Leica Q3
Leica · Compact · 60 MP · Full Frame · 8K video
Score Breakdown
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UNSCORED
What We Like
+Exceptional 60MP full-frame sensor delivers outstanding detail, dynamic range, and image quality with distinctive Leica color science
+Premium build quality with magnesium alloy body and tactile controls feels built to last, distinctly Leica in hand
+Versatile fixed 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens with macro mode (17cm minimum focus) and digital crops to 35/50/75/90mm equivalents
+Upgraded autofocus with phase-detection, subject tracking, and eye-AF; 5x faster than Q2
+Professional 8K video capability with multiple codecs (ProRes, H.265) and 10-bit color at up to 60fps in 4K
+Enhanced connectivity: USB-C charging, wireless charging option, 10x faster file transfers via improved Leica FOTOS app, Made for iPhone certified
Worth Knowing
−Expensive at $5,995+ retail price puts it out of reach for most photographers despite excellent specs
−Autofocus performance criticized by some reviewers as unreliable, particularly with tracking and face-detect modes in some firmware versions
−Lacks proper grip and awkward ergonomics for one-handed shooting; requires additional accessories (thumb grip/handgrip) for comfortable use
−No battery charger included in box; fixed focal length limits compositional flexibility despite digital crop modes
General | |
|---|---|
About This CameraThe Leica Q3 is a premium full-frame compact camera that combines classic rangefinder aesthetics with modern technology. Its 60MP BSI CMOS sensor, fast Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens, and professional 8K video capabilities deliver exceptional image quality and versatility in a beautifully engineered magnesium body. However, the $5,995 price point, mixed autofocus reliability reports, and limited ergonomics without accessories present significant trade-offs for this niche ultra-premium compact. | |
| Brand | Leica |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | May 2023 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2023 |
| Camera type |  Compact |
Sensor | |
| Type | Full-frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 60MP (also 36MP or 18MP via Triple Resolution Technology) |
| Dynamic Range | 14-stop |
| Color Depth | 14-bit |
Optics | |
| Lens | Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. |
| Stabilization | Optical image stabilization |
| Macro Mode | Minimum focus 17cm (6.69 inches) |
| Digital Crop Modes | 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, 90mm equivalents |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 60 MP050 |
Autofocus | |
| Type | Hybrid (Phase-detection AF + Contrast AF + Depth from Defocus) |
| Subject Recognition | People, animals, eye-detect, face-detect, body-detect |
| AF Speed | Five times quicker than previous generation (Q2) |
Display | |
| Electronic Viewfinder | 5.76MP OLED |
| LCD Screen | 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1.84M-dot resolution |
Video | |
| 4K Recording | 4K at 60fps |
| Codecs | H.265, ProRes 422 HQ (Full HD) |
| Color | 4:2:2 10-bit |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  8K |
Processing | |
| Processor | Maestro IV with L² Technology |
| Buffer Memory | 8GB |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 15 fps |
Sensitivity | |
| ISO Range | 50-100,000 |
Connectivity | |
| USB | USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbit/s) |
| Video Output | Micro-HDMI |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 2.4 & 5 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Apple Integration | Made for iPhone certified, Leica FOTOS cable included |
Build | |
| Material | Magnesium alloy body |
| Weather Sealing | IP52 certification |
| Dimensions | Compact form factor |
| Weight | Lighter form factor than X100VI |
Battery | |
| Type | Lithium-ion BP-SCL6 (8.4V, 2200mAh) |
| Charging | USB-C charging, wireless charging option available |
Design | |
| Style | Rangefinder-style, reminiscent of Leica M-series |
| Controls | Traditional manual focus ring, aperture ring, shutter speed dial |
Features | |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
Storage & Battery | |
| Dual memory card slots | No |