Leica Q3 43 vs Leica SL3-S
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Leica Q3 43 if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 8K capture (up to 30p).
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 60.3MP resolves noticeably more than 24.6MP and gives more cropping latitude.
Choose the Leica SL3-S if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 30fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 15fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 120p 4K vs 60p and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓You shoot handheld — in-body stabilisation lets you use slower shutter speeds and steadies video, which the other body can't do without a stabilised lens.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (200,000) gives it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Price: the Leica SL3-S launched at $5,995, $900 under the Leica Q3 43 — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Resolution: 60.3MP on the Leica Q3 43 vs 24.6MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
- ›Burst: the Leica SL3-S shoots 30fps to the Leica Q3 43's 15fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Leica SL3-S has in-body IS — slower handheld shutter speeds and steadier video without relying on stabilised lenses.
Frequently asked
Is the Leica Q3 43 or the Leica SL3-S better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Leica Q3 43?
Choose the Leica Q3 43 if you shoot video seriously — it brings 8K capture (up to 30p). Choose it if you want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 60.3MP resolves noticeably more than 24.6MP and gives more cropping latitude.
Who should choose the Leica SL3-S?
Choose the Leica SL3-S if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 30fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 15fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 120p 4K vs 60p and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. Choose it if you shoot handheld — in-body stabilisation lets you use slower shutter speeds and steadies video, which the other body can't do without a stabilised lens. 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 Q3 43 and the Leica SL3-S?
Price: the Leica SL3-S launched at $5,995, $900 under the Leica Q3 43 — money that could go toward glass.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | Maestro IV | Maestro IV |
| Effective Resolution | 60.3 MP | 24.6 MP |
| Lens Mount | Fixed Lens | Leica L |
| Built-in Lens | 43mm f/2 APO ASPH | − |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 50 – 100000 | 80 – 200000 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | − | 40 – 400000 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/2000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/40000 | 1/16000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | − | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 15 fps | 30 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K | 6K |
| 8K Recording | Up to 30p | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 120p |
| 1080p Recording | − | Up to 240p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | L-Log | L-Log / HLG / Rec.709 |
| Built-in Mic | − | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Mic Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | − | 779 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | − | -6 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | No | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 5.76M dots | 5.76M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.79x | 0.78x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.84M dots | 2.30M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Tilting |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | v5.0 | v5.0 |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-II | 1x CFexpress Type B + 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $6,895 | $5,995 |
| Body Material | Magnesium | Aluminum / Magnesium |
| Dimensions | 130×80.3×97.6 mm | 141.2×108×84.6 mm |
| Weight | 793g (1.75 lb) | 768g (1.69 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | − | 330 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 350 shots | 330 shots |
| Battery Type | BP-SCL6 | BP-SCL6 |
