Upgrade Guide
Leica Q→Leica Leica M EV1
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the Q. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the Leica M EV1
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Resolution60MP vs 24MP (+36MP)
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StabilisationIBIS added — significant for handheld and video
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Generation10 years newer (2025 vs 2015)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | Q | Leica M EV1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +2.2 | ||
| Street | -0.2 | ||
| Travel | +0.7 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -1.0 | ||
| Documentary | -0.8 | ||
| Landscape | +1.5 | ||
| Casual | -0.6 | ||
| Food | +1.4 | ||
| Macro | +1.6 | ||
| Architecture | +2.0 | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.1 | ||
| Sports & Action | — | ||
| Wildlife | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | Q | Leica M EV1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,999 | £6,799 | |
| Released | 2015 | 2025 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS (triple-resolution) | |
| Resolution | 24MP | 60MP | ↑ |
| Video | 1080p/60p | None (stills-only) | |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, 49 AF fields, face detection | Manual focus only (no AF motor, M-mount lenses) | |
| Stabilisation | No stabilisation | No stabilisation | |
| Burst Rate | 10fps | 4.5fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~270 shots (CIPA) | 244 shots (CIPA, LCD) | ↓ |
| Weight | 640g (with battery and card) | 499g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.68× magnification | EVF, 5.76M dots, 0.76x magnification | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed touchscreen, 1.04M dots | Fixed touchscreen | |
| Mount | Fixed Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH | Leica M-mount | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD (UHS-II) + 64GB internal |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See Q and Leica M EV1 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the Leica M EV1 against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the Q
Related buying guides
Camera family history