Leica Q2 debuted as the new entrant in the company’s iconic Q series. Like the first generation Leica Q launched three years ago, the new model packs a 28mm Summilux ASPH prime lens with f / 1.7 aperture. The Leica Q2, however, packs some upgrades with 4K video recording support and a larger, 47.3-megapixel full-frame sensor. It also has the ability to mimic focal lengths. The Leica Q2 is priced at $ 4,995 (approximately Rs. 3,50,000) and is already selling in the US. It will arrive in India in mid-April, the company announced.
The design of the Leica Q2 is reminiscent of the original Leica Q full-frame camera that was unveiled in June 2015. Here is a classic build that comes with a protective ceiling from dust and water spray. Nevertheless, the German company has made some significant changes to the new model so that it can be easily distinguished from its predecessor. The leather trim has a new thumb rest as well as a diamond pattern.
Among other major changes, the Leica Q2 comes with a 47.3-megapixel image sensor that is capable of not only capturing high-quality stills but also recording 4K video with a frame rate of 30 or 24fps. It can record full-HD (1080p) video with a frame rate of 120, 60, 30 or 24fps. Moreover, there is a set of microphones to support stereo audio recording.
In contrast, the Leica Q had a 24-megapixel image sensor. The company, however, retained the 28mm Summilux f.1.7 ASPH lens in Q2. The camera features a 3.68-megapixel OLED viewfinder and a 3-inch TFT monitor with support for touch inputs.
The Leica Q2 is capable of taking up to 10 images per second and comes with an image processor from the Maestro II family. Also, there is a proprietary autofocus system that is said to lock focus on a subject in 0.15 seconds. The new Leica camera can mimic focal lengths of 35mm, 50mm and 70mm. It supports, by default, the original 28mm focal length.
Leica offers the option to save cropped images with similarly reduced resolution of 47.3, 30, 14.7 or 6.6-megapixels. Furthermore, the camera stores simultaneously encrypted images in DNG (raw) format with full, 47.3-megapixel resolution.
The Leica Q2 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE (low energy) connectivity. It can also be used with the Leica Fotos app which allows users to share their photos and videos on social media or remotely control the camera shutter.
The Leica Q2 has a new shutter release button that only controls the on / off function. This is in contrast to the Leica Q which offers uninterrupted shooting by long-pressing the shutter release button. Still, users can access the continuous shooting feature from the camera menu.
The Leica Q2 packs a 1,860mAh battery. Also, it measures 130x80x91.9mm and weighs 734 grams (including battery).