Leica Q2 Monochrom Digital Camera, ref. 19055

Distinguishing itself from the standard Q2, the Q2 Monochrom is the first black-and-white-only model of this compact full-frame camera. Based on the standard edition, this distinct version features the coveted design elements of the Q2 system but adds a 47.3MP monochrome without a color filter array or low-pass filter, in order to record only black-and-white imagery with greater sharpness and detail. Beyond the unique imaging characteristics and image quality, the Q2 Monochrom also features a monochromatic exterior design, with white and gray engravings on the body and a clean top plate appearance.

Featuring a truly unique imaging system, the Q2 Monochrom incorporates a high-resolution 47.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor, which pairs with the Maestro II image processor to deliver a wide dynamic range with notable tonal rendering, as well as enhanced sensitivity to suit working in a variety of lighting conditions. The sensor’s design features an updated microlens array and omits an optical low-pass filter in order to achieve greater sharpness, resolution, and clarity. Additionally, differentiating itself from typical sensor designs, the Q2 Monochrom sensor omits a color filter array (CFA), which offers the ability to solely record monochromatic imagery using only luminance values for enhanced clarity, depth, and resolution. By removing the CFA, this camera also achieves a higher sensitivity range of ISO 100-100,000 than the color-enabled Q2 camera, along with reduced noise to suit working in difficult lighting conditions and a broad 13-stop dynamic range.

The Maestro II’s processing capabilities also afford fast shooting performance, up to 10 fps at full-resolution with a mechanical shutter, along with an especially quick autofocus system. Stills can be recorded as 14-bit DNG files and JPEGs. The added resolution also enables unique digital zoom capabilities to simulate working with different focal length lenses: 30MP images can be created using a 35mm field of view, 15MP images with a 50mm field of view, and 7MP with a 75mm field of view.

In addition to stills, and unique among Monochrom cameras, this Q2 supports both DCI 4K24p and UHD 4K30p video recording, along with high-speed Full HD recording at up to 120p.

Key to the popularity of the Q-series is the incorporation of a fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 wide-angle prime lens. Blending Leica’s optical know-how with a design perfectly matched to the image sensor, this lens incorporates three aspherical elements to control distortion and spherical aberrations for sharp and accurate rendering. Its fast f/1.7 maximum aperture also excels in low-light conditions and offers improved control over depth of field. Extending its versatility, a dedicated macro focusing position can also be used for working with subjects as close as 6.7″ away. Additionally, optical image stabilization helps to compensate for the effects of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting.

• High-resolution 3.68MP (1280 x 960) OLED electronic viewfinder provides a clear and realistic means for eye-level viewing. Its high refresh rate virtually eliminates lag and an updated eye sensor provides faster automatic switching between the EVF and the rear LCD.
• Rear 3.0″ 1.04m-dot LCD features a touchscreen design for intuitive navigation and playback, as well as the ability to touch to focus.
• Lightweight magnesium alloy body is dust and moisture sealed (IP52-rated) for use in harsh environmental conditions.
• BP-SCL4 battery offers approximately 350 shots per charge and the battery’s physical design incorporates a rubber gasket to further reinforce the overall weather sealing.
• Enhanced haptics, following suit of the M10 and CL-series cameras, emphasize a simpler interface, including a single-stage On/Off button, a three-button rear control set, a programmable button within the thumb-wheel dial, a push-button diopter adjustment, and a distinctive thumb grip.
• Mechanical shutter affords flash sync speeds up to 1/500 sec.
• Lens features a 49mm filter thread diameter for attaching optional filters.
• Accepts one SD-type memory card and supports the UHS II protocol.
• Built-in Wi-Fi, when used in conjunction with the Leica FOTOS app for iOS and Android, permits sharing imagery directly to a linked mobile device and also enables remote control over the camera and remote shooting via a live view image. Additionally, Bluetooth LE helps to maintain a permanent connection between the mobile device and the camera, enabling remote waking of the camera and automatic connection anytime within range.