Is weather sealing a valid reason to pick the Q2 over the Q?

[piblondin]

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I've been interested in the Q2 as a camera that I can just take out around my neck on a daily basis regardless of whether the weather calls for rain, snow, or sun. Could I conceivably treat the Q this way without causing it damage, or should I go for the Q2? I really don't want to worry if I get caught in the thunderstorm without umbrella or bag. 

Edited December 24, 2019 by piblondin

[Jeff S]

Cameras are weather sealed to different standards. The Q2 is rated IP52, while the SL2 meets a higher standard IP54.  Common sense always prevails; neither is perfectly sealed.  Even fixed vs interchangeable lenses can potentially affect user experience. Whether or not weather (deliberate juxtaposition) sealing matters is up to each user.  I like to have at least one system that can provide a greater degree of freedom.  YMMV.

Other discussion here...

Jeff

Edited December 24, 2019 by Jeff S

[Herr Barnack]

Weather sealing is just one of the many valid reasons to get the Q2 rather than the Q:

Q2 upgrades in red -

Leica Q2 at a glance

• 47 MP CMOS Sensor
• New Maestro image processor
• Built in Summilux 28mm F/1.7 ASPH. lens
• Optical design: 11 elements in 9 groups
• Digitalzoom to 35, 50 and 75 mm
• Electronic viewfinder with 3,68 MP
• ISO sensitivity 50 – 50.000
• Shutter speed (mechanical) 60 – 1/2,000 sec
• Electronic shutter 1 – 1/40,000 sec
• 4k video up to 30 fps
• Dust and splash protection
• Dimensions (B x H x T): 130 x 80 x 92 mm
• Weight 718 g (incl. battery)
• Improved battery life
• Silent leaf shutter
• image stabilization

The Q2 costs about $1000-1200 USD more than the Q but the above list of upgrades is an absolute steal for the extra cost IMHO.  The 47 MP sensor, image stabilization and silent leaf shutter are hands down worth the extra cost.  But then you get a laundry list of other upgrades in addition to those three.

See this thread -

 

Edited December 24, 2019 by Herr Barnack

[bags27]

If your original question is about (say) getting caught in an unexpected thunderstorm, the Q2 is far more likely (though certainly not guaranteed) to survive that than the Q. But I wouldn't take either camera out in a heavy, steady rain without some cover. As Jeff, above, notes, the SL2 (with the appropriate lens) is designed for that. Still not sure I'd do it: taking photos of raindrops through dripping lenses doesn't seem worth the risk.

[WeiterWinkel]

In any case, water damage is not covered by warranty.

Thomas

[otto.f]

With an AF camera I would find that a bit more important than with my M, with which I never bothered in circumstances below extreme; but that’s just my feeling. If you live in a monsoon region, walking through the rain for fun is another story than in England.

[piblondin]

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4 hours ago, bags27 said:

If your original question is about (say) getting caught in an unexpected thunderstorm, the Q2 is far more likely (though certainly not guaranteed) to survive that than the Q. But I wouldn't take either camera out in a heavy, steady rain without some cover. As Jeff, above, notes, the SL2 (with the appropriate lens) is designed for that. Still not sure I'd do it: taking photos of raindrops through dripping lenses doesn't seem worth the risk.

Thanks. My aim is to be able to bring my camera with me on a daily basis without bringing a bag with me. I live somewhere where I walk on much of my daily commute and where it rains a lot and does thunderstorm frequently during parts of the year. While I'll be prepared for rain if the odds are >70%, I would rather not prepare for rain if the odds are, say, 20-30%. I've pretty much stopped carrying umbrellas, unless the rain is anticipated to be heavy. I prefer to just go out wearing a waterproof shell on top. 

I don't feel like I really need or am willing to pay for the other upgrades in the Q2, except for the extended battery life. But if weather sealing allows me to carry my camera outside of a bag on a daily basis, that seems worth it. 

[bags27]

15 minutes ago, piblondin said:

Thanks. My aim is to be able to bring my camera with me on a daily basis without bringing a bag with me. I live somewhere where I walk on much of my daily commute and where it rains a lot and does thunderstorm frequently during parts of the year. While I'll be prepared for rain if the odds are >70%, I would rather not prepare for rain if the odds are, say, 20-30%. I've pretty much stopped carrying umbrellas, unless the rain is anticipated to be heavy. I prefer to just go out wearing a waterproof shell on top. 

I don't feel like I really need or am willing to pay for the other upgrades in the Q2, except for the extended battery life. But if weather sealing allows me to carry my camera outside of a bag on a daily basis, that seems worth it. 

Your decision, of course. I own the Q and the CL. Whenever the weather is even vaguely problematic, I just take a plastic bag and a paperclip with me (it also holds an extra battery and a wipe); it takes up no room in my pocket. Living near the ocean, I worry more about sand and dust than rain, and carry that bag a lot!

[piblondin]

5 hours ago, bags27 said:

Your decision, of course. I own the Q and the CL. Whenever the weather is even vaguely problematic, I just take a plastic bag and a paperclip with me (it also holds an extra battery and a wipe); it takes up no room in my pocket. Living near the ocean, I worry more about sand and dust than rain, and carry that bag a lot!

Yes, I often carry a Ziploc bag with me, as well. 

Edited December 24, 2019 by piblondin

[Leica Guy]

43 minutes ago, piblondin said:

Yes, I often carry a Ziploc bag with me, as well. 

I carry a shower cap like available in most hotel bathrooms. It has an elastic opening. Fine in a pinch. 

[Marley]

I would choose the Q2 not for the weather seal but for the sum of its parts. For the added cost you get lots of new features and improvement. The weather sealing is just icing on the cake. Goodluck with your decision! 

[Herr Barnack]

2 hours ago, Marley said:

I would choose the Q2 not for the weather seal but for the sum of its parts. For the added cost you get lots of new features and improvement. The weather sealing is just icing on the cake. Goodluck with your decision! 

What he said.  The Q2 is simply outstanding.

[PhotoCruiser]

If i should need to walk for a long time and weather could be rainy the i would store the camera in a drybag or waterproof backpack.
I bought in a boat shop a square shaped sling bag with a watertight zipper almost from the bottom to the other side on the bottom.
My Q and now Q2 is there inside and i can open the backpack and take the camera out without thaking the bag off my shoulders.
I cannot remeber the name, but it has a Geck as logo.

A small dry bag with a roll closure would do the same but is more uncomfortable to take the camera out and put it back in.

Chris

[nicci78]

On 12/24/2019 at 6:45 PM, piblondin said:

Thanks. My aim is to be able to bring my camera with me on a daily basis without bringing a bag with me. I live somewhere where I walk on much of my daily commute and where it rains a lot and does thunderstorm frequently during parts of the year. While I'll be prepared for rain if the odds are >70%, I would rather not prepare for rain if the odds are, say, 20-30%. I've pretty much stopped carrying umbrellas, unless the rain is anticipated to be heavy. I prefer to just go out wearing a waterproof shell on top. 

I don't feel like I really need or am willing to pay for the other upgrades in the Q2, except for the extended battery life. But if weather sealing allows me to carry my camera outside of a bag on a daily basis, that seems worth it. 

In your case it will worth it. 
Just add handgrip or leather protector to reinforce weather and shock protection  

I stop using ziplock bags shower cap. Due to condensation in warm days. What’s the point to protect your camera from rain, if you kill it with heavy condensation? 
 

[Viv]

On 12/24/2019 at 4:00 AM, piblondin said:

I've been interested in the Q2 as a camera that I can just take out around my neck on a daily basis regardless of whether the weather calls for rain, snow, or sun. Could I conceivably treat the Q this way without causing it damage, or should I go for the Q2? I really don't want to worry if I get caught in the thunderstorm without umbrella or bag. 

The Q2 Is the better camera of the two.

Personally, I cope with adverse weather by carrying a small Billingham bag.

[Herr Barnack]

Of all the satchel type camera bags I have seen and owned, Billinghans are about the best combination of waterproof material and weatherproof design, the Hadley Pro in particular. 

The way the top flap is designed with the seams that shape it to cover the top opening of the bag is the key to a rain proof design.  A lot of other camera bag makers seem oblivious to this.

[Jeff S]

1 hour ago, Herr Barnack said:

The way the top flap is designed with the seams that shape it to cover the top opening of the bag is the key to a rain proof design.  A lot of other camera bag makers seem oblivious to this.

True.  How hard is it to understand the need and to construct a top flap that wraps around the two corners? Instead, there’s often some clumsy and inadequate array of inner flaps, rain covers, or nothing at all beyond gaping holes. Not rocket science, as they say. 

Jeff

[piblondin]

On 12/26/2019 at 8:49 AM, Jeff S said:

True.  How hard is it to understand the need and to construct a top flap that wraps around the two corners? Instead, there’s often some clumsy and inadequate array of inner flaps, rain covers, or nothing at all beyond gaping holes. Not rocket science, as they say. 

Jeff

I don't understand why more bag makers don't just put a waterproof bladder inside the bag. I have a waterproof backpack but almost never use it because it looks hideous with the roll top. Instead, I'm generally content to just carry large Ziploc bags with me.

But again, my objective with the Q2 is to not need to bring a bag at all. 

[Jeff S]

40 minutes ago, piblondin said:

I don't understand why more bag makers don't just put a waterproof bladder inside the bag. I have a waterproof backpack but almost never use it because it looks hideous with the roll top. Instead, I'm generally content to just carry large Ziploc bags with me.

But again, my objective with the Q2 is to not need to bring a bag at all. 

I don’t want that. Once I open the bag, I want total and easy access with nice materials.  Just use waterproof material on the outside and don’t leave gaping holes to let water in.  Billingham hides the rubber bladder between the cover material and the inside so water never penetrates to the inside. 

My issue with some Billinghams (including the Hadley Pro) is that the inside narrows from bottom to top and from the center to the corners, restricting the open space, and the inserts, while protective, are too stiff and cramped.   No perfect or universal bag.

Sorry to carry this OT... back to the Q2...

Jeff

Edited December 27, 2019 by Jeff S

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[piblondin]

6 hours ago, Jeff S said:

I don’t want that. Once I open the bag, I want total and easy access with nice materials.  Just use waterproof material on the outside and don’t leave gaping holes to let water in.  Billingham hides the rubber bladder between the cover material and the inside so water never penetrates to the inside. 

My issue with some Billinghams (including the Hadley Pro) is that the inside narrows from bottom to top and from the center to the corners, restricting the open space, and the inserts, while protective, are too stiff and cramped.   No perfect or universal bag.

Sorry to carry this OT... back to the Q2...

Jeff

That's fair. My problem with most bags is that I really just want to protect my camera--and nothing else, no extra lenses, nothing--from water and impact when it's inside the bag. Finding bags that do that is difficult enough, but then the ones that do tend to be ugly and not really fit with the look I'm going for or what I want to convey to people. So, I end up filling other bags with foam padding, plastic dividers, Ziploc bags, other bags, etc. 😁