Leica Q2 vs V-LUX 4

The Leica Q2 and the Leica V-LUX 4 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in March 2019 and September 2012. Both the Q2 and the V-LUX 4 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a full frame (Q2) and a 1/2.3-inch (V-LUX 4) sensor. The Q2 has a resolution of 46.7 megapixels, whereas the V-LUX 4 provides 12 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Leica Q2		Leica V-LUX 4
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
28mm f/1.7		25-600mm f/2.8
46.7 MP, Full Frame Sensor		12 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
4K/30p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 50-50,000		ISO 100-3,200 (100 - 6,400)
Electronic viewfinder (3680k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (1312k dots)
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots		3.0 LCD, 460k dots
Fixed touchscreen		Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
20 shutter flaps per second		12 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body		not weather sealed
370 shots per battery charge		540 shots per battery charge
130 x 80 x 92 mm, 718 g		125 x 87 x 110 mm, 588 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica Q2 and the Leica V-LUX 4? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Leica Q2 and the Leica V-LUX 4 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica V-LUX 4 is somewhat larger (5 percent) than the Leica Q2. However, the V-LUX 4 is markedly lighter (18 percent) than the Q2. It is worth mentioning in this context that the Q2 is splash and dust resistant, while the V-LUX 4 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
	Leica Q2	5.1 in	3.1 in	3.6 in	25.3 oz	370	Y	Mar 2019	4,995
	Leica V-LUX 4	4.9 in	3.4 in	4.3 in	20.7 oz	540	n	Sep 2012	949
	Canon R	5.5 in	3.9 in	3.3 in	23.3 oz	370	Y	Sep 2018	2,299
	Canon G1 X Mark II	4.6 in	2.9 in	2.6 in	19.5 oz	240	n	Feb 2014	799
	Canon G1 X	4.6 in	3.2 in	2.6 in	18.8 oz	250	n	Jan 2012	799
	Canon SX40	4.8 in	3.6 in	4.3 in	21.2 oz	380	n	Sep 2011	429
	Fujifilm GFX 50R	6.3 in	3.8 in	2.6 in	27.3 oz	400	Y	Sep 2018	4,499
	Hasselblad X1D II	5.8 in	3.8 in	2.8 in	27.0 oz	..	Y	Jun 2019	5,750
	Leica M10-R	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.5 in	23.3 oz	210	Y	Jul 2020	8,295
	Leica M10-P	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.5 in	23.3 oz	210	Y	Aug 2018	7,995
	Leica M10	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.5 in	23.3 oz	210	Y	Jan 2017	6,595
	Leica M Typ 262	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.7 in	24.0 oz	..	Y	Nov 2015	5,195
	Leica Q Typ 116	5.1 in	3.1 in	3.7 in	22.6 oz	300	n	Jun 2015	4,249
	Leica V-LUX 3	4.9 in	3.2 in	3.7 in	19.0 oz	410	n	Dec 2011	949
	Leica V-LUX 2	4.9 in	3.1 in	3.7 in	18.3 oz	410	n	Sep 2010	849
	Nikon Z7	5.3 in	4.0 in	2.6 in	23.8 oz	330	Y	Aug 2018	3,399
	Zeiss ZX1	5.6 in	3.7 in	1.8 in	28.2 oz	250	n	Sep 2018	5,999
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Metric

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The V-LUX 4 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 81 percent) than the Q2, which puts it into a different market segment. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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 tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica Q2 features a full frame sensor and the Leica V-LUX 4 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the V-LUX 4 is 97 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 5.6. The sensor in the Q2 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the V-LUX 4 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 46.7MP, the Q2 offers a higher resolution than the V-LUX 4 (12MP), but the Q2 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.30μm versus 1.53μm for the V-LUX 4) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Q2 is a much more recent model (by 6 years and 5 months) than the V-LUX 4, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. 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 Q2 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Q2 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.8 x 27.9 inches or 106.3 x 70.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33.5 x 22.3 inches or 85 x 56.7 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.9 x 18.6 inches or 70.8 x 47.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica V-LUX 4 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica Q2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 50 to ISO 50000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica V-LUX 4 are ISO 100 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-6400.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

	Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
	Leica Q2	Full Frame	46.7	8368	5584	4K/30p	26.4	13.5	2491	96
	Leica V-LUX 4	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
	Canon R	Full Frame	30.1	6720	4480	4K/30p	24.5	13.5	2742	89
	Canon G1 X Mark II	1.5-inch	13.0	4160	3120	1080/30p	21.5	10.8	581	58
	Canon G1 X	1.5-inch	14.2	4352	3264	1080/24p	21.7	10.8	644	60
	Canon SX40	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	..	..	..	..
	Fujifilm GFX 50R	Medium Format	51.1	8256	6192	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
	Hasselblad X1D II	Medium Format	51.3	8272	6200	none	..	..	..	..
	Leica M10-R	Full Frame	40.9	7864	5200	none	..	..	..	..
	Leica M10-P	Full Frame	23.8	5952	3992	none	..	..	..	..
	Leica M10	Full Frame	23.8	5952	3992	none	24.4	13.2	2133	86
	Leica M Typ 262	Full Frame	23.7	5952	3976	none	..	..	..	..
	Leica Q Typ 116	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.3	12.7	2221	85
	Leica V-LUX 3	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
	Leica V-LUX 2	1/2.3	14.0	4320	3240	1080/60i	..	..	..	..
	Nikon Z7	Full Frame	45.4	8256	5504	4K/30p	26.3	14.6	2668	99
	Zeiss ZX1	Full Frame	37.4	7488	4992	4K/30p	..	..	..	..

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Q2 provides a higher video resolution than the V-LUX 4. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the V-LUX 4 is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the Q2 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the V-LUX 4 (3680k vs 1312k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Leica Q2 and Leica V-LUX 4 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

	Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
	Leica Q2	3680	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	20.0	n	Y
	Leica V-LUX 4	1312	n	3.0	460	swivel	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
	Canon R	3690	Y	3.2	2100	swivel	Y	1/8000s	8.0	n	n
	Canon G1 X Mark II	optional	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	5.2	Y	Y
	Canon G1 X	optical	n	3.0	922	Swivel	n	1/4000s	1.9	Y	Y
	Canon SX40	202	n	2.7	230	swivel	n	1/3200s	10.3	Y	Y
	Fujifilm GFX 50R	3690	n	3.2	2360	tilting	Y	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
	Hasselblad X1D II	3690	n	3.6	2360	fixed	Y	1/2000s	2.7	n	n
	Leica M10-R	optical	n	3.0	1037	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.5	n	n
	Leica M10-P	optical	n	3.0	1037	fixed	Y	1/4000s	5.0	n	n
	Leica M10	optical	n	3.0	1037	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0	n	n
	Leica M Typ 262	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
	Leica Q Typ 116	3680	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	10.0	n	Y
	Leica V-LUX 3	202	n	3.0	460	swivel	n	1/2000s	12.0	Y	Y
	Leica V-LUX 2	202	n	3.0	460	swivel	n	1/2000s	11.0	Y	Y
	Nikon Z7	3690	Y	3.2	2100	tilting	Y	1/8000s	9.0	n	Y
	Zeiss ZX1	6221	n	4.3	2765	fixed	Y	1/1000s	3.0	n	n

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The Q2 has a touchscreen, while the V-LUX 4 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

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 Q2 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 Q2 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 V-LUX 4 is equipped with a zoom lens, while the Q2 comes with a built-in prime. The V-LUX 4 has a 25-600mm f/2.8-2.8 optic and the Q2 offers a 28mm f/1.7 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the V-LUX 4 provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Q2. The Q2 offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the Q2 and the V-LUX 4 write their files to SDXC cards. The Q2 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the V-LUX 4 can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

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 Q2 and Leica V-LUX 4 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 Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
	Leica Q2	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	-	-	Y	-	Y
	Leica V-LUX 4	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Canon R	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.1	Y	-	Y
	Canon G1 X Mark II	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Canon G1 X	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Canon SX40	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	YES	2.0	-	-	-
	Fujifilm GFX 50R	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.0	Y	-	Y
	Hasselblad X1D II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	-	3.0	Y	-	-
	Leica M10-R	Y	-	-	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
	Leica M10-P	Y	-	-	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
	Leica M10	Y	-	-	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
	Leica M Typ 262	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
	Leica Q Typ 116	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Leica V-LUX 3	Y	stereo	-	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Leica V-LUX 2	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Nikon Z7	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
	Zeiss ZX1	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	-	3.1	Y	Y	Y

It is notable that the Q2 offers wifi support, while the V-LUX 4 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

The Q2 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Leica. In contrast, the V-LUX 4 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the V-LUX 4 was succeeded by the Leica V-LUX Typ 114. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Leica website.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Leica Q2 or the Leica V-LUX 4 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Reasons to prefer the Leica Q2:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (46.7 vs 12MP) with a 101% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (3680k vs 1312k dots).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.76x vs 0.46x).
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 460k dots).
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (20 vs 12 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/2.8).
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
• More modern: Reflects 6 years and 5 months of technical progress since the V-LUX 4 launch.

Advantages of the Leica V-LUX 4:

• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 130g or 18 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (540 versus 370) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (81 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2012).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Q2 is the clear winner of the match-up (19 : 10 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 Leica Q2 and the Leica V-LUX 4 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Prime Lens Compact Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the Q2 or the V-LUX 4. 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 where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). 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.

Review Scores

	Camera Model	camera   labs	dp review	ephoto   zine	imaging resource	photography   blog	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
	Leica Q2	..	84/100	4.5/5	..	4/5	Mar 2019	4,995
	Leica V-LUX 4	..	..	..	..	..	Sep 2012	949
	Canon R	o	79/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Sep 2018	2,299
	Canon G1 X Mark II	+	77/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	799
	Canon G1 X	+	76/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	799
	Canon SX40	+	..	4.5/5	5/5	4/5	Sep 2011	429
	Fujifilm GFX 50R	..	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2018	4,499
	Hasselblad X1D II	..	..	4/5	..	4/5	Jun 2019	5,750
	Leica M10-R	..	..	..	..	4/5	Jul 2020	8,295
	Leica M10-P	..	..	..	..	4/5	Aug 2018	7,995
	Leica M10	..	..	4/5	..	4.5/5	Jan 2017	6,595
	Leica M Typ 262	..	..	..	..	..	Nov 2015	5,195
	Leica Q Typ 116	..	80/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Jun 2015	4,249
	Leica V-LUX 3	..	..	..	..	..	Dec 2011	949
	Leica V-LUX 2	..	..	..	..	..	Sep 2010	849
	Nikon Z7	+	89/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2018	3,399
	Zeiss ZX1	..	..	..	..	..	Sep 2018	5,999
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, 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 comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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.

~

Specifications: Leica Q2 vs Leica V-LUX 4

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.

Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.