Leica Q3 Monochrom vs Leica SL3-S
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Leica Q3 Monochrom (2025) moves ahead on resolution (60.3MP vs 24.6MP) and 8K video. The Leica SL3-S is still the value pick at $5,995 ($7,790 for the Leica Q3 Monochrom). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Leica SL3-S gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Leica Q3 Monochrom 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're budget-conscious — it launched at $5,995, about $1,795 less, freeing money for lenses.
Where they differ
- ›Price: the Leica SL3-S launched at $5,995, $1,795 under the Leica Q3 Monochrom — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Resolution: 60.3MP on the Leica Q3 Monochrom 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 Monochrom'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 Monochrom or the Leica SL3-S better?
Same line, different generation: the Leica Q3 Monochrom (2025) moves ahead on resolution (60.3MP vs 24.6MP) and 8K video. The Leica SL3-S is still the value pick at $5,995 ($7,790 for the Leica Q3 Monochrom). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Leica SL3-S gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Leica Q3 Monochrom?
Choose the Leica Q3 Monochrom 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're budget-conscious — it launched at $5,995, about $1,795 less, freeing money for lenses.
What is the main difference between the Leica Q3 Monochrom and the Leica SL3-S?
Price: the Leica SL3-S launched at $5,995, $1,795 under the Leica Q3 Monochrom — money that could go toward glass.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS (Monochrome) | 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 | 28mm f/1.7 ASPH | − |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 200000 | 80 – 200000 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | − | 40 – 400000 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/2000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/16000 | 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 | 3.2" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 2.33M 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) | $7,790 | $5,995 |
| Body Material | Magnesium | Aluminum / Magnesium |
| Dimensions | 130×80.3×92.6 mm | 141.2×108×84.6 mm |
| Weight | 746g (1.64 lb) | 768g (1.69 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | − | 330 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 302 shots | 330 shots |
| Battery Type | BP-SCL6 | BP-SCL6 |
