Upgrade Guide
Leica SL2→Leica Q
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Skip it
The Q offers little measurable spec improvement over the SL2. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
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Resolution24MP (down from 47MP — optimised for low light)
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Weather sealingNot present in new body
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StabilisationIBIS not present in new body
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 | SL2 | Q | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -3.3 | ||
| Street | +1.6 | ||
| Travel | -0.2 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -2.4 | ||
| Filmmaking | — | ||
| Documentary | -3.3 | ||
| Sports & Action | — | ||
| Landscape | -2.3 | ||
| Wildlife | — | ||
| Casual | -0.6 | ||
| Food | -2.0 | ||
| Macro | -3.0 | ||
| Architecture | -2.4 | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.1 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | SL2 | Q | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £4,200 | £1,999 | |
| Released | 2019 | 2015 | ↓ |
| Sensor | Full-frame CMOS 35mm | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | |
| Resolution | 47MP | 24MP | ↓ |
| Video | 5K 30fps, 4K 60fps, 1080p 180fps | 1080p/60p | |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, AI-based scene recognition | Contrast-detect AF, 49 AF fields, face detection | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.5 stops | No stabilisation | |
| Burst Rate | 20fps | 10fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | 370 shots (CIPA) | ~270 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 835g (body only) | 640g (with battery and card) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Not weather sealed | ↓ |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.78× 5.76M-dot | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.68× magnification | |
| Screen | 3.2" fixed touchscreen, 2.10M-dot | 3.0" fixed touchscreen, 1.04M dots | |
| Mount | Leica L-Mount | Fixed Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH | |
| Memory Cards | 2× SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-I slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See SL2 and Q next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the Q against your specific genres — not just specs.
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Camera family history