CameraReview

Leica Q2 vs Leica SL2-S — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Leica Q2
Leica
Leica Q2
Compact · 47.3 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
76
SCORE
$5,080.83
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✓ WINNER
Leica SL2-S
Leica
Leica SL2-S
Mirrorless · 24.6 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
81
SCORE
$3,491.63
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General
Brand LeicaLeica
Model Q2SL2-S
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20192020
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
07/03/201910/12/2020
Camera type CompactMirrorless
Camera size 130 x 80 x 92 mm146 x 107 x 83 mm
Camera weight 734 g931 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
47.3 MP05024.6 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
8368 x 55846000 x 4000
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
Sensor size
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
24 x 3624 x 36
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full FrameFull Frame
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
10 fps04520 fps045
Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
FixedLeica L
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Maestro IIMaestro III
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
50302005030200
Max ISO
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
5000030032800001000003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
50302005030200
Max ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
5000030032800001000003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
120440806044080
Max shutter speed
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
2000800320001600080032000
Autofocus points
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
22503002250300
In-body stabilisation
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Viewfinder type
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 368600009900000576000009900000
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K4K
Max video format
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
4096 x 21604096 x 2160
Max video frame rate
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
120 fps60 fps
Timelapse built in
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Video file format
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MPEG-4MPEG-4
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
External flash
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen type TFT LCDLCD
Touch screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen size 3"3.2"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
1040000115000150000021000001150001500000
Flip screen
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Live view
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXCSD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual memory card slots
Battery type BP-SCL4BP-SCL4
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
350 shots1505000510 shots1505000
USB charging

The Leica SL2-S takes the lead with a score of 81/100, while the Leica Q2 trails with 76/100. Both cameras, introduced in 2019 and 2020, are priced around $5,000. They share similarities in their launch prices and release years.

The Leica SL2-S, a mirrorless camera, stands out with its larger size (146 x 107 x 83mm) and heavier weight (931g). This camera’s superior score reflects its better performance and features.

On the other hand, the Leica Q2, a compact camera, has a smaller size (130 x 80 x 92mm) and lighter weight (734g), making it a more portable option. Despite its lower score, it still offers excellent quality for those prioritizing portability.

Considering these points, the Leica SL2-S is the better camera overall, but the Leica Q2 remains a strong contender for those seeking a more compact option.

Leica Q2 vs SL2-S Overview and Optics

The Leica SL2-S emerges as the winner in the optics comparison, scoring 85/100, while the Leica Q2 scores 79/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including full-frame CMOS sensors, Leica processors (Maestro II for Q2 and Maestro III for SL2-S), and similar DXOMARK scores (96 for Q2 and 95 for SL2-S).

The Leica SL2-S outperforms the Q2 in various aspects. Firstly, it has a faster shooting speed of 20, doubling the Q2’s 10. Secondly, the SL2-S has a lens mount (Leica L), allowing users to change lenses, while the Q2 has a fixed lens mount. Lastly, the SL2-S includes image stabilization, a feature absent in the Q2, which enhances image quality by reducing camera shake effects.

In contrast, the Leica Q2 boasts a higher megapixel count of 47.3, compared to the SL2-S’s 24.6. This advantage enables the Q2 to capture more detailed images, particularly beneficial for large prints or cropping. However, this is the only area in which the Q2 surpasses the SL2-S.

Weighing the advantages of each camera, the Leica SL2-S’s faster shooting speed, interchangeable lens mount, and image stabilization make it a superior choice in terms of optics. The Leica Q2’s higher megapixel count is noteworthy, but it does not compensate for the SL2-S’s overall stronger performance. Thus, for users prioritizing optics, the Leica SL2-S is the recommended option.

Leica Q2 vs SL2-S Video Performance

The Leica Q2 emerges as the winner in video capabilities, scoring 91 out of 100, while the Leica SL2-S scores 83. Both cameras share some common specifications in this regard. They offer a maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 4096 x 2160. Additionally, both cameras have built-in time-lapse functionality.

The Leica Q2 outperforms the SL2-S with its higher maximum video frame rate of 120fps, compared to the SL2-S’s 60fps. This difference allows the Q2 to capture smoother and more detailed slow-motion footage, providing an advantage for videographers who require high-quality slow-motion capabilities.

However, the Leica SL2-S has its own strengths, despite its lower score. While it may not surpass the Q2 in terms of video frame rate, it matches the Q2 in other important aspects, such as video resolution, dimensions, and time-lapse functionality. This means that the SL2-S still delivers impressive video quality and features, even if it does not outshine the Q2.

Taking these factors into consideration, the Leica Q2 proves to be the superior camera for video capabilities due to its higher frame rate, which allows for smoother slow-motion footage. On the other hand, the Leica SL2-S remains a strong contender, offering comparable video quality and features. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific needs of the videographer, with the Q2 being more suitable for those prioritizing slow-motion capabilities and the SL2-S catering to those who are satisfied with its solid video performance.

Leica Q2 vs SL2-S Features and Benefits

The Leica Q2 takes the lead in features with a score of 83/100, while the Leica SL2-S follows with a score of 74/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including a touchscreen, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity. Neither camera has a flip screen or GPS functionality.

The Leica Q2’s advantage lies in its higher feature score. Its 3-inch screen size is slightly smaller than the SL2-S’s 3.2-inch screen but has a lower screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots compared to the SL2-S’s 2,100,000 dots. Despite this difference, the Q2 still manages to outperform the SL2-S in terms of features.

On the other hand, the Leica SL2-S does possess some advantages over the Q2. Its larger 3.2-inch screen size offers a more comfortable and immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the SL2-S boasts a higher screen resolution of 2,100,000 dots, providing a clearer and sharper display than the Q2’s 1,040,000 dots.

Considering the features of both cameras, the Leica Q2 emerges as the better option due to its higher score. This indicates that the Q2 offers more advanced and useful features compared to the SL2-S. However, the SL2-S should not be overlooked, as its larger screen size and higher resolution display are noteworthy advantages.

Ultimately, the choice between the Leica Q2 and the SL2-S depends on the user’s preferences and priorities. If a higher feature score is of utmost importance, the Q2 is the clear winner. However, if screen size and resolution are more crucial, the SL2-S may be the better choice.

Leica Q2 vs SL2-S Storage and Battery

The Leica SL2-S triumphs over the Leica Q2 in storage and battery performance, scoring 73/100 compared to the Q2’s 21/100. Both cameras share compatibility with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards and use the BP-SCL4 battery type. However, the SL2-S outshines the Q2 with its two memory card slots, longer battery life, and USB charging capability.

The SL2-S’s dual memory card slots provide users with more storage options and flexibility, while its 510-shot battery life ensures extended shooting sessions. Additionally, the convenience of USB charging makes the SL2-S more versatile and user-friendly.

Although the Q2 lags behind the SL2-S in this comparison, it still offers decent storage and battery performance with its single memory card slot and 350-shot battery life. However, the lack of USB charging may be a drawback for some users.

Ultimately, the Leica SL2-S emerges as the superior choice in terms of storage and battery capabilities, while the Leica Q2 remains a satisfactory option for those who can overlook its limitations.

Leica Q2 vs SL2-S – Our Verdict

Leica Q2 vs SL2-S Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Leica Q2 or the Leica SL2-S: