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Leica · Compact · 60.3 MP · Full Frame · 8K video

Leica Q3 Monochrom

Name: Leica Q3 Monochrom
Brand: Leica
Availability: InStock

From $7,686.49 — 1 offer Compare vs another

KEY FACTS

BrandLeica

Announcement dateNov 2025

Released2025

Camera typeCompact

What We Like

+Dedicated 60MP monochrome sensor delivers exceptional clarity and detail without color demosaicing artifacts

+Superior high-ISO performance (up to 200,000) with notably cleaner noise than color alternatives, nearly 2 stops better than Q3

+Fast Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens with optical stabilization ideal for low-light street photography

+Triple Resolution Technology allows shooting at 60, 36, or 18 megapixels with full sensor area

+8K video recording in monochrome with L-Log support for professional color grading workflows

+Tilting LCD screen and redesigned SL3 interface for enhanced usability and custom user profiles

Worth Knowing

−Very high price ($7,790) limits market to committed black-and-white photographers and collectors

−Poor battery life (302 CIPA shots standard, 1,535 adaptive cycle) requires frequent charging for extended shooting

−Contrast-based autofocus only (no phase detection) struggles with multiple subjects compared to color Q3 models

−Fixed 28mm focal length with no interchangeable lens option; no Q3 43 Monochrom variant available

General

Brand

Leica

Announcement date

ⓘ

Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.

Nov 2025

Released

ⓘ

Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.

2025

Camera type

Compact

Read our notes on general

The Leica Q3 Monochrom is a premium fixed-lens compact camera built exclusively for black-and-white photography, featuring a dedicated 60MP BSI monochrome sensor paired with a fast Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens. It delivers stunningly clean images with exceptional tonal depth and nearly two stops superior high-ISO performance compared to color models, making it exceptionally well-suited for street and documentary work. The camera incorporates SL3-style interface improvements, 8K video capability, and Content Credentials support, though its substantial price, limited battery life, and absolute commitment to monochrome imaging make it a niche choice for those dedicated to black-and-white vision.

Sensor

Type

60.3MP full-frame BSI CMOS monochrome

Resolution

60, 36, or 18 megapixels (Triple Resolution Technology)

Color Filter

No color filter array (dedicated black-and-white)

Dynamic Range

14 stops

Lens

Design

Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH

Elements

11 elements in 9 groups (3 aspherical)

Aperture Range

f/1.7 to f/16

Image Stabilization

Yes, integrated optical stabilization

Macro Mode

Yes, focuses as close as 17cm

Digital Crop

35mm, 50mm, 75mm, 90mm

Autofocus

System

Contrast-based detection (no phase detection)

Processor

Maestro IV

Viewfinder

Resolution

5.76 megapixel

Display

Resolution

1.84 megapixel

Size

3 inches

Video

Recording

8K/30p, 4K/60p, 1080p/120p

Format

Monochrome video (no color)

Codec Support

L-Log support

Max video resolution

ⓘ

The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.

ISO

Range

100–200,000

Shutter

Type

Leaf shutter (integrated)

Speed Range

1/2000 to 60s

Battery

Type

BP-SCL6 lithium-ion

CIPA Rating

302 shots (standard cycle)

Adaptive Cycle

Up to 1,535 shots

Connectivity

Wireless

Wi-Fi 2.4 & 5GHz, Bluetooth 5.0

Wired

USB-C, mini HDMI

Transfer Speed

Up to 35MB/s via Leica FOTOS

Content Credentials

Yes (Content Credentials support)

Build

Material

Matte-black painted aluminum with leatherette

Weather Sealing

IP52 (dust and splash resistant)

Dimension

Compact fixed-lens design

Design

All-black aesthetic (no red Leica dot)

Controls

Top Panel

Shutter button, command dial, shutter speed dial

Back Panel

Play and Menu buttons (redesigned placement), D-pad, function buttons

Mode Selector

Dedicated aperture ring and shutter speed dial with auto positions

Memory

Card

SD card (single slot)

Internal RAM

8GB

Optics

Megapixels

ⓘ

The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.

60.3 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

Features

Flip screen

ⓘ

A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.

Yes