FUJIFILM X100V vs LEICA Q - Ultimate Comparison 

Great video and fair comments on the pros and cons of each. I have the X100F and recently bought the Leica Q2. I absolutely love the Leica, I probably will never use the Fuji again, but I completely understand everyone has different circumstances both financial and photographic so what's right for one may not be right for someone else. The Leica Q2 certainly isn't 3 times better but it is 3 times the cost, so I agree the Fuji represents better value for sure. Just a minor tip - you put the Leica pics on the right and Fuji on the left for the entire video which helped a lot to know which was which without having to read the labels. It is a MINOR point but you then switched for the "back home" part of the video and all the Leica comments were on the left and Fuji on the right. Would be great to keep that consistency but perhaps just my half century old brain finding it hard to process.

Excellent comparison and so helpful for those attempting to decide which one. I would want both. Love the Fuji color (that some claim looks fake, which can see) … while I love the depth of field via Q is so above and beyond! I have listened to several other videos that compare these and find it so fascinating how we are each so unique expressed when reviewing these two cameras. Hope you get to review the Q2 soon! Hear lots of improvements were made with upgrades.

Love your comparison. I started out as a film shooter in the 70s with my trusty Olympus OM10 (which I still have) and didn't venture into digital until the start of 2013. This new age of photography has brought a plethora of models to choose from. Given that there's no such thing as the perfect camera everything comes down to compromise. I'm still an Olympus (digital) shooter but fell in love with the retro feel of the X100V. This is my everyday out and about camera. Fixed lens, leaf shutter, weathersealed, analogue controls, here when I need it, invisible when I don't. For my style of photography this is the perfect camera which I hope will be my faithful companion for many years to come. Keep up the great videos.

He covers the subject from every angle of concern. I happily subscribed.

Thanks a lot my man. This video is exactly what I was looking for

Thanks for a great review. I own the X100V and a Q2 mono. As an older film shooter, I love the simplicity and build quality of the Q2. Also, the Q2 lens has a depth of field scale - something I use a lot, but is rarely commented upon. Please, please other makers, bring back the D o F scale.

Comparing the Q and X100v has always been kinda weird to me. The lens and processor combo between the two is absolutely worlds apart. What Leica did with the Q lens warrants the price tag alone, straight up. Autofocus, actual proper zone focus experience, and mechanical macro.. all tied to legendary Leica glass? Then they just attach it to an M level body with a brilliant full frame sensor too. Fuji has some nice tricks but the quality can't even begin to compare.

Awesome video comparison! Possibly the best I have seen so far for these cameras. I agree with about everything stated on the X100V. Although autofocus and video are quite lacking, it's my all time favorite camera. If time and money allows, eventually maybe I will try out a Leica. I need to make special mention to the epic video production mate! All of the hype you raised on instagram coming up to it was no joke :) Awesome work! The nature takes with natural background sounds, and the cool transitions for the camera comparisons were perfect. Cheers!

What a nice review! Just like the old good times!

I ditched my Sony DSLR for an X100V last year. Just this week, I sold the Fuji for a Q2M. I adore the X100V and will miss it greatly but the Leica is a real step up in terms of image quality. Pound for pound, though, the X100V comes out on top. It's so easy and delightful to use.

The Q wins hands down; one look at the raw files, and you will never look away. One thing only I like in the x100v better is the built-in flash.

This was a very good & thought out video

I have both and wow, are they different! So good at totally different things.

really good comparison. I really wonder why youtube never suggested your channel to me.

Due to eye sight problems I recently sold my lovely old M8 & all my M mount lenses. Having watched your comparison video I'm convinced that I need (want) a Q, now it's a case of tracking down the right Q for me. Oh & I used to own an X100S which I didn't get along with & even though I'm a Fuji fan boy I know they're not for me. Cheers.... 👍

A very interesting and reassuring video. I bought an X100V about 9 months ago after many years on a Sony RX100 MkIII. I love it, it makes me want to go out and take photos. I’ve never used a Leica but I’ve always been curious. I appreciate high end equipment, and the people I bought the X100V from said they were selling it because they have Leicas and hardly use the X100V. Naturally I’m curious, but this video really put it into perspective for me. I can be happy with the X100V, I think it’s the better all-rounder and I only want one camera. Thanks!

I have a tip for anyone struggling with the Fuji phone app connecting: the trick is to connect to the camera BEFORE opening the app. In other words, the whole procedure is: 1. Turn on wifi on the camera. 2. Go to phone settings and connect to the camera’s wifi network. 3. Open Fuji app; it should then go straight to the import page without any hassle. Doing it this way, I’ve had practically 100% success rate, and it seems quicker than opening the app then connecting when it asks. It might even work just as well for other manufacturers’ apps.

finally a good comparison between these two :)

I paid for a X100V recently and now just waiting for new stock arrivals here is the USA. It’s the perfect all around camera, lovely macro shots, small, great for travel, etc. I am a minimalist, so one camera and a fixed 35mm equivalent lens is great-no juggling different lenses. And I believe you can adjust the x100 for 50mm and 70mm. Anyway, great review, thanks!

11:58 Really missed an opportunity to say “I’m really on the fence” 😂 Awesome video mate! As x100V owner I’m always looking at how the Leica’s compare. This video was a lot of fun. Mark from Australia 🇦🇺

Well, that's a great comparison. Thank you. As an owner of a Q I often asked myself, was the Fuji maybe better for me? Now I know: Nope. First, the Q offers great pictures out of the box. The Fuji has a lot of personalization abilities, much more knobs, and you can change whatever you want. But hey, I don't want to find features in a deep menu structure to get a warmer result, or whatever it takes to get a mean result at all. In fact, the Q is my favorite because the camera is simple. I don't have to make decisions while shooting. The Q is fast and reliable on location with perfect picture results. So, less (custom buttons) is more! Stabilization is important for me because above ISO 6400 the quality isn't good enough for me. The Macro is fine for me. For die hard Fuji fanboys: There is one flaw which is inexcusable on a camera like the Q. A 3 way switch sets the camera off, single shot and continuous shot. You guess it: In a lot of situations, you switch from off to continuous shot without meaning. A no-go for a brand like Leica. They fixed it on the Q2. When it comes to retouching, the RAW files of the Q are very deep. Deeper than the ones from my A7RM3. In RAW, the Q offers you a picture which is cropped to 28 mm, with a frame around that looks like the lens is in fact a 26 or 25 mm full frame. That often saves my ass when it comes to street shots. To get the Fuji Film look, I use film simulations in Capture One. I'm not sure if the quality of the presets meets the one in camera simulation. But for me, as a former Mamiya 645 user with a long love for Velvia and Astia, it does the deal. Again, thank you for that detailed comparison. In Germany, you can buy a used Leica Q (TYP 116) for €2300 (about £2065) and a Fuji X100V for €1800 (about £1620). I bought my Q in 2019 with 4 batteries, the original hand grip, a leather half case and some more. I paid £1795 which is a bargain for this stunning gem 😎

Outright, the Leica is in a different league. The caveat is the price which is the deciding factor for the majority of people. As for buttons and menu, I think you have got the Leica wrong. Leica philosophy has always concentrated on photography, Fuji like all other Japanese cameras, tries to give you more features and extended menus, I find this undesirable and distracting.

Fantastic comparison, subscribed! I'm looking at selling my X100V (have the original and the X100F) but got an offer to buy a used Q at a good price. Those portraits look beautiful with the Leica.

Superb video. In my case, lot of love for X100V

Tilting screen is a big plus with the Fuji along with the optical viewfinder. If they added these to the Leica, almost no chance re the optical finder and so far the Leica Q2 hasn’t gained a tilting screen , then maybe I’d smash the piggy bank for a Q for the extra focal length and full frame

The OVF advantage is significant for me. Being able to see the immediate framing options just makes my compositions better without even really thinking about it. The 28mm Summilux for portraits though......

Hello Cauchie,thanks so much for this sublime review.Actually I still lean to the q2.I like simplicity, I prefer to shoot in raw and do the postproduction in Capture One.Fuji made a circus with all the possibilities in settings.😉what are your thoughts about the LX100II ? Warm regards & happy holidays from The Netherlands 🤩🎄🤩

Spot on review! I personally owned the Q and the x100f (sold it to fund my m10). I always find that the fuji x100 series is perfect for when i want to experiment with color jpegs as there are tons of good recipes (if you want to spend more time like you said). Then the Q is more if i want to go more with a ‘simplistic’ approach while keeping things look ‘more professional’ if that make sense. Keeping the Q though for its 28mm lens summilux.

Hi Goughie, your review was excellent, many thanks. I am very interested in both cameras and will buy one or the other to be my only camera. I have found one of each, both in good condition for the same money. Which would you get (I am guessing the Q)?

Thanks for comparison. Definitely keeping my X100v, after considering the Leica. FYI, my wife thanks you too : )

Great video thanks. I wonder if the wide angle adapter on the Fuji will degrade the image quality, thus making it not quite fair?

Great video! I’ve owned both also. Loved the Leica Q, built like a tank and machined to perfection, I love how the lens hood screws to the exact correct point even! always felt at home with 28mm, however, I took a lot of pics at 6400+ iso and it really showed it’s age. I sold it on and I miss it, but, I think I only miss it because it was a “Leica” and I’ll probably not have one again (or at least in a good while). I used the 2k to buy a Fuji x100v and a nice every day watch. It was great to have that much cash left over and the Fuji is really, genuinely, lovely. I’m no stranger to Fuji, and have owned 8 different cameras by them. I know their strengths and their weaknesses. It feels very solid, reliable, and just seems to give me something good, every time. The Leica was and is special, if you use it, you’ll likely not want to give it away easily. Even the contrast only AF, which should be a weakness, isn’t. But I get great shots with the Fuji, it’s better at higher ISO’s, the colours are wonderful and it’s got a better AF system. All that and I had about £800 left over for the watch. No regrets.

The fact that there is comparison says enough for me considering how drastic the price differences are

I have owned and used both of these cameras (Leica Q and Fuji X100 5 (V) ;o). Frankly if I have to pick one of them, I pick the Leica just for comfort (better built), a little bigger which means the controls are easier to access while still keeping one's eye to the viewfinder, the Leica AF is really better than the Fuji V's (I have missed pictures because of it; sometimes it goes back and forth without stopping), better "real" colors with no nonsense JPG (which emulate the known color deficiencies of film? ;o). In terms of control/functions the Leica Q gives you everything that a photographer needs Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO and White Balance (yes you forgot to mention the FN button at the back, left of the LCD screen). All the best.

Great comparison. Just wondering, considering they are so close, if 28mm is your favorite why not keep the Q? Seem like that would be the biggest deciding factor. It’s the reason I might sell my Q and go back to the X100 series as I love 35mm

x100V here, happy as a puppy

Nice content, you seem like a nice guy goughie ! I'm gonna keep my black X100V forever, absolutely in love with it. One thing I noticed while watching this video was how beautiful the WCL converter looks on the camera. I "only" have the TCL Teleconverter which is ridiculously large and completely changes the feel of the X100V..not in a good way. Anyway, greetings from Northern Germany :)

I really want the X100V

Good comparison video Goughie. One note on the macro functionality about the X100V: Although you can forget to turn back and forth between macro on the Q, one thing that can catch you off guard with the X100V is if you've focused closed for macro mode and quickly turn around and try to focus on something further, I've seen the lens hunt trying to get out of that min focus distance. So really going and and out of macro on either camera can be inconvenient at times.

Thx for the comparison ! Two things I’d like to add- manual focus on the Q including zone focusing is a HUGE benefit when it comes to street photography. By contrast, manual focus by wire on the X100V is a pain in the backside. YES you can manually focus the x100v but it takes training and you are less quick which means potentially missing opps in the street. Also a general comment on focal length - the 35mm (x100v’s FF equivalent) is very different from 28mm and I believe it comes down to the question “what do you feel most comfortable with?” The “cult” for either of those cameras often disregards this aspect. You have to chose the camera which suits your needs - as opposed to adjusting your style to the camera’s specs. Just my 2 cents… Cheers, Jens

leaf shutter + flash in daylight is EPIC

Should compare manual focusing and zone focusing

Would Love a chance to play with those RAW files side by side.

Great video. Just out of interest, did you notice that the Q was actually still wider than the x100v with the 28m adaptor? I’ve heard people say that the Q is actually closer to a 26mm focal length. I’m asking because I love that “Leica look “ from the Q series and wanted to get a similar looking lens for my XE4. You’d think that the Fuji 18mm f1.4 would be the ticket, but the Leica actually seems wider, andsomehow doesn’t distort faces like a 24mm does (FF equivalent). I guess that’s just the Leica special sauce?

We used to have the Fuji GFX50s and a couple of X100V's for our wedding photography - all good - nice - but now we have a couple of Leica SL2 cameras and a Q2 and I have to say its a better combo for the finished album - the black and white conversions are much crisper too - just my thoughts and experience - and also its a lot less of everything to carry around

I am in the market for this type of camera. Leaning strongly toward the Fuji X100v. Sadly, it is currently unobtainable in the U.S. as is the XE-4 and several of the comparable Sony offerings and many other similar cameras from other makers. The Q2 is available but is now THREE times more than the X100v. I'm still considering it but to be honest the one thing other than price that puts me off from the Q or Q2 is the size of the lens. I'm looking for the most svelt form factor and that lens, in comparison to the body, is quite large.

Excellent video! A very hard decision, on paper that focal length/aperture, and ff sensor on the leica should win, but the fuji is definitely a better all round camera, I'd say wait for fuji to release a new model 🤣

Many artists love the Q Technician geeks look for something else

Ive owned quite a few Fuji's and still have an xpro2and LQ. The Leica Q and Q2 are so much better to me its crazy.My Fujis all had errors and lockups and tons of missed focus but the Leica "knock on wood" hasnt skipped a beat. The film sims are awesome but the quality just isnt there IMO. However, at almost a 1/4 of the price I could live with a x100v.

looks like the fuji on the portraits is shot with a bit low shutter compared to the leica, but guess it only is resolution/fullframe sharpness

really great review but I think it s important to add a couple of things for people who would hesitate between the 2 cameras .( I used both ) First and this is so important ; Leica Q and even Q2still , are known to have poor Jpgs but you almost talked about jpg only unfortunately . comparing the raw files would be a different story ..also , Leica Q and Q2 mesure light a bit brighter than other cameras and even than M series . In your exemples , the Q has slightly over exposed shots compared to the fuji . underexposing the Q by even half a stop to a full stop with exposure comp, would have shown Leica pure and rich colours.( fuji are good at keeping highlights but get muddy shadow details if underexposed where Leica are known to blow out highlight but have amazing shadow detail recovery ) Lastly , focus by wire in fuji vs real focus on the Q as mentioned by other is a real big difference in experience . all the best .

The jpegs of the Q, certainly the Q2 that I use, are more customisable than you suggest although I agree that the Fuji is even more so with far more film styles and even more customisation. However, the Q2’s jpegs are just about as customisable in post as most camera’s raw files. The Q’s high iso noise performance is not the best for a full frame but not bad either. It certainly doesn’t match the best full frames such as the superb Sony A7III in that area. The A7III is indeed a viable alternative to these cameras and Q2 when fitted with a Sigma 24mm f1.8 Contemporary prime lens.

I've just sold my Leica Q for an X100V. Mainly for the preferable 35mm focal length and the colours. I can get similar Q colours out of the Fuji, but I would struggle getting Fuji colours out of the Leica without significant post-processing!

Now the Fuji x100V been going up in prices. So now you can get a Leica Q and Fuji x100V for same price. Around 2000 USD.

Could you imagine if fuji released an x100 body with a manual focus clutch and focus scale like some of their lenses? (Like the 23mm f1.4/18mm 1.4)

I think I can make a better summary. People will say the x100v is "better". Anyone who has an x100v wishes they had a Q2 hahaha. Review over.

Had an X100T and a Q. The Q was superior in every way. The lens is incredible. Not a fan of 28mm so sold it for an M240 in the end. I wouldn’t go back to an X100V.

The App wasn't working good with my x100f but with the x100v the app on the iPhone is so easy. Don't even need to do anything in camera to transfer an image, when the camera and bluetooth is turned on. Just open the app, tap connect and you're ready to transfer.

It's all mental. For most people who don't even know about cameras couldn't tell the images apart. All modern big brand cameras can take great photos. I still use a fujifilm xe3 and an olympus em10 mk ii

2023 - The Q2 is £5,000 and the X100V (if you can source one) is more like £2,000. The hype for these cameras is through the roof ... like the prices. I got the X100V for RRP €1399 in France a year ago, just before the hype kicked in. I sort of knew it would be an instant classic because I'd been following the increasing interest in the X100 line for 10 years. The X100V was the evolution I was waiting for ... weather sealing!! (the new amazing lens is a bonus).

Found the problem but not the solution. There is a 3.1 version of the firmware but cannot find a place from which to download it.

I love fast lenses so Q

Thank you for this comprehensive comparison. One point of disagreement, however. Your testing process included adding an adapter to the Fuji 100v to match focal lengths more closely. This is a flawed process for at least two reasons. First, these adaptor-required test images will be lower in quality than with the standard included Fuji lens. Second, it adds lens adapter cost to the Fuji that you haven’t accommodated for. I cannot use your tests for a camera-to-camera comparison of image quality.

Really great comparison. I have the X100V and it is great… you’re right about the terrible Fuji app, ultimately though the Fuji is just not quite there… nasty EVF (relative to Leica), AF just annoying, lens isn’t quite fast enough for subject isolation… but my god it’s close to greatness. What was also fascinating was the bonus footage on the X-H2S… very interesting. On which one I’d keep… well I thought I would sell my X100V when I went all in and got a Leica M11… but both my M11 and a photojournalist friend of mine Neil who got one at the same time, had them fail completely within 200 shots! Both of us got replacements, Neil’s crapped out yesterday and supper annoyingly mine definitely has some software issues (too complicated to explain here, but I’ll be sending images + a note to Leica on Monday, the firmware is definitely buggy and still subject to locking up etc, 6 months after launch), so it can’t be trusted. Now I’ve had Fuji’s since the XPro1 and while not perfect, nothing ever went wrong, no lens or camera issues, 100% dependable, small and fun to use. So here’s the rub for me with the Leica Q, there are reports of dust getting onto the sensor… so it mat need servicing by Leica (that’s OK), turnaround time 8 weeks! (That’s not OK) So while I do love Leica, my old SL being particularly well made, I think the Fuji is still a keeper.

I’m curious to know where you can pick up a Q for 2k in the UK? I’m after one but cannot find anything under 2.5k, cheers, Carl

I wish you could get a x100v for 1000 pounds over here in the states theyre selling new for 1800 and used for 1400 because of the shortage🥲 but great review! i have the leica q-p but im looking to the x100v for fun and weather resistance!

Would like some help connecting my Q (firmware 3.0) to the Leica FOTOS 3.3.3. I never get a QR screen after selecting the Q camera and then Continue. Would appreciate any advice

A year hence, the fact that these cameras came out about even might help explain why the price of used X100V's has migrated toward that of the Leica Q; that plus all the hipster hype.

No matter what camera brand you have (or just your smartphone), just go out and shoot. Just enjoy your photography moment.

Technically Q allows for cropping because it's full frame vs apsc so it's not really 28 vs 35, even macro

Just bought my 3rd X100V after selling the previous ones and regretting both times. It gets under your skin - such an awesome all round camera. Interesting to compare to the Leica but not for me regardless of the price.

I've had both the X100S and the Leica Q (and now a Q2). For jpg, Fuji is pretty much the King of all of them, hands down. Fuji has the nice film emulations, and the nicest colors. Leica's jpgs are just OK. I shoot RAW with Leica. For the record, IMHO Sony has the worst color. It's just awful. Another nice plus for the X100 series though _is_ that built-in flash. The flash exposure formula Fuji baked in is like magic. Turn the flash on and set everything to auto and indoor flash shots look fabulous. It's freaky good. If you take portraits outdoors in full daylight, you really should experiment with that flash and the ND filter in manual mode. With the unlimited sync speed shutter and the ND, you can knock down the ambient light a couple of stops with a fast shutter speed, and use f/2 to isolate your subject both by shallow depth of focus and lighting her up nicely with the flash and make her really pop. It's a great look. I love my Q2, but I do miss that about the X100S. I have to use a separate flash. Why I went with the Q and now the Q2 was the image stabilization first. That gets me out of ISO 3200 down to ISO 400, and I don't think I ever go above 1600. It's great for taking pics in museums while I'm travelling. Then there's the overall image quality. You can't see it on the web between the junky resolution of browsers and youtube videos, but put the actual file up on a 27" or larger 4K or 5K screen (especially with a Q2) and it's pretty clear. Nevertheless, they're both pretty awesome cameras.

Toyota Corolla vs Porsche 911, which do you want?

X70 also got leaf shutter and flash

13:40 interesting. The vast majority of other reviews say otherwise. The jpges of the leica are inferior due to strange white balance choices and need to have editing afterwards. The X100V provides out of the box film simulations and more important, much more consistent white balance. Thoughts?

What are those things dangling from the side of the camera?

I love the preface about the fans. 😂 I'm the rare Fujifilm shooter who doesn't like the colours. I can use Velvia, Astia, and at a push Pro Neg H - but none really get it 100% for me. All the others are just hot garbage in my opinion. However, I can't say I love Leica either. I like the Ricoh and Nikon colours the best, with Canon coming in second. Either way: the Q is clearly the superior camera in almost every way. I can not fault people for getting ripped off on it. 😂 28f1.7 on FF? No chance for my poor old Fujifilm.

Volevo acquistare una X100V, ma ha raggiunto dei prezzi folli 2400€. Trovato una Q usata (pari al nuovo, con due anni di garanzia) a 2800€ e quindi ho scelto Leica.

If only Fuji could produce an X100? with a "serious" lens LIKE the Q2's.... one can dream I guess

As the owner of 100v, I can say that all these functions interfere, and in those rare moments when you need it, you go through the menu for half an hour trying to set it all up ... not really about photography

Which fuji film simulation is similler or close to similler to Leica q2? Can anyone tell me pls?

If money doesn’t matter, why not compare the q2? Latest vs latest?

The comparison is not very fair. Q is from 2015, Fuji from 2020. Five years later. If there are still doubts between one and the other, it means that Q is very good. The natural comparison with the Fuji X100V is the Leica Q2 and in this case I think the doubts are over and the Q2 clearly wins.

Film simulations wipe the floor with Leica Q. I question the water proofing of the Fuji.

What would fit a pro, such as myself:-)?

Straight out of camera the Leica wins, in everything else I prefer the Fuji. Specially Film simulations recipes. That alone is enough even if they where the same price.

I solved the problem by owning both

leica q2 is 9k in australia

The Leica 28 mm Summilux lens is just incredible! It's the best what I have ever used. Considering it's from 2015. But nice video. Cheers.

Leica is superior in low light with the f1.7 and the 3 stops stabilizer

I hope money is as easily available for me. Life really is unfair in certain parts of the world 😞

i would keep the V

Fine comparison. You forgot one important thing. Manual focus... If you like to shoot street and use the good old zone focusing - the Q is just so much better than the V. The V is practical useless for these situations. You set the focus distance to 2 meters. And 30 seconds later it will be 10 or 1 meters, and you didn't even realize it before it is too late. Fuji should really implement a manual focus lock....

Leica Q macro works perfect at 5cm from the subject

X100V👍👍👍👍

They just are not comparable cameras: 1) one is £5000, the other is a quarter of that price 2) one is full frame, the other is APSC 3) one is 47 MP, the other is half that 4) one is 28mm, the other is 35mm (equivalent) These fundamental differences, for me, puts them in different classes of camera

hey fuji iso is different than other brands thats why

how do you get an X100V for 1000 pounds?

I am not looking down on Fuji. (I am using Fuji) But how can you compare 2 totally different products, For one, one is full frame, and another is APS-C.

As someone who's owned both, the Fuji is soooo much better.