There's a simple solution to the "adventure photography is dead" problem. Quit the social media race to the bottom and photograph what YOU want to photograph, "likes" be damned.
With RAW images, you can basically make any picture look the same. So, yes, the Leica SOOC is quite nice, but as you demonstrated, you can just as easily get the same "look" with a few tweaks. Thanks for sharing!
But you cannot replicate a lens with RAW, and the Leica lens definitely has a different look than Sony. Regarding colors though… yeah, you can def replicate any colors.
Agree on the lens, but with Raw, you can ultimately get the look you want. I've taken raw from just about every manufacturer out there and I could get the look I wanted.
I don’t think adventure photography is dead. It’s all about perspective, timing, conditions, intention, and craft. Like you said it is about getting out there. Feeling alive. Enjoying the art. All that will come through the photographs you take. Even if it may have been done before.
I love adventure photography. But I’ve really seen (especially in commercial work) an exhaustion with it. What use to be special images and special places have really come a collection of cliche images. Luckily the places remain special for the experience. But the photography genre is exhausted.
@@davidherring Plenty of places and perspectives that aren't instagram cliches out there. Commercial work is commercial work what is there to say about it... wether its landscape, portrait, or street. I agree though with sentiments around social media and instagram in particular.
I have used many of my leica M lenses on my A7R5 and find the advantage Leica used to have over the competition just isnt there any more. The new sony G masters have more resolving power and because we now shoot digital we can dial in the "look". So for work i shoot Sony now changing from Phase One . Where the leica excels to me is just the user experience. They are nice to shoot with as are the Fuji's although i dont own one of those.
Straight out of the camera I feel that the Q and Leica lenses in general have beautiful micro contrast. It makes things pop out. That said, it's definitely something you can tweak in editing but Leica files are really nice to work with.
@@davidherring I feel like I did want a q2 or Sl2 sometimes after I switched to M. Honestly, Hassy is even more toxic as the color is just different, next level I’ll say. I really want a 907x after I used x1d2 for a year.
The problem is we use to shoot for what made us happy. Now people shoot for the algorithm which is why people are shooting the same image. We need to change the perspective and get back to what makes us happy.
I'm very interested in this comparison, but I really think its no fair pairing the 28/1.7 against the mediocre (and I have, and love this lens) 16-35 GM. The 35/1.4GM, 50/1.2 or even the 24-70/2.8II would have been more fair. A lot of your comments are more relevant to the lens than the camera, and the 16-35 GM is simply not Sony's best.
@@davidherring How do you figure? You've got the Sony 28/2, the Sony 24-70/2.8 GM II, and since you are already not keeping it to fast primes, the Sony 16-35/4 - which is slower but reportedly sharper - and even the Sony 24-105/4 G You also have access to the excellent Sigma 28/1.4 Art.
Right, I suppose the 24-70 would be a better lens than the 16-35, but it’s still 2.8 and still a zoom, not a prime. In terms of sharpness, sure, the 35 or 50 GM is sharper. But I still think the Leica look is noticeable. I shoot on many GM primes, and I can tell you first hand that the Leica lens has more contrast and pop to it.
@@davidherring I don't doubt it - the Leica Q series is legendary; the camera and lens combo. I would just say it is hard to prove that point with one of Sony's more dated and less impressive zooms; I think the 35/1.4GM - which is widely considered one of the best 35s on the planet - would have made a more interesting comparison, despite the difference in focal length.
I have Q2M and I can tell that IQ just one side of Leica and it is not the most important one. IQ is great, but.. the biggest different compared to any other camera - simply user experience. When you pickup Leica in your hands, it feels nothing like any other camera.. even ny Gfx100s feels a toy. With Leica I LOVE to shoot, with other cameras i HAVE to shoot.
My GFX 50Sii does not feel like a toy compared to a Leica. I’ve held the Q2 and owned an SL. Leica’s are wonderful but the Q3 is certainly not £2000 better than a GFX. Give me the GFX any day.
@@chloescanlon1107 It depends on how do you define "better". Imagewise Gfx is superb, but there is something to Leica makes me happy having it in the hands.
I could see exactly what you were talking about. Sony cameras for a long time enjoy having wide dynamic range. That is something in my own photography I have come to rely on.
Very nice comparison, never done any landscapes yet with my Q2 as I believed that it will not perform well, but was I wrong! Definitely need to try this type of photography. I just sold my a7IV with a bunch of G Masters in favour of M11, so it is a steep road you chose to take))
Nice video! The Leica is worth it to me because I can put in in nearly any bag or sling. It’s always with me and doesn’t weigh a ton. A lot of power in a small package. I just wish it was slightly better in low light. I also have the SL2-S and the thing pretty much sees in the dark. 25,000 ISO looks like 6400 on the Q2. It’s just too heavy to lug around without a specific intention. I’m actually considering selling the SL.
I’m working on a video comparing the ISO noise and range between Sony and Leica! If you think the Q2 suffers, wait until you see the Q2 against the Sony A7RIII, RIV, and RV! 😂
@@davidherring the Q and Q2 have been losing on the ISO Performance for a long time, they haven't even managed to beat Sony's RX1R & mkii with their old A7 and A7Rii sensors.
These are fairly subtle… But I think Leica tweaks their output to please consumers on the first go with more “pop”. The slightly lower contrast from the Sony is more of the professional approach where we allow for some post work.
It’s what I call micro-apples and oranges. Unless you’re shooting at the exact same time and using the exact exposure settings and exact focus settings, you won’t have a fair comparison. I have both except the a1 and and it’s only accurate comparing when you pre-adjust the white balance ahead of time. The Sony picture version simply had a higher magenta value. Those are easy to set.
I personally like the images of both cameras! In the end no matter what comes out of the camera we all will tweak it to our own tastes! I've been hearing for years how people don't like the Sony color science! I have shot with Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and now Sony! I have always edited my photos to my liking! I'm currently shooting with the Sony a9, and the a7r3! These cameras tick all the boxes for landscapes, wildlife, macro, and portraits! It's time to update to the a7r5! I will update the a9 with the a1 mark 2! I like your channel, new subscriber!👍👍👍🙂
I completely agree! I love Sony. I use to shoot Canon for a long time but left for Sony and I’ve loved being a Sony shooter! The A7RV is definitely the best yet! Working on a video comparing the noise in the R3, R4, and R5. It was pretty cool to compare them!
Kinda feel that a GM prime cropped would have been a better comparison. The 16-35/2.8 is great but the new primes are a gigantic step forward. The 35GM would have put on a really show. Personally I'd choose Q2 over A7Rv all day. But I'd also choose my A7Rii with a 35/2.8 ZA over an A7Rv too. So I'm pretty fringe lol
Yeah, I hear you. This was my second legit video. I’d do it differently now. That said, I shoot the GM lenses on the A7RV for commercial work and while they are spectacular, the Leica pop is a real thing. My M10R and Q2 just have an incredible look that no other system can compare to. It’s a style, and you have to like that style, but it’s great if you’re into it!
@@davidherring Yeah, firm believer in that Leica pop. Honestly Leica justify their price on the build, feel, and shooting experience.. and the Leica pop is just the icing on the cake. At least IMHO.
I totally agree with your observation on saturation and contrast of the Q2. I have it and compared to my M11 it’s much more in your face. Great images btw!
2:09 I think that it is more the trip and living the life more than doing photography which is really amazing but to have memories, to have photos that aren’t meaningless
The photos were taken roughly 5 minutes apart. At this time of day the light can change pretty dramatically. I would assume that would factor into subtle but detectable color shifts and contrast.
Time is manually set and they weren’t corrected until after this video. I think the Leica was a few mins off. Can’t remember which one, but I had picked this Leica up only a couple of weeks before and hadn’t changed / updated many settings from the prior owner, including the time 😂
Dave, I cannot compliment you enough for making this video. Coming from a Nikon Z system, I recently picked up a used Q - mostly out of curiosity. To my surprise I am loving it. Loving the 28 mm view on the world and how it forces you to be more creative. But most of all, I love the results and the ease at which I got there. I will continue to shoot my Z and also a Sony RX1 which I hold dearly. Yet definitely I will hang on to the Q exactly for the reasons you so adequately describe in your video. Another point that I totally - TOTALLY - agree with: the death of adventure photography. The good news are, however, that we do not need to follow suit, buy all these photo books that tell you where to shoot, at what time and what the settings should be. Just so that you come out with the same pictures as millions of other people. To me, photography is about being creative in the true sense and challenging myself. And while I may not always get the same maximized images, I probably end up with a deeper sense of satisfaction when a photo has turned out much to my liking. Greetings from Europe and all the best to you and your channel.
Thanks so much for your comment! I feel that same sense of satisfaction when I get that photo I set out to get. Most important thing with photography is to see the world and document it. The best thing is - we all see the world differently! So photography should reflect that. Thanks again for your comment and kind words. I’ll be in Europe this summer for some sessions and I can’t wait to get back! Haven’t been since 2019!
Hi, I also wondered why you didn’t go with the same iso ? I.e shoot at 100? Really enjoyed the video learning quite a bit as you talk through the pictures!
Even on M11 you will see this. Leica changed their color profiles slightly on M11. So it warms up the image a bit more than it used to on M10 and M9. The good thing is that most nature/landscape shots looks really good. However, skin tones are not that great SOOC with M11. They are a bit more warmer than I would like, especially on white skins.
Thank you for this comparison! the eastern Sierras, including the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine, are one of the most beautiful places on earth! Wonderful images. And I agree with your assessment of "adventure photography."
Man, that's a tough one. If I had to sell one off right now, it would have to be the Leica. That's because my work requires my Sony system and lens lineup. Also, the Q2, while an incredible EDC camera, only has the single 28mm fixed lens. Hard to diversify yourself as a photographer with a single lens. However, if I was a casual photographer looking for a beautiful EDC camera, I'd just have this Leica. My bag as the Leica in it...and my Sony cameras and lenses are in Pelican cases at home.
8:30 no I feel the same maybe because as I saw in a different test for monochrome that the Sony is high contrast so the darks could go blacks in very low light condition
Dave - I really enjoyed your video and your approach and narration - a superb, balanced review btw. A few observations (I'm a Sony shooter): 1) When you brought up the first two pics, I thought the one on the left was the Leica as it looked to have more detail in the mountain peaks and rocks 2) This is an example where the ability to change to a 50mm or telephoto lens is really handy (although the Leica did a great job at 28mm and you could crop) 3) I'd love a Leica, but cannot justify it. It would be for the shooting experience and not IQ 4) Do you have any Zeiss glass? I'd say that Zeiss pops more than Leica in terms of giving a more unique render 5) That location really screams for MF or even large format film!
Thanks so much! I’ve had some Zeiss lenses for my cameras over the years, one of my favs being the Zeiss Milvus 35mm I had for my canon a decade ago. When I moved to Sony I used the Batis line. I haven’t shot Zeiss for M though, though I’m hoping to in the future!
I wish I could buy both but with having the a7siii right now adding the a7rv would be great for having two cameras to create video with. I was looking at the Q3 but I believe buying another Sony will be in my best interest.
Interesting comparison. I do own the Sony a7r4 and love it with the G Master lenses. I owned the Q2 but sold it. It is an amazing camera but in the end I get at least after post the "same" results with the Sony if I throw the 35 1.4 and/or 24 1.4 in my bag. ( I know the Q2 has a 28mm focal length). I am not too happy with the AF on the Q2 , especially when it comes to taking photos of people. Having said this to go out with the Sony and the 50 1.2 and the Q2 covers you for many situations. But as I said, if you have the time to switch lenses, just put a wider prime in your bag and you are done. Taking the M is a completely different shooting experience. All manual, range finder, much slower experience and it feels completely different in your hand. I agree with you if you want to have a Leica to compliment a Sony (or maybe a Canon etc), the Q2 is a wonderful choice as long as you are fine with a 28mm fixed lens. If you like me, look for a different shooting experience , it is the Leica M with some nice glass. I know, you need some serious spare cash. So I parted with my Q2 and sold even some older Leica glass and my M240 to welcome the M10R-BP.
Thanks for sharing! I totally agree. I had issues with the Q2 autofocus of people and ended up shooting manual recently. No system is perfect, but as you said, it’s a good complimentary camera to an established system. Now the M system… that’s a dream! But I don’t see a scenario where that’s in my *near* future. Maybe by the M14 😂
@@davidherring M, the problem is the price of the bodies. The lenses are expensive too, but if you own them for a long time and need to sell some you not loosing much, if anything at all. I love my Ms and have experience with them now for 10 years. Maybe with the exception of the M11 they are not really for pixel peepers when you shoot at 2.0 or 1,.. . But if you like a softer rendering they are amazing. Shooting the same scene with the Sony and the GM 50 1.2 and the M10R and the 50 1.2 Nocti ...two different outcomes. But that's what I like. Finally if you prefer to work outdoors in adverse environments the M system has its limitations. High humidity and sudden significant changes in temperature can cause male function or worse. The range finder needs calibration from time to time as well. Don't get me wrong the M is still my favourite camera, but it is not the workhorse in all environments.
Yeah, totally get that. The thing that makes me want the M system is the longevity over generations. To be able to throw a lens on an M6 for film shots and then the same lens on the M11 for digital is really cool. If I ever have a M system, it would be complimentary to my Sony system.
What is different with Leica is RGB comes to focus closer to the same spot than any other lens. Their binoculars look totally different than any other binocular. That is why there is so much more contrast.
Social media killed adventure, landscape and travel photography. Prove me wrong. I am no longer on Instagram or Facebook. I take heaps of photos and share them with nobody. I just enjoy them myself, the way we did before digital photography appeared. Just think of the millions of dollars spent by people to travel the iceland, patagonia etc just to take the same photos as everyone else and post them. Social media, is hugely responsible for photographers losing love and genuine interest in photography. Travel and adventure are not dead, the process of going out and making travel and adventure photography is dead or harder to do if you are only striving to reach likes and a pat on the back from followers. Instead, go out, make your photos and enjoy them yourself, perhaps share with a few friends, but don't bother with the rest of the world. Just remember, 99.99999% of people that view your photos are other photographers comparing themselves to your photo.
There’s a lot of truth in this. I think ultimately, artists need to avoid cliches. Cliches have always been around in other genres, but Instagram brought cliches to the forefront of photography.
@@davidherring Correct. When you think about, social media in general has actually created an anti-social environment. Many people don't share because they want to, they share to compete against others, to out do them and get the more likes and admiration. This is now anti-social and aggressive behaviour.
Also......getting off the internet is a good way to not worry about what "people want to see"... they can get off their ass and go live their lives thanks for the review, i have a q3 on order and am greatly thinking of cancelling and just grabbing the r5
I’m at 1:00 typing this, asking myself if stopped down landscape shots are the appropriate thing to achieve the goal of this video. Get a Summicron 75 or 50 and shoot portraits wide open. 😉
@@davidherring Please don’t misunderstand, it wasn’t meant bad nor negative. It was late when I typed it, please apologise if I was accidentally offensive. It wasn’t for sure meant like so. I shoot Leica since ever and always was tempted to used other brands. But comparing the results of the Leica lenses for portrait. If it’s a print of negative shoot in the 1980’s with the Summicron-M 50 iteration available since then I can tell it. It’s unique.
As I came from Sony A7III, now using the Q2 and the SL2-s, I still like Sony, and I prefer it over the Canikons. And this comparison is quite nice and excellent, I think anybody can live with either of them. From the price point, there is a small advantage for the Q2, of course, Sony gives you more flexibility, due interchangeable lenses. One thing is clearly much better on the Leicas, it is their simplicity of menu system, handling, ease of use. Once adopted, I really struggle to operate the Sony in the same way, but this is valid only for me. Enjoy both of this wonderful products.
@@davidherring Thank you. I still own a A6000 and a A6300, using the incredible Zeiss Loxia lenses. And honestly, they are quite close to the Leica lenses. I would even consider them "popping" in an almost identical manner to the Leica lenses. Especially the Loxia 50mm and 25mm are awesome.
OMG. Amazing video but I would so love to see you do a similar comparison but with a different lens, even a Contax 28 would do ;) Basically not a zoom lens, nor a prime that has too many optical elements 😂
Nice video, and nice pictures! Something I found a little curious is that the Leica, at ISO 50, was exposed for 3 seconds and the SONY, at ISO 100, for 5 seconds (I would expect somehow you would have needed a longer exposure with the lower ISO of the Leica). With regards to the colour rendition, for what I noticed, it is depending on sensor (and all that goes around it) and lens (can’t change it on the Q2 of course, but put different lenses on your A7RV and you should see some differences). Agree on a 3D effect on the Leica image vs the SONY: somehow it looks like the rocks and the foreground (supposedly warm tints) show (at least on my iPad’s screen) a bit of a stronger green component to it on the SONY file (it looks like that could contribute to a ”flatter” rendering).
Thanks for the kind words! I have found Sony to render a touch greener all around, especially compared to Canon. Could be contributing to the look for sure.
I noticed the Sony on the left right away with the first set of pictures. Look at the sky and you can see a red magenta cast. That cast seemed to first appear (to my eyes with the a7rii when sony started to change the color science ). The Rii color science seemed to have culminated in the files I’ve seen while using the A7c. For some reason I don’t see the green tint you guys are referring to, not sure why. I used the Leica q (first one) extensively and I’m not sure you can really match that lens in a Sony system? Someone correct me on this if possible. I’m almost certain it’s a coating thing for Leica and a sensor thing for the Sony.
I’m wondering how the Sony would look with the Leica Lens? I like the Leica, it’s not having the choice of lens and I understand the simple yet powerful simplicity.
I’m sure a Leica lens on a Sony would look wonderful. The look is definitely in the lens. Regarding the lens being fixed, I’m also kind of inspired by it. Making me think creatively rather than slapping a 50 or 85 on the Q.
Only thing for me is the q is a prime, as good as the gm zooms are they (I own the 2nd version of them all) they still don’t have the same contrast…sharpness is there. I’ve don’t a lot of comparing of the 50 1.2 vs the 24-70ii and the 135 vs the 70-200ii and the differences are similar to what you’re seeing…the 3D pop seems me like the complexity of the contrast. Just something I’ve stressed over 😂 that being said I just bought a q2 mono to go with my a7rv🤷🏻♂️
Thanks! Adventure photography is what we use to do prior to Instagram coming onto the scene in 2011. It was outdoors, hikes, landscapes, camping, roadtrips, etc. The lifestyle of adventure. But it's been overdone at this point...every location, and many creating photos with the appearance of an adventure but they're just driving up, snapping, and heading out. That's why I said the genre is dead.
That 3d-pop you speak of is probably the lenses ability to resolve excellent "micro-contrast" which makes it look sharp but not in a sharpening way, it just resolves more detail, should be brilliant for Black & White images. It reminds me of my old 50 mm F1.4 Carl Zeiss Planer on my first Contax 159 camera.
Am I getting it wrong? Leica is ISO 50 and shorter exposure time. Sony is ISO 100 and longer exposure time. Shoudlnt it be opposite? Lower ISO needs more exposure time.
They expose very differently, and what they consider 0 isn’t the same at all. That said, I was going more for the composition differences between how it renders.
I have to admit that the leica does have that micro contrast for the 3d pop associated with the "leica look" but it seems like a marginal difference compared to the sony. The "look" gap seems miniscule but the price difference is vast. Also ive seen people slapping on leica glass on sony bodies vs leica bodies and i had a difficult time telling them apart so it seems like the key component is grabbing leica glass and adapting it on sony for that "look"
I recently became aware of an issue with adapting M lenses on Sony that, due to the gap between the seasons and lens, causes a loss of sharpness/clarity and contrast. Haven't confirmed myself, but I've heard this from multiple people at this point.
@@davidherringoh interesting, that would be a disappointment if true. No one has mentioned it but so far from what I've seen is short videos under 10 minutes on this topic so perhaps someone out there might test this. Thanks for the info
Wow out of camera before editing the Leica image is much nicer, granted a few minutes in photoshop and that can be fixed. Although that Leica pop is definitely there, wonder how Leica does it, enough after editing the Leica has more pop. As a Sony user, definitely looking to try a Leica now.
Hi, I really like the channel and content. When you switched over into your studio I have to admit that I kinda lost interest in what you were saying because of the audio. I don’t know if you have a designated external microphone but it felt like I was having to actively engage my ears during the video. Mind you I was editing my own photos and listening to your video. I would spend some good money investing in a nice microphone or spend more time in post production. Please just take this as a constructive critic. You are doing a great job and you earned a subscriber from me! All the best.
Thanks for the feedback! I didn’t realize my mic was off and the camera mic was recording on the studio part 😂. All videos since this one have the mic on!
@@davidherringOoooh nnnooo... Don't apologize - it's a great video as are all of your videos. This one in particular is the very best video I've seen comparing the Leica Q2 to other cameras in what seems to me to be a very apples to apples comparison. Naturally, I am biased because I own a Q2! (I have had a Sony in the past)But what you did was finally show me what is meant by the "Leica color look ". People talk about it all the time but you're the first person who actually showed the difference to me. It was sort of a huge sigh of relief for me because I realize that all the money I spent on the Q2 was worth it after all :-). I love the camera despite the fact that it's auto focus is pretty bad. Sony rules there way beyond anything else. And again, you shouldn't apologize for those images being "cliché "because they are just great images and I would be very proud of myself if I had taken them. And kudos to you for getting out there and making it an adventure. I think you hit the nail on the head for why taking adventure pictures is really a great idea.
You are looking at how Adobe Color profile interprets each raw file. You should be looking at a linear profile for each camera for a fair comparison. My 2 cents worth…
Hey, awesome video! I checked and didnt see anyone asking about it, is there any chance you share some photos like the examples you have so we can actually check them out on our computers?
@@davidherring that would be greatly appreciated. I just wonder if the leica file is baked with a bit more contrast, vibrance etc etc and you are not really paying for a POP but for a baked file. Not sure if you tried to match that pop with couple sliders adjustment from base raw file on sony and see how they stack then.
After careful evaluation and testing, I have chosen the Rv over the Q2 because of functionality and picture quality. While the Q2s pictures look fantastic, I found that in low light the Q2 is far more grainy and doesn't compare to the 61mp of the Sony in cropped photos. The ISO on the q2 is good but not past 3200. It dies after that. I got both cameras for Christmas and have spent weeks testing both and it finally came down to a few low light and zoomed pics to make my decision. When you crop the Q2s photos to the same 35 or 70, the definition falls flat very quickly and begins to look like a phone camera in definition. It is after all just a cropped 28mm. I also feel the mics on the Q2 for video are horrible. Muffled and hard to hear. I know it's not designed as a video camera but from time to time I do like to take a video and it's not good for that. I'll give the q2 a thumbs up on portability however but if you want the very best picture of something that isn't straight up 28mm then the Sony wins. If you shoot only 28mm then the Q2 wins with the 1.7f. Everything else is easy to do in Lightroom for colors. I think he new Q3 coming out will give the RV a run for its money however as I heard it will be 61mp and can handle more zoomed in cropped photos better. I hope they add a mic option also to allow some quality video shoots. Hope my testing helps people who might be on the fence of the Sony R7v5 vs the Leica q2. The Q2 is probably the best portable camera but it's not versatile enough to go for zoomed pics or video.
Your choice between the Lecia and Sony at this level is less about output quality, it is more about shooting experience. The Sony A7r5 + 16 to 35mm is 2x the weight of the Leica. 3lbs vs 1.58lbs or 1403 vs 718g. For me, that is a lot of weight and it means I will carry the Lecia more. As a pro, you carry the Sony because you have too. For personal use, you'll carry the Lecia because you'll want too.
Agreed. They’re very different systems with different purposes. Still rely on my Sony for work where I need hi res files, speed, and autofocus. But Leica for literally everything else.
If a zoom perform as good as a prime - buy it - it is seldom so. As you point out in your test the prime Leica show more contrast and that is to be expected - try a prime on the Sony and you will get that extra uhmpf and sharpness as well!
I am a long time Sony shooter, but am looking for a good travel camera. I have the Fuji X100V, but am very interested in the Leica Q2. Your thoughts on getting it for travel?
I am a long time Sony shooter as well, and love the system! I was using an x100v for the past year and a half, and as much as I loved the simulations, I was always somewhat disappointed in the quality and in the experience. The camera is pretty small for my big hands. I sold it off to help finance the Q2. Honestly, I’ve had the Q2 in my bag everyday since I picked it up a month ago. I traveled with it recently as well, which is where I made this video. If I only had room for one camera and lens to take with me somewhere, it would be the Q2. It feels great in my hands, I love the analog dials, and the lens is 10/10! Can’t recommend it enough.
Great comparison, and definitely appreciate the perspective on the state of photography. There are places I still want to see, though less worried about “the banger.” That said, these are still beautiful scenes. The a7rv seems to be a great camera, but would love the Q or Q2 “just to shoot.” Currently a Sony photographer, but if Sony won’t offer an updated RX-1, the Leica is the best option. Thanks for the insight and comparisons.
I love going to these epic places. The point I was making was the cliche photo, the IG banger with the same composition, pose and wardrobe in it, edit, etc. But nothing should stop us from going to these beautiful places. And the A7RV is incredible. It was a huge step forward.
@@davidherring Thank you for the reply. I definitely that got out of your comments - adventure isn’t dead, but make it your own, don’t just copy it. Looking forward to see how you use the two cameras.
That’s kind of the general thought. The lens plays most of the role in the shot. But I made this video to address that maybe the sensor has a pretty big role as well.
Great comparison! Love the work! I heard Q2 has 24mm view instead of 28mm view. Just curious whether you can compare the Q2 vs A7R5+24GM. Q2 is a great camera! But I just don't know I want to pay that much money for that little 3D pop. Most of my picture viewers never spent more than 2 seconds on any of my images, nor they would blow it out for pixel peeping. I think most of the modern cameras have done excellent job on color and presentation to satisfy 99.99% of people's eyes. But man, by holding up that Ghost version of Q2, it makes me wanting to watch and touch it for whole day. It is a damn art piece, not camera.
Totally get that. The Q2 is 28mm, not 24mm, so it’s a tough different. It is an amazing camera, but Sony is still my commercial work horse. Leica is what I’m shooting for personal stuff, and portraits at the moment! And I agree, almost all modern cameras do an amazing job.
Very interesting video, thx for that efforts. I'm wondering if this comparison has consider that DNG and RAW (which format uncompressed or compressed ?) are per definition not the same even if DNG is called as RAW. I don't know how LEICA is handling this, but my assumtion is that there is some kind of rendering taking place to give you the impression of the 3D look you mentioned. But anyhow non of the pictures are bad, it is just a personal taste that makes the difference. And by the way on my PC watching this video I can't see the big differnce as you may have seen on your screen.😃
Definitely a personal taste. I’d categorize this video as “interesting,” not a good / bad or better / best comparison. They’re just different. I use Sony for all of my professional work, and don’t plan to stop! But the Leica is so fun to shoot, and has that “Leica look.”
How Ironic, I have both of these as well and have done a couple side-by-side comparisons just for my own "point of reference" and reached, pretty much the very same conclusion. Both are Great but to pick one over the other.........yeah, just can't do it. Thanks for the video, I hope others find it fun, helpful and as informative as I have.
I tend to feel most cameras are good now. The difference is how it makes you feel when you use it. We are all different. Regarding photography. It will never be dead..if you shoot for you. Looking for an online audience to please is a road to doom.
i have one sony a7r5 + 70200gm 2 so i want to backup leica q2 with 28mm i dont know this best choice for facebook and insta , can you have me advice !!
Hey Sam, I use a Sony A7SIII with a 16-35GM 99% of the time on this channel. This particular video, I was using the 35GM as my 16-35GM was on the camera I was shooting with.
I like this video, except for the repeated reference to "3D pop" as if there was some magical quality to the Leica. Doesn't it come down to optics and image processing? Properties like resolution, color accuracy (perceived or real) and dynamic range. If the rocks appear more 3D it is because the lines, colors, shadows, and highlights are more accurate in terms of how our eyes perceive it. So is that the lens or the sensor or the in-camera processing? If you can post process to make the photos almost identical that just tells me that the Leica has better image processing than Sony, even for RAW. If you can't bring the Sony photo up to the same perceived 3D accuracy, then some combination of lens and sensor just isn't as good in the Sony.
There's a simple solution to the "adventure photography is dead" problem. Quit the social media race to the bottom and photograph what YOU want to photograph, "likes" be damned.
I love shooting landscape. I just hate seeing people pull up, hop out of the car, get into the influencer pose, get back in the car, and peace out.
With RAW images, you can basically make any picture look the same. So, yes, the Leica SOOC is quite nice, but as you demonstrated, you can just as easily get the same "look" with a few tweaks. Thanks for sharing!
But you cannot replicate a lens with RAW, and the Leica lens definitely has a different look than Sony. Regarding colors though… yeah, you can def replicate any colors.
@@davidherring yea but if we look at shadows - u use zoom for Sony and the Leica Q2 has a fixed prime lens.
It’s the lens too. Not just post tweaking
Agree on the lens, but with Raw, you can ultimately get the look you want. I've taken raw from just about every manufacturer out there and I could get the look I wanted.
False
Excellent comparison! The Leica def has that special sauce on its image. But both are beasts! Great job Dave, looking forward to more content!
Totally agree! Both cameras are incredible.
Just highly appreciate another one video!! Continue make what you do great!
Thanks Roman!
6:45 it was clear to be honest, not for the colours but for the focal length point I mentioned before
Thanks!
I don’t think adventure photography is dead. It’s all about perspective, timing, conditions, intention, and craft. Like you said it is about getting out there. Feeling alive. Enjoying the art. All that will come through the photographs you take. Even if it may have been done before.
I love adventure photography. But I’ve really seen (especially in commercial work) an exhaustion with it. What use to be special images and special places have really come a collection of cliche images. Luckily the places remain special for the experience. But the photography genre is exhausted.
@@davidherring Plenty of places and perspectives that aren't instagram cliches out there. Commercial work is commercial work what is there to say about it... wether its landscape, portrait, or street.
I agree though with sentiments around social media and instagram in particular.
Leica for sure has that 3D efect in picture, while Sony renders the pic 2D.
Yeah, I think so too!
I have used many of my leica M lenses on my A7R5 and find the advantage Leica used to have over the competition just isnt there any more. The new sony G masters have more resolving power and because we now shoot digital we can dial in the "look". So for work i shoot Sony now changing from Phase One . Where the leica excels to me is just the user experience. They are nice to shoot with as are the Fuji's although i dont own one of those.
Thanks for sharing!
Straight out of the camera I feel that the Q and Leica lenses in general have beautiful micro contrast. It makes things pop out. That said, it's definitely something you can tweak in editing but Leica files are really nice to work with.
I agree!
We keep photography alive. Keep going.
well. Q2 reporter is just gorgeous. Leica and Hassy are something that once you went in you’ll never come back for normal camera…
Agreed! It’s beautiful and the experience is perfect.
@@davidherring In fact, once you tried m system then you are never coming back to Q 😂
Haha I’m forcing myself to use both!
@@davidherring technically it’s possible as they do have different focuses. Q for convenience and M for experience and the minimalistic user interface
@@davidherring I feel like I did want a q2 or Sl2 sometimes after I switched to M. Honestly, Hassy is even more toxic as the color is just different, next level I’ll say. I really want a 907x after I used x1d2 for a year.
The problem is we use to shoot for what made us happy. Now people shoot for the algorithm which is why people are shooting the same image. We need to change the perspective and get back to what makes us happy.
True. With everyone creating the exact same thing over and over, it kind of kills the joy of discovery.
I'm very interested in this comparison, but I really think its no fair pairing the 28/1.7 against the mediocre (and I have, and love this lens) 16-35 GM. The 35/1.4GM, 50/1.2 or even the 24-70/2.8II would have been more fair. A lot of your comments are more relevant to the lens than the camera, and the 16-35 GM is simply not Sony's best.
I don’t disagree about the 16-35, but if you want to do a true 28mm vs 28mm, it’s unfortunately your only option with Sony.
@@davidherring How do you figure? You've got the Sony 28/2, the Sony 24-70/2.8 GM II, and since you are already not keeping it to fast primes, the Sony 16-35/4 - which is slower but reportedly sharper - and even the Sony 24-105/4 G You also have access to the excellent Sigma 28/1.4 Art.
Right, I suppose the 24-70 would be a better lens than the 16-35, but it’s still 2.8 and still a zoom, not a prime. In terms of sharpness, sure, the 35 or 50 GM is sharper. But I still think the Leica look is noticeable. I shoot on many GM primes, and I can tell you first hand that the Leica lens has more contrast and pop to it.
@@davidherring I don't doubt it - the Leica Q series is legendary; the camera and lens combo. I would just say it is hard to prove that point with one of Sony's more dated and less impressive zooms; I think the 35/1.4GM - which is widely considered one of the best 35s on the planet - would have made a more interesting comparison, despite the difference in focal length.
Maybe I’ll throw a video comp of those two together 💪🏼
I have Q2M and I can tell that IQ just one side of Leica and it is not the most important one. IQ is great, but.. the biggest different compared to any other camera - simply user experience. When you pickup Leica in your hands, it feels nothing like any other camera.. even ny Gfx100s feels a toy. With Leica I LOVE to shoot, with other cameras i HAVE to shoot.
This is a great summary! I feel the same way.
You make me want one now
@@user-zm4ih4te2w just go visit Leica Store and feel it in the hands, look through the viewfinder. It's just perfect. No other words.
My GFX 50Sii does not feel like a toy compared to a Leica. I’ve held the Q2 and owned an SL.
Leica’s are wonderful but the Q3 is certainly not £2000 better than a GFX. Give me the GFX any day.
@@chloescanlon1107 It depends on how do you define "better". Imagewise Gfx is superb, but there is something to Leica makes me happy having it in the hands.
3:10 liked this photo from the clip 😂
Thanks
I could see exactly what you were talking about. Sony cameras for a long time enjoy having wide dynamic range. That is something in my own photography I have come to rely on.
For sure! I love my Sony system.
Very nice comparison, never done any landscapes yet with my Q2 as I believed that it will not perform well, but was I wrong! Definitely need to try this type of photography. I just sold my a7IV with a bunch of G Masters in favour of M11, so it is a steep road you chose to take))
Ha, oh I’m already feeling the M pull! I think the Q2 is incredible for landscapes. Excited to keep shooting them!
@@davidherring When you actually hear and feel Ms shutter... oh boy, there's no way back)
@@pavelproshin7995 How do I hide this comment from my wife? 😂
Nice video! The Leica is worth it to me because I can put in in nearly any bag or sling. It’s always with me and doesn’t weigh a ton. A lot of power in a small package. I just wish it was slightly better in low light. I also have the SL2-S and the thing pretty much sees in the dark. 25,000 ISO looks like 6400 on the Q2. It’s just too heavy to lug around without a specific intention. I’m actually considering selling the SL.
I’m working on a video comparing the ISO noise and range between Sony and Leica! If you think the Q2 suffers, wait until you see the Q2 against the Sony A7RIII, RIV, and RV! 😂
@@davidherring the Q and Q2 have been losing on the ISO Performance for a long time, they haven't even managed to beat Sony's RX1R & mkii with their old A7 and A7Rii sensors.
One of my favorite places!!
Same!
These are fairly subtle… But I think Leica tweaks their output to please consumers on the first go with more “pop”. The slightly lower contrast from the Sony is more of the professional approach where we allow for some post work.
Thanks for sharing!
I was really surprised to see just how much more "3D pop" there was on the Leica. Great video!!
Me too!
It’s what I call micro-apples and oranges. Unless you’re shooting at the exact same time and using the exact exposure settings and exact focus settings, you won’t have a fair comparison. I have both except the a1 and and it’s only accurate comparing when you pre-adjust the white balance ahead of time. The Sony picture version simply had a higher magenta value. Those are easy to set.
Appreciate the feedback. This is why I had the disclaimer at the beginning that this wasn’t a super technical / scientific analysis.
I really want you to take Hasselblad for the next landscape adventure
Me too haha
I personally like the images of both cameras! In the end no matter what comes out of the camera we all will tweak it to our own tastes! I've been hearing for years how people don't like the Sony color science! I have shot with Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and now Sony! I have always edited my photos to my liking! I'm currently shooting with the Sony a9, and the a7r3! These cameras tick all the boxes for landscapes, wildlife, macro, and portraits! It's time to update to the a7r5! I will update the a9 with the a1 mark 2! I like your channel, new subscriber!👍👍👍🙂
I completely agree! I love Sony. I use to shoot Canon for a long time but left for Sony and I’ve loved being a Sony shooter! The A7RV is definitely the best yet! Working on a video comparing the noise in the R3, R4, and R5. It was pretty cool to compare them!
Kinda feel that a GM prime cropped would have been a better comparison. The 16-35/2.8 is great but the new primes are a gigantic step forward. The 35GM would have put on a really show.
Personally I'd choose Q2 over A7Rv all day. But I'd also choose my A7Rii with a 35/2.8 ZA over an A7Rv too. So I'm pretty fringe lol
Yeah, I hear you. This was my second legit video. I’d do it differently now. That said, I shoot the GM lenses on the A7RV for commercial work and while they are spectacular, the Leica pop is a real thing. My M10R and Q2 just have an incredible look that no other system can compare to. It’s a style, and you have to like that style, but it’s great if you’re into it!
@@davidherring Yeah, firm believer in that Leica pop. Honestly Leica justify their price on the build, feel, and shooting experience.. and the Leica pop is just the icing on the cake. At least IMHO.
Agreed!
I totally agree with your observation on saturation and contrast of the Q2. I have it and compared to my M11 it’s much more in your face. Great images btw!
Thanks! Enjoy that M11!
2:09 I think that it is more the trip and living the life more than doing photography which is really amazing but to have memories, to have photos that aren’t meaningless
Agreed
The photos were taken roughly 5 minutes apart. At this time of day the light can change pretty dramatically. I would assume that would factor into subtle but detectable color shifts and contrast.
I was actually snapping side by side, which was why I had them setup on two tripods side by side.
@@davidherring Ah. So time stamp difference on images is due to camera settings?
Time is manually set and they weren’t corrected until after this video. I think the Leica was a few mins off. Can’t remember which one, but I had picked this Leica up only a couple of weeks before and hadn’t changed / updated many settings from the prior owner, including the time 😂
@@davidherring that makes sense. Ty for
clarifying and for the comparison. I have both cameras and this feels similar to my experience as well.
Dave, I cannot compliment you enough for making this video. Coming from a Nikon Z system, I recently picked up a used Q - mostly out of curiosity. To my surprise I am loving it. Loving the 28 mm view on the world and how it forces you to be more creative. But most of all, I love the results and the ease at which I got there. I will continue to shoot my Z and also a Sony RX1 which I hold dearly. Yet definitely I will hang on to the Q exactly for the reasons you so adequately describe in your video.
Another point that I totally - TOTALLY - agree with: the death of adventure photography. The good news are, however, that we do not need to follow suit, buy all these photo books that tell you where to shoot, at what time and what the settings should be. Just so that you come out with the same pictures as millions of other people. To me, photography is about being creative in the true sense and challenging myself. And while I may not always get the same maximized images, I probably end up with a deeper sense of satisfaction when a photo has turned out much to my liking. Greetings from Europe and all the best to you and your channel.
Thanks so much for your comment! I feel that same sense of satisfaction when I get that photo I set out to get. Most important thing with photography is to see the world and document it. The best thing is - we all see the world differently! So photography should reflect that. Thanks again for your comment and kind words. I’ll be in Europe this summer for some sessions and I can’t wait to get back! Haven’t been since 2019!
@@davidherring
Well said I totally agree..@@davidherring
Hi, I also wondered why you didn’t go with the same iso ? I.e shoot at 100? Really enjoyed the video learning quite a bit as you talk through the pictures!
Thank you very much for your very good work with the Q2
Thanks so much!
Even on M11 you will see this. Leica changed their color profiles slightly on M11. So it warms up the image a bit more than it used to on M10 and M9. The good thing is that most nature/landscape shots looks really good. However, skin tones are not that great SOOC with M11. They are a bit more warmer than I would like, especially on white skins.
Interesting! I haven’t used an M11 but I have heard the M10 is the best digital M they’ve made.
Liked Leica photos
🙏🏼
Thank you for this comparison! the eastern Sierras, including the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine, are one of the most beautiful places on earth! Wonderful images. And I agree with your assessment of "adventure photography."
Thanks Joe!
10:53 liked the original photos to be honest
Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been waiting for this comparison. I bought both for Christmas and I have to return one. Which would you keep if you were in this situation?
Man, that's a tough one. If I had to sell one off right now, it would have to be the Leica. That's because my work requires my Sony system and lens lineup. Also, the Q2, while an incredible EDC camera, only has the single 28mm fixed lens. Hard to diversify yourself as a photographer with a single lens. However, if I was a casual photographer looking for a beautiful EDC camera, I'd just have this Leica. My bag as the Leica in it...and my Sony cameras and lenses are in Pelican cases at home.
Thank you!
Leica first photo caught my eye by far the best, Amazing...
Thanks Kibb! It definitely has a beautiful look.
Amazing sunset
*sunrise 😉
8:30 no I feel the same maybe because as I saw in a different test for monochrome that the Sony is high contrast so the darks could go blacks in very low light condition
Thanks for sharing!
Dave - I really enjoyed your video and your approach and narration - a superb, balanced review btw. A few observations (I'm a Sony shooter):
1) When you brought up the first two pics, I thought the one on the left was the Leica as it looked to have more detail in the mountain peaks and rocks
2) This is an example where the ability to change to a 50mm or telephoto lens is really handy (although the Leica did a great job at 28mm and you could crop)
3) I'd love a Leica, but cannot justify it. It would be for the shooting experience and not IQ
4) Do you have any Zeiss glass? I'd say that Zeiss pops more than Leica in terms of giving a more unique render
5) That location really screams for MF or even large format film!
Thanks so much! I’ve had some Zeiss lenses for my cameras over the years, one of my favs being the Zeiss Milvus 35mm I had for my canon a decade ago. When I moved to Sony I used the Batis line. I haven’t shot Zeiss for M though, though I’m hoping to in the future!
I wish I could buy both but with having the a7siii right now adding the a7rv would be great for having two cameras to create video with. I was looking at the Q3 but I believe buying another Sony will be in my best interest.
If you’re already invested in Sony, then for sure, stick with Sony! I still have and use my Sony kit.
Interesting comparison. I do own the Sony a7r4 and love it with the G Master lenses. I owned the Q2 but sold it. It is an amazing camera but in the end I get at least after post the "same" results with the Sony if I throw the 35 1.4 and/or 24 1.4 in my bag. ( I know the Q2 has a 28mm focal length). I am not too happy with the AF on the Q2 , especially when it comes to taking photos of people. Having said this to go out with the Sony and the 50 1.2 and the Q2 covers you for many situations. But as I said, if you have the time to switch lenses, just put a wider prime in your bag and you are done. Taking the M is a completely different shooting experience. All manual, range finder, much slower experience and it feels completely different in your hand. I agree with you if you want to have a Leica to compliment a Sony (or maybe a Canon etc), the Q2 is a wonderful choice as long as you are fine with a 28mm fixed lens. If you like me, look for a different shooting experience , it is the Leica M with some nice glass. I know, you need some serious spare cash. So I parted with my Q2 and sold even some older Leica glass and my M240 to welcome the M10R-BP.
Thanks for sharing! I totally agree. I had issues with the Q2 autofocus of people and ended up shooting manual recently. No system is perfect, but as you said, it’s a good complimentary camera to an established system. Now the M system… that’s a dream! But I don’t see a scenario where that’s in my *near* future. Maybe by the M14 😂
@@davidherring M, the problem is the price of the bodies. The lenses are expensive too, but if you own them for a long time and need to sell some you not loosing much, if anything at all. I love my Ms and have experience with them now for 10 years. Maybe with the exception of the M11 they are not really for pixel peepers when you shoot at 2.0 or 1,.. . But if you like a softer rendering they are amazing. Shooting the same scene with the Sony and the GM 50 1.2 and the M10R and the 50 1.2 Nocti ...two different outcomes. But that's what I like. Finally if you prefer to work outdoors in adverse environments the M system has its limitations. High humidity and sudden significant changes in temperature can cause male function or worse. The range finder needs calibration from time to time as well. Don't get me wrong the M is still my favourite camera, but it is not the workhorse in all environments.
Yeah, totally get that. The thing that makes me want the M system is the longevity over generations. To be able to throw a lens on an M6 for film shots and then the same lens on the M11 for digital is really cool. If I ever have a M system, it would be complimentary to my Sony system.
What is different with Leica is RGB comes to focus closer to the same spot than any other lens. Their binoculars look totally different than any other binocular. That is why there is so much more contrast.
Thanks for sharing!
Social media killed adventure, landscape and travel photography. Prove me wrong. I am no longer on Instagram or Facebook. I take heaps of photos and share them with nobody. I just enjoy them myself, the way we did before digital photography appeared. Just think of the millions of dollars spent by people to travel the iceland, patagonia etc just to take the same photos as everyone else and post them. Social media, is hugely responsible for photographers losing love and genuine interest in photography. Travel and adventure are not dead, the process of going out and making travel and adventure photography is dead or harder to do if you are only striving to reach likes and a pat on the back from followers. Instead, go out, make your photos and enjoy them yourself, perhaps share with a few friends, but don't bother with the rest of the world. Just remember, 99.99999% of people that view your photos are other photographers comparing themselves to your photo.
There’s a lot of truth in this. I think ultimately, artists need to avoid cliches. Cliches have always been around in other genres, but Instagram brought cliches to the forefront of photography.
@@davidherring Correct. When you think about, social media in general has actually created an anti-social environment. Many people don't share because they want to, they share to compete against others, to out do them and get the more likes and admiration. This is now anti-social and aggressive behaviour.
They say that the Leica 28mm is more like 24mm compared to lenses from other manufacturers
Agreed
You have to remember that Lightroom’s interpretation as well. Run that through C1 and you’ll notice other differences.
I only use Lightroom so this comparison probably is only relevant to Lightroom users.
Also......getting off the internet is a good way to not worry about what "people want to see"... they can get off their ass and go live their lives
thanks for the review, i have a q3 on order and am greatly thinking of cancelling and just grabbing the r5
Thanks for sharing!
Wondering why not the Q3 today or maybe the the SL3
This video is over a year old. I shoot the M system.
Thank you. it was very interesting
Thanks Dmitriy!
Use zeiss lenses on sony and you might be surprised. GM have great resolution, zeiss has character. That's why I keep my distagon but also my sonnar.
I used Zeiss lenses long before switching to Sony GM. Thanks for sharing!
I’m at 1:00 typing this, asking myself if stopped down landscape shots are the appropriate thing to achieve the goal of this video. Get a Summicron 75 or 50 and shoot portraits wide open. 😉
Thanks for the comment
@@davidherring Please don’t misunderstand, it wasn’t meant bad nor negative. It was late when I typed it, please apologise if I was accidentally offensive. It wasn’t for sure meant like so. I shoot Leica since ever and always was tempted to used other brands. But comparing the results of the Leica lenses for portrait. If it’s a print of negative shoot in the 1980’s with the Summicron-M 50 iteration available since then I can tell it. It’s unique.
Good job keep doing that kind of videos👍
Thanks!
this is the silliest comparison on youtube
I’m sure there are sillier…
As I came from Sony A7III, now using the Q2 and the SL2-s, I still like Sony, and I prefer it over the Canikons. And this comparison is quite nice and excellent, I think anybody can live with either of them. From the price point, there is a small advantage for the Q2, of course, Sony gives you more flexibility, due interchangeable lenses. One thing is clearly much better on the Leicas, it is their simplicity of menu system, handling, ease of use. Once adopted, I really struggle to operate the Sony in the same way, but this is valid only for me. Enjoy both of this wonderful products.
I love my Sony and Leica systems equally. They’re both incredible tools. Thanks for sharing!
@@davidherring Thank you. I still own a A6000 and a A6300, using the incredible Zeiss Loxia lenses. And honestly, they are quite close to the Leica lenses. I would even consider them "popping" in an almost identical manner to the Leica lenses. Especially the Loxia 50mm and 25mm are awesome.
@@hansgaber6038 I’ve always loved Zeiss lenses. Excellent contrast and sharpness!
8:51 amazing crop
Thanks!
would really like to see a B&W comparison.
Pretty old video for me at this point, but watch for future videos and I'll be doing another comparison!
Muchas gracias por el video
Nice review. Interestingly I think you would have had a better result with the Leica DR and shadows at 100 ISO rather than 50 (not the native ISO)
Thanks for the feedback!
OMG. Amazing video but I would so love to see you do a similar comparison but with a different lens, even a Contax 28 would do ;) Basically not a zoom lens, nor a prime that has too many optical elements 😂
This video is well over a year old and I don’t do many comparisons anymore but I’ll keep this in mind. Thanks for sharing!
@@davidherring Thanks a million for answering though :)
Nice video, and nice pictures! Something I found a little curious is that the Leica, at ISO 50, was exposed for 3 seconds and the SONY, at ISO 100, for 5 seconds (I would expect somehow you would have needed a longer exposure with the lower ISO of the Leica). With regards to the colour rendition, for what I noticed, it is depending on sensor (and all that goes around it) and lens (can’t change it on the Q2 of course, but put different lenses on your A7RV and you should see some differences). Agree on a 3D effect on the Leica image vs the SONY: somehow it looks like the rocks and the foreground (supposedly warm tints) show (at least on my iPad’s screen) a bit of a stronger green component to it on the SONY file (it looks like that could contribute to a ”flatter” rendering).
Thanks for the kind words! I have found Sony to render a touch greener all around, especially compared to Canon. Could be contributing to the look for sure.
I noticed the Sony on the left right away with the first set of pictures. Look at the sky and you can see a red magenta cast. That cast seemed to first appear (to my eyes with the a7rii when sony started to change the color science ). The Rii color science seemed to have culminated in the files I’ve seen while using the A7c. For some reason I don’t see the green tint you guys are referring to, not sure why. I used the Leica q (first one) extensively and I’m not sure you can really match that lens in a Sony system? Someone correct me on this if possible. I’m almost certain it’s a coating thing for Leica and a sensor thing for the Sony.
I’m wondering how the Sony would look with the Leica Lens? I like the Leica, it’s not having the choice of lens and I understand the simple yet powerful simplicity.
I’m sure a Leica lens on a Sony would look wonderful. The look is definitely in the lens. Regarding the lens being fixed, I’m also kind of inspired by it. Making me think creatively rather than slapping a 50 or 85 on the Q.
Only thing for me is the q is a prime, as good as the gm zooms are they (I own the 2nd version of them all) they still don’t have the same contrast…sharpness is there. I’ve don’t a lot of comparing of the 50 1.2 vs the 24-70ii and the 135 vs the 70-200ii and the differences are similar to what you’re seeing…the 3D pop seems me like the complexity of the contrast.
Just something I’ve stressed over 😂 that being said I just bought a q2 mono to go with my a7rv🤷🏻♂️
Thanks for sharing! Primes > zooms all day for sure.
Witch Leica camera is the best for architecture photography and everyday use?
I’d say the Q2 with its wide lens would be perfect. Otherwise an M with a 28 or 35 would get it done!
Great video! thanks for the hard work
Thanks Rob!
I don't know what is alive and what is dead. But if I think something is beautiful I want to take a photo. As simple as that.
Thanks for sharing!
If you still have this camera, can you please create video with Lens sharpness Chart?
I think there are several videos with this out there. Thanks for the comment!
Really like you style. What is adventure photography exactly? Something other than landscape photography I assume?
Thanks! Adventure photography is what we use to do prior to Instagram coming onto the scene in 2011. It was outdoors, hikes, landscapes, camping, roadtrips, etc. The lifestyle of adventure. But it's been overdone at this point...every location, and many creating photos with the appearance of an adventure but they're just driving up, snapping, and heading out. That's why I said the genre is dead.
Great video! Very helpful
Thanks so much!
Nice video 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Thanks!
That 3d-pop you speak of is probably the lenses ability to resolve excellent "micro-contrast" which makes it look sharp but not in a sharpening way, it just resolves more detail, should be brilliant for Black & White images. It reminds me of my old 50 mm F1.4 Carl Zeiss Planer on my first Contax 159 camera.
For sure. It’s beautiful.
Am I getting it wrong? Leica is ISO 50 and shorter exposure time. Sony is ISO 100 and longer exposure time. Shoudlnt it be opposite? Lower ISO needs more exposure time.
They expose very differently, and what they consider 0 isn’t the same at all. That said, I was going more for the composition differences between how it renders.
I have to admit that the leica does have that micro contrast for the 3d pop associated with the "leica look" but it seems like a marginal difference compared to the sony. The "look" gap seems miniscule but the price difference is vast. Also ive seen people slapping on leica glass on sony bodies vs leica bodies and i had a difficult time telling them apart so it seems like the key component is grabbing leica glass and adapting it on sony for that "look"
I recently became aware of an issue with adapting M lenses on Sony that, due to the gap between the seasons and lens, causes a loss of sharpness/clarity and contrast. Haven't confirmed myself, but I've heard this from multiple people at this point.
@@davidherringoh interesting, that would be a disappointment if true. No one has mentioned it but so far from what I've seen is short videos under 10 minutes on this topic so perhaps someone out there might test this. Thanks for the info
I think you should try the Sony with Loxia 25 or GM / Voigt apo 35. Tell me how it goes. ☺️
Lol I don’t have those lenses
@@davidherring well the GM 24 & 35 comes close.. but if you love micro contrast then voigtlander apo lenses and zeiss lenses are the way to go
Wow out of camera before editing the Leica image is much nicer, granted a few minutes in photoshop and that can be fixed. Although that Leica pop is definitely there, wonder how Leica does it, enough after editing the Leica has more pop. As a Sony user, definitely looking to try a Leica now.
You won’t be disappointed!
Hi, I really like the channel and content. When you switched over into your studio I have to admit that I kinda lost interest in what you were saying because of the audio. I don’t know if you have a designated external microphone but it felt like I was having to actively engage my ears during the video. Mind you I was editing my own photos and listening to your video.
I would spend some good money investing in a nice microphone or spend more time in post production. Please just take this as a constructive critic. You are doing a great job and you earned a subscriber from me! All the best.
Thanks for the feedback! I didn’t realize my mic was off and the camera mic was recording on the studio part 😂. All videos since this one have the mic on!
I guess we can conclude a kit lens is comparable to f2.8 lens zooms, if both are shot at f5.6.
Addressed this in a short that followed.
Dead on! Great video! (get a stabizer for the talk to the camra stuff :-) BTW it may have been done before but those are gorgeous shots.
This was one of my first videos, and I hope things have greatly improved since 😂
@@davidherringOoooh nnnooo... Don't apologize - it's a great video as are all of your videos. This one in particular is the very best video I've seen comparing the Leica Q2 to other cameras in what seems to me to be a very apples to apples comparison. Naturally, I am biased because I own a Q2! (I have had a Sony in the past)But what you did was finally show me what is meant by the "Leica color look ". People talk about it all the time but you're the first person who actually showed the difference to me. It was sort of a huge sigh of relief for me because I realize that all the money I spent on the Q2 was worth it after all :-). I love the camera despite the fact that it's auto focus is pretty bad. Sony rules there way beyond anything else. And again, you shouldn't apologize for those images being "cliché "because they are just great images and I would be very proud of myself if I had taken them. And kudos to you for getting out there and making it an adventure. I think you hit the nail on the head for why taking adventure pictures is really a great idea.
Thanks so much for the kind words!
You are looking at how Adobe Color profile interprets each raw file. You should be looking at a linear profile for each camera for a fair comparison. My 2 cents worth…
Thanks for the feedback!
Hey, awesome video! I checked and didnt see anyone asking about it, is there any chance you share some photos like the examples you have so we can actually check them out on our computers?
Thanks for the kind words! I will revisit this idea when I’m home from Europe in a few weeks! I can certainly provide a link for this.
@@davidherring that would be greatly appreciated. I just wonder if the leica file is baked with a bit more contrast, vibrance etc etc and you are not really paying for a POP but for a baked file. Not sure if you tried to match that pop with couple sliders adjustment from base raw file on sony and see how they stack then.
After careful evaluation and testing, I have chosen the Rv over the Q2 because of functionality and picture quality. While the Q2s pictures look fantastic, I found that in low light the Q2 is far more grainy and doesn't compare to the 61mp of the Sony in cropped photos. The ISO on the q2 is good but not past 3200. It dies after that. I got both cameras for Christmas and have spent weeks testing both and it finally came down to a few low light and zoomed pics to make my decision. When you crop the Q2s photos to the same 35 or 70, the definition falls flat very quickly and begins to look like a phone camera in definition. It is after all just a cropped 28mm. I also feel the mics on the Q2 for video are horrible. Muffled and hard to hear. I know it's not designed as a video camera but from time to time I do like to take a video and it's not good for that. I'll give the q2 a thumbs up on portability however but if you want the very best picture of something that isn't straight up 28mm then the Sony wins. If you shoot only 28mm then the Q2 wins with the 1.7f. Everything else is easy to do in Lightroom for colors. I think he new Q3 coming out will give the RV a run for its money however as I heard it will be 61mp and can handle more zoomed in cropped photos better. I hope they add a mic option also to allow some quality video shoots. Hope my testing helps people who might be on the fence of the Sony R7v5 vs the Leica q2. The Q2 is probably the best portable camera but it's not versatile enough to go for zoomed pics or video.
No doubt. The Q2 does one thing, but does it insanely well. But for work, diversity, and variety… Sony all day.
@@davidherring Thanks for all your help Dave. Very valuable for my purchase!
@@davidherring which is that one thing the q2 does better than others?
The Leica look
Your choice between the Lecia and Sony at this level is less about output quality, it is more about shooting experience. The Sony A7r5 + 16 to 35mm is 2x the weight of the Leica. 3lbs vs 1.58lbs or 1403 vs 718g. For me, that is a lot of weight and it means I will carry the Lecia more.
As a pro, you carry the Sony because you have too. For personal use, you'll carry the Lecia because you'll want too.
Agreed. They’re very different systems with different purposes. Still rely on my Sony for work where I need hi res files, speed, and autofocus. But Leica for literally everything else.
the leica raw files seem a lil more saturated and seems to raise the shadows like smart phones do with hdr.
Thanks for sharing!
Which to buy?, the question
Sony I think is cheaper
Sony is definitely cheaper!
If a zoom perform as good as a prime - buy it - it is seldom so. As you point out in your test the prime Leica show more contrast and that is to be expected - try a prime on the Sony and you will get that extra uhmpf and sharpness as well!
See my short that addresses this. Thanks for the comment!
I am a long time Sony shooter, but am looking for a good travel camera. I have the Fuji X100V, but am very interested in the Leica Q2. Your thoughts on getting it for travel?
I am a long time Sony shooter as well, and love the system! I was using an x100v for the past year and a half, and as much as I loved the simulations, I was always somewhat disappointed in the quality and in the experience. The camera is pretty small for my big hands. I sold it off to help finance the Q2.
Honestly, I’ve had the Q2 in my bag everyday since I picked it up a month ago. I traveled with it recently as well, which is where I made this video. If I only had room for one camera and lens to take with me somewhere, it would be the Q2. It feels great in my hands, I love the analog dials, and the lens is 10/10! Can’t recommend it enough.
@@davidherring You rule, thank you!!!
Great comparison, and definitely appreciate the perspective on the state of photography. There are places I still want to see, though less worried about “the banger.” That said, these are still beautiful scenes. The a7rv seems to be a great camera, but would love the Q or Q2 “just to shoot.” Currently a Sony photographer, but if Sony won’t offer an updated RX-1, the Leica is the best option. Thanks for the insight and comparisons.
I love going to these epic places. The point I was making was the cliche photo, the IG banger with the same composition, pose and wardrobe in it, edit, etc. But nothing should stop us from going to these beautiful places. And the A7RV is incredible. It was a huge step forward.
@@davidherring Thank you for the reply. I definitely that got out of your comments - adventure isn’t dead, but make it your own, don’t just copy it. Looking forward to see how you use the two cameras.
10:11 what is funny that Sony make most of the photo sensors even for smartphones not only cameras
Yep, but processor matters
Nice comparison, and images! Both great cameras. but I won't be selling my Sony A7rV for a Leica and a kit of lenses.
Thanks! I’m still a Sony shooter 💪🏼
The problem is you keep repeating the word Instagram. STOP SHOOTING FOR INSTAGRAM. There’s another world out there.
But what about the LIKES?!?!
Isn’t it all do with lens as well and not just the camera sensor?
That’s kind of the general thought. The lens plays most of the role in the shot. But I made this video to address that maybe the sensor has a pretty big role as well.
I bought Leica Q2 more than a year, and want to sell it several times😂
But the picture quality and compact body let me keep it
It’s really a beautiful camera and the photos are amazing.
are the raw files able to be edited in lightroom now on the sony?
Yep, they updated it back in mid-December!
Great comparison! Love the work! I heard Q2 has 24mm view instead of 28mm view. Just curious whether you can compare the Q2 vs A7R5+24GM. Q2 is a great camera! But I just don't know I want to pay that much money for that little 3D pop. Most of my picture viewers never spent more than 2 seconds on any of my images, nor they would blow it out for pixel peeping. I think most of the modern cameras have done excellent job on color and presentation to satisfy 99.99% of people's eyes. But man, by holding up that Ghost version of Q2, it makes me wanting to watch and touch it for whole day. It is a damn art piece, not camera.
Totally get that. The Q2 is 28mm, not 24mm, so it’s a tough different. It is an amazing camera, but Sony is still my commercial work horse. Leica is what I’m shooting for personal stuff, and portraits at the moment! And I agree, almost all modern cameras do an amazing job.
What color profile did you use for the side by side?
I’m pretty sure it’s just Adobe Color, which is default by Lightroom. I didn’t change anything.
Very interesting video, thx for that efforts. I'm wondering if this comparison has consider that DNG and RAW (which format uncompressed or compressed ?) are per definition not the same even if DNG is called as RAW. I don't know how LEICA is handling this, but my assumtion is that there is some kind of rendering taking place to give you the impression of the 3D look you mentioned. But anyhow non of the pictures are bad, it is just a personal taste that makes the difference. And by the way on my PC watching this video I can't see the big differnce as you may have seen on your screen.😃
Definitely a personal taste. I’d categorize this video as “interesting,” not a good / bad or better / best comparison. They’re just different. I use Sony for all of my professional work, and don’t plan to stop! But the Leica is so fun to shoot, and has that “Leica look.”
How Ironic, I have both of these as well and have done a couple side-by-side comparisons just for my own "point of reference" and reached, pretty much the very same conclusion. Both are Great but to pick one over the other.........yeah, just can't do it. Thanks for the video, I hope others find it fun, helpful and as informative as I have.
Thanks Tom. Love them both, and love shooting both systems.
I tend to feel most cameras are good now. The difference is how it makes you feel when you use it. We are all different. Regarding photography. It will never be dead..if you shoot for you. Looking for an online audience to please is a road to doom.
Agreed! The experience is everything.
i have one sony a7r5 + 70200gm 2 so i want to backup leica q2 with 28mm i dont know this best choice for facebook and insta , can you have me
advice !!
I don’t think you can go wrong with a Q2. It will give you a wide option where your 70-200 is going to be close.
@@davidherring thank you!!!!
Very nice comparison , don't forget to upgrade your firm 4:0 ;)
Haha, I did it already! Happy that Leica continues to support this camera after a few years. I feel like that isn't normal in the camera industry.
Hi Dave, what are you using to shoot the UA-cam video?
Hey Sam, I use a Sony A7SIII with a 16-35GM 99% of the time on this channel. This particular video, I was using the 35GM as my 16-35GM was on the camera I was shooting with.
@@davidherring Thank you! Great channel.
I like this video, except for the repeated reference to "3D pop" as if there was some magical quality to the Leica. Doesn't it come down to optics and image processing? Properties like resolution, color accuracy (perceived or real) and dynamic range. If the rocks appear more 3D it is because the lines, colors, shadows, and highlights are more accurate in terms of how our eyes perceive it. So is that the lens or the sensor or the in-camera processing? If you can post process to make the photos almost identical that just tells me that the Leica has better image processing than Sony, even for RAW. If you can't bring the Sony photo up to the same perceived 3D accuracy, then some combination of lens and sensor just isn't as good in the Sony.
Thanks for the feedback.