Leica
D-Lux 8
Premium compact with 4/3 sensor, fast 24-75mm equivalent Vario-Summilux zoom, OLED EVF, and 4K video.
$1,595
Released Jul 2024
Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Released May 2023
D-Lux 8 is 1.1 years newer.
Wins
D-Lux 8
Wins
Q3
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BQ3 has higher ISO max (native) (100,000 vs 25,000)
- BQ3 has higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 17 MP)
- AD-Lux 8 has higher Burst (mechanical) (11 fps vs 4 fps)
- AD-Lux 8 has higher Burst (electronic) (40 fps vs 15 fps)
- BQ3 has higher EVF resolution (5,760,000 vs 2,360,000)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
D-Lux 8
130 × 69 × 62 mm
397 g (0.88 lb / 14.00 oz)
Q3
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
D-Lux 8 is 11mm shorter and 30mm thinner than Q3.
D-Lux 8 is 346 g lighter than Q3.
Depth (front-to-back): 62mm D-Lux 8 · 92mm Q3
Sensor size, to scale
D-Lux 8
17.3 × 13 mm · Compact / large-type
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 8
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 69, 62
Burst (mechanical)
11 fps vs 4 fps — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
40 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds MP4
Weight
397 g vs 743 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Q3
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 25,000 — higher is better
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 17 MP — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.265, ProRes
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 80, 92
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Animal / bird AF
Only Q3 supports it
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
D-Lux 8
Pros
- ✓4/3 sensor compact
- ✓24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 lens
- ✓OLED EVF
- ✓4K video
Cons
- –Fixed zoom lens
- –No weather sealing
- –Premium compact 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 8 or Q3?
Q3 scores 8.0/10 versus 0.0/10 for D-Lux 8 — 60.3MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the D-Lux 8 and Q3?
D-Lux 8 is 17 MP and Q3 is 60.3 MP, so the Q3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D-Lux 8 and Q3 have in-body image stabilization?
D-Lux 8 does not have IBIS, while q3 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D-Lux 8 or the Q3?
D-Lux 8 reaches 40 fps electronic. Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D-Lux 8 and Q3?
D-Lux 8 weighs 397 g and Q3 weighs 743 g, so the D-Lux 8 is 346 g lighter.
Do the D-Lux 8 and Q3 record 4K video?
D-Lux 8: 4K up to 30p. Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the D-Lux 8 and Q3 weather sealed?
D-Lux 8: No. Q3: Yes.
How much does each cost?
D-Lux 8 launched at $1,595 and Q3 at $5,995. The D-Lux 8 is $4,400 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.