Leica Q2 vs Leica Q3 Monochrom
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Leica Q3 Monochrom (2025) 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 ($7,790 for the Leica Q3 Monochrom). 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 Q2 if…
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $4,995, about $2,795 less, freeing money for lenses.
Choose the Leica Q3 Monochrom 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 (200,000) gives it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the Leica Q3 Monochrom is the stronger video tool — 8K, 4K up to 60p and 10-bit internal.
- ›Price: the Leica Q2 launched at $4,995, $2,795 under the Leica Q3 Monochrom — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Burst: the Leica Q3 Monochrom 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 Monochrom vs 47.3MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
Frequently asked
Is the Leica Q2 or the Leica Q3 Monochrom better?
Same line, different generation: the Leica Q3 Monochrom (2025) 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 ($7,790 for the Leica Q3 Monochrom). 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 Q2?
Choose the Leica Q2 if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $4,995, about $2,795 less, freeing money for lenses.
Who should choose the Leica Q3 Monochrom?
Choose the Leica Q3 Monochrom 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 (200,000) gives it the edge after dark.
What is the main difference between the Leica Q2 and the Leica Q3 Monochrom?
Video: the Leica Q3 Monochrom is the stronger video tool — 8K, 4K up to 60p and 10-bit internal.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | BSI CMOS (Monochrome) |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | Maestro II | Maestro IV |
| Effective Resolution | 47.3 MP | 60.3 MP |
| Lens Mount | Fixed Lens | Fixed Lens |
| Built-in Lens | 28mm f/1.7 ASPH | 28mm f/1.7 ASPH |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 50 – 50000 | 100 – 200000 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | − | − |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/2000 | 1/2000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/40000 | 1/16000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | − | − |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 10 fps | 15 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 8K |
| 8K Recording | − | Up to 30p |
| 4K Recording | Up to 24p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | − | − |
| 10-bit Internal | No | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | − | L-Log |
| Built-in Mic | − | − |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Mic Input | No | No |
| HDMI Output | − | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | − | − |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | − | − |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | No | No |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 3.68M dots | 5.76M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.76x | 0.79x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.04M dots | 2.33M dots |
| LCD Type | Fixed | Tilting |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | v5.0 |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-II | 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $4,995 | $7,790 |
| Body Material | Magnesium | Magnesium |
| Dimensions | 130×80×91.9 mm | 130×80.3×92.6 mm |
| Weight | 718g (1.58 lb) | 746g (1.64 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | No | No |
| Battery Life (EVF) | − | − |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 370 shots | 302 shots |
| Battery Type | BP-SCL4 | BP-SCL6 |
