The Q2 for me it's the perfect camera lens combo, I shoot street, protests and landscapes, even sports with this thing. Loving it. I do fancy the flip screen to save the aging knees a tad but not enough to trade the Q2 for. This is my first Leica, I'm hooked.
I thought that when first using the Q2 massive files compared to what I was used to. I have everything on an external HD now so space wise i'm good. I used the Q for a short time when I killed my Q2 the Q does what the 2 does only with smaller files. Once my Q2 came back I opted to stay with it the major reason for me was the weather sealing, I could certainly live with the 24mp of the Q though. @@Lowdown13blues
Great review! I had the Q2 and was blown away by its handling,auto-focus and of course IQ. But….. I did one shoot on movie set and realised I needed a tilt screen (Fuji). So I sold my Q2. Now I’m keen on the Q3 for its tilt screen. But if only it tilted vertically like Fuji…. Thanks again for excellent and comprehensive review. Nice landscape pics!!
I upgraded from the Q2 to the Q3 last month. The differences are perhaps slight…but they are meaningful on a day-day basis; Tilting screen, USB C charging, focusing improvements, additional custom button and faster startup (after firmware upgrade). Granted these upgrades do not take away from the fact that the Q2 is 95% the same, and now you can pick up a Q2 in great condition, at a great price. But it was Christmas, and because Leica holds its value, I was able to upgrade to the Q3 at a Leica store in Germany for under $1000. Only annoyance is that the tiny bit of machined aluminium that they call a thumb rest that I had to buy because of the new custom button layout, set me back more than $250!!!
Wait they exchanged your Q2 +$1000 for a Q3 at the Leica store? Thats pretty great if so! Agreed the price of the Leica official thumb rest is absolute robbery. Might not help you now, but they do have some high quality 3rd party options that still give you access to the function buttons amzn.to/4b8ragW
the processor on the leica m11 is not the same on the leica q3, maestro 3 on the leica m11, and leica Q3 use maestro 4. great comparison video and mention of difference between the leica Q2 and leica q3
Leica has to set prices sky-high in order to avoid another bankruptcy. Just like Gibson in the guitar world. Their products are excellent for doing what they intend to do but obviously, to most people, they are not worth the price tag. As long as there are people buying I guess their business model works. I say good for them. But I will never pay 6k for a P&S.
I like your approach: Meat & Potatoes. About the slight focal difference between 28/24mm, well, I'll be a happy camper. Back in the day, I bought a Minox 35mm. just to get rid of my 35mm reflex gear. I discovered a new world. It had a fixed lens (25mm, but bordering on 28mm) I learned to see the world from a single focal lens. Focusing was almost automatic, no zooming fuzz trying to set the best cropping. I still keep those slides on Kodachrome 25. Talking about images, I want to congratulate you (and your significant other) for the choice of backdrop to test the Q3. The Canyon Lands!! It brought beautiful memories from the 35mm era. Thanks for not "testing" this expensive luxury camera taking images of back alleys, stray dogs or everyday garbage, as is the use for some other guys on this site. Why to buy such an expensive item to take useless images? Don't they have a portable phone? I'm contemplating to buy a Q3, not because of all its possibilities, but to be seen with it!! Keep on sharing!!
Nice video! The reduced shutter speed with increased ISO isnt because "leica thinks it looks bad". Its a heat issue. The camera is so incredible small that they couldnt disolve heat very well in the Q and Q2. The new sensor and processor are better at handling that heat so Leica doesnt have to limit it :)
When I am taking 2000 shots a day, I carry a spare AND the charger AND a usb-c cable. I don't think that the Q3 is a great upgrade for the Q2. It's like buying the next upgrade in MacBooks. Usually, not enough of an improvement. But it was a great upgrade from the original Q. I just spent a month traveling around Italy and Greece to break it in. Home now and going thru almost 10k images and am amazed every time I sit down at my computer to look at these shots.
I know this might sound bananas, but I wanted the restrictions of the Q2. The Q3 feels closer to the "Work" cameras I have and what I want to avoid. Plus the screen and new back design just felt weird. But the sensor is amazing.
I definitely feel you on that. The only thing that really makes me like the Q3 over Q2 is having the log recording to capture clips of those everyday moments too
Interesting thoughts, thanks. I had this very same argument the other day but with my Q (116) vs the Q2. For my type of shooting preference, the Q still wins every time!
I´ve not tried the Q2 or the 3, and I don't think I have the same concerns as you do. I bought in 2018 a Q1 to replace a Fuji X100F and it was a great improvement in low light performance thanks to image stabilization,, and the lens was eons better (besides, never liked 35). I gave away the Q1 last year to a friend but it's had a lot of mileage. I don't think Leica cameras are technically superior -right the opposite usually-, but the lenses are worth it, so I can live with the fact that they have no gizmos. For that there's the Z9 and its peers at Canon and Sony. Only thing that competes -and surpasses- the leica lenses are the Schneiders and Rodenstocks of the Phase One.
Agreed on the actual focal length. I've bought and sold no less than 6 Q's and Q2's over the last 9 years and it comes down to two things: The lens being too wide and the difference in the color and range compared to either Canon or Sony. The latter is a minor gripe, but the former is a relevant enough that it eventually drives me to abandon the camera, only to miss everything else about it again. Of course, now there's a 43mm, but it's just a little too pricey new, so I'll impatiently wait for used prices to dip below $6k, which will likely be a year from now.
I struggle with the choice…I’m using a Q2 at work, but hope to get a personal camera in the next 18months. The price of the Q3 is so steep, and its improvements to focus, MP, and screen may not actually be useful to me. If I found a gently used Q2 it would save a tremendous amount, and given that the Q3 batteries will work on the Q2, I am less afraid of obsolescence. I doubt the price of a used Q3 will be attractive compared to the used Q2 in the next couple of years.
I’m sure the issues you had with the Q2 were legit; however, I have not experienced much of what you’ve described in this video. In full disclosure, I don’t shoot burst. But I have a powerful gaming laptop used exclusively for editing-no stumbles or stalls managing massive files there. Although the processor may “only be” a Maestro 1, I find it to be flawless in pretty much every way. Images are gorgeous, I can process them quickly and in the way I want. For my street photography, it’s the ideal camera!
Bought a Q2 Reporter because it was $2k less than a new Q3. Love the thing except the noisy green shadows in lowlight. It's enough of a dealbreaker that I'm replacing it with a Q3.
Thank you for this very interesting feedback and VS exercice. I did use the original Q for quite a while and I've recently shifted to the Q2M for another photographic experience. Some of the problems listed here for the "normal" Q2 are thus irrelevant to my model. I'll wait for my bank account to recover for the moment :)
Great review. For me the only reason to switch to Q3 would be usb-c charging. Not enough to justify the price tho. Not shooting burst, I have a7r5 for that, wouldn't use 61mp because files are simply too big, and flip screen is too fujifilm-y for me. I feel like my next step will be M11.
@@kylemeshna You will probably make the same video as this one comparing an M10R (or even an M10P) and an M11: worth the upgrade in regard of the price and the philosophy of most Leica M users (one image at a time, just wait for the right moment. Video? What is this?) ? ;o)
One thing, that drove me nuts with the q3 compared to my q2: black out time of the screen after shooting one photo - was that already fixed through firmware updates?
@@kylemeshna OK, maybe they fixed it. Screen was noticeable longer black on q3 after taking a photo than q2. I feel, coming from q2 the switch to q3 is not worth it. For q4 I just wish a state of the art autofocus like sony has
@smodjo the more I’ve used the q3, I feel like it would be hard to go back to the Q2. Added cropping, AF is much improved IMO (although I had that it thinks it sees people in rocks all the time), so much snappier and less buffering, and the Leica Fotos app is sooo much faster with the Q3
i would kill for a pano crop option with the Q3 like the pano crop with hassy and fujifilm MF cameras ... i desperate to find a digital replacement for my beloved xpan
Just shoot your pano in manual mode one image at a time and assemble them in Lightroom or Photoshop. Far better results than any pano mode on any camera (except on the Hasselblad X, but there it is a crop).
Just wanted to pop in and say THANK YOU for covering a bit on video. I feel like every Q3 owner has glossed over the video capabilities despite it being the biggest difference between the Q2 & Q3. (For me) Also -- good to see some SLC representation on UA-cam! I'm moving back up there real soon and am excited to get back to business! Would you be willing to give me an opinion on Q3 vs A7CII? I've carried around an M10R for the past couple years but want my daily to have video capabilities again. Can the Q3 cut it? Crop modes with the Q3 on video? MF Experience on video?
lol. It’s funny. I agree that the biggest difference is video, and I actually wanted to spend more time covering it and showing different examples. But it was starting to feel too long. Funny thing is, according to YT analytics, that’s the most skipped section of the video. Like if you don’t care about video… just get the Q2 people! To your question about q3 vs A7cii… I think the better comp is the A7CR, given much of the specs are very similar. Honestly I really enjoy both of those cameras. I think the “feeling” is better on the Leica and there’s no crop in video modes (unless you use the crop feature). But then the A7CR has MUCH better AF (photo and video), I prefer slog, and the interchangeable lenses are great. Honestly it’s tough to decide between the two. I think the Leica still inspires me to take it everywhere more than any Sony will, so that might tip the scales enough. Not sure if this helps or just gives you more questions 😅
No you totally nailed it. That's what I've been thinking from the outside without having rented the Q3 yet. It seems like the tradeoff is true capabilities vs. feeling. Q3 > A7CII for Feeling Q3 < A7CII for Capabilities It's a hard decision! But for sure -- my end goal is having something I want to use every day. Worth noting that I want to pair the Q3 with a BMPCC or something similar, but it's just hard because I could get into an A7CII so easy by selling an A7III. @@kylemeshna
Also -- I gotta say it. The sony 28mm is light and fast, but optically trash. But the Q3 being actually a 24 also bothers me. Makes me wonder about an A7CII + 24GM combo.
Thanks Kyle great comparison. Could you do the Q3 comparison against the A7CR and Sony 24mm. Would love to see how it holds up. Doesn’t seem to be anything else on the market that comes close at the moment with full frame.
@@kylemeshna thanks will look forward to it. Been on the fence between these setups to accompany my eos R5. Seems pro and cons to both, but would love to know if the 60mp Sony can match up to Q3 in that wide angle 24mm setup. Although Q3 wait seems endless, you did well to get your hands on one 👌
i usually subcribe to vlogger who reply and appreciate the viewers. I verified if the owner reply to the question and help the viewers with their question. My question is what is your setting for Sony A7R for this studio shot? I already bought a lot of lighting. I hope I got some answer, also do you apply any LUT, I use DVRS.
I film my studio footage on the fx3 in slog3. I use 4k 24fps at the base iso of 640 and adjust my key light so that my skin on my face hits 70% on zebras. And then yes I color grade in davinci resolve. Working on a LUT back which will be available shortly
Excellent, excellent review ! I watched every single vid out there but this one takes the cake !! Before I started it I was very close from getting a used Q2, by half of the vid and after the issues on the Q2 you mentioned (that issue of it handling files killed me)I was ready to go for a Q3. By the end of the video my next search will be “which camera has the quality of a Q2-3, specially the detail, and is that small to carry around ? Thank you for such a great job detailing, quick, all the pros and cons on both cameras !!
@@findermanimages The screen of the A7CR is terrible. What you see on this screen is totally different from the real one, which may confuse you when deciding which picture is the best.
I love your sailing camera strap. Where could I get it? Being a german and raised with Leica, I do love your videos. Leica was all about this superneutral a bit greenish look and as being colourfriendly, I changed to Nikon a long time ago and now have a Z50 (hence the strap) and an XH2s - coming from the D500. But I understand the idea perfectly. Very sensitive video.
"supernatural a bit greenish look" where the h... have you seen that? I have shooting all models of Ms and Qs since the M240 I have never seen that unless you are speaking of a problem with the calibration of your LCD panel that would need calibration.
Thank you so much for this review, I was considering a q2 but that seems stoneage and overpriced... even Hasselblad X batteries are under a 100 bucks and those are at 3400Mah.... nah, fk that.
problem is there is no competitor in this range that Leica Q3 offers. Faster lens / High Megapixel sensor. Sony tried with RX range but failed miserably as that lens is not fast enough. I see only competition will be from Fujifilm but the issue is its not full-frame. Imagine if Fuji develops a Medium format point and shoot, it will make Leica run for its money.
@@07SATS the Sony a7cr with one of the smaller prime GMs (like the 24mm) is pretty comparable. Slightly larger size, but a bit more capable, high MP... and you can swap lenses
@@kylemeshna I disagree, I have seen in person sony a7cr mediocre viewfinder, body handling no match to Q3. Fujifilm viewfinder is way better than what sony offers. I see real competition can come from Fuji if they build something advanced X100 / XPRO range
Outside of the leica fanboy circle, the Leica Q camera is a glorified point and shoot. Offer 0 ergonomic and quality advantage than the similar priced camera. Here are a list of things leica fanboy used to justify the price: - the nostalgia feels - leica is a recognized brand - discreet Remember when photography is about the pictures, not about the price tag on your gears?
Leicas aren’t a waste of money. They are no doubt very expensive. When you decide to sell you will find they maintain their price. The question for me is buying a Leica worth the extra expense? No. I can get a more technologically better camera for less money. The Leica lenses aren’t worth the diminishing marginal return for me. As a result, the closest I’ll get to owning Leica products is purchasing Leica LUMIX lenses. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
A ridiculous trolling attitude. Have you ever owned one or used one for a few months? In the negative your comment is uniformed and it shows. In the positive can you share more details about why you came to that conclusion. As a contradicting fact (and not opinion) look at Josef Koudelka's work. Most photographers who use Leica Ms do so because of the probability, discretion, image quality and lens quality in a reduced package, reliability, and the fact that M lenses have existed since 1953 (who needs autofocus on a 28, 35 or 50 mm?!?).
@@BrunoChalifour Buddy, first of all, you ain't smart. You think you are, but trust me, you ain't. You are a fool and a tool. A corporate tool in that regard. Secondly; yes, I have Laica, M246. Got it really cheap few years ago. In fact, i work at camera store, and at this time i have around 10+ cameras of my own, some digital, some analog. So, tell me please, what's is the difference in image quallity between two full frame cameras that have same size CMOS sensor equiped. Thirdly; next time, buddy, when you go to a concert, football match, press conference... or next time you speak with weading photpgraphers, wildlife photographers etc., tell me how many of them uses Leica cameras for their work? Leica cameras are for hipsters and people who like to be "cool" on instagram or whatever. Thing is, for the money you give for the name, it does very poorly. Rolling shutter is terible, freezing issues, battery life autofocus, screen.. But hey, if I gave 6-8 thousand dollars for camera of any kind, i would probably also talk that the thing is amazing and what not just to justify my stupidity and to validate my purchase.
@@DucDigital If Leica only relied on "influencers" I do not think they would have stayed very long in the market. Not mentioning the fact here that they invented the 35 mm format camera and started selling them in 1925... somewhat far before influencers. Q users, whatever the model, are more likely to be photographers than influencers. All the people I know that own a Q model are real working professional photographers that do not spend any time influencing anyone on any channel. Let us be realistic here. Now that the camera may have reached a different and new segment of the market, good for them (they own a good tool), good for Leica, and good for us photographers sometimes looking for a pristine second-hand camera either for work or our personal enjoyment. Who is complaining? Rarely the ones who have actually owned and used a Leica Q model, and this is the reality of the matter. In other words the very success of this camera should be a good hint of whether or not it is a good camera (for people other than you apparently but have you ever owned or used one? I am beginning to doubt it (in which case what are you talking about? Something you know very little about? Just wondering).
None of my Leica shooting friends, nor myself would be labeled as “rich”…people simply are willing to save and then spend for something that drives their passion. I don’t drink, don’t party, don’t play videogames, don’t smoke, and like to cook and eat in. And yes I like to spend my money on Leica.
Same attitude here as the two preceding replies. Have you ever owned or used a Leica? Most photographers start with a used one (my case, and in fact several used ones as I have been upgrading for the past 30 years) and upgrade (which means using a Leica convinced them). Are you simply a Leica non-user troll that wants to justify a position only justified by a lack of experience?
Why dose most every UA-cam posting a Leica camera post, use the word ‘worth’ in their video title? Does the posed questions of potential dissatisfaction get clicks? 👎
And it is a very reasonable question (thanks benjhaisch, he knows what he talks about) as the price tag for camera bodies and lenses is often the first hurdle new-comers to the brand meet (especially before having used one).
Because outside the leica fanboy circle, the Leica Q camera is a glorified point and shoot. Offer 0 ergonomic and quality advantage than the similar priced camera. Here are a list of things leica fanboy used to justify the price: - the nostalgia feels - leica is a recognized brand - discreet Remember when photography is about the pictures, not about the price tag on your gears?
@@DucDigital I own 37 Leica cameras & 65 Leica lenses. The build quatity is incredible, the lens quality is incredible, the image quality is astounding. I also have a Panoscan MK-3 Panoramic, a Hasselblad H6D-400C MS, & most recently a Sony a7III. I still prefer my Leica’s!! 👏👏
Most of the reviewers including you don't mention whether the Q2 or Q3 can shoot video oversampled, crop modes over sampled pixel to pixel or not! I know these cameras are photo centric, but I use it as a hybrid camera, so video is also important, and being a one camera guy with a minimalistic approach, I don't like to lug around huge camera setups. So to the point now the Q2 that I have shoot incredible photos and videos, videos however are not oversampled and I hope that Leica come up with a future firmware upgrade so that atleast the cropped videos are oversampled to utilize that enormous resolution of the sensor. I go over it all in my video here: ua-cam.com/video/y1Pzp592uNY/v-deo.htmlsi=NMQfyLun0_e5qgwq
Imagine : When I was this young guy's age .... I was concerned with my wages paying bills and getting to work , I am 63 ... now people this " influencers " age are all peppered about " little issues " with Very Very expensive camera's ... I think the current generation picks bone's about broken fingernails , and acne on their neck , or back ... . You should be GRATEFUL , even though spoiled , you have the : Leisure Time .. to go out and create content focusing on micro difficulties with high end luxury products. I shoot digital and film , 35mm , 120mm , and Large Format. I do not fixate ... over the latest rage and spending money on the next " shiny glittering " object. Here is my thought : Learn to use what you have and do the BEST even if the equipment forces you to slow down and be thoughtful. If you need instant gratification , get a box of " QUISP " cereal and set at the table with milk .. and stuff yourself. That is consumerism and instant gratification , a Kid and a bowl of cereal. Eat Up kiddo ~
I recently bought the Q2 Ghost, I didn’t want to wait for the Q3 to come back in stock. Pretty happy with my decision so far
Plus the ghost has the drip factor 🥵
The Q2 for me it's the perfect camera lens combo, I shoot street, protests and landscapes, even sports with this thing. Loving it. I do fancy the flip screen to save the aging knees a tad but not enough to trade the Q2 for. This is my first Leica, I'm hooked.
Question, isn’t the file handling a big issue on the Q2 ?
I thought that when first using the Q2 massive files compared to what I was used to. I have everything on an external HD now so space wise i'm good. I used the Q for a short time when I killed my Q2 the Q does what the 2 does only with smaller files. Once my Q2 came back I opted to stay with it the major reason for me was the weather sealing, I could certainly live with the 24mp of the Q though. @@Lowdown13blues
Great review! I had the Q2 and was blown away by its handling,auto-focus and of course IQ. But….. I did one shoot on movie set and realised I needed a tilt screen (Fuji). So I sold my Q2. Now I’m keen on the Q3 for its tilt screen. But if only it tilted vertically like Fuji….
Thanks again for excellent and comprehensive review. Nice landscape pics!!
I upgraded from the Q2 to the Q3 last month. The differences are perhaps slight…but they are meaningful on a day-day basis; Tilting screen, USB C charging, focusing improvements, additional custom button and faster startup (after firmware upgrade). Granted these upgrades do not take away from the fact that the Q2 is 95% the same, and now you can pick up a Q2 in great condition, at a great price. But it was Christmas, and because Leica holds its value, I was able to upgrade to the Q3 at a Leica store in Germany for under $1000. Only annoyance is that the tiny bit of machined aluminium that they call a thumb rest that I had to buy because of the new custom button layout, set me back more than $250!!!
Wait they exchanged your Q2 +$1000 for a Q3 at the Leica store? Thats pretty great if so!
Agreed the price of the Leica official thumb rest is absolute robbery. Might not help you now, but they do have some high quality 3rd party options that still give you access to the function buttons amzn.to/4b8ragW
the processor on the leica m11 is not the same on the leica q3, maestro 3 on the leica m11, and leica Q3 use maestro 4. great comparison video and mention of difference between the leica Q2 and leica q3
Leica has to set prices sky-high in order to avoid another bankruptcy. Just like Gibson in the guitar world. Their products are excellent for doing what they intend to do but obviously, to most people, they are not worth the price tag. As long as there are people buying I guess their business model works. I say good for them. But I will never pay 6k for a P&S.
I own a q2 and the only flaw I have with it is that the lenscap keeps falling off….
I like your approach: Meat & Potatoes.
About the slight focal difference between 28/24mm, well, I'll be a happy camper. Back in the day, I bought a Minox 35mm. just to get rid of my 35mm reflex gear.
I discovered a new world. It had a fixed lens (25mm, but bordering on 28mm) I learned to see the world from a single focal lens. Focusing was almost automatic, no zooming fuzz trying to set the best cropping. I still keep those slides on Kodachrome 25.
Talking about images, I want to congratulate you (and your significant other) for the choice of backdrop to test the Q3. The Canyon Lands!! It brought beautiful memories from the 35mm era. Thanks for not "testing" this expensive luxury camera taking images of back alleys, stray dogs or everyday garbage, as is the use for some other guys on this site. Why to buy such an expensive item to take useless images? Don't they have a portable phone?
I'm contemplating to buy a Q3, not because of all its possibilities, but to be seen with it!!
Keep on sharing!!
Nice video! The reduced shutter speed with increased ISO isnt because "leica thinks it looks bad". Its a heat issue. The camera is so incredible small that they couldnt disolve heat very well in the Q and Q2. The new sensor and processor are better at handling that heat so Leica doesnt have to limit it :)
Some forums suggested it was imposed for “looking bad”. Likely I misread the subtext of that forum poster 🫠
Thanks for your thoughts. I have a 2 and had no idea it was such a bad camera.
How do they compare to the Fuji X100V/VI?
When I am taking 2000 shots a day, I carry a spare AND the charger AND a usb-c cable. I don't think that the Q3 is a great upgrade for the Q2. It's like buying the next upgrade in MacBooks. Usually, not enough of an improvement. But it was a great upgrade from the original Q. I just spent a month traveling around Italy and Greece to break it in. Home now and going thru almost 10k images and am amazed every time I sit down at my computer to look at these shots.
such a sweet looking camera. q3 is on the wishlist for sure
It really is
I know this might sound bananas, but I wanted the restrictions of the Q2. The Q3 feels closer to the "Work" cameras I have and what I want to avoid. Plus the screen and new back design just felt weird. But the sensor is amazing.
I definitely feel you on that. The only thing that really makes me like the Q3 over Q2 is having the log recording to capture clips of those everyday moments too
That I LIKE. But I think I've taken 2 video clips ever with my Q2 so I'm not the person they're advertising the Q3 to.@@kylemeshna
@@BrandonTalbot Seems like that's most folks. The video section is the most skipped part of this video 😂
Currently own a Sony A1, would you get a Leica Q3 and sell the Sony or get a Leica Q2M and keep the Sony. I am not a paid professional
Interesting thoughts, thanks. I had this very same argument the other day but with my Q (116) vs the Q2. For my type of shooting preference, the Q still wins every time!
Q is better overall simply due to the Q2 terrible low light performance.
I´ve not tried the Q2 or the 3, and I don't think I have the same concerns as you do. I bought in 2018 a Q1 to replace a Fuji X100F and it was a great improvement in low light performance thanks to image stabilization,, and the lens was eons better (besides, never liked 35). I gave away the Q1 last year to a friend but it's had a lot of mileage. I don't think Leica cameras are technically superior -right the opposite usually-, but the lenses are worth it, so I can live with the fact that they have no gizmos. For that there's the Z9 and its peers at Canon and Sony. Only thing that competes -and surpasses- the leica lenses are the Schneiders and Rodenstocks of the Phase One.
No mention of the most important thing. Pictures’ quality. Same lenses same results basically. And Leica is all about picture quality.
I mean that’s basically a given
That rear display f’s up the beautiful lines of my Q2
Agreed on the actual focal length. I've bought and sold no less than 6 Q's and Q2's over the last 9 years and it comes down to two things: The lens being too wide and the difference in the color and range compared to either Canon or Sony. The latter is a minor gripe, but the former is a relevant enough that it eventually drives me to abandon the camera, only to miss everything else about it again. Of course, now there's a 43mm, but it's just a little too pricey new, so I'll impatiently wait for used prices to dip below $6k, which will likely be a year from now.
I struggle with the choice…I’m using a Q2 at work, but hope to get a personal camera in the next 18months. The price of the Q3 is so steep, and its improvements to focus, MP, and screen may not actually be useful to me. If I found a gently used Q2 it would save a tremendous amount, and given that the Q3 batteries will work on the Q2, I am less afraid of obsolescence. I doubt the price of a used Q3 will be attractive compared to the used Q2 in the next couple of years.
The focal length is nearer to 24mm at close focus, at infinity it’s roughly 28mm. This is down to focus breathing in the lens. 👍🏻
Fantastic review! Great video.
Cheers!
I’m sure the issues you had with the Q2 were legit; however, I have not experienced much of what you’ve described in this video. In full disclosure, I don’t shoot burst. But I have a powerful gaming laptop used exclusively for editing-no stumbles or stalls managing massive files there. Although the processor may “only be” a Maestro 1, I find it to be flawless in pretty much every way. Images are gorgeous, I can process them quickly and in the way I want. For my street photography, it’s the ideal camera!
Compare Q2 to any modern camera and it’s VERY sluggish in many aspects.
Bought a Q2 Reporter because it was $2k less than a new Q3. Love the thing except the noisy green shadows in lowlight. It's enough of a dealbreaker that I'm replacing it with a Q3.
Wow. I’d love a reporter but in the UK the reporter is significantly more than a normal Q2
These green shadows in low light match the reporter green body🤣
Finally a really good review of the Q3
Much appreciated. Glad you found it helpful
Very helpful. Just cannot justify price - vs using my x100V which has none of these issues.
I think the x100v has its own issues, but the price is obviously so much better
@@kylemeshna 100% agree. X100v feels kind of plastic toy in front of Q2 tank
The more I watch these videos, the more I realize original q will always be King
Thank you for this very interesting feedback and VS exercice. I did use the original Q for quite a while and I've recently shifted to the Q2M for another photographic experience. Some of the problems listed here for the "normal" Q2 are thus irrelevant to my model. I'll wait for my bank account to recover for the moment :)
Bank account recovery is a must haha
Great review. For me the only reason to switch to Q3 would be usb-c charging. Not enough to justify the price tho. Not shooting burst, I have a7r5 for that, wouldn't use 61mp because files are simply too big, and flip screen is too fujifilm-y for me. I feel like my next step will be M11.
M11 is so fun to shoot with. Going to review one soon
@@kylemeshna You will probably make the same video as this one comparing an M10R (or even an M10P) and an M11: worth the upgrade in regard of the price and the philosophy of most Leica M users (one image at a time, just wait for the right moment. Video? What is this?) ? ;o)
One thing, that drove me nuts with the q3 compared to my q2: black out time of the screen after shooting one photo - was that already fixed through firmware updates?
Hmm not sure what you’re referring to. I haven’t noticed any issues with that
@@kylemeshna OK, maybe they fixed it. Screen was noticeable longer black on q3 after taking a photo than q2. I feel, coming from q2 the switch to q3 is not worth it. For q4 I just wish a state of the art autofocus like sony has
@smodjo the more I’ve used the q3, I feel like it would be hard to go back to the Q2. Added cropping, AF is much improved IMO (although I had that it thinks it sees people in rocks all the time), so much snappier and less buffering, and the Leica Fotos app is sooo much faster with the Q3
i would kill for a pano crop option with the Q3 like the pano crop with hassy and fujifilm MF cameras ... i desperate to find a digital replacement for my beloved xpan
Just shoot your pano in manual mode one image at a time and assemble them in Lightroom or Photoshop. Far better results than any pano mode on any camera (except on the Hasselblad X, but there it is a crop).
@@BrunoChalifour i ended buying a GFX instead … panocrop is there
Best review I’ve seen.
Appreciate it
Just wanted to pop in and say THANK YOU for covering a bit on video. I feel like every Q3 owner has glossed over the video capabilities despite it being the biggest difference between the Q2 & Q3. (For me)
Also -- good to see some SLC representation on UA-cam! I'm moving back up there real soon and am excited to get back to business!
Would you be willing to give me an opinion on Q3 vs A7CII? I've carried around an M10R for the past couple years but want my daily to have video capabilities again. Can the Q3 cut it? Crop modes with the Q3 on video? MF Experience on video?
lol. It’s funny. I agree that the biggest difference is video, and I actually wanted to spend more time covering it and showing different examples. But it was starting to feel too long.
Funny thing is, according to YT analytics, that’s the most skipped section of the video. Like if you don’t care about video… just get the Q2 people!
To your question about q3 vs A7cii… I think the better comp is the A7CR, given much of the specs are very similar. Honestly I really enjoy both of those cameras. I think the “feeling” is better on the Leica and there’s no crop in video modes (unless you use the crop feature). But then the A7CR has MUCH better AF (photo and video), I prefer slog, and the interchangeable lenses are great. Honestly it’s tough to decide between the two. I think the Leica still inspires me to take it everywhere more than any Sony will, so that might tip the scales enough.
Not sure if this helps or just gives you more questions 😅
No you totally nailed it. That's what I've been thinking from the outside without having rented the Q3 yet. It seems like the tradeoff is true capabilities vs. feeling.
Q3 > A7CII for Feeling
Q3 < A7CII for Capabilities
It's a hard decision! But for sure -- my end goal is having something I want to use every day. Worth noting that I want to pair the Q3 with a BMPCC or something similar, but it's just hard because I could get into an A7CII so easy by selling an A7III.
@@kylemeshna
Also -- I gotta say it. The sony 28mm is light and fast, but optically trash. But the Q3 being actually a 24 also bothers me. Makes me wonder about an A7CII + 24GM combo.
Thanks Kyle great comparison. Could you do the Q3 comparison against the A7CR and Sony 24mm. Would love to see how it holds up. Doesn’t seem to be anything else on the market that comes close at the moment with full frame.
I actually did a little side by side with that exact setup. I haven’t had a chance to edit the images yet, but absolutely intend to make that video!
@@kylemeshna thanks will look forward to it. Been on the fence between these setups to accompany my eos R5. Seems pro and cons to both, but would love to know if the 60mp Sony can match up to Q3 in that wide angle 24mm setup. Although Q3 wait seems endless, you did well to get your hands on one 👌
@@kylemeshnaexactly what I wanted. Thanks !
Nicely in depth, detailed review. Good conclusion. Just one thing a real test and measurement of the dynamic range may have been more convincing.
Yep this is fair. I’ll need to put together a more controlled testing environment for testing this in future videos
@@kylemeshna Thanks for your reply. I think it would be useful for both yourself and your subscribers. All the best.
when a camera costs as much as a used car it should be perfect
i usually subcribe to vlogger who reply and appreciate the viewers. I verified if the owner reply to the question and help the viewers with their question. My question is what is your setting for Sony A7R for this studio shot? I already bought a lot of lighting. I hope I got some answer, also do you apply any LUT, I use DVRS.
I film my studio footage on the fx3 in slog3. I use 4k 24fps at the base iso of 640 and adjust my key light so that my skin on my face hits 70% on zebras. And then yes I color grade in davinci resolve. Working on a LUT back which will be available shortly
@@kylemeshna Nice reply for an out of context question! ;o)
200 usd price difference?
a question. Does anyone use their left eye for the viewfinder? It seems as if the design was only made for the right eye.
I do. Feels similar to any rangefinder I’ve used. I have limited vision in my right eye though.
Confused - My Q2 has full control over exposure on any ISO. That's really strange yours limited your SS.
I’ve tried it on three different units now… strange
Mine doesn't. I'm wondering if I'm just not applying the right settings.
Excellent, excellent review !
I watched every single vid out there but this one takes the cake !!
Before I started it I was very close from getting a used Q2, by half of the vid and after the issues on the Q2 you mentioned (that issue of it handling files killed me)I was ready to go for a Q3. By the end of the video my next search will be “which camera has the quality of a Q2-3, specially the detail, and is that small to carry around ?
Thank you for such a great job detailing, quick, all the pros and cons on both cameras !!
Happy to help! I’m working on a search to replicate the Q3 in a different camera brand. Stay tuned on if that’ll work as I hope haha
@@kylemeshna can’t wait to see that !! That’d be the ultimate vid to see today !
@@kylemeshna Sony a7cR with a compact lens would be a good place to start, perhaps?
@@findermanimages The screen of the A7CR is terrible. What you see on this screen is totally different from the real one, which may confuse you when deciding which picture is the best.
i HATE the lack of left side access to the flip screen. Literally zero sense
One of the most absurd things about the camera tbh. Cuz like design wise it makes so much sense. except for that
I love your sailing camera strap. Where could I get it? Being a german and raised with Leica, I do love your videos. Leica was all about this superneutral a bit greenish look and as being colourfriendly, I changed to Nikon a long time ago and now have a Z50 (hence the strap) and an XH2s - coming from the D500. But I understand the idea perfectly. Very sensitive video.
"supernatural a bit greenish look" where the h... have you seen that? I have shooting all models of Ms and Qs since the M240 I have never seen that unless you are speaking of a problem with the calibration of your LCD panel that would need calibration.
Wow, I'd buy a mint M10 with a 28mm Elmarit before a Q3. . .
Hell yeah....the Q3 is a huge upgrade from 2.
yeah I placed 5 preorders so that I can get atleast one in hand faster... think smarter 🧐
Thank you so much for this review, I was considering a q2 but that seems stoneage and overpriced... even Hasselblad X batteries are under a 100 bucks and those are at 3400Mah.... nah, fk that.
6 k is real steep for a digital camera with limited video capabilities . Looks cool tho
Definitely true. It’s also a treat to shoot with and the size is real real nice as an everyday camera
@@kylemeshna yeah I agree it looks good
problem is there is no competitor in this range that Leica Q3 offers. Faster lens / High Megapixel sensor. Sony tried with RX range but failed miserably as that lens is not fast enough. I see only competition will be from Fujifilm but the issue is its not full-frame. Imagine if Fuji develops a Medium format point and shoot, it will make Leica run for its money.
@@07SATS the Sony a7cr with one of the smaller prime GMs (like the 24mm) is pretty comparable. Slightly larger size, but a bit more capable, high MP... and you can swap lenses
@@kylemeshna I disagree, I have seen in person sony a7cr mediocre viewfinder, body handling no match to Q3. Fujifilm viewfinder is way better than what sony offers. I see real competition can come from Fuji if they build something advanced X100 / XPRO range
11:04
I tried getting a fuji… that worked!, 😂😊
X100 series is the most overrated ever, along with Sony trash(worst color science of all time).
how about Q vs Q3?
Q is 24 Megapixel vs Q3 60. Q is not weather sealed, its day and night difference if you compare Q3 with Q.
If I had the money to spend I’d get a Q3 with a blink of an eye.
It is a piece of art - not a work horse. Enjoy
Outside of the leica fanboy circle, the Leica Q camera is a glorified point and shoot. Offer 0 ergonomic and quality advantage than the similar priced camera.
Here are a list of things leica fanboy used to justify the price:
- the nostalgia feels
- leica is a recognized brand
- discreet
Remember when photography is about the pictures, not about the price tag on your gears?
Leicas aren’t a waste of money. They are no doubt very expensive. When you decide to sell you will find they maintain their price. The question for me is buying a Leica worth the extra expense? No. I can get a more technologically better camera for less money. The Leica lenses aren’t worth the diminishing marginal return for me. As a result, the closest I’ll get to owning Leica products is purchasing Leica LUMIX lenses.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
the blown highlights issue hold true across all leica cameras.
not worth for using such amount to buy a Panasonic camera with Summilux lens was designed by Konica Minolta and produced by Panasonic
Point and shoot camera for $6,000? Nein, Danke Schon!
hold in hand then you will realize the beauty of the camera
musiclover what price are you ready to pay for the right instrument or listening system? Danke too!
No. Leica is for people who think they will be better photographers if they buy one.
A ridiculous trolling attitude. Have you ever owned one or used one for a few months?
In the negative your comment is uniformed and it shows.
In the positive can you share more details about why you came to that conclusion.
As a contradicting fact (and not opinion) look at Josef Koudelka's work. Most photographers who use Leica Ms do so because of the probability, discretion, image quality and lens quality in a reduced package, reliability, and the fact that M lenses have existed since 1953 (who needs autofocus on a 28, 35 or 50 mm?!?).
@@BrunoChalifour Buddy, first of all, you ain't smart. You think you are, but trust me, you ain't. You are a fool and a tool. A corporate tool in that regard.
Secondly; yes, I have Laica, M246. Got it really cheap few years ago.
In fact, i work at camera store, and at this time i have around 10+ cameras of my own, some digital, some analog.
So, tell me please, what's is the difference in image quallity between two full frame cameras that have same size CMOS sensor equiped.
Thirdly; next time, buddy, when you go to a concert, football match, press conference... or next time you speak with weading photpgraphers, wildlife photographers etc., tell me how many of them uses Leica cameras for their work?
Leica cameras are for hipsters and people who like to be "cool" on instagram or whatever. Thing is, for the money you give for the name, it does very poorly. Rolling shutter is terible, freezing issues, battery life autofocus, screen.. But hey, if I gave 6-8 thousand dollars for camera of any kind, i would probably also talk that the thing is amazing and what not just to justify my stupidity and to validate my purchase.
Or those “influencers” photographer who cares more about their look and their photos.
@@DucDigital If Leica only relied on "influencers" I do not think they would have stayed very long in the market. Not mentioning the fact here that they invented the 35 mm format camera and started selling them in 1925... somewhat far before influencers. Q users, whatever the model, are more likely to be photographers than influencers. All the people I know that own a Q model are real working professional photographers that do not spend any time influencing anyone on any channel. Let us be realistic here. Now that the camera may have reached a different and new segment of the market, good for them (they own a good tool), good for Leica, and good for us photographers sometimes looking for a pristine second-hand camera either for work or our personal enjoyment. Who is complaining? Rarely the ones who have actually owned and used a Leica Q model, and this is the reality of the matter. In other words the very success of this camera should be a good hint of whether or not it is a good camera (for people other than you apparently but have you ever owned or used one? I am beginning to doubt it (in which case what are you talking about? Something you know very little about? Just wondering).
Laughing at all the Leica haters here 😂😂😂😂
more haters than any other camera brand for sure 😂
A camera brand that no average person can afford...and see rich kids wear it as an accessory
None of my Leica shooting friends, nor myself would be labeled as “rich”…people simply are willing to save and then spend for something that drives their passion.
I don’t drink, don’t party, don’t play videogames, don’t smoke, and like to cook and eat in. And yes I like to spend my money on Leica.
@@kubowich Same here. I dont do things as you mentioned too so I can buy Leica Q3.
Same attitude here as the two preceding replies. Have you ever owned or used a Leica? Most photographers start with a used one (my case, and in fact several used ones as I have been upgrading for the past 30 years) and upgrade (which means using a Leica convinced them). Are you simply a Leica non-user troll that wants to justify a position only justified by a lack of experience?
Why dose most every UA-cam posting a Leica camera post, use the word ‘worth’ in their video title? Does the posed questions of potential dissatisfaction get clicks? 👎
Because that’s the first question I get when people ask about it considering they’re at least double the price of a comparable camera.
lol thank you for this @benjhaisch
And it is a very reasonable question (thanks benjhaisch, he knows what he talks about) as the price tag for camera bodies and lenses is often the first hurdle new-comers to the brand meet (especially before having used one).
Because outside the leica fanboy circle, the Leica Q camera is a glorified point and shoot. Offer 0 ergonomic and quality advantage than the similar priced camera.
Here are a list of things leica fanboy used to justify the price:
- the nostalgia feels
- leica is a recognized brand
- discreet
Remember when photography is about the pictures, not about the price tag on your gears?
@@DucDigital
I own 37 Leica cameras & 65 Leica lenses. The build quatity is incredible, the lens quality is incredible, the image quality is astounding. I also have a Panoscan MK-3 Panoramic, a Hasselblad H6D-400C MS, & most recently a Sony a7III. I still prefer my Leica’s!! 👏👏
Most of the reviewers including you don't mention whether the Q2 or Q3 can shoot video oversampled, crop modes over sampled pixel to pixel or not! I know these cameras are photo centric, but I use it as a hybrid camera, so video is also important, and being a one camera guy with a minimalistic approach, I don't like to lug around huge camera setups. So to the point now the Q2 that I have shoot incredible photos and videos, videos however are not oversampled and I hope that Leica come up with a future firmware upgrade so that atleast the cropped videos are oversampled to utilize that enormous resolution of the sensor. I go over it all in my video here: ua-cam.com/video/y1Pzp592uNY/v-deo.htmlsi=NMQfyLun0_e5qgwq
if i had 100g's sitting around for a camera i would get a Fujifilm GFX 100. fuck all that low tech leica hipster noise.
Imagine : When I was this young guy's age .... I was concerned with my wages paying bills and getting to work , I am 63 ... now people this " influencers " age are all peppered about " little issues " with Very Very expensive camera's ... I think the current generation picks bone's about broken fingernails , and acne on their neck , or back ... .
You should be GRATEFUL , even though spoiled , you have the : Leisure Time .. to go out and create content focusing on micro difficulties with high end luxury products.
I shoot digital and film , 35mm , 120mm , and Large Format. I do not fixate ... over the latest rage and spending money on the next " shiny glittering " object.
Here is my thought : Learn to use what you have and do the BEST even if the equipment forces you to slow down and be thoughtful.
If you need instant gratification , get a box of " QUISP " cereal and set at the table with milk .. and stuff yourself.
That is consumerism and instant gratification , a Kid and a bowl of cereal. Eat Up kiddo ~