Leica Q Typ 116 full-frame compact camera becomes official

Leica has officially unveiled the Q Typ 116, a fixed-lens compact camera with a full-frame image sensor which has been leaked on the web ahead of its announcement.

The Sony RX1 and RX1-R do not have too much competition in the full-frame compact camera market. Leica is aiming to correct this situation with the introduction of the Q Typ 116, a camera featuring a 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor and a fixed prime lens.

The camera of the German manufacturer is said to provide a high image quality and a lens with the fastest aperture in its class along with useful features such as built-in WiFi and electronic viewfinder that will come in handy for all photographers.

Leica Q Typ 116 comes packed with a 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor and a 28mm f/1.7 lens.

Leica puts M-mount quality in a compact camera called Q Typ 116

Leica Q Typ 116 has been announced as the company’s first camera that puts together the quality of the M-mount interchangeable lens cameras with the portability of a compact camera.

The Germany-based maker says that the quality comes from the 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor that delivers sharp photos with almost no noise even at the highest ISO sensitivity setting of 50,000.

The announcement reads that the new Q model comes packed with the quickest autofocus system available in a full-frame compact camera. Another important feature consists of the new Maestro II image processor that provides a continuous shooting mode of up to 10fps.

Composition can be done via a 3.68-million-dot electronic viewfinder or via the 3-inch 1.04-million-dot LCD touchscreen on the back.

Leica Q Typ 116 allows users to compose their shots via a 3.68-megapixel electronic viewfinder or through the 3-inch touchscreen on the back.

Leica Q Typ 116 features the brightest lens in its class

A bright wide-angle 28mm f/1.7 lens lens is available in the Leica Q Typ 116 camera. However, users can make use of crop modes that will offer 35mm and 50mm equivalents with ease. If users choose so, then the shooter will be able to save a RAW version of the 28mm frame and a JPEG version of the 35mm or 50mm frame.

The new Q camera records full HD videos at up to 60fps in MP4 format. In order to easily transfer the movies as well as the photos, Leica has added WiFi connectivity to its shooter. Users can send files to a mobile device or they can take control over the exposure settings remotely.

There is no built-in flash, but a hot shoe allows photographers to attach external accessories. The flash X sync speed is set at 1/500s, while the maximum shutter speed stands at 1/16000s.

Leica Q Typ 116 compact camera is available for a price of $4,250.

High-end compact camera to begin shipping soon

All of the aforementioned features are available in a package that measures 130 x 80 x 93mm / 5.12 x 3.15 x 3.66 inches, while weighing 640 grams / 22.58 ounces.

The compact camera is not weathersealed, so users should be careful in harsh environments. It is worth noting that the company has confirmed that the device is made in Germany.

Leica Q Typ 116 is already available for purchase for a price of $4,250. In the US, you can buy it from B&H PhotoVideo and shipping starts on June 16.