Leica Q3 Monochrom compared to Leica Q2 Monochrom from B&H Photo and Reddotforum:
| Leica Q3 Mono | Leica Q2 Mono | |
| Sensor | 60.3 MP CMOS BSI | 47.3 MP CMOS |
| Processor | Maestro IV | Maestro III |
| Digital Zoom | 28 / 35 / 50 / 75 / 90mm | 28 / 35 / 50 / 75mm |
| LCD Screen | 3“ TFT monitor (1.84 mil. pixel), touch, tiltable | 3“ TFT monitor (1.04 mil. pixel), touch |
| EVF | OLED, 0.5“ 4:3, 5.76mp | OLED, 0.5“ 4:3, 3.68mp |
| ISO Range | 100 – 200,000 | 100 – 100,000 |
| Content Credentials | Yes, via hardware chip | No |
| HDMI / USB-C | Yes (Type-D 2.0) / Yes (USB-C 3.1) | No / No |
| Inductive Charging | Yes, via optional handgrip | No |
| Battery | 2200mAh (BP-SCL6) | 1860mAh (BP-SCL4) |
| Variable Resolution | Yes | No |
| Video | FHD, 4k, C4K, 8K, MP4 + MOV, .h265, ProRes (1080p) | FHD, 4k, C4k, MP4 + MOV |
| Function Buttons | 4 | 2 |
| Bluetooth / MFI | Yes / Yes (10x faster transfers) | Yes / No |
| Feature | Leica Q3 Monochrom (2025) | Leica Q2 Monochrom (2020) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS monochrome Triple Resolution (60/36/18MP pixel-binning) | 47.3MP full-frame CMOS monochrome No pixel-binning options | Q3: Much higher resolution, more flexibility for file size/detail |
| Processor | Maestro IV | Maestro II | Q3: Faster processing, better overall performance |
| ISO Range | 100–200,000 | 100–100,000 | Q3: Extended high-ISO for even cleaner extreme low-light B&W |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detection AF (no phase-detect due to monochrome sensor) | Contrast-detection AF | Tie (Q3 loses PDAF from color Q3; similar to Q2) |
| Viewfinder | 5.76M-dot OLED EVF (120Hz) | 3.68M-dot OLED EVF | Q3: Sharper, brighter, smoother |
| Rear Screen | 3-inch tilting touchscreen (1.84M dots) | 3-inch fixed touchscreen (1.04M dots) | Q3: Tilting adds huge creative flexibility (low/high angles) |
| Video | 8K/30p, 4K/60p, Full HD/120p (B&W only) | 4K/30p, Full HD/120p (B&W only) | Q3: Higher-resolution video capabilities |
| Digital Crop Modes | 28mm (60MP), 35mm (39MP), 50mm (19MP), 75mm (8MP), 90mm (6MP) | 28mm (47MP), 35mm, 50mm, 75mm | Q3: Extra 90mm crop, higher MP at each step |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Micro HDMI, faster Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, Leica FOTOS app with MIMO | USB-C, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Q3: Faster transfers, more modern ports |
| Special Features | Content Credentials (C2PA authenticity signing), updated menu interface, perspective correction | None of these | Q3: Added authenticity tools and in-camera corrections |
| Battery | BP-SCL6 (same as Q3) | BP-SCL4 | Q3: Slightly better life in practice |
| Build & Design | Matte black, classic leatherette texture, no red dot | Matte black, no red dot | Similar stealth look; Q3 has refined grip/texture |
| Price (launch) | ~$7,790 | ~$5,995 | Q2 cheaper (now often lower used) |
| Image Quality Edge | Sharper detail, better dynamic range/tonality from newer BSI sensor; cleaner high-ISO B&W | Excellent B&W rendering, but lower resolution and older sensor tech | Q3: Noticeably superior files, especially at large prints |
Leica Q3 Monochrom pre-order links:
| Americas | Europe | Asia |
| B&H Photo Leica Miami Tamarkin Camera Classic Connection |
Leica Lisse WEX Photo | RedDotCameras Calumet | Koch | Koster |
Rangefinder Map Camera |
