Canon SX620 vs Leica Q Typ 116

The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS and the Leica Q (Typ 116) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in May 2016 and June 2015. Both the SX620 and the Q Typ 116 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a 1/2.3-inch (SX620) and a full frame (Q Typ 116) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 20.2 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon SX620		Leica Q Typ 116
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
25-625mm f/3.2-6.6		28mm f/1.7
20.2 MP – 1/2.3" sensor		24 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/30p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 80-3,200		ISO 100-50,000
No viewfinder, LCD framing		Electronic viewfinder (3680k dots)
3.0" LCD – 922k dots		3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed touchscreen
2.5 shutter flaps per second		10 shutter flaps per second
295 shots per battery charge		300 shots per battery charge
97 x 57 x 28 mm, 182 g		130 x 80 x 93 mm, 640 g

Check SX620 offers at
ebay.com
Check Q Typ 116 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS and the Leica Q (Typ 116)? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Canon SX620 and the Leica Q Typ 116 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The SX620 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, red), while the Q Typ 116 is available in two color-versions (black, silver).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica Q Typ 116 is considerably larger (88 percent) than the Canon SX620. Moreover, the Q Typ 116 is substantially heavier (252 percent) than the SX620. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the SX620 nor the Q Typ 116 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the SX620 gets 295 shots out of its Canon NB-13L battery, while the Q Typ 116 can take 300 images on a single charge of its Leica BP-DC12 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

Body Specifications

#		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon SX620	97 mm	57 mm	28 mm	182 g	295	n	May 2016	279	ebay.com
2.		Leica Q Typ 116	130 mm	80 mm	93 mm	640 g	300	n	Jun 2015	4,249	ebay.com
3.		Canon SX430	104 mm	69 mm	85 mm	323 g	195	n	Jan 2017	299	ebay.com
4.		Canon G9 X Mark II	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	206 g	235	n	Jan 2017	529	ebay.com
5.		Canon SX730	110 mm	64 mm	40 mm	300 g	250	n	Apr 2017	399	ebay.com
6.		Canon SX420	104 mm	69 mm	85 mm	325 g	195	n	Jan 2016	299	ebay.com
7.		Canon SX540	120 mm	82 mm	92 mm	442 g	205	n	Jan 2016	399	ebay.com
8.		Canon SX720	110 mm	64 mm	36 mm	270 g	250	n	Feb 2016	379	ebay.com
9.		Canon G9 X	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	209 g	220	n	Oct 2015	529	ebay.com
10.		Canon T6i	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	555 g	440	n	Feb 2015	749	ebay.com
11.		Canon T6s	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	565 g	440	n	Feb 2015	649	ebay.com
12.		Canon SX410	104 mm	69 mm	85 mm	325 g	185	n	Feb 2015	279	ebay.com
13.		Canon SX610	105 mm	61 mm	27 mm	191 g	270	n	Jan 2015	249	ebay.com
14.		Canon SX710	113 mm	66 mm	35 mm	269 g	230	n	Jan 2015	349	ebay.com
15.		Canon G7 X	103 mm	60 mm	40 mm	304 g	210	n	Sep 2014	699	ebay.com
16.		Leica Q2	130 mm	80 mm	92 mm	718 g	370	Y	Mar 2019	4,995	amazon.com
17.		Sony RX100 IV	102 mm	58 mm	41 mm	298 g	280	n	Jun 2015	999	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The SX620 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 93 percent) than the Q Typ 116, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon SX620 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and the Leica Q Typ 116 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the Q Typ 116 is 2986 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 5.6 and 1.0. The sensor in the SX620 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the Q Typ 116 offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 24MP, the Q Typ 116 offers a higher resolution than the SX620 (20.2MP), but the Q Typ 116 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.00μm versus 1.18μm for the SX620) due to its larger sensor. However, the SX620 is a somewhat more recent model (by 11 months) than the Q Typ 116, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the SX620 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica Q Typ 116 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Q Typ 116 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon SX620 are 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica Q (Typ 116) are ISO 100 to ISO 50000 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the SX620 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the Q Typ 116 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

#		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon SX620	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/30p	20.4	11.8	838	49
2.		Leica Q Typ 116	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.3	12.7	2221	85
3.		Canon SX430	1/2.3	19.9	5152	3864	720/25p	20.5	11.9	900	49
4.		Canon G9 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.9	12.5	522	65
5.		Canon SX730	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	20.5	11.9	924	50
6.		Canon SX420	1/2.3	19.9	5152	3864	720/25p	20.3	11.7	806	48
7.		Canon SX540	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	20.3	11.7	806	48
8.		Canon SX720	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	20.3	11.8	817	48
9.		Canon G9 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.5	12.3	495	63
10.		Canon T6i	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.7	12.0	919	71
11.		Canon T6s	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.6	12.0	915	70
12.		Canon SX410	1/2.3	19.9	5152	3864	720/30p	20.2	11.6	720	47
13.		Canon SX610	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/30p	20.2	11.6	712	47
14.		Canon SX710	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	1080/60p	20.2	11.6	712	47
15.		Canon G7 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	23.0	12.7	556	71
16.		Leica Q2	Full Frame	46.7	8368	5584	4K/30p	26.4	13.5	2491	96
17.		Sony RX100 IV	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.8	12.6	591	70
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Q Typ 116 provides a faster frame rate than the SX620. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the Q Typ 116 has an electronic viewfinder (3680k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the SX620 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon SX620 and Leica Q Typ 116 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

#		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon SX620	none	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/2000s	2.5/s	Y	Y
2.		Leica Q Typ 116	3680	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	10.0/s	n	Y
3.		Canon SX430	none	n	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	0.5/s	Y	Y
4.		Canon G9 X Mark II	none	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	8.2/s	Y	Y
5.		Canon SX730	none	n	3.0 / 922	tilting	n	1/3200s	5.9/s	Y	Y
6.		Canon SX420	none	n	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	0.5/s	Y	Y
7.		Canon SX540	none	n	3.0 / 461	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.9/s	Y	Y
8.		Canon SX720	none	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/3200s	5.9/s	Y	Y
9.		Canon G9 X	none	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	6.0/s	Y	Y
10.		Canon T6i	optical	n	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
11.		Canon T6s	optical	Y	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
12.		Canon SX410	none	n	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	0.5/s	Y	Y
13.		Canon SX610	none	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/2000s	2.5/s	Y	Y
14.		Canon SX710	none	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/3200s	6.0/s	Y	Y
15.		Canon G7 X	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	6.5/s	Y	Y
16.		Leica Q2	3680	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	10.0/s	n	Y
17.		Sony RX100 IV	2359	n	3.0 / 1228	tilting	n	1/2000s	16.0/s	Y	Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The SX620 has one, while the Q Typ 116 does not. While the built-in flash of the SX620 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Q Typ 116 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Leica Q Typ 116 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The SX620 is equipped with a zoom lens, while the Q Typ 116 comes with a built-in prime. The SX620 has a 25-625mm f/3.2-6.6 optic and the Q Typ 116 offers a 28mm f/1.7 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Canon provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Leica. The Q Typ 116 offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the SX620 and the Q Typ 116 write their files to SDXC cards. The Q Typ 116 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the SX620 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS and Leica Q (Typ 116) and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

#		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon SX620	-	mono / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
2.		Leica Q Typ 116	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
3.		Canon SX430	-	mono / mono	-	-	-	2.0	Y	Y	-
4.		Canon G9 X Mark II	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
5.		Canon SX730	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
6.		Canon SX420	-	mono / mono	-	-	-	2.0	Y	Y	-
7.		Canon SX540	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
8.		Canon SX720	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
9.		Canon G9 X	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
10.		Canon T6i	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
11.		Canon T6s	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
12.		Canon SX410	-	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Canon SX610	-	- / -	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
14.		Canon SX710	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
15.		Canon G7 X	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
16.		Leica Q2	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	-	-	Y	-	Y
17.		Sony RX100 IV	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

It is notable that the Q Typ 116 has a hotshoe, which makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun. The SX620 does not feature such an accessory-socket.

Both the SX620 and the Q Typ 116 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The Q Typ 116 was replaced by the Leica Q2, while the SX620 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the SX620 and Q Typ 116 can be found, respectively, in the Canon SX620 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica Q Typ 116 Manual.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Canon SX620 or the Leica Q Typ 116 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Advantages of the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• More compact: Is smaller (97x57mm vs 130x80mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 458g or 72 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (93 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 11 months after the Q Typ 116).

Arguments in favor of the Leica Q (Typ 116):

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 20.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 11%.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 922k dots).
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 2.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.7 vs f/3.2).
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in June 2015).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the Q Typ 116 is the clear winner of the contest (18 : 7 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon SX620 and the Leica Q Typ 116 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the SX620 and the Q Typ 116 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

#		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon SX620	..	..	..	..	..	4/5	May 2016	279	ebay.com
2.		Leica Q Typ 116	5/5	..	..	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	4,249	ebay.com
3.		Canon SX430	..	..	..	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Jan 2017	299	ebay.com
4.		Canon G9 X Mark II	4/5	..	4/5	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	529	ebay.com
5.		Canon SX730	..	+	..	..	4/5	4/5	Apr 2017	399	ebay.com
6.		Canon SX420	..	..	..	..	..	3/5	Jan 2016	299	ebay.com
7.		Canon SX540	..	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2016	399	ebay.com
8.		Canon SX720	..	+	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	379	ebay.com
9.		Canon G9 X	3.5/5	+ +	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	529	ebay.com
10.		Canon T6i	5/5	..	..	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	749	ebay.com
11.		Canon T6s	5/5	+	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	649	ebay.com
12.		Canon SX410	..	o	..	..	..	..	Feb 2015	279	ebay.com
13.		Canon SX610	..	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jan 2015	249	ebay.com
14.		Canon SX710	..	+	..	..	4/5	3.5/5	Jan 2015	349	ebay.com
15.		Canon G7 X	4/5	+ +	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699	ebay.com
16.		Leica Q2	..	..	4.5/5	84/100	4.5/5	4/5	Mar 2019	4,995	amazon.com
17.		Sony RX100 IV	4.5/5	+ +	..	85/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	999	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Check SX620 offers at
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Check Q Typ 116 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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