Leica
M EV1
Digital Leica M with integrated 5.76M-dot EVF, 60MP full-frame sensor, and manual M-mount focusing.
$8,995
Launch priceReleased Oct 2025
Leica
Q3 Monochrom
Monochrome full-frame Q3 with 60MP sensor and fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens for black-and-white reportage.
$6,795
Launch priceReleased Nov 2025
Released within a month of each other.
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Wins
M EV1
Wins
Q3 Monochrom
5 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BQ3 Monochrom has higher ISO max (native) (200,000 vs 50,000)
- BQ3 Monochrom has higher Burst (electronic) (15 fps vs 4.5 fps)
- AM EV1 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (700 shots vs 350 shots)
- AM EV1 has lower Weight (495 g vs 743 g)
- BQ3 Monochrom has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 64)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
M EV1
139 × 80 × 39 mm
495 g (1.09 lb / 17.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Q3 Monochrom
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
M EV1 is 54mm thinner than Q3 Monochrom but it is also 9mm wider.
M EV1 is 248 g lighter than Q3 Monochrom.
Depth (front-to-back): 39mm M EV1 · 92mm Q3 Monochrom
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
M EV1
139 × 80 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Q3 Monochrom
130 × 80 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
M EV1
139 × 39 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Q3 Monochrom
130 × 92 mm
Sensor size, to scale
M EV1
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Q3 Monochrom
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
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
M EV1
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139, 38.5
Battery life (CIPA)
700 shots vs 350 shots — higher is better
Weight
495 g vs 743 g — lower is better
Burst (mechanical)
4.5 fps vs 4 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Q3 Monochrom
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Face, Eye…
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264, ProRes
ISO max (native)
200,000 vs 50,000 — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
15 fps vs 4.5 fps — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 130, 92
Eye AF
Only Q3 Monochrom supports it
Animal / bird AF
Only Q3 Monochrom supports it
Weather sealing
Only Q3 Monochrom supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 60.3 MP
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓EVF resolution — Both 5,760,000
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
M EV1
Pros
- ✓Integrated EVF
- ✓60MP full-frame sensor
- ✓Leica M mount
- ✓64GB internal memory
Cons
- –Manual focus only
- –No video
- –Very expensive
Q3 Monochrom
Pros
- ✓60MP monochrome sensor
- ✓Summilux 28mm f/1.7
- ✓8K video
- ✓IP52 sealed compact
Cons
- –Monochrome only
- –Fixed lens
- –Very expensive
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the M EV1 and Q3 Monochrom at major authorized retailers.
Leica M EV1
Leica Q3 Monochrom
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, M EV1 or Q3 Monochrom?
Q3 Monochrom scores 5.5/10 versus 0.0/10 for M EV1 — Animal subject recognition.
What's the resolution difference between the M EV1 and Q3 Monochrom?
Both cameras share the same 60.3 MP resolution.
How does stabilization compare between the M EV1 and Q3 Monochrom?
M EV1 does not have IBIS, while Q3 Monochrom does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M EV1 or the Q3 Monochrom?
M EV1 reaches 4.5 fps electronic. Q3 Monochrom reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M EV1 and Q3 Monochrom?
M EV1 weighs 495 g and Q3 Monochrom weighs 743 g, so the M EV1 is 248 g lighter.
Do the M EV1 and Q3 Monochrom record 4K video?
M EV1: 4K up to 60p. Q3 Monochrom: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M EV1 and Q3 Monochrom weather sealed?
M EV1: No. Q3 Monochrom: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 700 shots (CIPA) for the M EV1 and 350 shots for the Q3 Monochrom, giving the M EV1 the edge.
How much does each cost?
M EV1 launched at $8,995 and Q3 Monochrom at $6,795. The Q3 Monochrom is $2,200 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way M EV1 vs Q3 Monochrom vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica press materials.