Leica Q

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The Leica Q is the first of what could become an entirely new product line for the German manufacturer. It includes a non-interchangeable 28mm f/1.7 Summilux autofocus (!) lens coupled with a gorgeous full-frame sensor. At US$4,250, the Leica Q is hardly a camera for everyone, but that's less than half what you'd spend for a digital Leica M plus a similar lens.

Doug and Frederick discuss the controversial lens/sensor combination: Purists are outraged that Leica is using the Summilux brand on a lens that requires processing the image, even for RAW files. Doug says, "Why not? The results are spectacular."

For Doug, it's a great street-photographer's camera. (Full disclosure: He's an unabashed fanboy and owns a Leica Q.) He says the controls and handling are terrific. Doug even uses it in full-automatic mode, overriding aperture, shutter speed, focus and ISO only when he needs to. And he says the EVF may be the best and brightest he's ever seen.

Is the Leica Q perfect? Certainly not. And at that price one has to consider alternatives such as the almost-as-good Fujifilm X100T and Sony's RX1R. But if street photography is your thing and you can swing the $$, the Leica Q may be for you.

Buy the Leica Q from B&H; or Amazon.com.