Leica Q2 → Leica Q3
Is the upgrade worth it? Every change on the spec sheet, and an honest read on who should bother.
The bottom line
The Leica Q3 is the direct successor to your Leica Q2, released 4 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 7 items and steps back on 3. The changes that matter most: burst jumps from 10fps to 15fps; resolution rises from 47.3MP to 60.3MP; 8K video arrives. The Leica Q3 lists at $5,995 (the Leica Q2 launched at $4,995, and older bodies typically sell for well under launch price on the used market). The generation gap here is modest — upgrade only if a specific change below solves a real problem in your shooting.
Upgrade to the Leica Q3 if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 15fps burst keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 10fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 8K capture (up to 30p), 10-bit internal colour and Log for gradable footage.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (100,000) gives it the edge after dark.
Stick with the Leica Q2 if…
- •None of the headline changes map to what you actually shoot — the camera you own doesn't get worse when a successor launches.
What changed (18 items)
↑ 7 improved · ↓ 3 stepped back · → changed without a clear better/worse
| Spec | Leica Q2 | Leica Q3 |
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| →Sensor Type | CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| →Image Processor | Maestro II | Maestro IV |
| ↑Effective Resolution | 47.3 MP | 60.3 MP |
| Exposure Control | ||
| →ISO Range (Native) | 50 – 50000 | 50 – 100000 |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| ↑Continuous Shooting | 10 fps | 15 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| →Max Resolution | 4K | 8K |
| ↑4K Recording | Up to 24p | Up to 60p |
| ↑10-bit Internal | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| ↑EVF Resolution | 3.68M dots | 5.76M dots |
| ↑EVF Magnification | 0.76x | 0.79x |
| Monitor | ||
| ↑LCD Resolution | 1.04M dots | 1.84M dots |
| →LCD Type | Fixed | Tilting |
| Interface | ||
| →Bluetooth | v4.2 | v5.0 |
| General | ||
| ↓Price (MSRP) | $4,995 | $5,995 |
| →Dimensions | 130×80×91.9 mm | 130×80.3×92.6 mm |
| ↓Weight | 718g (1.58 lb) | 743g (1.64 lb) |
| ↓Battery Life (LCD) | 370 shots | 350 shots |
| →Battery Type | BP-SCL4 | BP-SCL6 |
What stayed the same (22 items)
Everything below is identical on both bodies — if these are what you buy a camera for, the Leica Q2 already has them.
Ready to buy?
Leica Q2 (keep or buy used)
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Leica Q3
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Frequently asked
Is it worth upgrading from the Leica Q2 to the Leica Q3?
The Leica Q3 is the direct successor to your Leica Q2, released 4 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 7 items and steps back on 3. The changes that matter most: burst jumps from 10fps to 15fps; resolution rises from 47.3MP to 60.3MP; 8K video arrives. The Leica Q3 lists at $5,995 (the Leica Q2 launched at $4,995, and older bodies typically sell for well under launch price on the used market). The generation gap here is modest — upgrade only if a specific change below solves a real problem in your shooting.
What are the biggest improvements of the Leica Q3 over the Leica Q2?
Across the spec sheet the Leica Q3 improves 7 items. The most significant: 15fps burst keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 10fps would drop frames. it brings 8K capture (up to 30p), 10-bit internal colour and Log for gradable footage. a higher native ISO ceiling (100,000) gives it the edge after dark.
What does the Leica Q2 still do just as well as the Leica Q3?
22 spec items are identical between the two, including sensor size (Full-Frame), lens mount (Fixed Lens), built-in lens (28mm f/1.7 ASPH), mechanical shutter (1/2000), electronic shutter (1/40000), built-in flash (No). If those cover your needs, the older body remains fully capable.
Does the Leica Q3 give anything up compared to the Leica Q2?
Yes — 3 items on the spec sheet move the other way: price (msrp) ($4,995 → $5,995), weight (718g (1.58 lb) → 743g (1.64 lb)), battery life (lcd) (370 shots → 350 shots).