The long-expected successor to Leica’s popular Q fixed-lens camera is now available for purchasing at an RRP of AU$7700.
Angled front view of the Leica Q2. (Source: Leica Camera.)
Featuring a new 47.3 megapixel full frame sensor and fast Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH. prime lens, the new model offers crop factors that equate to focal lengths of 35, 50 or 75 millimetres, the latter an extension over the previous camera. The selected crop is displayed as a bright-line frame in the viewfinder and on the rear display panel. Cropped images are saved in JPEG format with correspondingly reduced resolutions of 47.3, 30, 14.7, or 6.6 megapixels. The uncropped image is always saved simultaneously as a DNG file with the full resolution of 47.3 megapixels.
Back view of the new Leica Q2. (Source: Leica Camera.)
The Q2 also comes with a new OLED viewfinder with a resolution of 3.68 megapixels. Selected frame crops are displayed as bright-line frames in the viewfinder as well as on the rear display panel. Another key feature is the improved AF system, which claims an acquisition time of less than 0.15 seconds, which makes it one of the fastest cameras in its class. 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 full resolution.
Top view of the new Leica Q2 with the supplied lens hood fitted. (Source: Leica Camera.)
The new camera can also record 4K video at 3840 x 2160 pixels and frame rates of 30 or 24 fps in addition to regular Full HD clips. In conjunction with the Leica FOTOS App, the camera’s integrated Wi-Fi module enables users to quickly and easily share pictures and video in social media, change camera settings from a smartphone or remotely control the shutter release. Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) maintains a permanent connection between the camera and smartphone.
While retaining the basic design of the previous model, the Q2 gains a new thumb rest and distinctive diamond pattern on its leather trim as well as a redesigned dioptre compensation setting dial on the back of the camera that prevents inadvertent re-setting. The 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.
As with the previous model, a comprehensive range of optional accessories is available, including protectors and carrying straps in premium-quality leather, coated canvas pouches the Leica SF 40, SF 60 flash units the SF C1 remote flash control unit, an additional thumb rest and a handgrip. The Leica Q2 is on sale from today at authorised Leica dealers. For more information, phone (03) 9248 4444.
