Leica Q video mode

[ydeh]

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Today I found out that there is NO manual exposure control when in video mode!?

I could not believe my eyes! It must have been left out by mistake, since this is an absolute minimum for even slightly above amateur level video's.

I am sure that some of you don't care because you are solely using the Q as a photographic tool, but it is useless if you also want to use it for video.

If they would at least announce that will fix this in a firmware update I would already be happy and still keep the Q, but if not… They should have just completely left the video option out.

So strange! If anyone has more information about this… Please do share!

 

Thanks,

YdeH

[bernie.lcf]

Oh come on. For any slightly serious work, you would an external microphone as well. The Q is not a video device. If you need video, you can get 4k with a far smaller sensor in a much cheaper package.

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[myungkeun]

I have to agree, that having manual exposure control would be a welcome feature.

Don't think that it should too much of a hassle for Leica to implement it. 

I agree with both commentators:

 

Would manual exposure control be a welcome feauture? Yes.

Is the Leica Q a device tailored for videography? No.

 

That being said: This additional feature would be a nice add-on to the next firmware update.

 

[digitalfx]

At this price point its a glaring omission...especially considering its pretty standard on most cameras now.

[ydeh]

Oh come on. For any slightly serious work, you would an external microphone as well. The Q is not a video device. If you need video, you can get 4k with a far smaller sensor in a much cheaper package.

 

Well, it IS a device with a dedicated video record button. They didn't do that for nothing? Well… they actually did right now because there are no manual control options, and this makes video recording useless. Of course, photography is it's main thing. And a wonderful device it is at that! I'm not asking for advanced video features, but they shouldn't say it is also usable for video, because in it's current form it simply isn't.

And I don't agree about the mic out. I use an external recorder, and this works well for me. And besides, LOTS of people don't use the sound of the actual recording when making a video, so as I think manual control is a MUST, a mic out is not.

I actually think the Q would have been an option for way more people with manual control in video (and 24p, but manual control… come on we can't do without).

Still shocked!

Edited June 28, 2015 by ydeh

[digitalfx]

Oh come on. For any slightly serious work, you would an external microphone as well. The Q is not a video device. If you need video, you can get 4k with a far smaller sensor in a much cheaper package.

 

Manual mode is a basic function. The video button is useless as-is.

But you are correct that the lack of audio in is also silly...but at least with manual control you can record a proper video image. As-is its a waste of real estate and should be removed.

[smartbot]

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Just saw this on YouTube.  They filmed it using the Q & M.  Pretty impressive video if you ask me.

 

[ydeh]

Just saw this on YouTube.  They filmed it using the Q & M.  Pretty impressive video if you ask me.

 

 

 

Unfortunately, I think I can see the exposure changing all the time… 

[Nick De Marco]

Yeah it's a good video - and well edited.

Many years ago I was a professional film/video maker - the ability of consumer, compact cameras to make broadcast quality video now is incredible compared to the days I started when a broadcast standard camera could cost over £10,000. The OP is correct to be annoyed about the lack of manual exposure control on the video (although the manual focus control is very good on it). The might be improved, I hope, one day by firmware. But it's not such a big deal for most people's video use. I'm confident I should be able to make good video with the Q - the limits of most people's shooting and editing skills will be much more important than the limit on the Q.

Edited June 29, 2015 by Nick De Marco

[bernie.lcf]

I am sure the video is a fake as we are all utterly shocked by finding out the fact that the Q's video recording is completely useless and unfit to record a proper video.

[digitalfx]

I am sure the video is a fake as we are all utterly shocked by finding out the fact that the Q's video recording is completely useless and unfit to record a proper video.

 

So Bernie, If Leica gave us a Q with no manual control over the still images...would you be happy?

 

Just because you don't use the feature, doesn't mean others don't. 

Edited June 29, 2015 by digitalfx

[bernie.lcf]

I simply wouldn't buy the Q, get a camera that actually fits my requirements and move on.

 

I also find it extremely annoying that I can only fit either my wife or my baby (the newborn kind) into a Porsche 911 despite it having Isofix. 

 

Leica never told you that any of their cameras is even close to being suitable for professional video recording - not even close.  Yes, there is a video button - so what? There is quite a lot of use cases where one might hit that button. You will argue that it's really wasted real estate - fair enough. Bashing the Leica Q for having below average video recording is true but nonsense just as none of the Porsche dealers and marketing material ever suggested that a 911 would be the perfect family car. The Porsche is really a bad family car. So what, get a Volvo and move on - the Mrs says.

[ydeh]

I simply wouldn't buy the Q, get a camera that actually fits my requirements and move on.

 

I also find it extremely annoying that I can only fit either my wife or my baby (the newborn kind) into a Porsche 911 despite it having Isofix. 

 

Leica never told you that any of their cameras is even close to being suitable for professional video recording - not even close.  Yes, there is a video button - so what? There is quite a lot of use cases where one might hit that button. You will argue that it's really wasted real estate - fair enough. Bashing the Leica Q for having below average video recording is true but nonsense just as none of the Porsche dealers and marketing material ever suggested that a 911 would be the perfect family car. The Porsche is really a bad family car. So what, get a Volvo and move on - the Mrs says.

 

Well.... Actually it does mention this in its press release:

 

"The unusually high speed and unmistakable bokeh of the lens of the Leica Q also reveal their unique qualities when shooting in video mode. Video recorded in full HD with the Leica Q is indistinguishable from professional movie footage. Depending on the scene, users can choose between 30 and 60 full frames per second for video recording in MP4 format. An integrated wind-noise filter guarantees crystal-clear sound."

 

So this clearly implies that (almost) professional grade video's can be made with the Q. However, this is impossible without manual exposure control. Very, very disappointing for me. Especially since it's such a basic, easy to implement feature.

[digitalfx]

Bernie you have issues, not sure why you have to view the world only from one perspective. Of course its not a Red Camera...but seriously don't add the function at all if its half assed. Manual exposure doesn't make it a professional tool...it makes it a usable tool. Manual exposure is a basic function, we aren't asking for a complete professional toolset.

[johnloumiles]

This seems to be a cross platform Leica decision. Don't know about the M but the T and X Vario both pump up the ISO (or whatever since they don't show you the settings) if the exposure of the scene changes (or someone simply walks in front of the lens). I have the same exact post up in the T section. I brought the issue up with Leica NJ and they sent in a report to Wetzlar for firmware consideration. Of course these cameras are a photographers tool but since it has video it would be nice to be able to record the scene as you see it creatively, not the way the software sees it. Reddot Forum pointed out that the new S will have 4k video with the Maestro 2 chip so it stands to reason the Q could have much much better video options in the future if Leica is so inclined.

[ydeh]

I asked Leica about this issue, and I got a reply saying that they "will put the possibility of controlling the aperture during video-mode on their firmware list".

I really hope he means full manual control, or else it is still useless. As long as the exposure keeps changing when somebody with a bright shirt walks throught the scene or when a light goes on, video mode is of no use.

They would make me such a happy man if they would just fix this basic video function. I'm not asking for 4k or a mic out, but just a basic functionality to make a decent video. Come on Leica, don't let me down!

[johnloumiles]

Yeah aperture means nothing since that, ISO and frame rate are the things that can manually be controlled. The missing features are fully controllable shutter speed and freedom from the camera overriding the settings. Also a readout of what settings are being used. Fingers crossed.

 

 

I asked Leica about this issue, and I got a reply saying that they "will put the possibility of controlling the aperture during video-mode on their firmware list".

I really hope he means full manual control, or else it is still useless. As long as the exposure keeps changing when somebody with a bright shirt walks throught the scene or when a light goes on, video mode is of no use.

They would make me such a happy man if they would just fix this basic video function. I'm not asking for 4k or a mic out, but just a basic functionality to make a decent video. Come on Leica, don't let me down!

[leicapix]

... and 24/25 fps please

[Frankbuddas]

Leica q2 same issue smh sheesh give us video control please 

Edited November 15, 2019 by Frankbuddas

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[evenise]

I can confirm that the Q2 is a great camera for taking pictures but very bad for video. I just did some test yesterday.

You cannot control anything, just hoping that the camera's software will choose the good settings, and on that point I can confirm that in great contrast light/dark situations, the Q2's choices are not accurate with burnt light zones, the other HUGE problem is the rolling shutter.

As long as you don't move at all, quality is good but if you try to tilt or do any panoramic movement, the rolling shutter is huge, meaning that the image is shaken. If there are letters such a store ones, you cannot read them any more when doing any pan.

I was hoping that the Q2 could be at least of help in case that my main video camera had a problem but you can forget about it.

I think that video with a smartphone is of better quality.

I have never bought the Q2 for videos but only for pictures and I am FULLY happy with it on that point, the best camera I ever had.