The Q2 Launch

Hands off the mechandise!

Last midweek, I had the chance to sample the Leica Q2 during its launch at the Leica Store in town. They invited a couple of speakers from Singapore for the event as well as their regional sales Manager and a representative from Leica Academy. A formal event with members of the press as well as enthusiasts had the chance to take a peak at the new compact flagship.

All of us were given a 16 GB memory card each and we were welcomed to insert it into the camera and snap away. They also had models for the event, but the queue was just too long and the crowd - around 70 participants turned up - was just too big for the small venue to roam around. Luckily, there were also some printed images taken from the Q2 to look at and admire while waiting for our turn. I did not hang around though since I had a prior dinner arranged, joining Anita straight after the event.

Pre-amble

Trying out. With the waitress being the victim

Having owned the original Leica Q, I was familiar with the camera as a whole. I have read the reviews on the Internet but when it comes to Leica, one has to experience it to feel its magic. Is it worth upgrading my 3 year-old Q for this?

The main advantage of the new camera is the sensor. It now has more megapixels than my Sony Alpha 7R Mark II but retain the excellent Summilux lens. I loved the original Q and still used it from time to time. But in the last year, it spent more time in my dry cabinet than in my hands. My main cameras now are the Leica M and the GFX 50R. There is just not enough room for more ... And I also have the D Lux 7 as my main compacts for travels - although I still take out my original X100 from time to time. I plan to give Anita the CL to use.

So, How did the Leica Q2 felt? It was dynamite! And the new sensors really rocked! And if you love the original Q, you would definitely love this one as well. Familiar yet ethereal. The new sensor really did justice to the already excellent Summilux lens ... Will I get it? You will never know ...