The Leica Q2 Monochrom is a full-frame compact camera equipped with a 47.3MP monochrome sensor, which is used only for the purpose of recording vivid and rich black-and-white pictures. It is the result of the union of two of Leica’s most distinctive series.
When compared to a standard CMOS sensor, this specialized monochrome sensor does not include a color filter array, allowing it to record only luminance values, resulting in greater visual depth and clarity, as well as improved sensitivity to ISO 100,000 and lower noise levels to accommodate working in low-light conditions.
In addition, the sensor’s design eliminates the need for an optical low-pass filter and has an upgraded microlens array, which results in images that are sharper and have greater resolution as a result.
Beyond the distinction of being Monochrom, this version of the Q2 follows a well-trodden route of speedy and reliable performance, as well as easy handling. The sensor works in conjunction with a Maestro II image processor to provide high shooting speeds of up to 10 frames per second, compatibility for both DCI and UHD 4K video recording, and dependable autofocus performance in low-light conditions.
It also has the same well-known Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. wide-angle primary lens, which has been specially designed to work in conjunction with the sensor design to provide remarkable resolution and clarity.
This Monochrom version of the Q2 keeps the beloved slim and small form that makes it great for street and travel photography, and it even features a more discreet matte black finish that does not include the Leica red dot.
In order to function in challenging settings, its magnesium alloy body has been weather-sealed. It also employs the same battery used in the top SL-series of mirrorless cameras, which results in extended battery life.
With a 3.68MP OLED electronic viewfinder for smooth and crisp eye-level monitoring, as well as a 3.0″ 1.04m-dot touchscreen LCD for intuitive playback and settings management, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is an excellent choice.
Through the use of the Leica FOTOS app, the built-in Bluetooth LE and Wi-Fi enable wireless sharing and remote camera control from a mobile device that is connected to the camera.
Monochrom
The Q2 Monochrom, which distinguishes itself from the ordinary Q2, is the first variant of this tiny full-frame camera to be available exclusively in black and white.
Based on the standard edition, this distinctive version retains the highly regarded design elements of the Q2 system while adding a 47.3MP monochrome sensor that does not include a color filter array or a low-pass filter, allowing it to record only black-and-white imagery with greater sharpness and clarity.
The Q2 Monochrom is distinguished not only by its distinct imaging capabilities and picture quality but also by its monochromatic external design, which includes white and gray engravings on the body and a clean top plate look.
CMOS sensor with 47.3MP B&W resolution and Maestro II processor
Q2 Monochrom is equipped with an imaging system that is truly unique in its class. It incorporates a high-resolution 47.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor that works in conjunction with the Maestro II image processor to deliver a wide dynamic range with noticeable tonal rendering, in addition to increased sensitivity to accommodate working in a variety of lighting conditions.
The sensor’s architecture incorporates an upgraded microlens array and does not have an optical low-pass filter, allowing for improved sharpness, resolution, and clarity in the images captured. Additionally, the Q2 Monochrom sensor differs from traditional sensor designs in that it does not have a color filter array (CFA), which allows it to capture monochromatic pictures using only luminance values, resulting in improved clarity, depth, and resolution.
The absence of a color filter array (CFA) allows this camera to attain a larger sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 100,000 than the color-enabled Q2 camera, as well as lower noise for operating in low-light circumstances and a broad 13-stop dynamic range.
As a result of the Maestro II’s processing capabilities, it is capable of shooting at up to 10 frames per second at full resolution when using a mechanical shutter, as well as having an exceptionally speedy focusing mechanism. Still images can be captured as 14-bit DNG files or JPEG images.
Unique digital zoom capabilities are enabled by the increased resolution, which allows users to mimic working with different focal length lenses. For example, 30MP photographs may be made with a 35mm field of view, 15MP images with a 50mm field of view, and 7MP images with a 75mm field of view.
In addition to still images, and in a first for Monochrom cameras, this Q2 is capable of recording video in both DCI 4K24p and UHD 4K30p resolutions, as well as high-speed Full HD recording at up to 120p.
The Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. the lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.7.
The inclusion of a fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 wide-angle primary lens in the Q-series is a significant factor in the success of the camera. This lens, which combines Leica’s optical expertise with a design that is precisely suited to the image sensor, has three aspherical elements to limit distortion and spherical aberrations, resulting in a clear and accurate depiction of images.
Its quick f/1.7 maximum aperture performs admirably in low-light situations and allows for greater control over depth of focus in portraiture. A specialized macro focusing position may also be utilized to deal with targets as near as 6.7 inches away, further increasing the camera’s flexibility.
Additional to this, optical image stabilization helps to compensate for the impacts of camera shake, resulting in clearer handheld photography.
Design of the Body
High-resolution 3.68MP (1280 x 960) OLED electronic viewfinder with eye-level viewing gives a clean and realistic manner of framing your shots. In addition, an improved eye sensor allows for faster-automated switching between the EVF and the back LCD screen.
- The rear 3.0″ 1.04m-dot LCD has a touchscreen interface that allows for straightforward navigation and playing, as well as the ability to touch to focus on a subject or object.
- In order to be used in tough environmental circumstances, the body is made of lightweight magnesium alloy that is dust and moisture-sealed (IP52-rated).
- The BP-SCL4 battery has a capacity of about 350 shots per charge, and the physical design of the battery contains a rubber gasket to further strengthen the overall weather sealing of the battery.
- Improvements in haptics, similar to those found in the M10 and CL-series cameras, emphasize a more straightforward user interface, which includes a single-stage On/Off button, a three-button rear control set, an additional programmable button within the thumb-wheel dial, a push-button diopter adjustment, and a distinctive thumb grip.
- Flash sync rates of up to 1/500 second are possible with a mechanical shutter.
- The lens has a filter thread with a diameter of 49mm that may be used to connect extra filters.
- Accepts a single SD-type memory card and is compatible with the UHS-II transfer protocol.
- With built-in Wi-Fi and the Leica FOTOS software for iOS and Android, it is possible to share photos directly to a linked mobile device, as well as manage the camera remotely and shoot remotely using a live view image from the camera. Besides that, Bluetooth LE helps to maintain a persistent connection between the mobile device and the camera, allowing for remote waking of the camera and automatic connecting at any time when the devices are within range of one another.
Leica Q2 Monochrom Specs
| Price | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $5995 |
| Body type | Large sensor compact |
| Max resolution | 8368 x 5584 |
| Image ratio w:h | 3:2 |
| Effective pixels | 47 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 50 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| ISO | Auto, 100-100000 |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| Focal length (equiv.) | 28 mm |
| Optical zoom | 1× |
| Maximum aperture | F1.7 |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Digital zoom | Yes (1.2x (35mm equiv), 1.5x (50mm equiv), 2x (75mm)) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Normal focus range | 30 cm (11.81″) |
| Macro focus range | 17 cm (6.69″) |
| Number of focus points | 49 |
| Focal length multiplier | 1× |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.76× |
| Viewfinder resolution | 3,686,000 |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/40000 sec |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
| Shutter priority | Yes |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes (via hotshoe) |
| Continuous drive | 20.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 12 secs) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps) |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes | 4096 x 2160 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, AAC3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MP4, H.264, AAC |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II supported) |
| USB charging | No |
| HDMI | No |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes (IP52 rated) |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | BP-SCL4 |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 350 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 734 g (1.62 lb / 25.89 oz) |
| Dimensions | 130 x 80 x 92 mm (5.12 x 3.15 x 3.62″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Leica Q2 Monochrom Price
