Leica Q2 vs Fujifilm X-Pro3 vs Canon R6 - Portrait Shoot BTS - Which Camera Should You Buy?

[@thomastaylor9237]

The X-Pro3 is for me the best and most enjoyable camera I have ever used in multiple settings. The ergonomics, image quality, portability and build quality make it a pure joy to shoot with.

[@TheZachMendez]

Man, I couldn't agree more. That camera is just great - the experience, the images. Love it. Thanks for watching!

[@jimmason8502]

@@TheZachMendez I love my XPro3 as well, and I've owned and still shoot a lot of different Fujis and Nikons.

[@izustun9851]

I have been using the R6 for 6 months. I am totally satisfied. it is just a workhorse. Image quality is great, af incredible, colors are great... Camera lacks nothing. 20mp is pretty enough for me and I am working as a professional. You can trust R6 in every scenario.

[@TheZachMendez]

I completely agree!! Thanks for watching :)

[@GoodLifeInSpain]

I shoot with a Leica Q2, Fujifilm X-T4, and Nikon D850. All three give me completely different experiences. The Leica Q2 is definitely a "slow the fu^k down" camera. I find that I MUST take my time...but, it's ALWAYS worth it. I've shot several Fujifilm cameras and REALLY enjoy my X-T4, especially for shooting street scenes. It's an absolute joy. My D850 is superb for studio portraits, but gives me back aches. I haven't shot an X-Pro3 yet, but if it's anything remotely like the X-T4, it's going to give most people an amazing all-around shooting experience and excellent results.

[@TheZachMendez]

This sounds very similar to my experience using the 3 cameras in this video. It doesn’t make a lot of sense for me to own the Leica right now, but it’s a sweet camera. I also enjoy having the R6 and X-Pro3 for the reasons you mentioned. I enjoy the differences that come with each. Thanks for watching.

[@nachohernandez9491]

I would love to own a d850 just for the experience but I would love to get xpro3

[@realworldaudio]

I am at the very beginning of my photo journey, with a Canon M50 mark II. I am focusing more on the lenses though: my favorites are the Helios M44-2 (58mm F2) and the Asahi Super Takumar (50mm F1.4), both vintage manual lenses, which render images so natural as if they were not digital but film. At this point my ultimate dream is the Q2 monochrome, and the R6 mark II is also a distant dream in the future. I really hope to be able to upgrade to the modest R in a year, but for now I am content with the M50. Skills first, after all, with a good lens even a modest camera should be fantastic. In case my skills improve so much that I grow out the M50, then I'll start climbing the ladder with the full frame sensor R... and in the distant future glows the Q2 monochrome.... as I find that color is mostly a distraction, monochrome is just so much more expressive.

[@michelecintramika8482]

Get a Canon 32mm f/1.4, and you won't need anything else. And if you use an external bounce flash from Canon, you will go to another level. An external flash takes an image to another level of quality.

[@realworldaudio]

@@michelecintramika8482 Thank you for the tip! I have heard indeed very good things about that lens. I also have an external flash, have yet to learn how to use it. (Already have dabbled with it, but I'm very far from mastery.)

[@StapediusReflex]

I think I will always want a Q2 but never be able to justify buying one. The X100V does a fantastic job fitting that fixed-lens compact camera spot for me.

[@TheZachMendez]

Dude so true! I love the X100V! Thanks so much for watching! :)

[@sols9449]

I’ve been in the photography business my whole entire life. I worked in a camera shop in San Francisco at 15 years of age in 1991 and I’m a pro photographer now. The appeal for shooting Leica is a retro vibe that people want to tap into. The younger generation loves the aesthetic of shooting film and Leica in its day was one of the best. Today however in the digital age you take whatever you can get and use it to your advantage in a pro setting. Canon R6 is way way more advanced system. In this case the full frame sensors of both cameras are amazing but the interface and lens options the R6 will give you far surpass the Leica in a pro setting. I feel Leica is like owning a Rolls Royce you might want Honda pickup as well to go pick up the groceries. The R5 would be the way to go here at that price point. If you owned both more times than not when a client is waiting you would pickup the canon. On the other hand if the Leica makes you feel good and makes you want to go out and shoot then that’s the right camera for you. I don’t believe this camera with one set lens is worth that price tag.

[@TheZachMendez]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! This totally makes sense to me. I appreciated the Honda v RR analogy too. And yes, it was really great to test this camera out, but it wouldn't make sense for me to own one. I totally understand why people love them though! Thanks so much for watching!

[@austiinjohn]

Spot on as I own the M10 and the R5. Canon for my clients and Leica for my leisure.

[@thegardeninvestments]

I just bought the xpro2 and made my own film receipt with a base of classic chrome. Absolutely love it. the xpro line up is pretty stunning.

[@TheZachMendez]

Great to hear! I love doing this so much. I also owned the XPro2 and really loved that camera :) Thanks for watching!

[@3-piece129]

What a refreshing and relaxing video/review - Great job!

[@TheZachMendez]

Thank you so much for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@nicktrieu8129]

I've owned the Leica Q and traded it in for the X-Pro 3. I also have the Canon R6 and the RF lenses. I didn't feel the Leica Q was worth the price tag. The X-pro 3 is my "Me Time" camera and like you, my R6 is the workhorse.

[@TheZachMendez]

Amazing! I think that combo makes a lot of sense. Thanks for watching :)

[@RikkiRockettsLegendTripping]

Leica shooter here. Q2 and SL2-S. However, I use Canon for video. The R5-C

[@TheZachMendez]

Sweet! I want to test that camera at some point. Thanks for watching :)

[@MikeKleinsteuber]

Nice comparison. I prefer my Fuji X-T3 to the Leica I used mainly because I always shoot manually and the dials on the Fuji just make the whole process intuitive and easy. And the RAW files are fabulous. Although, as you intimate, the bigger sensor size on the Q2 is noticeable at 100% and in a side by side comparison, a viewer will never see it, particularly if you post produce your images. And at the end of the day it's the image content that will always be noticed first and not the technical quality. Some of the world's greatest photographs were taken with technically inferior kit. So don't get wound up about the technical stuff.

[@TheZachMendez]

So true!! It's easy to get caught up in specs that don't really matter. Thanks so much for watching & for the comment! :)

[@thestudio2015]

Buying a Leica give you 3 different advantages. Solid and quality build. Simple to use. And it gives you the beautiful look that other cameras cannot duplicate. Once you buy a Leica you don't really think of anymore major upgrades.

[@TheZachMendez]

Thank you so much for watching! :)

[@smodjo]

I use q2 next to Sony A9 - I love the Leica ... it is simple, rubust, hangs on my shoulders everywhere I go ... aaaand I take so much less pictures with it than with an A9 where the AF is sitting perfect where i want it ... in the end, I have to scroll thru thousands of photos ... my q2 pictures mostly are finished and need only little adjustments. Its more a camera to capture special moments and life itself. My Sony A9 is sort of a work tool with no nice soul :)

[@TheZachMendez]

I can relate to this for sure! Thanks so much for watching :)

[@rifz42]

I moved from a Canon 6D to Fuji XT-4. I really like that I got a top of line camera with all the features, instead of a third tier camera like the Canon R6.

[@TheZachMendez]

X-T4 is awesome I’m sure! But I also love my R6 and definitely don’t feel like it’s missing anything I need. Thanks for watching! 😊

[@MurrayMcMillan73]

I’ve been a Fujifilm shooter for the last 4-5 years, using lately XT3, X100V, GFX50R. Weddings, music, and documentary of my family and Kids. Loved all of them, but recently sold all my GFX gear and have purchased a Leica Q2 and totally fallen in love with it . I’m still shooting the XT3 for weddings, with the Leica making an appearance at times but for all personal stuff it’s the Q2 now. Such an incredible camera

[@TheZachMendez]

Wow that's awesome! Glad you are enjoying it. Thanks so much for watching :)

[@burtgummer8514]

What’s so special , the Hype!

[@TheZachMendez]

There is a lot of hype haha

[@HelloImMaxxHennard]

Finally a breakdown of what the Leicas are aboutt! So good 👏🏼

[@TheZachMendez]

Thanks, Maxx! & Thank you for the beautiful footage! You are the best!

[@luischavezphoto]

I started my Leica journey with the Q2 and it’s hands down my favorite camera. Not because it’s astronomically better than any other camera but the shooting experience alone to me is worth using Leica. I find that I make my best work using cameras I enjoy using and Leica is it for me. We really are spoiled with camera choices these days and that’s a such a beautiful thing! There’s a camera out there for every kind of photographer. Great video Zach!

[@TheZachMendez]

Thanks, Luis! And thanks for inspiring me to rent this camera!! I really did enjoy using it. I actually took it out for some street photography too, and loved the manual focusing experience. Even though I decided it's not for me, I totally understand how awesome that camera is. Thank you for watching :)

[@ShaiYammanee]

I really enjoyed this comparison video. I was a Canon shooter for decades but I started having issues with my muscles and tendons in my right hand. I also had neck and back issues. I assumed it was due to the weight and size of the Canon bodies and lenses, so I decided to try another system. This brought me to the Fuji X-T2. The side and weight was a delight and I have grown to love the recipes for the jpg images. The lenses are also wonderful, and I love throwing vintage lenses on there whenever I can. I have found myself using the Fuji system for most of my shoots now, though, it doesn’t feel quite like the work horse my Canons are. I know that it is an older system, so I’m tempted to try the newer bodies by Fuji. Or perhaps look into the MF Gfx lineup. Now, I tend to use the Canons primarily for video work. The R5 does intrigue me though. I will have to give that body a go before I decide whether to completely commit to Fuji for stills and start buying more glass.

[@TheZachMendez]

I totally get this. & Sounds like you have a great plan. I would definitely test out the R5 and some of the newer Fujifilm cameras to see what you think. Thanks so much for watching! :)

[@antigonooo]

Fuji x-pro3 with vintage lenses is a beast. The effect you get with a simple jpeg is unbeatable

[@superronjon]

Love this behind the scenes style of video, and with the great commentary and beautiful shots as well.

[@TheZachMendez]

Thanks so much, Patrick! I really appreciate it :)

[@KeithCarmichaelInFL]

Thank You for this. Leica has been a system I have had on my “possible” list of new systems. It is difficult to find a good comparison against other brands. Having your view on its differences from Canon and Fuji is huge for me because that is literally the three systems I am looking at!

[@TheZachMendez]

Awesome!! Yeah, I would definitely recommend trying one out if you can! It was so helpful to actually use the camera and start to understand it a bit. The good thing is there are plenty of options and you really can't go wrong. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@Gj_frames]

Which Leica do you look for? They have some major difference between models :)

[@joeypandabear]

the Leica color at 05:13 is so good

[@basedviet]

Lovely video. I shoot with a Sony A1 for work and every time I pick up that camera, I am reminded of work. After a while, it is hard to be motivated to shoot for fun when the very tool you're picking up just reminds you of work, so I decided to get a Fuji X100V. That was a fun camera and probably would check the box for most people, but I have always lusted over the Q2. I've had some decent personal and professional success this past year and wanted to celebrate it so I finally got my Q2 and boy is it amazing.

[@TheZachMendez]

Amazing!! Congrats on getting the Q2. Glad you are loving it. Thanks for watching :)

[@AllieBishopphoto]

I personally shoot Canon (R6 and R8) for my professional work but I take my Fuji (x100v or xt30ii) everywhere for everyday use. It’s just so nice not to have to edit every photo all the time. I’d love to try a Leica someday though.

[@TheZachMendez]

Thank you for watching!

[@burnthappiness]

Thanks! I'm replacing a water-damaged Nikon Z7 and thinking about smaller solutions. I travel a lot, so want something very small to walk around new cities in, but also live on a boat/kayak with birds so want the ability to mount long lenses. Undecided between trying a Q2 for local walks augmented with another big camera for wildlife, or shifting to the Fuji line and walking with small primes. I'm noticing your final point that all the cameras produced nice images...

[@insane7818]

Fuji xpro 3 with 16mm 1.4 will be my next combo. Right now i juse the xt3 and a 23mm 1.4

[@TheZachMendez]

Sweet!! Enjoy it. Thanks for watching!

[@powderedtoastman3093]

I am seriously on the fence about buying into the Leica M system or any Leica for that matter. The horrendous service turn around times and the fact a lot of cameras have to be sent to their head office in Germany if you live in Europe. Things like rangefinder calibration of the camera gets a bump, lens calibration if you are having issues, shutters sticking, software freezing and locking up the camera. People waiting 3-6 months without their €8k cameras is not what I’d call fun. I’m a Fujifilm user since the X-Pro1 and only ever had to send one body in for remapping of the sensor and it was back in a week. Leica don’t have this speed and there is no way I’d be buying 2 bodies and lenses to go through that headache. If they had a 3 week turn around like other brands I’d be there in a flash. Very disappointing to read the horror stories on the Leica forums.

[@TheZachMendez]

Good points & a lot to think about. I have anxiety just imagining that scenario haha. Thanks for watching!

[@powderedtoastman3093]

@@TheZachMendez And now the Q2 models having hot pixels all over the place over iso 800 and sensor remapping is all Leica can do to fix it. Shit sensor technology means hot pixels on new cameras I’d expect it from 8-10yr old units and not the amount that people are posting. 15-20 hot pixels on new cameras over €5k. It’s laughable

[@yonghyeonpark5936]

Great work. The edit of portrait works is my favorite. Do u use LR ? Amazing lovely tone

[@nifnifn3568]

I have a Leica m240 and i try the xpro3 and why i love my Leica is for the shooting experience, the rangefinder and the simplicity of the camera. I don't think the xpro3 is worse but suitable for other photographers 🙂

[@TheZachMendez]

Thanks for watching :)

[@Fixxxer]

Nice video! I'm a pro concert photographer who owns 2 R6 along with plenty of RF glass and I'm considering a used Leica Q (Typ 116) as a third body for backstage shots and just for fun street camera. That 28mm Summilux glass fixed on a FF sensor is sooo tempting.

[@TheZachMendez]

Totally!!! I shoot lots of stage work as well, and the R6 is amazing for that type of work. But yes, I totally see what you mean about having a backstage camera - I think the Q would be awesome for that. If you can get the chance to test one out, I would recommend. It was so helpful for me to try out the Q2. Thanks for watching!!

[@Chazyfizzlez]

I currently shoot Q2 and SL2 and would not go back to Fuji or Canon. Shot Fujifilm for 5 years with XT2/3 and X100F. Moved to Canon R with their fastest RF glass. I prefer the feeling of shooting Leica. The cameras aren't any better. I think they're not as good in many ways but there's something "nice" about owning and using Leica similar to owning any type of luxury goods.

[@TheZachMendez]

Really practical, honest point here! This makes a lot of sense. I think we should really think about Leica in that way, not as anything better or worse than other modern cameras. Thanks so much for watching!

[@josephschimmer302]

For years I am lusting after Leica, always finding Fuji‘s files lagging behind. Now I am heading for GFX road, since those files offer that special look to me - for still half the price! Mr. Leica, Matt Osborn, posted an informative video recently, dealing with the „Leica look“

[@TheZachMendez]

Awesome! Will check it out! And yeah, I definitely want to test the GFX system some time soon! Thanks so much for watching!

[@mndoci]

Loved the video footage and the video. The R5 is my camera of choice and as someone who shoots birds and nature primarily, but also an increasing amount of street/city and video, it feels like the perfect camera. I've always loved Canon ergonomics and the lens lineup. Having said all that, the allure of the Q2 (especially the Monochrom) is strong as I get more into street-style photography.

[@TheZachMendez]

Yes, I totally relate. Glad you are loving your R5! Thanks for watching :)

[@edwintam2349]

Thank you for a great, practical review! I shoot Nikon FX (D850), Fuji XPro2 and XH1, and Olympus EM1X/EM5, along with a smattering of other misc cameras (used Sony RX1Rii - the "cheaper" Leica LOL). I do mostly portraits, but also sports and some street. Leica Q2 reviews keep popping up, and I've been thinking if it's worth it. Is it THAT special? Does it produce images I couldn't achieve otherwise? All the reviews rave on about the Q2, but your level headed comparison shows that really, a good photographer can achieve most anything with any decent gear. So while the Q2 might be special and have that extra bit, some of it might just be a bit of zealousness too. :) My all time favourite by the way is the XPro2, and the most versatile system I'm finding is the Olympus m4/3.

[@TheZachMendez]

Love this comment & totally agree. I also love the X-Pro2! Thank you so much for watching. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@hinokikuaimu]

Shooting R6, Olympus EM1-II, Nikon D300s, Leica M7; shot and sold an XT-2: the Olympus is the most enjoyable and most versatile system: portrait, action, macro and wildlife and an incredible level of customization (downsides: low light capability and reduced DOF). But one needs to spend time with it.

[@michaelbell75]

Another top notch video. Great work and you have a nice style to your videos thats rather calming as well as informative, subscribed. Oh and I love my R6. Ive shot a ton of cameras from all brands over my 17 year career and the R6 is in my top 3 favorites of all time.

[@TheZachMendez]

Thanks so much for watching & for the kind words - means a lot!! Yeah I totally get this. I feel the same about the R6 - glad you are also enjoying it! :)

[@licadica]

I started from canon t6i, and then got a fuji x100f and graduated to leica q2 recently. The film simulations and ability to customize recipes in fuji makes it a fun experience(i am sure you can do this on xpro3) and the camera i like the most is my leica q2. For portraits, you can actually digitally crop it within the camera and use 35mm or 50mm for portraits. I use it sometime, it works out well. I basically like it for image quality and the color science That dng file has so much details man. 😎 cheers and happy shooting.

[@TheZachMendez]

Yeah I was loving those files! And the camera is sweeet. And yes, the experience of using a Fujifilm camera is really great - love those film sims. Thank you so much for watching!

[@ianlee2012]

Thanks for the video. I cannot justify the price of Leica Q2 as well, but it is a temptation for me since I believe the tool for art has to be a piece of art too. And I do not earn my life with photography, if I do I may choose Sony A1 which is good for any shooting seneria. I will purchase a Q2 or Q3 when I have extra cash in pocket, and justify the price like anyone purchase a LV or Hermes hand bag.

[@TheZachMendez]

I think this is right on! You have to think of it like that, not like buying a camera for work. Thanks so much for watching!

[@sphaera3809]

Nice comparison! I skipped Leica and went for a Fuji GFX 50R instead (from Fuji X system). I used to shoot with a Leica M6 in my film days, but since Leica went digital, their prices are hard to justify...

[@TheZachMendez]

I would love to test the 50R at some point! Thanks so much for watching :)

[@mitchellwilliams6175]

Nice Video, I really like the look of the X-PRO3, especially since knowing that right off the bat the images at Jpeg have a very cool colour rendition, I'm still yet to move to mirrorless side of the cameras, I've used the R6 on multiple shoots via borrowing it from my friend. It's very snappy with the AF, however I'm not sure if I'm one to talk, I use the 1DX Mark 2 and 5D Mark 3, and I genuinely love those bricks of camera, paired with my old 135 2.8 soft focus from 1986... creates a weird haze in some of the portraits but it's still really sharp, affordable if it breaks and has a style too. The Leica is as expected though looks incredible, would deffo like to try one some day.. Great Vid !

[@malikknows3510]

Very nice video, thanks. My $.02, I'm considering a Q2 as a simple travel camera. I like the relative lack of controls and the single lens. I agree, though, that the images won't be much better than on a much cheaper alternative.

[@TheZachMendez]

Thank you so much for watching! I appreciate it. Agreed on the Q2. Happy shooting! :)

[@tonysibvisuals3552]

Recently I got the Leica Q and honestly I fell in love with it. Used it for my recent projects with some artists and simply wow what a beautiful camera hard to decide between the cameras I have because I mainly use a sony a7iii for all of my work projects and for my travel adventures you'll see me on my Fujifilm x100v. Going to use the Leica primarily as my side camera at gigs to see what it fully can do.

[@TheZachMendez]

Sweet! Glad you are loving the Leica - it is a slick camera! Thanks so much for watching :)

[@willysmitty]

How did it go? Do you think Q could replace your DSLR?

[@magiccarpetrider4594]

I’m a 40-yr pro - canon, Fuji, Nikon, Leica R and M, bronica, mamiya, hasselblad, sinars with Schneiders… Today I shoot only Zeiss glass on canon bodies.

[@TheZachMendez]

Would love to try that combo at some point. Thanks for watching!

[@magiccarpetrider4594]

@@TheZachMendez on R bodies with focus peaking, manual focus is easy and accurate. 5d4 was the first body that made it impossible to flip focus screens to versions screens better-suited to manual. Yeah, I can’t track the eye of a speed skater, but that’s not what I shoot.

[@PatrickKal]

Nice video Zach, really appreciate a portrait photographer's take on the Q2, especially with your X-Pro 3 comparison.

[@TheZachMendez]

Thanks so much! I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching! :)

[@GKhanKutar]

Canon lens has too much CA as always. Also you don’t have to set clarity setting when you shoot with X-pro3 and you can use Camera X Raw Studio to set your clarity level after you finished the series. That will help you not to slow down your camera during the shooting. Overall Fujifilm is the best among 3 of them.

[@TheZachMendez]

I actually don't mind the slower processing of the X-Pro3 in these kind of situations. It's kind of refreshing & also eliminates the need for post work. You're right, however that it is an option in situations where I need to be able to shoot quickly! Thanks for the comment & thanks for watching!

[@GKhanKutar]

@@TheZachMendez but you have mentioned like slower processing is disadvantage compared to Canon ;)

[@rio_nakayama]

I shoot Leica M10 & X-Pro 3. I really enjoy shooting with both of them. I dunno what it is, they're just enjoyable to use. Not to mention they're beautifully designed and built.

[@TheZachMendez]

Two amazing cameras for sure. I'd love to try the M10 at some point. Thanks for watching! :)

[@davidmcc6666]

Be nice to see the results from the Fujifilm 23 f1.4, mate.

[@TheZachMendez]

Yeah! Would definitely have tried it out if I had it! Thanks for watching!

[@davidmcc6666]

@@TheZachMendez No worries, mate. Good stuff. Keep it up, mate.

[@NickNightingaleYT]

The Q2 is uber niche. I used to shoot with the Q2 for the processing and lens. Knowing what I know now, I can get pretty close to what a Q2 delivers by cooking up a preset and using a particular lens. I use an A7r2 with a Zeiss Batis 25mm as my Q2 replacement for instance. It's close rendering right out of camera but there's some things to make up for considering the difference in how RAWs come off the Leica and Sony bodies. The main thing I look for is a lens with low distortion and high micro contrast. Sony users - the Zeiss 16-35 F4 and the Zeiss Batis 25mm have that. All that being said, if a Leica Q3 (esp Monochrom) comes out with a flip screen and better AF - I'm getting it.

[@TheZachMendez]

Very cool insight! Thanks for watching! :)

[@rolandgasser6711]

It can only be the Fuji! Image quality, ergonomics, operating concept with the dials. I love it, I love Fuji over all.

[@TheZachMendez]

Fujifilm is amazing - agreed! Thanks for watching! :)

[@leafsfan71]

Great video! I’m considering the Q2 as I’m tired of the noise in cropped sensor cameras and the poor autofocus in my X100V. But it’s concerning that the autofocus is bad in back lit conditions as that’s exactly the issue with my Fuji.

[@TheZachMendez]

Yeah.... I get really spoiled with Canon AF so nothing feels as good to me... Maybe try to rent the Q2 to see if it will work for you. Thanks for watching :)

[@peterosterman5820]

I get the Leica q2, noticed that it has a strange sound when I turn it on, as an engine kept going inside the camera, have you also noticed it?

[@TheZachMendez]

Actually I did not notice this! I used the camera for a little less than a week and didn’t have that issue. Sorry wish I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@slickhatter9812]

It is the lens stabilization and yes it does sound and it is perfectly normal

[@terrywbreedlove]

The 28mm on the Q2 is a no go for me. 35mm and I am buying for sure.

[@TheZachMendez]

Got it! Thanks for watching! :)

I have a Canon R5 and I am convinced that it is necessary to use RF lenses to achieve ultimate optical quality. Using EF lenses over reduction reduces the resulting quality and experience. Of course, I understand that it's about money - RF lenses are very expensive, but their high price is justified - and the difference in quality is noticeable. The actual results of lenses such as the RF 85 mm F1.2 DS or the 28-70 mm F2 ...it's just a symphony for the eyes :) Otherwise, thanks for the great video and just to add that for leisure and travel I am considering a future Leica Q3 ...

[@TheZachMendez]

Agreed with you about RF. I have recently transitioned to RF only and it is incredible. Thanks for watching!

[@domidarko1166]

Loving your channel Zach. The Fuji shots looks super crunchy with the dynamic range, probably as they are jpeg and also due to the f2's which are quite contrasty. Would love to see these outdoor images compared as edited RAW's, I guess you have already done this though in your XPRO3 vs Full Frame video. To be honest, the Fuji images looked better in that video with the 56mm than the EOS-R but the FF images look better here. I'm shooting an XT3 at the moment with some f2's and looking forward to the new f1.4/f1.2 WR's coming out next year. This could be the ideal system and stop me contemplating full frame.

[@TheZachMendez]

Thanks for watching & for your thoughts. Honestly they are so comparable it's hard to tell sometimes. I do think the Canon system is more consistent across the board, but love the look of the Fuji files. Definitely looking forward to new Fujifilm gear as well.

[@billyhilly030]

i switched to an xt3 from full frame and never looked back. forget full frame, trust me. just get the 1.2 and 1.4 fujinon primes that you need for your kind of work and enjoy life.

[@davidjohn2405]

Wonderful comparison video. These are the 3 systems I’m deciding around so perfect to hear your thoughts as you compare experience than technicals. From what I hear, the Q can create a lifetime relationship (at least more than almost any digital system) as perfect for the everyday carry moments and inspirations. As a hobbyist this interests me the most, as means investing in something that will provide the most use and enjoyment. However, the Xpro systems seem perfect blend between everyday street and portraiture, but as currently using the x100f it doesn’t feel as exciting. Lastly the R6 looks incredible, but as I’m not using it for work perhaps a little excessive in capabilities. Subscribing!

[@TheZachMendez]

All good points here! It’s hard to go wrong with any camera. The Q2 seems like the smartest investment if you want one camera and one lens for the long term. However I find the X-Pro3 more enjoyable to use with its JPEG recipe functionality and interchangeable lens mount. And you’re right, as much as I love the R6, I don’t know if I would feel the same if I weren’t using it in pro settings. Even so it’s one of the best cameras I’ve ever used. Thanks for watching - glad you enjoyed the video. And thanks for the sub! 😊

[@davidjohn2405]

@@TheZachMendez So I bought the Q2!! It happened to come around at a price I couldn't resist. It is just incredible, and the restrictions it does have actually give me a boundary to play within. Set and forget etc, and just enjoy the whole experience. Now I can stop endless KZbin videos, and get out there to shoot!

[@3irik]

Great video. One of the best vibes in a gear video I've seen. Greetings from summerly Norway.

[@TheZachMendez]

Thank you so much! Means a lot! :)

[@JeevesTCW]

I've never used a Leica & don't shoot portraits so for what its worth .. I thought the first outdoor Leica portrait was just magical the way the whole scene was rendered & would like to have seen more OOC Jpegs from the Leica to compare to the Fuji as they say the Leica ooc jepgs are not so great. I was surprised how well the 28mm did for portraits although clearly works best for environmental portraits. Regardless you have captured some wonderful images here and it was a pleasure to see. The B&W Leica shot was glorious & don't see the need for the Monochrom version unless you need the crazy high ISO performance from that camera.

[@TheZachMendez]

Totally agreed! And thank you so much for the kind words. Thanks for watching :)

[@cerealkiller4248]

The Leica, at £5K is stepping on the toes of the Fuji 100GFX 100s, which it can’t compete with. The Leica look awesome I’m not a hater, but verses MF surely no contest. I wish Fuji made FF, having the ageing X-Pro1/X-T1/combo and seeing how they compare against my R6 ( for pure IQ ) I’d love to see how Fuji would develop such a body. It’s a golden time to be a photographer for sure with all the options…………….

[@yahyas]

Hi thanx for the comparison. Leica has really something very very interesting that keeps pulling me but the prices put me off. At some point i would like to use one to understand if in use it still is so magical. But then it would have to be an m10 i guess with a 50 or 35mm. For now i use a nikon Z6 2 since a couple days. Fuji x100v and f i really didn’t like enough. Didn’t like the shutter sound and also the lighting and focus where off for me as if it wasn’t measuring right. With nikon it feels right. What i did like was the character of the jpegs right out of camera. What straps are you using to hang your camera’s. Are they comfortable?

[@TheZachMendez]

Awesome that you found a camera you like with the Nikon! I use the Holdfast Moneymaker for the double camera strap. Its great! Thanks so much for watching!

[@SummersSnaps]

Good vid. For me I think the only Leica allure is the monochrom, just to get rid of that filter and enjoy superior mono IQ, I think that would be neat. But otherwise yeah I think you're paying mostly for a badge. I shoot Pentax and they are kinda niche too but they do do IQ exceptionally well (much better than my XT-4). Fuji are fantastic cameras at affordable prices, I would just like a FF offering from them now as I can afford to spend more than their APS-C line but not as much as their MF line (hehe). Also... need to get away from X-Trans, its no good in LR :(

[@TheZachMendez]

Agreed on Leica! And yeah, a full frame Fujifilm camera would be nice, but I don't know if that will happen. Thanks for watching! :)

[@alanmacmillan6957]

I run a canon AE1p and also Leica Q2 monochrom. in all honesty my better pictures came off the old £65 canon versus the £5000 Leica, but then I like the retro medium of film. I like using the Leica and on duller days I can run street photography and benefit from the higher iso capabilities to save money on developing film but what I do find with the Q2M - is the images are VERY dark once you load them into computer, you absolutely have to edit them extensively to bring them to life which is time consuming - compared to running say TMAX or Ilford FP4 in the canon and if you compose and expose properly - job basically done! I'd seriously consider selling the Leica and going to the X-Pro3.

[@TheZachMendez]

I love the look & process of shooting film also! And there is something really special about the BW film you mentioned. Interesting point about Q2M. I am not very familiar with that camera. Thanks for watching! 😊

[@antigonooo]

X-Pro3 always

[@bytomw]

I think you nailed it here. I love Leica and shot with an M2 for a long time, but when it comes to work projects they don't make as much sense as other options. But I do miss the process.

[@TheZachMendez]

Totally! There are so many things I enjoyed about the camera but in the end it just didn't really make sense for me. Thank you for watching!

[@dlovisuals]

I have an R6 for my paid work and XPro 3 for street/fun photography. Legit want to try a Leica Q2.

[@TheZachMendez]

Sounds like a great kit! haha... I would definitely recommend trying the Q2. It's not for me, but I'm glad I tried it!

[@mortenthorpe]

i shoot fuji X, nikon full frame, and fuji GFX. and in this regard, if the size if the camera and lens can be as large as the Canon, then get the GFX100s with a good lens for your uses

[@TheZachMendez]

I want to try out that camera so badly!! Hopefully soon. :)

[@detroitgagt]

I own a Leica Q and a old canon 6D but I plan to upgrade to a R5 / R6 and maybe hopefully a xpro 2 if I can…the Q is a amazing walk around but I think for money time I’ll put it on the canon but a nice camera for documenting the experience definitely a Q/Q2

[@TheZachMendez]

Totally! Thanks so much for watching, Julian! : )

[@34136TS]

Oh Zach, if only there was a 35mm f/1.4 version of the X100 series to throw into the mix... 🙏🏻 Hope you get a chance to have a look at the new 35mm Voigtlander for the X-Pro3

[@TheZachMendez]

I wish! That would be an awesome camera! And yes my test of Voigtlander lenses is overdue! Thanks for watching!

[@34136TS]

@@TheZachMendez www.cined.com/voigtlander-nokton-35mm-f-1-2-for-fujifilm-x-mount-cameras-announced/ - so excited that I've pre-ordered!

[@joaoconceicao6856]

This girl is something...

[@geedee3817]

Loved the video Zach. Thank you for putting it all together. Now I might be completely wrong about this but I do usually have an eye for these kind of things... does your model happen to be your sister ? I see some resemblance.

[@sols9449]

Crazy. She does!

[@TheZachMendez]

This is so funny! I never thought about that. After you said that, I can kind of see it, but no she's not my sister haha. She is a friend of mine and we've shot together a couple times. She's the best! Thank you for watching! :)

[@MichaelRichards983]

Lol People are so weird, your sister in her bra! Hahaha That would be an experience to share with YT. Lol

[@lufelipelima]

I started with the Xpro1 in 2016 and used Xpro2 and XS10 since then but now I’m very interested in the Canon R system, it looks a great investment for more reliable work, and for Fuji now I prefer the X100V that resumes very well what I like in the fuji system, compactness, body design and aesthetic, great image sensor and lens (although I do prefer 28mm instead 35mm equivalent of Fuji but still versatile enough) I would like to suggest to you to try the Fuji GFX system, in particular the 80mm 1.7 that is 50 something equivalent in ff and has a price tag equal or close to the rf 50mm 1.2. Love the photos! :)

[@TheZachMendez]

Thanks so much for watching! I agree with your points about the R system vs. XF. Also, I love the X100v! I would have it if I didn't already have the XPro3. I want to try the GFX system so badly! One day soon :)

[@ikicaq]

All great cameras. I have the R6 and just love the ergonomics and the versatility of it.

[@TheZachMendez]

I totally agree! Thanks so much for watching :)

[@JohnSmith-oo9mr]

Very well done video! Love it

[@TheZachMendez]

I am so glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks so much for watching - means a lot!

[@chinye107]

You can actually change the focal ranger length to 35mm,50mm and 75mm in the expense of the mega pixel. I am lucky to be loaned a Q2M for a month. I do mainly streetphotography and portrait for strangers. I love the camera the quality of the camera and it motivate me to go out and shoot more but the price is too high for me. Back to X-T3 now! After returning the Q2M, I am thinking about getting into the xpro series. What is your thought?

[@TheZachMendez]

Yeah! The focal length option on the Q2 is interesting to me, but I don't find it very useful since it's really just a crop. I don't think I would ever use it, but I know some people love it. All in all, it's a great camera. The X-Pro series is amazing! I would definitely recommend trying one out. I've used the X-Pro2 and X-Pro3 and both are fantastic cameras. Thank you for watching!

[@Xeos77]

If you want to make a real comparison to all your cameras you have to take the Leica SL with S or M lenses, Leica Q is a travel camera very good for report very light and discreet. ....but as you maybe know the picture don't depend from the camera but depend from you, the light , and the subject. Happy shooting

[@TheZachMendez]

Thanks for watching!

[@craigcarlson4022]

I think if Fuji were to add IBIS to the X-Pro 3 replacement (and for my preferences, replace that LCD with a more conventional one) I think they'd have a smash hit on their hands. The body seems more than big enough to accommodate IBIS. Then, all those current and the two newly announced prime lenses would be stabilized...would make it so much more versatile in my view. Fun video.

[@TheZachMendez]

Agreed - I'm excited to see where they go with the X-Pro series in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@wtr4397]

Good presentation, Zach. I too, attempted to satisfy my questions about the Q2. As an enthusiast, and spending much time on the street with a camera, I could not justify the cost. Also, I just didnt like the way the controls are setup. So, I settled on the XPro3 as a replacement for my XPro2. Now, my gear is an XPro3 so I have a lens choice (23/f2, 35/f2 & 50/f2, an X100V and finally, a Ricoh GRiii. People interest me, cities interest me so all this works. After using a Leica, while superb, All the gear I have adds up pretty close to the cost of one camera. Again, really good effort and appreciated. Regards…..Wayne

[@TheZachMendez]

Thanks so much, Wayne! This makes a lot of sense. And you’ve got a great setup! The X100V is a really nice addition too- love that camera. Thanks so much for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers! 😊

[@TheZachMendez]

@@tmbrwn haha yes!! I want to consolidate just don’t know how yet haha.

[@changez77654]

Thank you for sharing this video - what I take away from this video is that I should choose a camera that I enjoy using more than anything else. Seems like we are living in a golden era of digital photography where anything released in the $1000+ category in the past 2-3 years is perfectly fine to make beautiful photos, and its really now all about personal preferences and shooting with the tool you like to use

[@TheZachMendez]

This is so true!! Yes, it's really difficult to find a bad modern camera these days. The experience does matter more and more. Thanks so much for watching! :)

[@DAVE_WHITE]

I’ll stick with my r6. R7.

[@Rainism969]

What makes Leica miles ahead of others is skin-tone rendering.

[@TheZachMendez]

I certainly enjoyed using it. Thanks for watching! :)

[@Zetaphotography]

The Q is obviously an investment in perfect starting point

[@TheZachMendez]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@mentalo7929]

I thought about selling my xpro3 + prime lenses in order to mode to Q2 but the gap is not huge and I enjoy so much jpeg & Fuji experience … it won’t happen and I’ll keep the xpro for street photo in addition to Canon 5d which is so versatile ! Maybe later

[@TheZachMendez]

Totally! After using the Q2, I'm more than happy sticking with my X-Pro3. Thank you so much for watching :)

[@Eliehbk]

I have a Q2, M10r and an X-Pro3 - the Fuji is my favorite, like the OOC pictures better than the Q2. I am not a big fan of the Q2 sensor, find it too noisy. The M10R is probably the most engaging, but at times frustrating if your subject is moving. Great review, already du subscribed.

[@TheZachMendez]

Very interesting to hear your experience with those cameras! Thank you for sharing. I'm glad you found the channel! Thanks for watching & for the sub! :)

[@MrMilio]

What are your incamera settings regarding the ooc jpegs?

[@Eliehbk]

OOC of which camera? Fuji: I have several profiles that I use; Q2 and M10R the standard ones.

[@plexiform1973]

I love my Canon R5 + 50/1.2 combo. Image quality is superb, and it costs a fraction of a Leica body/lens combo of equal spec. I’ve always loved my Leica M6, but the competition is just too good now.

[@TheZachMendez]

Totally. That sounds like a stellar combo. Thanks so much for watching!

[@astraeusone]

Thanks, Zach. It seem from this nice vid that R is reliable, gets the job done, has nice image quality, but has less allure than Q or even Xpro. I am afraid there would be no single answer to what someone should buy, ultimately its more about self-awareness and ability to be flexible and accept limitations at the same time. I am sure at some point you would get a Leica.

[@TheZachMendez]

Absolutely nailed it here. It's all about each photographer and how they use their camera. There's no objectively perfect answer. Thanks for watching!

[@SummersSnaps]

Which Kodachrome recipe did you opt for here by the way?

[@TheZachMendez]

I made a video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6OviY2Ld9Otnq8

[@ahmadreza6818]

great shots!!!

[@TheZachMendez]

Thank you so much for watching! :)

[@nachohernandez9491]

Why r6 and not r5?

[@TheZachMendez]

I actually do have the R5 now, but I still think the R6 is perfect for almost anything. I still use it over the R5 for weddings. I use the R5 for my stage work and for portraits. Hope this helps!

[@sawbonegaming3776]

Is sony a6000y good in 2021

[@TheZachMendez]

Hi! Thank you for watching! I haven't had much experience with Sony, so I can't say. I am definitely interesting in testing their cameras at some point soon though!

[@georgestiros4392]

well done Zach. Was ready to buy the Q2 but when i saw the jpegs and compared them to the DNG files they were rendered useless. Will stick to my Canon R5. Loved the fee of the Leica though. Also $300 for a battery really? Leica

[@TheZachMendez]

Good choice! Haha and agreed. I totally understand why there are Leica people out there, but I am not one of them. Thanks for watching!

[@georgestiros4392]

@@TheZachMendez i still cannot understand why the jpegs differ from the DNG files? i sent an e mail to Leica and waiting for an answer

[@foxtrotgolf5698]

I am debating to myself between Q2 vs Sigma fp L. Since I already have an XPro3 and i want to try videos, i went for the Sigma which they say make good still images as well. Did I make a mistake? Please let me know.

[@TheZachMendez]

I honestly don't know much about the Sigma, but I'm sure either are great options! Thanks so much for watching & happy shooting! :)

[@MichaelRichards983]

How did you like the Sigma FPL? What Lens did you go with?

[@statiraprs1471]

My choose is Fuji X-pro3 .

[@TheZachMendez]

Love it!! Thanks for watching : )

[@thenicflynn]

Wow Santa Barbra really reminds me of San Diego lol

[@TheZachMendez]

I've only been to SD once, but it was nice! Bigger than here but you're right there are some similarities. Thanks for watching! :)

[@technoalah]

Great video

[@TheZachMendez]

Thank you so much for watching! Really means a lot. Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@dizzybuizzy9347]

So, No definite answers?

[@TheZachMendez]

I summed up my thoughts at the end. Thanks for watching! :)

[@jeongdenis4091]

Hello! Great video and test shoots. I had the opportunity to test the Q2 as well, it is a great camera but I am not seeing myself shooting everything with a 28mm, even the glass is awesome. Also the crop option in camera as no sense for me. That is why I prefer my SL2. I can pair it with old Leica glasses, since I use an old Leica R5 and have a couple of lenses. The results are stunning. I went from different camera brands before I decide to go for Leica, at this time I was using a Fuji GFX50S, which is great but slow and heavy. I found in the SL2 the same image quality, the colors are superb and I don't to spend hours in color retouching, it is like using your Fuji with jpeg, you got the final image right away. I took recently a portrait of a friend and sent it to him, he was amazed by the quality. Leica also gives me the impression that I can go for a long mile with this camera, it is rock solid. I like the simplicity of the buttons (I tried Sony one and couldn't bear the complexity of the system), it is intuitive, to me it really shows that the photographer is in the center of the system, it isn't a technical thing you need a degree to use it. Anyway, I also use a Pentax 67, since I am worshiping medium format a lot :) At the end, I feel like using a SL2 doesn't feel like I am shooting digital, I can't explain, it's just a feeling ^^ Take care.

[@TheZachMendez]

That's awesome! Thanks so much for sharing. I would love to try out the SL2 at some point. I'm so glad you're loving it! Thanks for watching & for the comment!

[@johnleftwich650]

Leica is out for me. I love the XPro III but since I already have an X-H1 I think I would go for the Canon R for my full frame mirrorlrss camera.

[@TheZachMendez]

Gotcha! Yeah, love the X-Pro series too! I also love the EOS R - it is such a solid camera & really fun to use too. Thanks for watching!

[@blazeboy777]

I have both xpro 3 and r6 as you do and while r6 is my workhorse, xpro3 is a camera to enjoy. I own leica m10 as well and many other cameras, and in competition for pleasure shooting are definitely m10 and xpro3 as feel of shooting in totally different than any other camera. if I feel I need to deliver a project I will always use r6, sony a1, a9 over my leica m10, xpro3, x100v, gfx50r even thou I am sure I can deliver with any camera, I still don’t feel comfortable without Canon/Sony. Leicas and xpro3 ect are great cameras to create, when there is no preasure, you have an experienced model, conditions are very tricky, you need absolute best sensor (r6 and a1 eats other sensors for breakfast imo). But than again, we could deliver back in a day where best cameras were way worse than any I own today. We just didn’t deliver that much, that good but we did 90% of what matters.

[@TheZachMendez]

Excellent points all around! Thanks for sharing your experience. It totally get what you mean about the R6 for work and Xpro3 for a different kind of shooting. I use my cameras in a similar way. Thanks so much for watching!

[@blazeboy777]

@@TheZachMendez thank you so much for your video as well :) yeah I bet we all agree about that :)

[@Caracalaba]

Still don't know why fuji colors are so praised. The skin look off and pops less and the blacks are crushed. I like the style of the xpro though

[@TheZachMendez]

The great thing about Fujifilm is the customization. You can pretty much customize everything you mentioned for the look you prefer (or shoot raw & edit later). I do tend to prefer Canon colors over Fujifilm in general, but that’s just personal taste. Thanks so much for watching!

[@TasteofTaboo]

skin color rendition is often much more pleasing, even the model has problematic skin. the 35mm 1.4 fuji has one of the most beautiful rendering of all lenses of all time ... and the 56 1.2 is also wonderful ... and they feel so nice and are so small to carry. the new canon and nikon 50mm 1.2 are behemoths ... or better most of the lenses for the current mirrorless systems are big, heavy and often clinical ... not really a pleasure to use-- shooting with them feels like work. ... I'm using nikon ;) my GF has the fuji system so I know it a bit.

[@Caracalaba]

@@TasteofTaboo I don't know..I own a 5dii and I tried the xpro cause I was attracted to its style and form factor, but the colors, specially the skin, looked much worse than canon's. The canon, to me, looked more bright,pinkish and pleseant, whereas the fuji looked muted, greenish and waxy

[@wladff]

@@Caracalaba it's interesting, I have absolutely different experience. I've tried to switch to Canon from Fuji several times but was always stopped by better color rendition of Fuji cameras. I usually able to get pleasant portrait color from Fuji in a couple of seconds in Exposure while with Canon it sometimes requires me to work for some time to get the result I want. I shoot RAW of course, so can tell nothing about JPEGs.

[@kubowich]

We all have different perception of colors. Canon for some, fuji for others. That’s why I shoot monochrom :D

[@rob4146]

Your model is really beautiful.

[@TheZachMendez]

She is the best! Thanks for watching.

[@rob4146]

@@TheZachMendez Marry her!

[@sebastianklehn4162]

Zach can you please read a childrens book to my baby? You have such a soothing voice :)

[@TheZachMendez]

Haha...thank you so much! That's very kind. Thanks for watching :)