Leica Camera has unveiled the first of a new line of digital compact cameras — the Leica Q. The new model boasts a 24MP full-frame sensor and a high-speed, Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH lens all contained in a top enclosure machined from solid blocks of aluminium, with a magnesium alloy body.
In combination with the 24 MP CMOS sensor, the camera delivers exposures with low noise at ISO sensitivities up to 50,000. The image processor derived from the Leica Maestro II family, processes the data from the sensor and delivers up to ten frames per second at full resolution.
In addition to the focal length of 28 mm at full resolution, the digital frame selector feature also offers the equivalent of shooting with 35 and 50 mm lenses. The selected framing is preserved in the JPEG image files, while the RAW files in DNG format record the entire field captured by the 28 mm lens.
In manual focusing mode, Live View offers two additional electronic focusing aids: Focus Peaking shows points in the subject that are sharply focused by colored highlighting of edges, and Live View Zoom simultaneously lets the photographer check the sharply focused parts of the scene with up to 6x magnification.
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 these features can be downloaded free from the Leica website. In addition to remote release and display of the viewfinder image, the app also allows the setting of parameters like the aperture and shutter speed.
The Leica Q is now on sale for $4,250 and includes Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6. Other accessories like the Leica SF 26 flash, a handgrip, table-top and travel tripods, and a selection of ball heads are sold separately.
