Leica Q2 Monochrom hands-on review at B&H (with sample photos).
Reddotforum (with sample photos): along with the introduction of the Q2 Monochrom, Leica will now offer orange, yellow and green color filters in 49mm filter size. Unlike a color digital camera where color channels can be mixed to produce different B&W rendering during conversion, the Q2 Monochrom sensor only captures in grayscale. By using color filters, you can change the contrast and tonality of the image during capture. Here’s a quick rundown of what each filter does:
- Green filter – Darkens warm tones and lightens green
- Yellow filter – Blue skies are darkened, warm tones and greens are lightened slightly
- Orange filter – Blue skies darkened more, while warm tones and skin colors are lightened more.
The new Leica Q2M has an optional handgrip: B&H Photo | Leica Store Miami.
Copyright 2020 Sean Reid/Reid Reviews (used with permission)
Sean Reid (paid subscription) is publishing a four-part article series on the new Leica Q2M including studio tests and comparisons to the Leica Q2 and Leica M10 Monochrom (with 28/1.4 M Summilux ASPH):
- Vignetting and resolution as compared to the Leica Q2 and Leica M10 Monochrom (with 28/1.4 M Summilux ASPH)
- Highlight headroom, estimated native ISO and useable dynamic range as compared to the Leica Q2 and Leica M10 Monochrom (with 28/1.4 M Summilux ASPH)
- Changing tonality using Leica’s yellow, orange and green filters on the Q2 Monochrom and M10 Monochrom
Dpreview Q2M coverage: Q2M review | hands-on | sample photos.
Some quotes from major tech websites:
The difference, of course, is that the Q2 Monochrom has a black-and-white 47-megapixel full-frame sensor that can capture a wider dynamic range and has better low-light sensitivity than the color sensor in the standard Q2. Leica claims it can capture up to 13 stops of light, two stops more than the color model, and its ISO range extends from 100 to 100,000. The company also says it has a higher effective resolution than the color sensor, despite having the same number of physical pixels, due to the lack of a color filter array. It is the highest resolution Monochrom camera you can get. Leica says that to make a Monochrom camera, it completely redesigns the sensor inside, including the microlenses that focus light on each individual pixel. This is what allows the black-and-white cameras to work better at high sensitivities and capture a wider dynamic range. (The Verge)
In addition to its body and autofocus capabilities (less than .15 seconds), the Q2 Monochrom sets itself apart from the M series in that it includes the ability to shoot 4K video at 30 or 24 FPS. Further specs include a fixed 28mm f/1.7 lens, a 3.68-megapixel OLED viewfinder, Bluetooth LE for connecting to a smartphone, an IP52 weather-resistance rating, and the ability to capture up to 13 stops of light. The fixed lens also has the ability to switch to macro mode, giving users a close focus distance of 17 cm. (Gizmodo)
PCmag review of the Leica Q2 Monochrom:
PROS:
- Gorgeous wide-angle lens
- 47MP full-frame sensor
- Built for black-and-white images
- 4K DCI video
- IP52 durability rating
CONS:
- Expensive
- Omits in-camera charging
- Traditional glass filters recommended for color balance
Leica Q2 Monochrom camera coverage on YouTube:
Leica Q2 Monochrom pre-order links:
