Leica Q3 43
Leica · Compact · 60 MP · Full Frame · 8K video
Score Breakdown
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UNSCORED
What We Like
+Exceptional APO lens with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion, delivering pin-sharp images wide-open
+60MP full-frame sensor with high dynamic range and excellent low-light performance (ISO 50–100,000)
+Compact, lightweight fixed-lens design perfect for travel and daily carry without interchangeable lens burden
+Advanced video capabilities including 8K/30 and 4K/60 with ProRes support for professional workflows
+IP52 weather sealing and refined ergonomics make it suitable for demanding conditions
+Strong Leica brand heritage and excellent resale value retention compared to competitors
Worth Knowing
−Premium price point ($6,895 recommended retail) limits accessibility to enthusiasts and professionals
−Cropped focal lengths (especially 90mm–150mm) appear too small in EVF, making composition difficult at longer focal lengths
−Limited ergonomics with minimal grip design; no one-handed operation, similar to M-series cameras
−User interface responsiveness issues reported; burst mode playback and image review felt slow on some units
General | |
|---|---|
About This CameraThe Leica Q3 43 is a full-frame compact camera with a 43mm f/2 lens mounted in front of a 60MP BSI CMOS sensor. The newly designed 43mm lens comprises 11 lenses in 8 groups with 7 aspherics and wears Leica's 'APO' branding, indicating an apochromatic design that optimizes sharpness and minimizes chromatic aberration. The Q3 43 has ambitious video specifications, including up to 8K/30 capture and ProRes 422HQ footage at up to 1080/60. It represents a refined premium compact camera for photographers who prioritize exceptional optics and a distortion-free normal perspective without the burden of interchangeable lenses. | |
| Brand | Leica |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | Sep 2024 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2024 |
| Camera weight | 688 g |
| Camera type |  Compact |
Sensor | |
| Type | 60MP BSI CMOS |
| Format | Full-frame (36 × 24 mm) |
| Resolution Options | 60MP, 36MP, 18MP (Triple Resolution Technology) |
Optics | |
| Lens | APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH |
| Design | 11 elements in 8 groups, 7 aspherical elements |
| Focal Length | 43mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 |
| Macro Mode | Close focus to 26.5cm (10.4 inches) |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 60 MP050 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
Image stabilization | |
| Optical | Yes (image-stabilized lens) |
Autofocus | |
| Type | Hybrid (phase-detection, contrast-detection, DFD) |
| Subject Recognition | Eyes, faces, animals |
Viewfinder | |
| Type | OLED electronic viewfinder |
| Resolution | 5.76 million dots |
Display | |
| Type | 3-inch (3.0 inches) tilting touchscreen LCD |
| Resolution | 1.84 million dots |
Video | |
| Other Formats | 4K at 60fps, 1080p at 120fps |
| Codecs | .h265, ProRes 422 HQ |
| Color Depth | 10-bit color, 4:2:2 |
| Recording Duration | Up to 29 minutes |
| Digital Crop | 43–60–75–90–120–150mm equivalents |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  8K |
Sensitivity | |
| ISO Range | 50–100,000 |
Processor | |
| Type | Maestro IV with L² technology |
Shooting speed | |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 15fps |
| Burst Mode | Yes |
Battery | |
| Type | Lithium-Ion (BP-SCL6) |
| Voltage | 7.2V |
| Capacity | 2200mAh |
| Shot Life | 350 shots per charge |
Storage | |
| Card Type | SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS II supported) |
Build | |
| Weather Sealing | IP52 rated |
| Body Material | Grey leatherette coating |
| Dimensions | 130 × 80.3 × 97.6mm |
Connectivity | |
| USB | USB-C |
| Video Output | HDMI, Micro-HDMI |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 2.4 & 5 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Made for iPhone | Yes (certified) |
Miscellaneous | |
| Shutter | Leaf shutter |
| Design Year | 2024 |
Features | |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |