Q1 image look -- different than Q2 and Q3?

[EddieCheddar]

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Hello all.

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I was wondering...

I've owned the Q1, Q2, and Q3.
I think I like the "look" of the Q1 images best.  Maybe.

Am I sniffing too much glue, or is there a reason for this?
Different sensor or something?

Just wondering.

 

Thanks in advance!

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[Le Chef]

How are you defining “Look”?

[Driften]

Yes different sensors. I think I like the Q 116 images better than my Q2's. But everything else I like better on the Q2.

[darylgo]

I enjoyed using the Q, the images were all that I could want.  I never purchased the Q2 or Q3, the weight and density increase was too great, the Q handled perfectly.  Eventually sold the Q after finding 28mm too restrictive.  

 

[Le Chef]

The difference in weight between the Q and Q3 is just over 100g. Barely noticeable.

[Driften]

On 8/3/2024 at 7:27 PM, darylgo said:

I enjoyed using the Q, the images were all that I could want.  I never purchased the Q2 or Q3, the weight and density increase was too great, the Q handled perfectly.  Eventually sold the Q after finding 28mm too restrictive.  

 

That's the thing. The larger sensors on the Q2/Q3 for me make the 28mm more usable. With the original like you I found it too restrictive. With the Q2 I find the 28 enjoyable knowing I can crop to 35 or 50 and not lose too much image size for my needs. Not that I crop that often, it's just knowing I can that seemed to make the difference.

[Jrek]

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I also prefer images from the original Q. The colors look different from Q2 and Q3 and that's a fact. The preferences are a different story, some people preferred 1 others 2 or 3.

[jdlaing]

On 8/3/2024 at 12:19 PM, EddieCheddar said:

Hello all.

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I was wondering...

I've owned the Q1, Q2, and Q3.
I think I like the "look" of the Q1 images best.  Maybe.

Am I sniffing too much glue, or is there a reason for this?
Different sensor or something?

Just wondering.

 

Thanks in advance!

Not just the sensor. Image engine as well. The sensor is a mindless brick without the engine.

[EddieCheddar]

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

JREK stated that "I also prefer images from the original Q. The colors look different from Q2 and Q3 and that's a fact."  

In that case, which version of Leica M would produce images similar to the Leica Q typ 116?

Thanks in advance!

[Gavin G]

1 hour ago, EddieCheddar said:

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

JREK stated that "I also prefer images from the original Q. The colors look different from Q2 and Q3 and that's a fact."  

In that case, which version of Leica M would produce images similar to the Leica Q typ 116?

Thanks in advance!

I would go for M10/M10P. Yes, Q the best!

[s38]

On 8/3/2024 at 7:16 PM, Driften said:

Yes different sensors. I think I like the Q 116 images better than my Q2's. But everything else I like better on the Q2.

This is an astonishing statement..!!!

[bobtodrick]

I’ve shot with all three.  I own a Q but of course because we are a dealer ive had access to Q2/Q3.

I like the results from my Q over the newer versions.  It may be that because of the ‘reduced’ sensor size or firmware I just find the Q ‘softer’… more pleasant to my eye…a totally subjective criteria.

It (to me) has a more film quality, which I used for forty years.  The newer cameras give cleaner sharper images.  If that is what one is aiming for the Q images probably seem inferior.

But as the saying goes…different strokes for different folks.  Neither is ‘right’.

[dastunta]

A bit late to this party, for FWIW, I own both the Q and Q3 and I always felt the Q images were "nicer" with more natural colors, softer and easier on the eye as @bobtodrick says. I don't agree on the "film quality" though. I always wanted to test side-by-side. Today, its spring and flowers are blooming, the sun is out, so I stepped out with both Q & Q3 to our neighbors' gardens and also mine. Beautiful colorful flowers - tulips, magnolias, daffodils etc. 

Same settings on both cameras. Handheld. Tried my best to shoot from exactly the same spot. 

I have a calibrated 34" monitor. I am looking at the OOC jpegs side by side and here are my observations. 

The cameras expose slightly differently so an exact comparison is difficult. Shadow details also vary. I even did back-to-back macro mode shots at the closest focusing distance and the background is exposed differently, but the flower's colors are the same to my eye. 
Colors - Most photos, it takes some effort to tell the difference. Some photos, the Q looks more saturated (especially greens), some the Q3 looks more saturated with brighter colors (especially yellows). I found one photo pair with what looks like near-identical exposure and the Q colors look slightly more saturated. So, I don't know what to make of my initial impressions that the Q is more natural, softer, etc. 

The Q3 stands out for sheer detail and images seem sharper. 

I've taken some stunning landscapes and travel photos with my Q before the Q3 even came out so I am having emotional attachment issues with the Q. 

Anyway, if budget is a concern and 24 mp is enough, the Q is easily better value than the Q3. 

Feel free to compare and post which one you think is Q vs. Q3. Both converted from RAW using LR, no edits. Q3 file exported with custom dimensions (6000 pixels long side) to match Q resolution. 

https://imgur.com/a/v0wCqGF

Edited April 22 by dastunta
Added export to JPG details

[Tarekith]

My guess is B is the Q3.

[Dazzajl]

This is where the camera specific photo threads on this forum are so useful, massive galleries of photos of all styles and locations to enjoy and compare. It seems that my personal preference is Q>Q2>Q3, which is slightly nit picky as they obviously share a signature look and the differences are marginal anyway.

[Chris W]

On 8/4/2024 at 3:27 AM, darylgo said:

I enjoyed using the Q, the images were all that I could want.  I never purchased the Q2 or Q3, the weight and density increase was too great, the Q handled perfectly.  Eventually sold the Q after finding 28mm too restrictive.  

 

The same. The images were stunning, but I've never been a big fan of 28mm. I thought I could learn to love it, but no.