Shocking Results: Canon EOS 700D Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM vs Leica Q-P, Which One Wins?

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a wide range of options catering to different needs and budgets. Today, we’ll dive into a head-to-head comparison between two popular choices: the Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the **Leica Q2**. This comparison will explore the key features, strengths, and weaknesses of each camera, helping you make an informed decision based on your photographic aspirations.

The Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM: A Versatile Beginner’s Choice

The Canon EOS 700D is a popular DSLR that has been a favorite among beginners and enthusiasts for its user-friendly interface, reliable performance, and affordable price point. Paired with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, this combination offers a versatile zoom range, making it suitable for a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to portraits.
Strengths:

• Affordable: The Canon EOS 700D is a budget-friendly DSLR, making it an excellent entry point into the world of photography.
• Versatile Lens: The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens provides a wide zoom range, allowing you to capture various subjects without needing to change lenses.
• Image Stabilization: The lens’s image stabilization feature helps to reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially in low-light conditions.
• Good Image Quality: The Canon EOS 700D delivers decent image quality, especially when shooting in good lighting conditions.
• User-Friendly Interface: The camera’s intuitive interface makes it easy for beginners to navigate and understand its settings.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Low-Light Performance: The Canon EOS 700D’s sensor is smaller than that of more advanced cameras, resulting in less light sensitivity and potentially noisy images in low-light situations.
• Autofocus Speed: The autofocus system, while functional, can be slow compared to newer models.
• Limited Video Features: The Canon EOS 700D’s video capabilities are basic, lacking advanced features like 4K recording.

The Leica Q2: A Premium Compact Camera for Professionals and Enthusiasts

The Leica Q2 is a premium compact camera designed for photographers who prioritize image quality, portability, and exceptional performance. It features a full-frame sensor, a fast f/1.7 lens, and a robust build, making it a powerful tool for capturing stunning images.
Strengths:

• Exceptional Image Quality: The Leica Q2’s full-frame sensor and fast lens deliver exceptional image quality, with rich detail, vibrant colors, and excellent low-light performance.
• Fast Autofocus: The camera’s autofocus system is incredibly fast and accurate, ensuring sharp images even in challenging situations.
• Compact Design: The Leica Q2 is remarkably compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use on the go.
• High-Quality Build: The Leica Q2 is built with premium materials and boasts weather-sealing for durability.
• Advanced Features: The camera offers a range of advanced features, including 4K video recording, electronic viewfinder, and a touch-sensitive LCD screen.

Weaknesses:

• High Price: The Leica Q2 is a significant investment, making it inaccessible to many photographers.
• Fixed Lens: While the 28mm f/1.7 lens is excellent, having a fixed focal length limits your versatility.
• Limited Customization: The Leica Q2’s user interface and customization options are relatively limited compared to some other cameras.

Comparing the Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the Leica Q2: A Detailed Breakdown

Now that we’ve explored the strengths and weaknesses of each camera, let’s delve into a more detailed comparison to help you understand the key differences and make an informed decision:
Sensor:

• Canon EOS 700D: APS-C sensor (22.3 x 14.9mm)
• Leica Q2: Full-frame sensor (35.9 x 23.9mm)

The Leica Q2’s full-frame sensor provides a larger surface area for capturing light, resulting in superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The Canon EOS 700D’s APS-C sensor is smaller, offering a more compact design but compromising on image quality and low-light performance.
Lens:

• Canon EOS 700D: Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM (zoom lens)
• Leica Q2: Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH (fixed lens)

The Canon EOS 700D’s zoom lens provides versatility, allowing you to capture a range of subjects without changing lenses. However, the Leica Q2’s fixed lens is a prime lens with a wider aperture, delivering exceptional sharpness, depth of field control, and low-light performance.
Autofocus:

• Canon EOS 700D: 9-point autofocus system
• Leica Q2: 49-point autofocus system with contrast detection

The Leica Q2’s autofocus system is significantly faster and more accurate than the Canon EOS 700D’s. This is crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects and achieving sharp focus in challenging lighting conditions.
Image Quality:

• Canon EOS 700D: Good image quality in good lighting, but can struggle in low-light.
• Leica Q2: Exceptional image quality, with rich detail, vibrant colors, and excellent low-light performance.

The Leica Q2’s full-frame sensor and fast lens deliver superior image quality, with better dynamic range, lower noise levels, and greater detail.
Video Features:

• Canon EOS 700D: 1080p video recording at 30fps
• Leica Q2: 4K video recording at 30fps

The Leica Q2 offers more advanced video capabilities, including 4K resolution, making it a better choice for videographers.
Portability:

• Canon EOS 700D: Larger and heavier, especially when considering the lens.
• Leica Q2: Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use on the go.

The Leica Q2’s compact design makes it a more portable option for travel and street photography.
Price:

• Canon EOS 700D: Affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious photographers.
• Leica Q2: Expensive, making it a premium choice for professionals and enthusiasts willing to invest in high-quality imaging.

Choosing the Right Camera: Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM vs. Leica Q2

The choice between the Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the Leica Q2 ultimately depends on your individual needs, budget, and photographic style.
Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is a good choice for:

• Beginners and enthusiasts looking for a versatile and affordable DSLR.
• Photographers who need a zoom lens for capturing a range of subjects.
• Those who prioritize portability and ease of use.

Leica Q2 is a good choice for:

• Professionals and enthusiasts seeking exceptional image quality and performance.
• Photographers who prioritize low-light capability and fast autofocus.
• Those who value a compact and durable camera with a focus on image quality.

Final Thoughts: The Journey of Image Creation

Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that fits your needs, budget, and photographic style. The Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM provides a versatile and affordable entry point into the world of photography, while the Leica Q2 offers a premium compact camera experience with exceptional image quality and performance. No matter which camera you choose, remember that the most important aspect of photography is your passion and creativity.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q1: What are the differences in image quality between the Canon EOS 700D and the Leica Q2?
A: The Leica Q2 produces significantly higher image quality due to its full-frame sensor and fast lens. Images from the Leica Q2 will have more detail, better dynamic range, and less noise, especially in low-light situations.
Q2: Is the Canon EOS 700D good for beginners?
A: Yes, the Canon EOS 700D is an excellent choice for beginners due to its user-friendly interface, affordable price, and versatile lens.
Q3: Is the Leica Q2 worth the high price?
A: The Leica Q2 is a premium camera that offers exceptional image quality and performance. Whether it’s worth the price depends on your budget and photographic needs. If you prioritize image quality and are willing to invest in a high-end camera, the Leica Q2 could be a worthwhile purchase.
Q4: Can I upgrade the lens on the Leica Q2?
A: No, the Leica Q2 has a fixed lens, meaning you cannot change it. This is a trade-off for the camera’s compact design and the high quality of the built-in lens.