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Leica Q (Typ 116) Mirrorless Camera Review

Jeffrey

September 26, 2023

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The titanium gray Leica Q (Typ 116) Digital Camera is a no-compromise compact that packs a full-frame 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor into an extraordinarily portable and elegant chassis. By utilizing the processing capacity of the Leica Maestro II series image processor, high-resolution, low-noise imagery is feasible at sensitivities as high as ISO 50000 and at a continuous rate of 10 frames per second, according to the manufacturer.

As well as this, the camera is equipped with a Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens, which allows users to create dramatic separation between the subject and the backdrop while working in low light circumstances.

The design benefits from Leica’s traditional, straightforward look, and the body is adorned with clearly read laser etched writing, numbers, and dials on the front and back. The body is made of lightweight magnesium alloy and has a machined aluminum top plate.

The construction is sturdy. A big thumb rest on the rear, as well as a diamond pattern on the front leathering, offer a secure and pleasant grasp on the camera. To add to that, the Q (Typ 116) boasts an integrated 3,680×1,080 pixel LCOS electronic viewfinder, which delivers a live through-the-lens image with handling comparable to that of a rangefinder.

In addition to entirely manual control with physical movement of the aperture and focus rings on the lens, auto focus is also feasible using a contrast-based technology, which is more expensive. This allows for quick and crisp imaging with the touch of the shutter button.

In addition, the back 3.0″ 1.04m-dot touchscreen LCD panel assists users by allowing them to instantly take control of their concentration by just touching on their subject. Focusing aids, such as Focus Peaking and Live View Zoom, are also available for use with the camera.

Another advantage of the new Maestro II CPU is the ability to capture Full HD 1080p video at 60 or 30 frames per second. In addition to a built-in stereo microphone for high-quality sound recording, the device also includes an inbuilt wind filter to reduce background noise. Users will then be able to dial in the exact appearance they need or require for their photo with complete manual control.

Thanks to an inbuilt Wi-Fi module that allows you to connect the camera to a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can quickly share your photographs and movies with others. Also included is an NFC chip, which allows you to connect to specific devices by just tapping them together.

Additionally, the free Leica Q app allows you to take remote control of your camera, allowing you to alter exposure while shooting from unusual angles and positions.

Leica Q is a camera that was developed by Leica (Typ 116)

The Q (Typ 116) is a tiny camera with Leica’s iconic aesthetic. It has an intuitive, basic design while being compact. It is equipped with a full-frame sensor and a Summilux lens to provide the best possible image quality in both stills and video. As with their M-series cameras, an electronic viewfinder is also available for operation and handling that is similar to that of a rangefinder.

Full-frame CMOS sensor with 24MP resolution and Maestro II image processor

With a full-frame 24MP CMOS sensor, this camera is capable of capturing clear high-resolution photos and Full HD video with incredibly low noise at sensitivities of up to ISO 50000 while maintaining remarkable low-light performance. When combined with the processing capability of the Maestro II image processor, this allows for continuous shooting at a rate of up to 10 frames per second and video recording at a rate of up to 60 frames per second.

The Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.7.

With the Leica Q’s Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens, you may get greater control over your image by being able to distinguish between the subject and the backdrop (Typ 116). It boasts a quick maximum aperture of f/1.7 for working in low light circumstances, as well as a physical aperture blade and focus ring for more tactile control over the camera.

Photographers who want to get a little closer to the action can take advantage of a Digital Frame Selector setting, which will crop the image in either 1.25x for a 35mm equivalent field of view, or in 1.8x for a 50mm equivalent field of view, both of which will be visible on the electronic viewfinder and LCD.

Additionally, an optical stabilization technology that reduces camera shake in both movies and images, as well as the capacity to accommodate 49mm threaded filters, all contribute to improved image quality overall.

Viewfinder with an electronic display

The presence of a 3.68MP LCOS electronic viewfinder in the upper left corner of the camera’s back ensures that shooting may be done in a more natural and ergonomic manner. The design of this configuration, which has a resolution of 1280 x 960 pixels and three colors, delivers an extraordinarily clean and brilliant viewing experience.

The low-pass Filter has been omitted.

Fine details and a particularly realistic visual impression are achieved with the lack of the low-pass filter, which is otherwise used to achieve this effect.

Optical Viewfinder/Rangefinder (also known as a rangefinder)

With the help of the wide, crisp, bright-line rangefinder with 0.68x magnification and automated parallax adjustment, users may manually focus the camera. The frame lines on the viewfinder correspond to the image sensor’s size, which is 3.2 feet (1 m).

A bright area in the middle of the viewfinder image indicates the presence of a split or overlaid image rangefinder. The eyepiece has been calibrated to -0.5 diopters. During use of the optical viewfinder, an LED display is displayed, which displays auto shutter speeds and exposure correction cautions.

Exposure

Through the Lens (TTL) metering is used for exposure metering, which is center-weighted with variable aperture. There are two exposure modes available: Automatic shutter speed (Aperture Priority A-mode) and Manual Exposure (also known as Manual Exposure) (M-mode). The exposure adjustment ranges from -3 EV to +3 EV in 1/3 stop increments.

Design that is both attractive and durable

The top cover is milled brass, while the body is made entirely of magnesium. The finish is anthracite gray, and the leather trim is black.

The file format and size of an image

The M-E captures images in both DNG (raw data uncompressed or nonlinear compressed) and JPEG formats, depending on the situation. The compressed DNG file size is 18 MB, while the uncompressed file size is 36 MB (uncompressed). The exact size of a JPEG file is determined on the resolution and content of the image.

User Profiles

Up to four sets of camera and exposure settings may be kept under a user-selected profile name and retrieved quickly whenever they are needed in the future.

Languages Available on the Menu

English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese are some of the languages spoken in the world.

Functions that are not listed above

Saturation, contrast, and sharpening are all options.

Accessories

The Leica M-E is compatible with all extra accessories that are compatible with the Leica M9/M9-P digital cameras.

Software

A complimentary copy of the Adobe Lightroom program is also provided.

Leica Q (Typ 116) Specs