Leica Q2 vs. Fuji X100V - My Thoughts + Sample Images

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[gauthierpltv]

I need to say it : you are the only channel that reminds me of how much I love photography. Thank you for being there 🤞

[FaizalWestcott]

Can we just sit back and appreciate the art direction and color grading of your videos? Ok, thanks

[TheGroovyGuitarDude]

I got an X100F a couple of months ago and absolutely LOVE it! Perfect camera for EDC and capturing memories. That said, the Q2 is my dream camera and a lot of why I got the X100F is due to it being similar look and feel to the Q, but obviously on a much more modest budget. For now, happily sticking with Fuji until I can afford the Leica someday! 📷

[michaelschuh]

Fuji: 35mm --> 26mp
50mm --> 12.6mp
70mm --> 6.5mp

Leica: 28mm --> 47mp
35mm-->30mp
50mm-->15mp
75mm-->6.6mp
So comparing these two, the difference is very small and will not be noticeable because you just start at a longer focal length with the Fuji. I think both cameras are amazing and in the end, it doesn't matter. Love your videos Sam, makes the time we are stuck at home easier ❤️🙌

[ohstanley]

I actually sold my q2 and got a x100v. I like the smaller size. Also with the extra funds I went for the gfx100s. All good choices!

[AKgoon]

You’ve added a case with an added grip on the Q2, but didn’t do the same for the X100V and say the latter is too small in the hand?

[MustBeEliGG]

no surprise you chose the 5000 camera over the 1400 lol

[paullefko]

I have had several Leica’s SL, Q, TL2, T, and CL. I sold the SL for S1R, which serves my functions better, The Q went to the CL. What I found about the Q and this holds true for the Q2 is that I just cant get wide enough with it. The crop issues is really a non issue. I do have an x100v now too. The Q2 does not do as well in lower light as the original Q, and the Q2 is weather sealed whereas the Q was not. The Q2 does not get dust on the sensor as the original one does.

Before settling on the CL, I took all the Q, SL and CL out for a day and shot the same thing with all three cameras, there was literally next to no differences between them in outdoor nature shots. For that matter the CL 35 mm 1.4 lens is probably one the finest pieces of glass out there with incredible resolution on the sensor. The CL with the pancake 18 and a grip is fantastic walk around camera. The TL2 is a nicer travel camera with build in memory and USB charging, but the autofocus is noticeably slower than the CL.

The Fuji x100v 35mm f2 compared to the Leica 28 mm1.7 with regards depth of field that was discussed, I think this is a load stating that there is more overall separation. They are nearly identical at distance to subject at both 1 and 2 meters (3-6 feet). The DOF charts demonstrate this. Additionally I dont believe that for a moment and even it where true, how is that particularly important as a documentary camera, I also find it interesting that you didn’t discover the crop mode on the Fuji, which is easily implemented on a button or for me on the ring just like a zoom lens would work. The Q is fundamentally easier to operate with less confusion menu’s that’s for sure. I’m not trying to be contentious but the rationalization for the camera based on specs is just not particularly accurate.

When I choose a camera, I am pretty pragmatic about it. Understanding that most of my images lay between 20 and 50 mostly is a key to understanding why these fixed lens cameras are so useful. Most recently when I had the opportunity to purchase the Q2 vs Fuji, knowing what I know about using the Q for quite a while, I am very comfortable in my choice. When people speak to value and price, the cost of the Q2 is not really reflective of the true cost of ownership, when you sell it the depreciation is not as big as with other cameras. Leica’s generally hold their value better, except the SL took a beating when the SL2 arrived. With the leica you can appreciate the level of thoughtfulness that went into creating a fantastic user interface that is really unmatched, well except for Hasselblad. There is value with regards to the user experience with Leica’s that is often not discussed by youtuber critics who dwell on specs, price and autofocus.

For me the Q, along with Ricoh, Fuji and Sony fixed lens cameras offer a uniqueness and purpose build function. The simplicity of the Leica is a huge draw while the convoluted Fuji setup menus are not, that being said once the Fuji is configured its a lot easier to use even one handed. I really dont believe that ability to crop in should be the decider overall as software can solve the megapixel issues should you want to push in tight. In the end I chose the Fuji because when I need versatility, I will travel I with my CL (or for that matter my GM5) for wider angle and greater reach; When I need a general purpose walkabout go into markets see the world with camera at the ready, the Fuji will be there.
Enjoy the camera

[MoiseLevi]

I bought both, sold the Leica. Love the film simulations in Fuji SOOC

[SeanNeale]

Great comparison! I think the leica is evidently amazing but you really cant beat the value of the X100 series. Even the X100F is so worth it for an everyday camera (price is nice and low, just a bit soft at 2.0). Great video as usual

[mezayrapetyan]

I went from the x100v to the Leica Q2 as well. I got the x100v mainly because I liked the idea of a more tactile/manual user experience that it should provide. However, I realized quickly that even though the dials and controls are set up in a way that should promote this “analog” style of shooting, the dials are too tight and difficult to turn and their placement doesn’t work quite well. So I had to assign the control wheels to control the aperture/shutter speed and exposure comp, which essentially turned it into a dslr style camera. That aside, I did really love the images it produced and the beautiful film simulations. The Leica q2 to me is a completely different camera. The dials and controls are set up in such a perfect way that it really allows the photographer to stay in tune with the camera and engage with the manual controls like in a film camera. The giant sensor is incredibly useful if you want to crop. I’m really happy with the switch, the q2 is everything that I wanted the x100v to be and more. I think most people would be extremely happy with the x100v and when I look back at the photos I’ve taken with it, I definitely miss it.

[cmar]

The Q2 is the better camera than the X100V but than again it is expected as it is four times the price. This is not to say that the X100V is not a great camera. If your photography has reached a level where the extra benefits of the Q2 will make a difference than you should absolutely get the Q2. It is a Ferrari and Rolls Royce combined. For 98% of the photographers however that is not the case. Learn your craft well before upgrading. You will be in a better position to determine what features will actually make a difference in your photography!
Nice pragmatic video btw! You have a new subscriber.

[ldetota]

The x100V also also has a digital teleconverter so you can shoot at 50 mm and 70 mm (full frame equivalent). Not sure why alot of x100V reviews don't mention that

[patrickwallace]

The wild thing is the vast price difference between the two...apart from the specs...I don’t think these cameras can ever be given a fair review against each other...they’re vastly different apart from a similar concept design.

[erikleypoldt]

$8, 290 AUS for the Q2 hmmm or $1300 for the Fuji

[kimurafrank]

Yesterday a friend told me that he bought a gem of a camera the Leica Q2. So I wanted to check some reviews. Just from my own point of view... obviously fullframe can be/is a benefit in photo quality. no doubt. but your comparisons..the leica photos are just better photos in light, framing, colors, the subject.... talking about the depth of field which is better with the fullframe... most of the leica shots had no or minimal bokhe... Personally I think I could get the same result with my xt4, which allows me to put on any small lens, even a pancake lens to make it a compact camera. I guess it's more a personal thing...going for the leica cam...the prestige to own one. And that edge, gives you a creative kick as well.... I switche from canon to fuji, and my photos just became way way way way better, just because I felt fuji would suit me better, but technically Canon could get the equal results. no offense of course, just my own point of view, comparing both cameras, with clearly better taken photos on the leica.

[jaredgotcher]

"It's just a joy to use." This resonates. This is why I shoot as much as I can with my Leica M3. Having a camera that makes you want to take pictures is certainly not to be scoffed at.

[savannahbidwell]

Your voice is so soothing! Thanks for the info, I'm picking up a Q2 today going from the x100v and I'm really excited. They both are fantastic cameras.

[richarddelasota]

Good comparison. A couple of points, though. The Leica Q2 has twice the resolving power as the 100V — 47mp vs. 24. It is also over three times more expensive than the Fuji. Most people have to factor that into their decision. Also the Leica’s 28mm focal length is 28mm because it has, as you point out, a full-frame sensor. Because the Fuji has an APS-C sensor, though, its 23mm lens is equivalent to a 35mm full-frame lens. For the same reason, it is not f2 either. However, I think a lot of people, myself included, would rather shoot a 35mm lens rather than a 28. Now, I have both the Leica Q and the Fuji 100V. Both have about 24mp. I thoroughly enjoy both. All things being equal, the Fuji makes more sense to me as a carry around all day camera because of the effective focal length, but there is just something about the way the Leica feels and makes you feel, quite apart from the image quality, that is compelling. As Thorsten von Overgaard says, the Q (and even more so, the Q2) is a gateway drug into the Leica system.

[Martin-nuym]

I have thought of the X100v but I keep hoping that Fuji will release a G100 with leaf shutter and built in ND then you would have the film sims, big sensor, and plenty of cropping options. Would not mind having the OVF/EVF - one of the things I miss from the X-Pro2 I had.
Currently, my fun camera is on the opposite scale of megapixels - the Sony A7Siii. That camera with it's 9.44 million dots hi-mag EVF, very pleasing images, small files to post processing, and really don't have to care too much about the ISO makes it a complete joy to use.