Leica Q2 vs Leica Q3

The bottom line

Same line, different generation: the Leica Q3 (2023) moves ahead on burst speed (15fps vs 10fps), resolution (60.3MP vs 47.3MP) and 8K video. The Leica Q2 is still the value pick at $4,995 ($5,995 for the Leica Q3). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Leica Q2 gives you most of the experience for less.

Choose 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.

Where they differ

  • Video: the Leica Q3 is the stronger video tool — 8K, 4K up to 60p and 10-bit internal.
  • Price: the Leica Q2 launched at $4,995, $1,000 under the Leica Q3 — money that could go toward glass.
  • Burst: the Leica Q3 shoots 15fps to the Leica Q2's 10fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
  • Resolution: 60.3MP on the Leica Q3 vs 47.3MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.

Frequently asked

Is the Leica Q2 or the Leica Q3 better?

Same line, different generation: the Leica Q3 (2023) moves ahead on burst speed (15fps vs 10fps), resolution (60.3MP vs 47.3MP) and 8K video. The Leica Q2 is still the value pick at $4,995 ($5,995 for the Leica Q3). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Leica Q2 gives you most of the experience for less.

Who should choose the Leica Q3?

Choose the Leica Q3 if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 15fps burst keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 10fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings 8K capture (up to 30p), 10-bit internal colour and Log for gradable footage. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (100,000) gives it the edge after dark.

What is the main difference between the Leica Q2 and the Leica Q3?

Video: the Leica Q3 is the stronger video tool — 8K, 4K up to 60p and 10-bit internal.

Own the Leica Q2? Read the dedicated upgrade guide →

Product
Leica
$4,995
Leica Q3
Leica
$5,995
Imaging
Sensor TypeCMOSBSI CMOS
Sensor SizeFull-FrameFull-Frame
Image ProcessorMaestro IIMaestro IV
Effective Resolution47.3 MP60.3 MP
Lens MountFixed LensFixed Lens
Built-in Lens28mm f/1.7 ASPH28mm f/1.7 ASPH
Exposure Control
ISO Range (Native)50 – 5000050 – 100000
ISO Range (Extended)
Mechanical Shutter1/20001/2000
Electronic Shutter1/400001/40000
Flash Sync Speed
Built-in FlashNoNo
Still Image Capture
Continuous Shooting10 fps15 fps
Video Capture
Max Resolution4K8K
8K RecordingUp to 30p
4K RecordingUp to 24pUp to 60p
1080p Recording
10-bit InternalNoYes
Recording LimitNo limitNo limit
Log ProfilesL-Log
Built-in Mic
Headphone JackNoNo
Mic InputNoNo
HDMI OutputMicro (Type D)
Focus
Phase Detect Points
Contrast Detect Points
Low Light AF
Eye AFYesYes
Animal AFNoNo
Vehicle AFNoNo
Viewfinder
EVF TypeOLEDOLED
EVF Resolution3.68M dots5.76M dots
EVF Magnification0.76x0.79x
Monitor
LCD Size3"3"
LCD Resolution1.04M dots1.84M dots
LCD TypeFixedTilting
Touch ScreenYesYes
Interface
Wi-FiWi-FiWi-Fi
Bluetoothv4.2v5.0
USBUSB-CUSB-C
Memory Card Slots1x SD UHS-II1x SD UHS-II
GPSNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$4,995$5,995
Body MaterialMagnesiumMagnesium
Dimensions130×80×91.9 mm130×80.3×92.6 mm
Weight718g (1.58 lb)743g (1.64 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
In-Body StabilizationNoNo
Battery Life (EVF)
Battery Life (LCD)370 shots350 shots
Battery TypeBP-SCL4BP-SCL6