Leica Q (Typ 116) Review

Leica Q (Typ 116) Introduction Video

Leica Q (Typ 116) Overview

If you’re looking for a high-end, fixed lens compact camera with impressive features, the Leica Q (Typ 116) is just what you need. It is the first full-frame camera from Leica that incorporates an autofocus system, 24MP full-frame sensor, and a stabilized lens at 28mm F1.7.

It is available in black, titanium gray, and the newly added silver anodized unit with the classic black paint.

Many may say it is ridiculously overpriced in terms of image quality, flexibility, and features. Where handling and design are concerned, however, the Leica Q (Typ 116) is priceless.

Design & Features

This camera is not your average compact camera as it is built like real top-end models. The top plate is made of aluminum while the frame is of magnesium alloy.

Compared to the Sony RX100 IV, which is the only one of two contenders of the camera, the Leica Q (Typ 116) boasts of a full frame sensor but remains lightweight and easier to carry, despite it being larger in build.

If you opt for a model with a matte finish, this camera is pleasantly low-key. It’s the one model you want if you prefer something less showy in terms of looks but very impressive in terms of performance.

Handling and control

The Leica Q (Typ 116) offers a sense of intuitive and fluid operation despite its limited space. This is something to do with the excellent manual controls that feel so natural to use, you would switch off the auto settings entirely after spending a few more days using the manual controls.

Many photographers likened it to the FujiFilm X100 series in terms of handling and control.

It also helps that the camera has a fixed lens and lens wheels with two controls, one for the aperture and another for manual focusing.

Shutter speed dial sits on the top plate, while a second control wheel is located by the shutter button. Their placement ensures that you do not accidentally flick the controls or damage them during operation.

In keeping up with its simple design, the rear of the Leica Q (Typ 116) only has a D-pad, a screen, and 5 clearly labeled buttons. This offers comprehensive controls without the clutter.

Sharpest EVF

If you’re after a traditional shooting style, you will be happy to know that this particular model from Leica features an EVF with a quality similar to that of an optical viewfinder. At 3.68m-dot resolution, equivalent to 1280x960 pixels, it is the sharpest so far.

It also comes with extra vertical pixel lines to give you that viewfinder’s aspect that is closer to that of the actual camera sensor.

Impressive touch focusing

Although the screen itself is less remarkable, the touchscreen’s focusing capabilities are wonderfully implemented. The screen may not tilt, but improved touch focusing lets you focus your point quickly and easily, even when you don’t have your eyes locked onto the viewfinder.

Performance and AF

The Leica Q (Typ 116) offers 10fps shooting, an impressive speed for a full-frame camera, especially given its small size. It boasts of a pure contrast-detection system that tracks the contrast in the sensor read-out faster than the phase-detection AF used by some DSLR cameras.

Lens and image quality

The lack of a zoom can be perceived as a downside. But fitting one in a camera as small as the Leica Q (Typ 116) is not easy. What it lacks, however, it makes up for a fixed, prime 28mm lens that results in high quality images. Expect a smooth bokeh in any shallow depth-of-field effects.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• High-quality lens
• Impressive handling and control
• Excellent image quality

Cons

• A bit on the expensive side, with its price pushing it into a niche
• Screen could be better
• Video capabilities could be improved

Final Thoughts

With a design and build quality that are most impressive, the Leica Q (Typ 116) is a great choice for a compact camera, despite its expensive price. With features that provide high-quality images, you will appreciate its performance.

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