Leica
CL
Compact APS-C L-mount rangefinder-style body.
$2,795
Launch priceReleased Nov 2017
Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Q3 is 5.5 years newer.
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Wins
CL
Wins
Q3
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BQ3 has higher ISO max (native) (100,000 vs 25,600)
- BQ3 has higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 24.2 MP)
- BQ3 has higher EVF resolution (5,760,000 vs 2,360,000)
- BQ3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- ACL has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareCL
138 × 98 × 88 mm
520 g (1.15 lb / 18.34 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Q3
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
CL is 4mm thinner than Q3 but it is also 8mm wider and 18mm taller.
CL is 223 g lighter than Q3.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm CL · 92mm Q3
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
CL
138 × 98 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.
CL
138 × 88 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Q3
130 × 92 mm
Sensor size, to scale
CL
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Q3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
2.4× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
CL
✓ more lensesLeica L
80+
native lenses available
Q3: mount data unavailable
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
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
CL
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only CL supports it
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only CL supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only CL supports it
Headphone jack (3.5mm)
Only CL supports it
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 350 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Q3
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 130, 80, 92
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 24.2 MP — higher is better
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye
Codecs
Adds ProRes
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
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 15 fps
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
CL
Pros
- ✓Beautiful design
- ✓Compact
- ✓L-mount
Cons
- –Older
- –24MP APS-C
- –Limited lens selection
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 CL and Q3 at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for travel, CL or Q3?
CL scores 8.5/10 versus 4.5/10 for Q3 — 520g — compact and travel-friendly.
What's the resolution difference between the CL and Q3?
CL is 24.2 MP and Q3 is 60.3 MP, so the Q3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the CL and Q3 have in-body image stabilization?
CL has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while Q3 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the CL or the Q3?
CL reaches 15 fps electronic. Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the CL and Q3?
CL weighs 520 g and Q3 weighs 743 g, so the CL is 223 g lighter.
Do the CL and Q3 record 4K video?
CL: 4K up to 60p. Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the CL and Q3 weather sealed?
CL: Yes. Q3: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the CL and 350 shots for the Q3, giving the CL the edge.
How much does each cost?
CL launched at $2,795 and Q3 at $5,995. The CL is $3,200 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way CL vs Q3 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica press materials.