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Leica Q3 Digital Camera

BH #LEQ3 • MFR #19080
Leica Q3 Digital Camera
Key Features
  • 60MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor
  • Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens
  • 8K30, 4K60 & 4:2:2 10-Bit, FHD ProRes HQ
  • Phase-Detection AF & Optical IS
Powerful and portable, the Leica Q3 mixes both classic and modern with a timeless design and a bevy of new-to-Q technologies. The third generation in Q cameras, the Q3 uses the same fixed focal length full-frame design proven in the Q and Q2 cameras but ups the performance with a 60MP sensor, a new hybrid AF system, 8K video recording, and revised EVF and LCD designs.
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Leica Q3 Overview

By B&H Photo's
Q3: Uniquely Powerful
Powerful and portable, the Leica Q3 mixes both classic and modern with a timeless design and a bevy of new-to-Q technologies. The third generation in Q cameras, the Q3 uses the same fixed focal length full-frame design proven in the Q and Q2 cameras but ups the performance with a 60MP sensor, a new hybrid AF system, 8K video recording, and revised EVF and LCD designs.
Full-Frame Sensor and Maestro IV Processor
60MP BSI CMOS Sensor
Taken from the M11, the Q3 features the same 60MP full-frame CMOS sensor as the flagship rangefinder camera. This high-resolution sensor features a back-illuminated (BSI) design that offers improved noise performance and faster readout speeds, which benefits both photo and video applications. The higher resolution suits more detail-oriented applications, like landscape and architectural subjects, and the noise-reduction benefits of the BSI design improves clarity and color accuracy when working in low-light conditions with higher ISOs.

The added resolution of the 60MP sensor also enables unique digital zoom capabilities to simulate working with different focal length lenses: a 1.25x crop simulates a 35mm focal length, a 1.8x crop simulates a 50mm focal length, a 2.7x crop simulates a 75mm focal length, and a 3.2x crop simulates a 90mm focal length.
Triple Resolution Technology
Another technology from the M11 now debuting in a Q, this 60MP sensor enables the use of Triple Resolution Technology. This unique pixel binning process allows photographers to select 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP output, with each resolution making use of the full sensor area and providing rich 14-bit color and a 14-stop dynamic range.
Maestro IV
Jumping past the M11, the Q3 introduces a new generation of processing with the Maestro IV. This processor, along with 8GB of buffer memory, suits the more multimedia-intended use of the Q3 and enables speedy performance when shooting stills or recording video. The faster processing also benefits using Triple Resolution Technology, helps achieve a wider sensitivity range from ISO 50-100000, allows continuous shooting up to an impressive 15 fps, and facilitates smooth operation when working with the EVF and LCD.
Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens and Hybrid AF
Summilux Optics
Using the proven design from the past Qs, the Q3 inherits the Summilux 28mm f/1.7 wide-angle prime lens that provides a broad field of view and fast performance to suit working in a variety of environments and lighting conditions. As a lens designed specifically for the Q cameras, the optical design has been refined for high sharpness and low distortion along with a compact, functional profile that's discreet while providing room to make tactile adjustments to focus, aperture, and to switch to the dedicated macro focusing range for working with subjects as close as 6.7" away. Additionally, optical image stabilization helps to compensate for the effects of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting.
Hybrid Autofocus and Subject Tracking
Leveraging the powerful processing and updated sensor design, one of the key upgrades in the Q3 is the inclusion of a hybrid AF system that utilizes phase-detection focusing along with contrast-detection and depth from defocus (DFD) AF for faster, more accurate focusing when working with moving subjects or in mixed lighting conditions. The addition of phase-detection focusing also enables an intelligent subject recognition system that can detect and track eyes, faces, bodies, and animals in the frame.
8K Video and ProRes Recording
With more attention given to video recording, the Q3 is a well-rounded multimedia camera with video performance that rivals the exceptional stills capabilities.
  • DCI 8K recording is supported at up to 30p with 4:2:0 10-bit color when recording internally or at 8-bit when recording externally via the micro-HDMI port.
  • 4K recording is also possible, with 4:2:2 10-bit color, at up to 60p with support for recording internally or externally. When shooting Full HD, the frame rate can be pushed to 120p for slow motion playback and all resolutions also support a true 24p frame rate for cinematic rendering.
  • ProRes 422 HQ recording can be done internally with a Full HD resolution at frame rates up to 60p.
  • Micro-HDMI and USB-C ports provide greater access to accessories like external recorders, gimbals, power banks, and more to benefit using the Q3 as a tool for video creators.
Camera Design
Updated EVF and New Tilting LCD
Two of the key physical improvements to the Q3 include an updated electronic viewfinder and a newly designed rear LCD:
  • 5.76m-dot OLED EVF offers a high-resolution eye-level means for composing and features a 120 fps refresh rate for more realistic motion rendering. This finder has a 0.79x magnification, an adjustable diopter, and an eye sensor for automatic switching between the EVF and LCD.
  • For the first time in a Q, the Q3 sports a tilting LCD design that can face both upward and downward to suit working from a variety of shooting positions. This 3" 1.84m-dot LCD is also a touchscreen for more intuitive settings control.
Portable, Weather-Sealed Design
The Q3 is a compact camera meant for everyday shooting and its design remains similar to previous generations, but with some notable updates for improved usability:
  • New higher capacity BP-SCL6 lithium-ion battery is rated to provide 350 shots per charge and uses the same physical design as its predecessor, the BP-SCL4, which can also be used with this camera.
  • Magnesium alloy body is sealed to protect against dust and moisture (IP52-rated) for use in harsh environmental conditions.
  • New USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port can be used for transferring, tethering, power delivery, and in-camera battery charging. The Q3 is also Made for iPhone certified to enable a direct, wired connection to an iPhone.
  • Micro-HDMI port facilitates working with an external monitor and recorder as well as previewing footage from the camera directly on a TV.
  • Accepts one SD-type memory card and supports the UHS II protocol.
Expanded Connectivity and Wireless Charging Accessories
  • Improved wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi 2.4 & 5 GHz and Bluetooth 5.0) and an updated Leica FOTOS app enable wireless transfer speeds up to 10x faster than the previous generation; transfer speeds up to 35MB/s are now possible, enabling moving a full-resolution DNG from the camera to your mobile device in just 2 seconds.
  • Upgraded Leica FOTOS app enables transferring new Leica Looks to your camera, including Contemporary, Classic, Blue, Selenium, Sepia, and more.
  • FOTOS app also supports adding GPS information to your files using locational data from your mobile device.
  • When paired with the optional HG-DC1 Wireless Charging Handgrip, the Q3 supports wireless battery charging via Qi-compatible charging mats, like the Drop XL Wireless Charger.

Leica Q3Specs

Key Specs
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 62.39 Megapixel
Effective: 60.3 Megapixel (9520 x 6336)
Image Sensor
35.8 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS
Image Stabilization
Optical in Integrated Lens
Focal Length
28mm
Maximum Aperture
f/1.7
ISO Sensitivity Range
50 to 100,000 in Manual Mode
100 to 100,000 in Auto Mode
Internal Recording Modes
H.264 ALL-Intra/MOV 4:2:2 10-Bit
DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/47.95/48.00/50/59.94 fps [400 to 600 Mb/s]
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/47.95/48.00/50/59.94 fps [400 to 600 Mb/s]
H.264 Long GOP/MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [100 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [20 to 28 Mb/s]
H.265 Long GOP/MOV 4:2:0 10-Bit
DCI 8K (8192 x 4320) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [300 Mb/s]
UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [300 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080 at 100/120 fps [100 Mb/s]
H.265 Long GOP/MP4 4:2:0 10-Bit
UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [300 Mb/s]
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 50/59.94 fps [100 Mb/s]
ProRes 422 HQ
1920 x 1080 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [181 to 454 Mb/s]
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Wireless
2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0
Display Size
3"
Display Type
Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Built-In Flash/Light
No
Battery Type
1x BP-SCL6 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2200 mAh (Approx. 350 Shots)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
5.1 x 3.2 x 3.6" / 130 x 80.3 x 92.6 mm (With Protrusions)
Weight
1.6 lb / 743 g (With Battery)
1.4 lb / 658 g (Body Only)
Imaging
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 62.39 Megapixel
Effective: 60.3 Megapixel (9520 x 6336)
Image Sensor
35.8 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS
Image Stabilization
Optical in Integrated Lens
Lens
Focal Length
28mm
Digital Zoom
3.2x Maximum
Maximum Aperture
f/1.7
Minimum Aperture
f/16
Focus Range
Normal
11.8" to Infinity / 30 cm to Infinity
Macro
6.7" to Infinity / 17 cm to Infinity
Optical Design
11 Elements in 9 Groups
Filter Size
49 mm (Front)
Exposure Control
Shutter Speed
Mechanical Shutter
1/2000 to 120 Seconds
Electronic Shutter
1/16000 to 1 Second
ISO Sensitivity Range
50 to 100,000 in Manual Mode
100 to 100,000 in Auto Mode
Metering Method
Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multi, Spot
Exposure Modes
Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
Exposure Compensation
-3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
White Balance
2000 to 11,500K
Presets: Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Manual, Shade, Tungsten
Continuous Shooting
Up to 15 fps at Maximum Resolution for up to 63 Frames (Raw) / 67 Frames (JPEG)
Interval Recording
Yes
Self-Timer
2/12-Second Delay
Special Options
Beach, Fireworks, Landscape, Night Portrait, Party/Indoor, Portrait, Snow, Sports, Sunset
Still Image Capture
Aspect Ratio
1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9
Image File Format
DNG, JPEG
Bit Depth
14-Bit
Video Capture
Internal Recording Modes
H.264 ALL-Intra/MOV 4:2:2 10-Bit
DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/47.95/48.00/50/59.94 fps [400 to 600 Mb/s]
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/47.95/48.00/50/59.94 fps [400 to 600 Mb/s]
H.264 Long GOP/MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [100 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [20 to 28 Mb/s]
H.265 Long GOP/MOV 4:2:0 10-Bit
DCI 8K (8192 x 4320) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [300 Mb/s]
UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [300 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080 at 100/120 fps [100 Mb/s]
H.265 Long GOP/MP4 4:2:0 10-Bit
UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [300 Mb/s]
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 50/59.94 fps [100 Mb/s]
ProRes 422 HQ
1920 x 1080 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [181 to 454 Mb/s]
External Recording Modes
4:2:0 8-Bit via HDMI
DCI 8K (8192 x 4320) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps
UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps
4:2:2 10-Bit via HDMI
DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps
Recording Limit
Up to 30 Minutes
Broadcast Output
NTSC/PAL
IP Streaming
No
Built-In Microphone
Stereo
Audio Recording
MP4: 48-Bit 16 kHz AAC Audio
MOV: 28-Bit 24 kHz LPCM Audio
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Internal Memory
No
Video I/O
1x Micro-HDMI Output
Audio I/O
No
Power I/O
1x USB-C Input
Other I/O
1x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 2) Data Input/Output (Shared with Power Input)
Wireless
2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0
Mobile App Compatible
Yes: Android & iOS
App Name: Leica FOTOS
Functionality: Access Stored Files, Adjust Settings, Firmware Update, Remote Control, View Live Feed
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.)
No
Monitor
Display Size
3"
Resolution
1,843,200 Dot
Display Type
Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Viewfinder
Type
Built-In Electronic (OLED)
Resolution
5,760,000 Dot
Coverage
100%
Magnification
Approx. 0.79x
Diopter Adjustment
-4 to +2
Flash
Built-In Flash/Light
No
External Flash Connection
Shoe Mount
General
Operating Conditions
32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C 
Battery Type
1x BP-SCL6 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2200 mAh (Approx. 350 Shots)
Shoe Mount
1x Hot Shoe
Dimensions (W x H x D)
5.1 x 3.2 x 3.6" / 130 x 80.3 x 92.6 mm (With Protrusions)
Weight
1.6 lb / 743 g (With Battery)
1.4 lb / 658 g (Body Only)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5.13 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.5 x 8.5 x 6.5"

Leica Q3 Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

What are the dimensions of the lens?

What are the dimensions of the lens?
Asked by: Meg
The dimensions of the non-removable Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens in the Leica Q3 Digital Camera are 2 1/8" long x 2 5/8" diameter. This is without the lens hood attached.
Answered by: Samik G
Date published: 2024-07-16

How many shooting modes?

How many shooting modes?
Asked by: Robert
The Leica Q3 Digital Camera currently has all the standard shooting mods of Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual, along with 11 scene modes.
Answered by: Yaakov
Date published: 2023-09-21

Can we use SanDisk 128GB 200MB/s Extreme PRO SDXC ...

Can we use SanDisk 128GB 200MB/s Extreme PRO SDXC Class 10 USH-1 V30 Memory Card for Q3 ?
Asked by: Chris
Yes, you may use the SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO UHS-I SDXC Memory Card, B&H # SA128GBEPSD, which you listed above inside the Leica Q3 Digital Camera for your usage needs. However, if you will be using the camera for video recording purposes, I would recommend considering the faster SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO UHS-II SDXC Memory Card, B&H # SAEPSDU128GD, for your usage needs.
Answered by: Manzell L
Date published: 2023-11-16

Does Q3 have sensor remapping for bad pixels, ...

Does Q3 have sensor remapping for bad pixels, especially after airplane travel?
Asked by: William
At this time Leica does not list one way or the other if the Q3 has pixel mapping for bad pixels.
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2023-05-29

Can you use third party lenses? What mount is the ...

Can you use third party lenses? What mount is the camera?
Asked by: patrick
The Leica Q3 has a fixed mounted Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH lens that cannot be removed. This design keeps the compactness of the camera down and also allows for its IP52 weather resistance rating. And with its 5 crop modes up to 90mm, it gives great versatility to the photographer.
Answered by: Richard
Date published: 2024-09-28

Is the sensor part of the Q3 Ois and does it move ...

Is the sensor part of the Q3 Ois and does it move in long hand-held exposures to mitigate the camera shake?
Asked by: Frank
The Leica Q3 Digital Camera has optical image stabilization in the lens. It will help reduce blurry images due to camera shake. If the long exposure is too long however it won't help. It only helps for a few stops.
Answered by: Daniel C
Date published: 2024-07-25

can you download image files through the USB ...

can you download image files through the USB connection?
Asked by: Don
You can download images with the Leica Q3 Digital Camera's USB-C port. You do have to purchase a USB cable that is compatible with your computer. Using a USB card reader is a faster option.
Answered by: Lawrence C
Date published: 2023-09-21

Flash sync speed?

Flash sync speed?
Asked by: Paul
The Q3 offers a flash sync of 1/2000 of a sec.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2023-09-21
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