M10vs Q
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Street & Documentary — M10 (2017): The M10 returned Leica to its roots — thinner, cleaner, and video-free by design. The 24MP sensor is the perfect resolution for a manual-focus rangefinder. The simplified control layout respects the M tradition without digital clutter. A camera for photographers who want to slow down and engage with every frame. One of the most satisfying cameras to use — assuming you have M-mount glass to pair with it.
Street, Travel & Fine Art Photography — Q (2015): The camera that redefined luxury compact photography — a full-frame sensor, the finest 28mm compact lens available, and a shooting feel that is uniquely Leica.
Who should buy what
M10 (2017)
- Serious photographers who want to slow down
- Street and documentary photographers
- Leica M-mount lens owners
Q (2015)
- Street and documentary photographers who want a full-frame fixed-lens camera with iconic character
- Travel photographers who want the finest compact image quality available
- Leica enthusiasts who want an autofocus alternative to the M system
- Photographers who value build quality and shooting experience as much as spec sheets
Quick take: The q has the highest resolution at 24mp; the q is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | M10 (2017) | Q (2015) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £4,000 | £1,999 |
| Sensor | 24MP Full-Frame CMOS | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.0MP | 24.2MP |
| Video | — | 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Manual focus (rangefinder coupled) | Contrast-detect AF, 49 AF fields, face detection |
| Stabilisation | None | None |
| Burst Rate | 5fps | 10fps |
| Battery Life | ~220 shots (CIPA) | ~270 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 660g (with battery) | 640g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 139 × 80 × 38.5mm | 130.0 × 80.0 × 93.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | Optical rangefinder, 0.73× magnification | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.68× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots | 3.0" fixed touchscreen, 1.04M dots |
| Mount | Leica M-mount | Fixed Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD UHS-I slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | M10 | Q |
|---|---|---|
| Street | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Wildlife |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history