The Leica Q (Typ 116) is a new 35mm full-frame compact camera with a fixed 28mm f/1.7 lens. The first model in a new line of digital compact cameras, the Leica Q features auto-focus speed of 0.15 second, ISO range of 100-50,000, 10fps continuous shooting, 1080p/60fps video, built-in wi-fi and NFC connectivity, 3.6 megapixed electronic LCOS viewfinder, and a touchscreen 3" TFT LCD monitor with 1,040,000 pixels. The Leica Q (Typ 116) is available now in the UK at a suggested retail price of £2,900 including VAT. In the US the Leica Q retails for and SRP of $4,250.

Leica Camera Press Release

LEICA Q: a pioneer by tradition

Sensitive, fast and intuitive

Leica Camera today introduces the first of a new line of digital compact cameras:the Leica Q.

With a full-frame sensor and a particularly high speed, classic focal length prime lens, the camera stands out thanks to its fast and intuitive handling. Its Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens makes it ideal for shooting in available light situations and has an angle of view that reproduces scenes with natural perspective and proportions. This makes the Leica Q the perfect camera for street, architectural and landscape photography.

With a 24 MP, full-frame CMOS sensor precisely matched to its lens, the camera delivers richly detailed exposures with extremely low noise at optimum quality, at ISO sensitivities up to 50,000.

Furthermore, with the option of switching between macro, automatic and manual focusing, the Leica Q offers the greatest possible creative freedom, allowing the user to achieve even the most demanding of photographic ambitions.

To ensure that the ‘decisive moment’ is never missed, the Leica Q full-frame compact camera offers the fastest autofocus in its class, as well as almost real-time precision focusing. At the same time, its newly developed Leica Maestro II image processor, specifically adapted for the Leica Q, processes the data from the sensor at an enormous speed and delivers up to ten frames per second at full resolution. Ensuring reliable control of subject composition at this speed, the Leica Q also features an integrated viewfinder with a resolution of 3.68 MP. Even the finest details of each exposure are displayed without any perceptible lag.

The digital frame selector of the Leica Q allows further creative opportunities – alternative subject framing can be selected with the press of a button. In addition to the focal length of 28mm at full resolution, this function also offers the equivalent of shooting with 35 and 50mm lenses. The corresponding frames are displayed in the viewfinder.

As with a rangefinder camera, photographers can view the areas outside the bright-line frame, and can react much more quickly to changes in and around the subject. The selected framing is preserved in the JPEG image files, while the RAW files in DNG format record the entire field captured by the 28mm lens.

The Leica Q continues the Leica tradition of concentrating on ‘the essentials’ in terms of its design. The ‘made in Germany’ seal of quality guarantees that only the finest materials are employed in its construction, ensuring exceptional durability. The top plate is machined from solid blocks of aluminium, the body is made of magnesium alloy, and all lettering and markings on the setting dials are laser-engraved. The thumb rest on the back of the camera and the diamond pattern of the exterior finish ensure a steady grip.

With its ergonomic design, all functions of the Leica Q are clearly laid out and logically positioned. The clear menu provides rapid access to all essential features and also offers custom programming options: for example, convenient definition of the autofocus limits by key control. Alternatively, the touch screen can be used for focusing by eye, or the focusing point can be selected with a simple touch of a fingertip. In manual focusing mode, Live View offers two additional electronic focusing aids: Focus Peaking shows points in the subject that are sharply focused by the coloured highlighting of edges, and Live View Zoom simultaneously allows the photographer check the sharply focused parts of the scene with up to six-fold magnification. With the Leica Q, the photographer is always in control. The two essential parameters for photography - aperture and shutter speed - can be read from the corresponding controls and set, even when the camera is switched off.

Furthermore, when shooting in video mode, photographers can benefit from the exceptionally high speed and unmistakable bokeh of the Leica Q lens. Video recorded in full HD with the Leica Q is indistinguishable from professional movie footage. Depending on the scene, the photographer can choose between 30 and 60 full frames per second for video recording in MP4 format. An integrated wind-noise filter guarantees crystal-clear sound.

The Leica Q features an integrated Wi-Fi module for wireless transmission of still pictures and video to other devices and remote control by WLAN from a smartphone or a tablet PC. The Leica Q app for control of these features can be downloaded free of charge from the Leica website. In addition to remote release and display of the viewfinder image, the app allows the photographer to set their chosen aperture and shutter speed.

Software and accessories

Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom®, a professional digital workflow solution for Apple Mac® OS X and Microsoft Windows®, is included with the Leica Q. This digital image processing software offers a comprehensive range of functions for the management, processing and presentation of digital image data. Leica Q customers can download the software free of charge from the Leica website after registering their camera.

An extensive range of accessories and premium bags and cases is also available for the Leica Q. These include an ever-ready case, a holster, a protector and a day bag (all manufactured exclusively for the Leica Q in finest black leather), system bags in various sizes and styles, hand straps and carrying straps, as well as accessories including the Leica SF 26 flash, a handgrip, table-top and travel tripods, and a selection of ball heads (please visit www.leica-camera.co.uk for further details). Just like the camera, all Leica Q accessories are designed for easy handling, and are manufactured from the highest quality materials to ensure versatility, reliability and a lifetime of use.

Availability and pricing

The Leica Q is available now from authorised UK Leica dealers at a suggested retail price of £2,900 including VAT.

Technical Specifications: LEICA Q
Camera type: Leica Q (Typ 116), digital compact camera
Picture format/aspect ratio: 24 x 36mm/2:3
Lens: Leica Summilux 28mm f 1.7 ASPH., 11 lenses in 9 groups, 3
aspherical lenses
Digital frame selector
(digital zoom): optional: approx. 1.25x (corresponding to 35mm) or approx.
1.8x (corresponding to 50mm)
Image stabilisation: optical compensation system for photo and video recordings
Aperture range: 1.7 to 16 in 1⁄3EV increments
Picture sensor/resolution: CMOS sensor, 26.3/24.2 million pixels (total/effective)
Dynamic range: 13 aperture stops
Colour depth: 14 Bit
Photo capture format: optional: DNG + JPEG, JPEG
DNG/JPEG resolution: 24MP (6000x4000 px), 12MP (4272x2848 px), 6MP
(2976x1984 px), 1.7MP (1600x1080 px)
Video recording format: MP4
MP MPMP4
Video resolution/frame rate: optional: FHD 1920 x 1080p with 60 or 30 B/ or HD 1280 x
720p with 30 B/s
Sound recording format: AAC
Microphone: stereo
Loudspeaker: mono
Storage media: SD/SDHC/SDXC
ISO range: automatic, ISO 100 to ISO 50,000
White balance: automatic, default settings for: daylight, cloudy, halogen
lighting, shadow, electronic flash, two manual settings with
measuring, manual colour temperature setting
Colour range: optional for photos: sRGB, Adobe® RGB, ECI RGB
Focus/saturation/contrast: each selectable in 5 steps, for saturation also in B/W
Focusing
Working range: 30cm to ∞, with macro setting from 17cm
Setting: automatic (autofocus) or manual focusing, option of
magnifying function and edge marking (focus peaking)
available for manual setting
Autofocus system: contrast-based autofocus system
Autofocus modes: AFS (shutter release only after successful focusing), (shutter
release possible at any time), AF setting can be saved
Autofocus metering methods: 1-field (adjustable), multi-field, face recognition, subject
tracking, optional setting/shutter release by touching the
monitor
Exposure modes: automatic program, aperture priority, shutter speed priority,
and manual setting
Scene modes: fully automatic, sport, portrait, landscape, night portrait,
snow/beach, candlelight, sunset, digiscoping, miniature
effect, panorama, time lapse
Exposure metering methods: multi-field, centre-weighted, spot
Exposure compensation:  ±3EV in 1⁄3EV increments.
Automatic bracketing: three pictures in graduations of up to 3 EV, can be set in
1⁄3EV increments
Shutter type: mechanical and electronic
Shutter speeds: 30s to 1⁄2000s with mech. Shutter 1⁄2500s to 1⁄16000s with
electr. shutter, in 1⁄3 increments, flash synchronisation up to
1⁄500s
Picture series: optional 10/5/3B/s (H/M/L)
Self-timer: delay time either 2 or 12s
Viewfinder: electronic LCOS display, resolution: 1280x960 pixels x 3
colours (=3,68MP), aspect ratio: 4:3 adjustable ±3 dioptre,
with eye sensor for automatic switching between viewfinder
and monitor
Monitor: 3" TFT LCD monitor with approx. 1,040,000 pixels, touch
control possible
WLAN: satisfies IEEE 802.11b/g/n standard (standard WLAN
protocol), channel 1-11, encryption method: WLANcompatible
WPA™ / WPA2™, access method: infrastructure
mode
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NFC: according to JIS X 6319-4 standard / 13.56MHz
Connections: Micro USB socket (2.0), HDMI socket
Power supply: Leica BP-DC12, lithium ion battery, rated voltage 7.2V (7.2V
D.C.), capacity 1200mAh
Charger: Leica BC-DC12, input: 100–240 V AC, 50/60Hz, automatic
switching, output: 8.4V DC; 0.65A
Body: Leica design made of massive, extremely light magnesium
and aluminum, two loops for the carrying strap, ISO
accessory shoe with centre and control contacts to connect
flash units
Lens filter thread: E49
Tripod thread: A 1⁄4 DIN 4503 (1⁄4”)
Dimensions: (WxHxD) approx. 130 x 80 x 93mm
Weight: approx. 590/640g (without/with battery)
Included in the box: camera, carrying strap, lens hood, lens cap, accessory shoe
cover, battery (Leica BP-DC12), charger (Leica BC-DC12),
power cable (EU, US, local power cable), USB cable
Software: Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® (free download after
registration of the camera), Leica App for iOS®
(free download remote control and picture transfer in Apple®
App-Store®/Google® Play Store®)

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