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Leica M11 vs Q2

The Leica M11 (Typ 2416) and the Leica Q2 are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2022 and March 2019. The M11 is a rangefinder-focusing mirrorless camera, while the Q2 is a fixed lens compact. Both cameras are equipped with a full frame sensor. The M11 has a resolution of 60.3 megapixels, whereas the Q2 provides 46.7 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Leica M11
versus
Leica Q2
Leica M11   Leica Q2
Rangefinder camera Fixed lens compact camera
Leica M mount lenses 28mm f/1.7
60.3 MP – Full Frame sensor 46.7 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 64-50,000 ISO 50-50,000
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (3680k dots)
3.0" LCD – 2333k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Fixed touchscreen Fixed touchscreen
4.5 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
700 shots per battery charge370 shots per battery charge
139 x 80 x 39 mm, 640 g 130 x 80 x 92 mm, 718 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica M11 (Typ 2416) and the Leica Q2? 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.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Leica M11 and the Leica Q2 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 width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The M11 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the Q2 is only available in black.

Size Leica M11 vs Leica Q2
Compare M11 versus Q2 top
Comparison M11 or Q2 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica Q2 is notably smaller (6 percent) than the Leica M11. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the Q2 has a lens built in, whereas the M11 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the M11 and their specifications in the Leica M Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the M11 gets 700 shots out of its Leica BP-SCL7 battery, while the Q2 can take 370 images on a single charge of its Leica BP-SCL4 power pack. The power pack in the M11 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica M11 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 640 g 700 Y Jan 2022 8,995 amazon.com
2.
 
Leica Q2 130 mm 80 mm 92 mm 718 g 370 Y Mar 2019 4,995 amazon.com
3.
 
Leica Q3 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 743 g 350 Y May 2023 5,995 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica M10-R 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jul 2020 8,295ebay.com
5.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Jun 2019 3,999ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M10-P 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Aug 2018 7,995ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M10 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
8.
 
Leica M Typ 262 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 400 Y Nov 2015 5,195ebay.com
9.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 640 g 300 n Jun 2015 4,249ebay.com
10.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
11.
 
Leica M Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Sep 2012 6,950ebay.com
12.
 
Leica M9 139 mm 80 mm 37 mm 585 g 550 n Sep 2009 7,999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Q2 was launched at a lower price than the M11, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to 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.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica M11 and Leica Q2 sensor measures

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the M11 offers a higher resolution of 60.3 megapixels, compared with 46.7 MP of the Q2. This megapixels advantage translates into a 14 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the M11 has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.79μm versus 4.30μm for the Q2). In this context, it should be noted, however, that the M11 is much more recent (by 2 years and 10 months) than the Q2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that compensate for the smaller pixel size. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica M11 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the M11 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 47.6 x 31.6 inches or 121 x 80.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 38.1 x 25.3 inches or 96.8 x 64.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 31.8 x 21.1 inches or 80.7 x 53.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica Q2 are 41.8 x 27.9 inches or 106.3 x 70.9 cm for good quality, 33.5 x 22.3 inches or 85 x 56.7 cm for very good quality, and 27.9 x 18.6 inches or 70.8 x 47.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica M11 (Typ 2416) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 64 to ISO 50000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica Q2 are ISO 50 to ISO 50000 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the M11 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the Q2 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.

M11 versus Q2 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the M11 has a notably higher overall DXO score than the Q2 (overall score 4 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 0.099999999999998 bits lower color depth, 1.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.4 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica M11 Full Frame 60.3 9528 6328none26.314.83376100
2.
 
Leica Q2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/30p26.413.5249196
3.
 
Leica Q3 Full Frame 60.3 9528 63288K/30p25.414.7321696
4.
 
Leica M10-R Full Frame 40.9 7864 5200none25.314.3292495
5.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p25.214.2282194
6.
 
Leica M10-P Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none25.114.1273993
7.
 
Leica M10 Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none24.413.2213386
8.
 
Leica M Typ 262 Full Frame 23.7 5952 3976none24.813.7247890
9.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.7222185
10.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
11.
 
Leica M Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p24.013.3186084
12.
 
Leica M9 Full Frame 18.1 5212 3472none22.511.788469
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The Q2 indeed provides for movie recording, while the M11 does not. The highest resolution format that the Q2 can use is 4K/30p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Q2 has an electronic viewfinder (3680k dots), while the M11 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the Q2 has a higher magnification than the one of the M11 (0.76x vs 0.73x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Leica M11 and Leica Q2 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image 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.
 
Leica M11optical n3.0 / 2333 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
2.
 
Leica Q23680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Leica Q35760 n3.0 / 1840 tilting Y 1/2000s 15.0/s n Y
4.
 
Leica M10-Roptical n3.0 / 1037 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
5.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica M10-Poptical n3.0 / 1037 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
7.
 
Leica M10optical n3.0 / 1037 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Leica M Typ 262optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
9.
 
Leica Q Typ 1163680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
11.
 
Leica M Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
12.
 
Leica M9optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

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, both cameras under consideration feature an 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 M11 and the Leica Q2 both have 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the M11 and the Q2 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras support UHS-II cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s.

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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 Leica M11 (Typ 2416) and Leica Q2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica M11Y- / ----3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Leica Q2Ystereo / mono----Y-Y
3.
 
Leica Q3Ystereo / mono--micro3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Leica M10-RY- / -----Y--
5.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240Ymono / ----2.0---
6.
 
Leica M10-PY- / -----Y--
7.
 
Leica M10Y- / -----Y--
8.
 
Leica M Typ 262Y- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Leica Q Typ 116Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
10.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
11.
 
Leica M Typ 240Ystereo / mono---2.0---
12.
 
Leica M9Y- / ----2.0---
padding

Both the M11 and the Q2 are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The Q2 replaced the earlier Leica Q Typ 116, while the M11 followed on from the Leica M10. Further information on the features and operation of the M11 and Q2 can be found, respectively, in the Leica M11 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica Q2 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica M11 and the Leica Q2? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Arguments in favor of the Leica M11 (Typ 2416):

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (60.3 vs 46.7MP) with a 14% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (4 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.3 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.4 stops ISO advantage).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2333k vs 1040k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (700 versus 370) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 10 months of technical progress since the Q2 launch.


Advantages of the Leica Q2:

  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/30p video.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.76x vs 0.73x).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 4.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the M11 necessitates an extra lens.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in March 2019).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the M11 emerges as the winner of the contest (11 : 8 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

M11 11:08 Q2

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the M11 or the Q2. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica M114.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2022 8,995 amazon.com
2.
 
Leica Q2....4.5/584/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2019 4,995 amazon.com
3.
 
Leica Q35/5..4.5/5....4.5/5 May 2023 5,995 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica M10-R4.5/5..4/5....4/5 Jul 2020 8,295ebay.com
5.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240............ Jun 2019 3,999ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M10-P....3/5....4/5 Aug 2018 7,995ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M104.5/5......4/54.5/5 Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
8.
 
Leica M Typ 262............ Nov 2015 5,195ebay.com
9.
 
Leica Q Typ 1165/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 4,249ebay.com
10.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
11.
 
Leica M Typ 2404/5......4/5.. Sep 2012 6,950ebay.com
12.
 
Leica M9........4.5/5.. Sep 2009 7,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Leica M11 vs Leica Q2

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Leica M11 Leica Q2
    Camera Type Rangefinder camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Leica M mount lenses 28mm f/1.7
    Launch Date January 2022 March 2019
    Launch Price USD 8,995 USD 4,995
    Sensor Specs Leica M11 Leica Q2
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 36.0 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 864 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 43.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 60.3 Megapixels 46.7 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 9528 x 6328 pixels 8368 x 5584 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.79 μm 4.30 μm
    Pixel Density 6.98 MP/cm2 5.41 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability no Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 64 - 50,000 ISO 50 - 50,000 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 100 96
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.3 26.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.8 13.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3376 2491
    Screen Specs Leica M11 Leica Q2
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.73x 0.76x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3680k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 2333k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica M11 Leica Q2
    Focus System Manual Focus Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 4.5 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sup to 1/40000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Leica M11 Leica Q2
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 3.2 no USB
    HDMI Port no HDMI no HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Leica M11 Leica Q2
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL7 Leica BP-SCL4
    Battery Life (CIPA)700 shots per charge370 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 139 x 80 x 39 mm
    (5.5 x 3.1 x 1.5 in)
    130 x 80 x 92 mm
    (5.1 x 3.1 x 3.6 in)
    Camera Weight 640 g (22.6 oz) 718 g (25.3 oz)
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