47.3MP Full-Frame Monochrome Sensor. The Leica Q2 Monochrom’s 47.3MP CMOS sensor was designed to record sumptuous, detail-rich black-and-white images, and as such omits a low-pass filter and the standard color array in favor of an updated microlens array for maximum sharpness, high resolution, and superlative low-light performance. It features the Leica MAESTRO II image processor, giving the Q2 Monochrom an ISO range of 100-100,000 and a maximum 10 fps full-resolution continuous shooting. You can also record stills as 14-bit DNG files and JPEGs, and the added resolution gives you unique digital zoom capabilities to simulate working with different focal length lenses. For example, you can create 30MP images with a 35mm field of view, 15MP images with a 50mm field of view, and 7MP images with a 75mm field of view.

DCI and UHD 4K Video Capture. In addition to the above-mentioned still-shooting performance, you can capture DCI 4K24p and UHD 4K30p video, along with high-speed Full HD recording at up to 120p.

Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH Lens. This integrated wide-angle lens features the same optical quality you’d expect from a Summilux-M lens. Its fast f/1.7 aperture is ideal for working in low light, with optical image stabilization helping to minimize camera shake. The f/1.7 also allows great depth-of-field control. It offers both contrast-detection autofocus when needed, and full manual focus control for the die-hard Leica fans, all with a 6.7-inch minimum focusing distance that lets you get in close.

Electronic Viewfinder and Touchscreen LCD. There’s a 3.68MP OLED EVF built into the top-left corner of the camera back. You also get a large 3.0-inch 1.04m-dot LCD touchscreen for image composition and review.

Leica Build Quality. The durable, classically-designed Q2 Monochrom is constructed from magnesium alloy with a solid machined aluminum top plate. It has full manual controls, including a dedicated shutter dial, aperture ring, and manual focus ring with focus tab. The camera is hand-made in Germany with a focus on high-quality materials such as the “diamond patterned leathering” that wraps the body.

Other Notable Features. The Q2 Monochrom includes a built-in stereo mic. Like many other current-generation digital cameras, the Q2 Monochrom also has built-in Wi-Fi with Bluetooth for wireless camera control and image review via smartphone, tablet, or computer with the Leica FOTOS app. Images and video files are recorded to UHS II SDHC/XC memory cards (not included), and the camera is powered via an included BP-SCL4 rechargeable lithium battery, which offers up to 350 shots per charge.