Leica Q2 Monochrom vs Leica Q2 - Is It Worth Buying a Monochrome Camera?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 99

  • @Sondercreative
    @Sondercreative  4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Leica Q2 - bhpho.to/3ketaZw
    Leica Q2 Monochrom - bhpho.to/3neLHH1
    Check out our new store - sondercreative.com/store

  • @sundeepsembi6091
    @sundeepsembi6091 4 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    I enjoyed this review, but I think you have missed the point about a monochrome sensor. You are right the conversions from the colour Q has more contrast and pop and initially may seem more pleasing but all that can be done post production on the monochrome. The reason the monochrome seems flatter in its blacks out of camera is because the sensor is designed to get more detail out of the blacks - that 's the point of a monochrome sensor . It is just a simple tweek to add some contrast after to your own liking so you don't loose the details in the black. To my eye, even with TH-cam compression, there is significantly more detail and in particular graduation of greys especially on skin tone - look at the close up of the face at 4mins 10 sec. The subtle differences you mention are indeed subtle but only when viewed on screens. This sort of camera would be pointless if you were only going to shoot jpegs and upload to instagram etc... It would be when printing, especially in blacks detail that the monochrome would shine. I am very tempted by this camera but I am going to wait as I am sure a monochrome SL will be announced soon

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Thank you for the comment, I appreciate you watching our video.
      I try not to discuss subjective things like editing methods and such because it leads to far too many variables and so on. Instead we try and discuss the objective differences that you can see.
      Also, in regards to print, that point only really holds water when comparing images shot on film. These are digital files and for the most part, seeing them on a high resolution, calibrated screen is more effective. This is especially the case when you consider all the different ways of printing an interpolation required to convert digital files into physical media. In short, it’s a fairer and more effective comparison when viewing on a screen otherwise too many other variables need to be accounted for.
      Once again, thank you for watching and for the comment.

    • @danielstranahan1270
      @danielstranahan1270 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Excellent point about the Monochrom sensor: it's really about that tonal roll-off, shadow recovery and grey scale. I have an M9 Mono and the prints from it are just astonishing (to me, anyway). The lack of the color filter array allows for incredibly subtle tonality especially in skin tones. I've heard some refer to that camera as a "pocket 4x5." I did really appreciate this review as well.

    • @rdavidmarks1184
      @rdavidmarks1184 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Exactly, excellent points.

    • @TylerMcCool
      @TylerMcCool 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@Sondercreative not really subjective when there is more detail to be taken from a raw file.. and on the point about screens versus print.. not so much, when many screens have different resolutions and likely are not even resolving the detail in such high megapixel modern cameras.. high quality, high dpi prints are probably the best test for any camera/lens.

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@TylerMcCool the subjective point was more about the “look” of the bw pictures between cameras.

  • @dgbrownnt
    @dgbrownnt 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I think part of the niche with the mono cameras is for people who started photography with b&w film. The natively monotone sensors naturally reproduce those rich mid tones that don’t sacrifice detail. If you started in b&w, it’s like seeing an old friend. And it’s tougher than you’d think to reproduce (trying to recover it out of contrasty converted photos).

  • @AaronAnalog1
    @AaronAnalog1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    If you’re going to shoot street at night the Monochrome’s is the way to go.
    If you’re not needing/wanting insanely good ISO performance, get the Q2 and convert to B&W.
    At least that’s the way I see it.
    But that new leather and matte finish is sexy AF.

  • @MikeDQB
    @MikeDQB 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I went for the monochrom mostly for better low light performance and cleaner more uniform noise.
    I have a nice non-Leica color camera so I had no issues sacrificing color on my Leica.

    • @artemkanaki9274
      @artemkanaki9274 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Michael, which cameras you’ve combined with leica q2m for color photography?

    • @MikeDQB
      @MikeDQB ปีที่แล้ว

      @@artemkanaki9274 I am using a Canon R3 for color. Not as compact/convenient as the Q2 for sure!

  • @bushbeatnik4480
    @bushbeatnik4480 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    "Real world" for a mono shooter is not a 3 stop range in a low contrast coffee shop. Being able to shoot in the street or anywhere else where your contrast range is 6-8+ stops in printable shadow detail will want that capability of the Q2Mono. But your are right in that most do not need it nor will spend if they don't. Me, worth it. For old school film BnW shooters, this is money as is the M10 mono to be able to expose for the highs knowing the range can pull back the shadows in post and stay clean. If in the ecosystem either current mono Q and M10 is worth it if you have the cake that is. Just cause i said it was worth it doesn't mean i drop for it. LOL Fuji Acros works and my trusty M6 has not let me down in 31 years.

  • @vidjoe8320
    @vidjoe8320 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The black looks richer and the whites look cleaner on the monochrome.... but its not a big enough difference for the hobby photographer to buy if they choose only one camera.

  • @brianpritchard1241
    @brianpritchard1241 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    As you would with black and white film, to get the contrast you want straight out of camera, you need to use color filters for the lens. That's just part of monochrome photography.

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Very good point and completely true.

    • @ronald7482
      @ronald7482 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Like a red filter

  • @robertstacy8438
    @robertstacy8438 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I think you are selling the Q2M a little short here. The real test of the two cameras is not to take images with like settings and compare them, although there is some value in that. Where it really matters is in what you can do in manipulating the images. If you pull the shadows or do highlight recovery in each of the images, then you will really start to understand how they differ quite significantly. And if you do need to shoot higher ISOs in BW, then it matters immensely. I think schtick it the wrong word - reviewers and people in general think that Leica is trying to make cameras for the entire world and overcharging for it. Rather, they are making cameras that are dead on in terms of their buyers and the people buying them find value in their minimalistic feature sets. I feel Leica are charging fair value. I have a Q2 and a M10M but I don't have a burning desire for the Q2M as I can meet my needs to with the M10 and a 28mm lens. But if and when a SL2M comes out I will be first to buy it as it will have all of the video connectivity for mics, monitoring, and external recording the Q2 lacks.

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      What you’re requesting we demonstrate diverts too far into the subjective realm. It then starts becoming a discussion about how to edit Leica files which has no real answer.
      Instead, we demonstrated the fact that dynamic range and low light performance in the new monochrom is significantly better, although the differences in other areas are not as noticeable. These are objective points. How you use that information to decide is up to the viewer but we can’t start talking about different ways of manipulating an image.
      Also, shtick can mean, special area of interest, talent or area of activity. We’re using that word in a positive manner and we also justify it by describing how it obviously works for Leicas customers.

    • @filipradic5065
      @filipradic5065 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Meh, it's the same when you desaturate color dng and try to manipulate it in lightroom, it behaves just like the dng from q2 monochrom. But the q2 monochrom has different picture profile, quite pleasing look straight from the camera.

    • @ziggy149
      @ziggy149 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@filipradic5065 Absolutely false. You have no access to color channels in lightroom with a Monochrom file. That's why you have to use color filters on the lens if you want more contrast with certain colors. Monochrom shooter and color shooter are 2 different skill sets.

  • @edwardstewart4430
    @edwardstewart4430 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’m wondering if you made any large format prints while using this camera. If so, how do the look compared to like a darkroom print?

  • @michaelwilson6584
    @michaelwilson6584 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I agree, in macro mode the differences are hard to see but with the portraits and portrait crops the Q2M wins by a country mile. More tonality, less noise.

  • @zenonbillings9008
    @zenonbillings9008 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    excellent review, thank you! i have been really struggling which to purchase....much of my shooting is in low light situations so the points you make clear regarding the improvements in image quality with the Q2 monochrom has resolved my dilema. ...... interesting that you seem to be the only reviewer to make clear this distinction, well done. thx again. zen billings from canada

  • @walterlopez1924
    @walterlopez1924 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    hi..excellent work..one question..how would i get better photos...in my q2...?-- taking directly in white and enlarge...or taking in color and change in lightrom black and white?

  • @ADrowning
    @ADrowning ปีที่แล้ว

    I noticed some hot pixels in the Q2 monochrom. Hopefully that's not common but I definitely saw more than a few. Didn't notice any of the regular Q2.

  • @markkrell7845
    @markkrell7845 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i thought this video might help me giving up the idea buying a Q2M. I was wrong. After seeing those picture comparision. I want a Q2M even more.

  • @Ad-eq3cu
    @Ad-eq3cu 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for the honest review, for some the improvements of the dynamic range and high iso performance will be enough, but for most the Q2 is a better choice. The camera shake in the conclusions was a bit distracting. Keep up the good work.

  • @antoniohernandez6961
    @antoniohernandez6961 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the video. You are helping me a lot to make my decision between Q2 and Q2M. But I have a question did you convert the images into B/N right in the camera or later with a computer? Thanks.

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Both, Raw files can always be converted back so I tested both.

  • @roxikoko3744
    @roxikoko3744 ปีที่แล้ว

    The lower contrast look of the mono is better image fidelity. The smoother transition of tones. It's night and day

  • @jjd139
    @jjd139 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was a great video. Thank you for acknowledging that the Q2 monochrome is a niche camera for certain segment of photographers. Not the usual Leica bashing. While the Q2 monochrome is not in my budget at this time, I prefer to shoot in black and white rather then convert. I use a Fuji xt3 set to the Acros film simulation.

  • @stuartshook3614
    @stuartshook3614 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great comparison. Very helpful!

  • @ravnishgandhi3666
    @ravnishgandhi3666 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Really good review . Having owned both the previous MM's as my main cameras for years i think the allure of the Mono applies more to the workflow and mindset . It is the initial intent of shooting only in monochrome and the usage of filters . A distinctly personal choice . This review is very very good , well done !

  • @ishanmajumdar6134
    @ishanmajumdar6134 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for such a great comparison, now I can make an informed decision.

  • @ziggy149
    @ziggy149 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Images from the Monochrom were never meant to be straight out of camera. A big hint is the fact that the original Monochrom was bundled with Nik Silver efx. The Monochrom files are awesome to work with and need to be edited to "unlock" their true potential - like every other camera out there. If you review this camera in such a way that it's like you're losing color - you're missing the point and it's not for you. You make it sound like they just opened up a Q2 and scraped off the color filter. The sensor for the Monochrom was completely redesigned. Your video is the result of a color shooter reviewing a Monochrom camera. And you could of put a lot more effort into your actual images you took like 4 shots of some girl sitting in the same spot in a coffee shop plus one or 2 of her at an indoor location. You didn't like the camera before you even shot your video.

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      You’re making a lot of assumptions about me some of which are completely false. You don’t like my conclusions which is fine and you’re welcome to disagree but you’re taking it a step further and commenting on me.
      This mild attempt at discrediting me is uncalled for.
      Please be more reasonable in the future.

    • @ziggy149
      @ziggy149 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@Sondercreative I was rather reasonable. You are the one that made the video, so of course my comments will involve you. The only real assumption I made about you personally is that you didn't like the camera before you even shot your vid. Also, I may have insinuated that you are a color shooter. I took a gander at your insta and sure, there are some bnw images there, but the majority of your images are color and it's clearly evident that you have a great understanding of color and capture it well with your love of architecture. I'm just saying - you are not primarily a black and white shooter, therefore you are going to be bias toward color; whether you're conscious of it or not. I sound like an ass. I'm not and I don't mean to be. I just don't think you gave the camera a fair shake or a true go. You were mostly dismissive of it.

    • @Kamasutralovers
      @Kamasutralovers 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I have to agree with this as comparing basically SOOC camera files without post is not a proper comparison. It’s known that the MM cameras from Leica need PP as many times (if not most times) MM files are very “flat” initially due to the sensor design & massive DR of the files. When the first Monochrome was launched by Leica, there was eruption of complaints about the SOOC camera files UNTIL - everyone realized that the SOOC files should kind of be seen as “negatives” needing post. @Sonder Creative, I don’t think there was any bad intent in your video, but Andrew’s comment brings up a critical flaw in your review.

  • @tor2919
    @tor2919 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    The monochrome handles the highlights much better. Also you'd really want to compare prints rather than comparisons on a screen. The point of a camera like this isn't to get max specs. I think something like a Sony is better for that. Either you get the advantages of simplicity and limitation or you don't.

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Good point about the highlights, I agree. In regards to printing, I’m not so sure because this isn’t a film camera.
      Viewing digital images via digital means is more than sufficient.

  • @WilliWucher1895
    @WilliWucher1895 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Its a big difference in extremly low light situations and high iso.

  • @zhengricky5446
    @zhengricky5446 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    would like to see a comparison of video perfrmance between these two cameras, is Q2 mono able to create sharper videos even in the same resolution

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I’m sorry, unfortunately we didn’t test that feature.

  • @edcurrant9060
    @edcurrant9060 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I really love the low light options with this. I played around with some RAW samples and the low noise at high ISO is incredible. I am invested in Fuji with a XT3, XT20, and 7 lenses, but I have thought of keeping a little fuji for color (XT3, pancake 27mm and stock 18-55 zoom) and sell the rest to fund one of these since I shoot mainly BW. I do a lot of bike packing, and having the resolution to crop instead of bringing a bigger lense is great, and the water/dust sealing is a bonus-most of my lenses are non-WR. The macro feature on the 28mm Leica is a nice bonus too.

    • @edcurrant9060
      @edcurrant9060 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      And BTW, thanks for the review! It confirmed the low light performance. The 25000 ISO files are even pretty good that I played with!

  • @henryzhang9915
    @henryzhang9915 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    smoother grey area imo, i have a 246 monochrom, it's just better.

  • @chrishewson40
    @chrishewson40 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    So if you had one, would you swap your q2 Monochrom for a color q2?

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I would but that’s only because I hardly ever shoot black and white.

    • @ronald7482
      @ronald7482 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have the Q2 and will sell it and getting a Q2M
      It's hard to get a good price for the Q2

  • @MikeKleinsteuber
    @MikeKleinsteuber 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    And also, at the end of the day it's ain't what ya got, it's the way that ya do it....

  • @KONAMAN100
    @KONAMAN100 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I wonder if there will be a firmware update in a month or two to improve Q2M a bit more.

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Possibly, that could be interesting and offer greater value to customers that have bought it.

    • @michaelwilson6584
      @michaelwilson6584 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      See version 1.10

  • @filipradic5065
    @filipradic5065 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    When you import dng from the q2 monochrom, lightroom automatically adds noise reduction in the detail tab. That could be why it has less noise than the q2.

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It has less noise because it’s a redesigned sensor. Noise reduction in LR wouldn’t be anywhere near as good.
      Hope that helps :).

    • @slickhatter9812
      @slickhatter9812 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      monochrome sensors will always have less noise than any color sensor - it is less data processing anyway hence less artifacts and noise.

  • @ddthompson42
    @ddthompson42 ปีที่แล้ว

    My secondary body (5D Mk III) is set to monochrome jpegs so that I can see my shots in B/W when I review them from the camera (raw files still come out in color). My film camera is loaded with B/W ISO 400 film. But I am still having a hard time deciding whether or not to buy into the Q2 monochrom. Feels like I should love it... but I can't commit.

  • @WaywardAce
    @WaywardAce 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great vid! I actually prefer the added contrast in the images from the original Q2. In comparison to the monochrome, it has a slightly “pushed” look to it. New sub ..... love your content.

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you so much, that's brilliant :). Really appreciate it.

  • @1946gsp
    @1946gsp 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You have answered my question. The monochrome isn’t worth the money unless you are a (professional.) niche market shooter. Otherwise? the Q2 does more than just fine.

  • @jimtong
    @jimtong 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I do agree that monochrom is not for everyone. But you can't compare like this. Try printing out and compare.

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching man appreciate it. I disagree with the printing point though. When you print images far too many other variables are introduced. Youre converting a natively digital file onto an analog medium whilst simultaneously undergoing a whole range of adjustments in order to accomplish that.
      Also so much of it relies on the printing firm, how they calibrate and a slew of other things that get mixed into the equation. At that point, youre comparing the print quality of the firm you pick not the actual results from the sensor. This leads to muddied results that dont benefit the viewer.
      Comparing digital files means you’re seeing what the camera produced. The viewer has a relatively better chance to see a more objective result.

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching man appreciate it. I disagree with the printing point though. When you print images far too many other variables are introduced. Youre converting a natively digital file onto an analog medium whilst simultaneously undergoing a whole range of adjustments in order to accomplish that.
      Also so much of it relies on the printing firm, how they calibrate and a slew of other things that get mixed into the equation. At that point, youre comparing the print quality of the firm you pick not the actual results from the sensor. This leads to muddied results that dont benefit the viewer.
      Comparing digital files means you’re seeing what the camera produced. The viewer has a relatively better chance to see a more objective result.

  • @MarcS4R
    @MarcS4R 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    as a color shooter i would always prefer the q2

  • @morso2009
    @morso2009 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent explanation

  • @VintageandRare
    @VintageandRare 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video. Thank you

  • @garycraggs9953
    @garycraggs9953 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great review Unman, thank you. It makes the differences very clear and easy to see. For me the greater contrast and punch of the converted Q2 images are much better than the flatter shades-ofgrey from the Monochrome. I wouldn't even mind the higher iso noise because it looks like a nice film grain. I'd just need to take a red sharpie pen to the yellow lens markings...

  • @pinkeye00
    @pinkeye00 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Read more books on why the black and white from photography roots ... it'll clue you in why we are nerds over here on this side.

  • @JS-shim
    @JS-shim 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great real world review, presenting the facts. You could have easily taken the cliche route and said the Q2M is vastly superior. Honest reviewers are the best reviewers.

  • @Raychristofer
    @Raychristofer 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great job bro

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you :). I couldn't have done without Anete and Sophie.

  • @android_dreaming_of_sheep
    @android_dreaming_of_sheep 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    the fact that they took something out and charged 1k more really doesn't sit with me

    • @kubowich
      @kubowich 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      What if the sensor is being produced with the color array by default factory/production line setting and the change of production change-over to produce a small amount of color array-less sensors is being accounted for in the higher cost?

  • @girliedog
    @girliedog 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Lost me at what all the companies who produce black & white cameras....

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm certain there's more than one. I know Phase One produce a black and white back for their XF bodies.

  • @BellaZella3000
    @BellaZella3000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great enjoyable video

  • @Aljoheri
    @Aljoheri 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I will take Q2 monochrome 🥃

  • @chirag4
    @chirag4 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Usman

  • @Lastman10101
    @Lastman10101 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Low light beast. Under expose then raise in post. Have to understand the camera.

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I can absolutely imagine it being incredible for people shooting in low light scenarios. High ISO performance is incredible.

  • @simon9831
    @simon9831 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Top video :) love it

  • @gewglesux
    @gewglesux 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yes it's worth it.

  • @pinkeye00
    @pinkeye00 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Rookie review :)

  • @pinkeye00
    @pinkeye00 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Sharpness is a lie. Also, the "softer" light in B&W is a very 1950s vibe much like flat video and flat tones. Its why B&W is "flat" on concrast when you remove what Leica did.
    Sort of a nerd slant, but it is what it is. You want neutral f-log type flat images to give you the best flexiblity in going up / down on the curves.

  • @ridealongwithrandy
    @ridealongwithrandy 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    $6000 for a camera that shoots only black and white, My Nikon F4 and
    Ilford HP5+ can do that for a whole lot less. It cost me about $25 for a
    roll of b/w film and developing, that's about 240 rolls of 36, or about
    8640 photos, just saying :)

    • @slickhatter9812
      @slickhatter9812 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I took 8000 photos in 3 weeks with the same rate with my digital camera but maybe you meant in 6 years for you as if you would go with the same rate maybe you could buy a Ferrari or something

  • @vermontmike9800
    @vermontmike9800 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Leica in the boardroom: we already rip everyone off with our overpriced photo gear, I wonder if the fools will pay even more for a camera that provides less?

    • @Sondercreative
      @Sondercreative  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Haha, That would be funny. I don’t think that’s the case though because the people that tend to buy these cameras are comfortable spending the amount it’s a luxury segment of the market.