Leica has just released their new full-frame 24-megapixel camera, the Leica Q (Typ 116), which fashions a Summilux 28mm f/1.7 fixed lens. While following Leica tradition in many aspects of its beautiful design, the Leica Q doesn’t shy away from incorporating fresh advancements into the camera such as a 3.68-megapixel viewfinder, a 3-inch 1.04-million dot touchscreen LCD, quick autofocus, and the ability to shoot 10 frames per second.
Priced at a red dot-approved $4,250, the Leica Q comes in a few thousand dollars less than the beloved Leica M. The German-made Leica Q’s construction is made up of a top plate machined from aluminum and a magnesium alloy body. The image stabilized 28mm f/1.7 Summilux ASPH fixed lens sports 11 elements in 9 groups. Three of these lens elements are aspherical. Aperture size is set by a physical lens ring.
According to Leica, the contrast-detect autofocus system in the Leica Q is the “fastest autofocus in its class.” Using the newly developed Maestro II image processor specially adapted for this camera, the processor is able to speed up data transfer and allows the camera to get up to 10 frames per second with full resolution DNG raw files. Low-light shooters will be able to dial the ISO all the way up to 50,000 from its base ISO of 100. The mechanical shutter fires up to 1/2,000s shutter speeds, with an electronically shutter option giving the Leica Q shutter speeds of up to 1/16,000s. Other features include full HD 1080p video recording at 60 or 30fps, Wi-Fi and NFC functionality, and their digital frame selector (enables preview lines in the viewfinder for 35mm and 50mm shooting equivalence).
Below are a set of sample images taken by Alex Habermehl with the Leica Q:
The Leica Q is available for pre-order now at B&H Photo. For more information, visit the Leica Q website.
and now we wait for the new Sony RX1 update!
Leica, trying to get on that x100 series action.
Late to the game!
Apart from the Q having a full frame sensor and 1.7 lens. Not really the same market
Oh clearly! Leica caters directly to the rich and famous more than working/hobbist photographers.
This camera looks to me as if Ferrari made an SUV. A popular platform outside their main market....
4k for a fixed lens camera is rather steep. I dont mind hitting the streets with one lens and making due, but still for this amount of money i'd like the option that comes with a interchangeable lens camera.
According to the writer, it's fixed focus too. ;)
Fixed focus. I mean the article... I fixed the article!
this will make me a much better photographer!
Oh, the sarcasm :)
seriously: i have heard people say that they are better photographers because they work with leica.
But then again: what do i know. I just take pictures with anything i can get my hands on and i dont have to sell my soul and firstborn for.