p.1 #1 · Q3 vs. Q2: Your Insights on Performance, Start-Up Speed, and Autofocus
Hello! For those who have upgraded from the Q2 to the Q3, I’d love to hear your thoughts on its overall performance. Specifically, I’m curious about how quickly the Q3 powers on or wakes from sleep mode compared to the Q2. Additionally, how would you rate the performance of the autofocus? Your insights are greatly appreciated!
p.1 #3 · Q3 vs. Q2: Your Insights on Performance, Start-Up Speed, and Autofocus
If it is anything like the D-Lux 8 we must talk about start up, and wake from sleep, as two very different things. The D-Lux 8 start up is pretty slow. When properly configured the wake from sleep is instantaneous. The Q3 and the D-Lux 8 have very similar menu choices so maybe the performance in this regard is similar too.
p.1 #4 · Q3 vs. Q2: Your Insights on Performance, Start-Up Speed, and Autofocus
I can't say startup speed is something I've noticed but it's been a while since I've used the Q2. The AF is measurably better than the Q2. As far as tracking goes, it's not Sony level by any means, but I'd put it up there with maybe a bit behind say an A7R2. It's certainly usable and better than the Q2, but we're talking Leica so don't expect miracles. Eye AF works well.
p.1 #6 · Q3 vs. Q2: Your Insights on Performance, Start-Up Speed, and Autofocus
I just did a test on my Q3 43 and Q3 28 latest firmware on both.. The 43 was actually a touch slower.
Q3 28 - average of 3 runs* - 1.7 seconds
Q3 43 - average of 3 runs* - 2.1 seconds
* - after initial power on. The Q3 seems to have something it does after being unused for a while that takes the initial power on an extra long time. The very first "cold boot" on both takes ~3.5 seconds to be usable. After that first cold boot, subsequent power cycles are much faster.
I tested this with the cameras in manual focus to avoid the AF hunt/delay.
p.1 #7 · Q3 vs. Q2: Your Insights on Performance, Start-Up Speed, and Autofocus
I did some tests this morning. My results were inconclusive. I used the same battery capacity and memory cards. I fully charged two of the new high capacity batteries in the Leica dual charger. Cards are 1800x Lexar 256GB cards, freshly formatted.
I couldn’t see any functional difference at all. Best I could tell they’re the same. Any error was my ability to turn the switches at the same time. Without a card in the camera the Q3 was slightly faster, but this is pointless, of course. I repeated about 8-10 times and saw no usable differences.
I do know that Leicas are quite card dependant. I only use these Lexar cards in any of my Leicas because they are noticably faster to start up than other brands/types of card I own. I would suggest that any differences between them are card related.
p.1 #8 · Q3 vs. Q2: Your Insights on Performance, Start-Up Speed, and Autofocus
As for performance I vastly prefer the Q3-28 to the Q2. But generally it’s NOT IQ or AF.
For the Q3:
- The play button is in the correct spot, finally.
- Flippy screen.
- USBC charging and data transfer.
Far AF I don’t see massive differences. The Q3 is a bit snappier, especially in AFC but we’re still not speaking Sony A7CR speeds. More Fuji XT5. For the 28 I rarely use anything but spot or zone as I think it suits the camera. I use face a bit more on the Q3-43. On both I use tracking occasionally but not for action. Just for an active but not sporty subject.
My Q3-28 has become far more used since I got my Q3-43. They work well together although the 43 is used far more by me. Wouldn’t say no to a Q3-90. Currently I have an 85 DGDN strapped to a Sony A7CR. Like the lens. Not as keen on the camera. The EXF is a real let down. Especially compared to the Q’s.
I have already decided to sell the Q2, along with most of my M gear. I see no advantages of the Q2 over the Q3-28 at all.
Eye AF works well.