JVC
GY-HC500U
Connected Cam 1-inch camcorder with 20x zoom, 4K60p ProRes 422 10-bit, HLG/J-Log1, 3G-SDI, weather sealing, and SRT streaming.
$3,395
Launch priceReleased Sep 2019
Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Q3 is 3.8 years newer.
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Wins
GY-HC500U
Wins
Q3
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BQ3 has higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 9.35 MP)
- BQ3 has higher ISO max (native) (100,000 vs 25,600)
- BQ3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- AGY-HC500U has higher Burst (mechanical) (8 fps vs 4 fps)
- AGY-HC500U has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareGY-HC500U
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Q3
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
GY-HC500U is 20mm thinner than Q3 but it is also 4mm wider and 11mm taller.
GY-HC500U is 163 g lighter than Q3.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm GY-HC500U · 92mm Q3
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
GY-HC500U
134 × 91 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Q3
130 × 80 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
GY-HC500U
134 × 72 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Q3
130 × 92 mm
Sensor size, to scale
GY-HC500U
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Q3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
3.8× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
GY-HC500U
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 91, 72
AA filter
Only GY-HC500U supports it
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 4 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only GY-HC500U supports it
Internal RAW video
Only GY-HC500U supports it
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only GY-HC500U supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Q3
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 130, 80, 92
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 9.35 MP — higher is better
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 3,690,000 — higher is better
EVF magnification
0.79 × vs 0.78 × — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
GY-HC500U
Pros
- ✓1-inch sensor + 20x f/2.8–4.5 zoom
- ✓4K60p Apple ProRes 422 internal
- ✓HLG / J-Log1 HDR
- ✓3G-SDI + weather-resistant body
- ✓SRT / RTMP streaming
Cons
- –Heavy at 3.6 kg configured
- –SSD ProRes needs optional adapter
- –Premium over GY-HM250
- –9.35MP effective sensor
Q3
Pros
- ✓60MP full-frame
- ✓Summilux 28mm lens
- ✓Built like a tank
- ✓Unique aesthetic
Cons
- –Fixed lens
- –Very expensive
- –No interchangeable system
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the GY-HC500U and Q3 at major authorized retailers.
JVC GY-HC500U
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, GY-HC500U or Q3?
Q3 scores 8.0/10 versus 3.5/10 for GY-HC500U — 60.3MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the GY-HC500U and Q3?
GY-HC500U is 9.35 MP and Q3 is 60.3 MP, so the Q3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the GY-HC500U and Q3 have in-body image stabilization?
GY-HC500U has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while Q3 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the GY-HC500U or the Q3?
GY-HC500U reaches 20 fps electronic. Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the GY-HC500U and Q3?
GY-HC500U weighs 580 g and Q3 weighs 743 g, so the GY-HC500U is 163 g lighter.
Do the GY-HC500U and Q3 record 4K video?
GY-HC500U: 4K up to 60p. Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the GY-HC500U and Q3 weather sealed?
GY-HC500U: Yes. Q3: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the GY-HC500U and 350 shots for the Q3, giving the GY-HC500U the edge.
How much does each cost?
GY-HC500U launched at $3,395 and Q3 at $5,995. The GY-HC500U is $2,600 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way GY-HC500U vs Q3 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of JVC and Leica press materials.