of the sensor increases the opportunity for cropping. This is evidenced by the addition of 75mm frame-lines in addition to the 35mm and 50mm crops found on the Q. Image size at 35mm is 30MP, at 50mm it is 14.6MP and at 75mm it is 6.6MP.
The lens offers optional optical image stabilisation.
A welcome feature, especially to be welcomed by SL owners, is that the battery is now shared with the SL and operates in the same way, forming part of the camera bottom plate.
The Q2 is launched together with a wide range of accessories, some identical to those offered with the Q but others, including the handgrip, being unique to the new camera. The Q2 is available immediately and will cost £4,250 (including 20% VAT) in the UK.
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Leica Press Information
Meet the Leica Q2: the next generation of the fixed-lens favourite
Wetzlar, 7th March 2019. The cult-favourite Q range from Leica Camera has a new addition: the highly anticipated Leica Q2. The new model brings its predecessor into the next generation of compact cameras, setting the benchmark in its field with a 47.3 full-frame sensor that delivers 95% more resolution than the previous model, the fastest lens in its class, a precise and rapid autofocus and innovative OLED EVF viewfinder technology. The classic, timeless design of the Leica Q system, however, remains unadulterated for fans of its iconic look and the camera comes with its acclaimed fixed Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH. prime lens. What’s more, the Leica Q2 is the only camera in its class that is protectively sealed against dust and water spray to defend it any weather condition, in any location, making it an ideal travel companion. The Leica Q2 is bound to exceed expectations.
The Leica Q2 sets the benchmark for all other full frame compact mirrorless cameras on the market. The new and improved camera is not only perfect for travel photography but in all areas of street, architectural, landscape, and portrait photography too. Its impressive, newly developed 47.3 megapixel full-frame sensor captures both exceptionally detailed photographs and newly added 4K video at ISO sensitivities of up to 50,000. Together with its improved battery life, its Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH. fixed lens and the fast initial aperture of f/1.7, the Leica Q2 promises to deliver exceptional images even in difficult lighting situations.
Both the Leica FOTOS App and the camera’s integrated Wi-Fi mean that sharing your pictures and video with other devices is quick and easy. The app can also be used to change the camera’s settings from your smartphone, or even to take a picture remotely and thanks to Bluetooth LE (Low Energy), the camera and paired smartphone stay permanently connected.
The design of the Leica Q2 embodies the Leica ethos of ‘reduction to the essentials’ and the ‘Made in Germany’ seal of quality guarantees that only the finest and most resilient materials are used in its construction. The distinctive thumb rest of the new Leica Q2 and the sophisticated diamond pattern of its leather trim offers optimum grip and aesthetic design; form and function. Also new is the camera’s uniquely intuitive handling concept. A highlight of this is the redesigned dioptre compensation setting dial on the back of the camera that prevents inadvertent shifting of the compensation value. In contrast to the Leica Q, and following the design language established by the Leica M10, the new shutter release button of the Q2 now controls only the On/Off function (the second detent for the continuous shooting function has been removed and is now in the camera menu), giving users a confident feel and satisfying haptic feedback.
The Leica Q2’s integrated digital zoom function has been extended to 75mm, giving users even more flexibility in their image composition. And in addition to the uncropped 28 mm focal length of the camera lens, a crop factor can be selected to simulate images created with 35, 50 or 75mm lenses (the selected crop is displayed as a bright-line frame in the viewfinder and on the rear display panel so it can easily be identified by the user). The cropped image is saved in JPEG format with its respectively reduced resolutions of 47.3, 30, 14.7, or 6.6 megapixels; the uncropped image is also automatically saved as a DNG file with the full resolution of 47.3 megapixels.
The Leica Q2 also features a newly developed, high-resolution OLED viewfinder with a resolution of 3.68 megapixels. The high resolution provides complete control over the chosen subject at all times resulting in considerably improved image depth and higher contrast. In contrast to LCD technology, in which only whole sectors of the viewing image can be darkened, the brightness of each individual pixel in the viewfinder of the Q2 is adapted. Despite the high resolution, power consumption remains low. The viewfinder is activated as soon as the camera is brought up to the eye and shows the subject reliably and without any delay.
The autofocus of the Leica Q2 focuses sharply on the subject in less than 0.15 seconds, making it one of the fastest cameras in its field. Ongoing improvements to the processor from the Maestro II family have enabled a higher sequential shooting rate; with an impressive 10 frames per second at the full resolution of 47.3 MP, you’ll never miss that crucial moment. Brilliant, true-to-life video recordings can be made with 3840 x 2160 pixels and frame rates of 30 or 24 fps or, alternatively, in the familiar full HD format with 120, 60, 30 or 24 frames per second. In addition, the Leica Q2 comes with an extended battery life, now allowing the photographer to take up to 350 images on a single charge
Additional features to the camera include a practical locking element to select either manual or automatic focusing. The photographer can also simply switch into macro mode, with a close focus distance of 17 cm, via the lens, giving the user quick and reliable solutions to aid creativity and functionality.
A comprehensive range of optional accessories are available for the Leica Q2 including beautifully crafted, black or brown leather protectors and carrying straps (also available in red and pink for those wanting to add a pop of colour to their Leica). Also launching today, the new and elegant ‘Ettas’ line of soft-coated canvas pouches are available in midnight blue, stone grey and red, with other colour variations to follow. All accessories are functionally designed for easy handling and are manufactured from only the finest materials to ensure reliability and a lifetime of use.
The Leica Q2 is on sale from today at The Leica Store Mayfair, Leica Store City and authorised Leica dealers at RRP of £4,250 including V.A.T.