Camera Comparison
Leica Q3 vs Leica Q3 Monochrom
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 if…
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $5,995, about $1,795 less, freeing money for lenses.
Choose the Leica Q3 Monochrom if…
- ✓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 Q3 launched at $5,995, $1,795 under the Leica Q3 Monochrom — money that could go toward glass.
Frequently asked
Is the Leica Q3 or the Leica Q3 Monochrom 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?
Choose the Leica Q3 if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $5,995, about $1,795 less, freeing money for lenses.
Who should choose the Leica Q3 Monochrom?
Choose the Leica Q3 Monochrom 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 and the Leica Q3 Monochrom?
Price: the Leica Q3 launched at $5,995, $1,795 under the Leica Q3 Monochrom — money that could go toward glass.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS (Monochrome) |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | Maestro IV | Maestro IV |
| Effective Resolution | 60.3 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 – 100000 | 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 | 15 fps | 15 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K | 8K |
| 8K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 30p |
| 4K Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | − | − |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | L-Log | L-Log |
| Built-in Mic | − | − |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Mic Input | No | No |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | 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 | 5.76M dots | 5.76M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.79x | 0.79x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.84M dots | 2.33M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Tilting |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | v5.0 | v5.0 |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-II | 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $5,995 | $7,790 |
| Body Material | Magnesium | Magnesium |
| Dimensions | 130×80.3×92.6 mm | 130×80.3×92.6 mm |
| Weight | 743g (1.64 lb) | 746g (1.64 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | No | No |
| Battery Life (EVF) | − | − |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 350 shots | 302 shots |
| Battery Type | BP-SCL6 | BP-SCL6 |
