Leica
D-Lux 7
Premium compact with fast 24–75mm f/1.7–2.8 Leica zoom and 4K video.
$1,195
Released Nov 2018
Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Released May 2023
Q3 is 4.5 years newer.
Wins
D-Lux 7
Wins
Q3
3 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BQ3 has higher ISO max (native) (100,000 vs 25,600)
- BQ3 has higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 17 MP)
- BQ3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- AD-Lux 7 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- AD-Lux 7 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (640 shots vs 350 shots)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
D-Lux 7
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Q3
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
D-Lux 7 is 20mm thinner than Q3 but it is also 4mm wider and 11mm taller.
D-Lux 7 is 163 g lighter than Q3.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm D-Lux 7 · 92mm Q3
Sensor size, to scale
D-Lux 7
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
D-Lux 7
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 91, 72
AA filter
Only D-Lux 7 supports it
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only D-Lux 7 supports it
In-body stabilization
Only D-Lux 7 supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only D-Lux 7 supports it
Headphone jack (3.5mm)
Only D-Lux 7 supports it
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 17 MP — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye
Codecs
Adds ProRes
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.
D-Lux 7
Pros
- ✓Fast zoom lens
- ✓Leica color
- ✓4K video
Cons
- –Micro Four Thirds sensor
- –Fixed lens
- –Premium price
Q3
Pros
- ✓60MP full-frame
- ✓Summilux 28mm lens
- ✓Built like a tank
- ✓Unique aesthetic
Cons
- –Fixed lens
- –Very expensive
- –No interchangeable system
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, D-Lux 7 or Q3?
Q3 scores 8.0/10 versus 3.5/10 for D-Lux 7 — 60.3MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the D-Lux 7 and Q3?
D-Lux 7 is 17 MP and Q3 is 60.3 MP, so the Q3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D-Lux 7 and Q3 have in-body image stabilization?
D-Lux 7 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while q3 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D-Lux 7 or the Q3?
D-Lux 7 reaches 15 fps electronic. Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D-Lux 7 and Q3?
D-Lux 7 weighs 580 g and Q3 weighs 743 g, so the D-Lux 7 is 163 g lighter.
Do the D-Lux 7 and Q3 record 4K video?
D-Lux 7: 4K up to 60p. Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the D-Lux 7 and Q3 weather sealed?
D-Lux 7: Yes. Q3: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the D-Lux 7 and 350 shots for the Q3, giving the D-Lux 7 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D-Lux 7 launched at $1,195 and Q3 at $5,995. The D-Lux 7 is $4,800 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.