Leica
M (Typ 240)
24MP CMOS Leica M with live view, 1080p video, and weather sealing — the digital M modernized.
$6,950
Launch priceReleased Sep 2012
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
Q3 Monochrom is 13.1 years newer.
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Wins
M (Typ 240)
Wins
Q3 Monochrom
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BQ3 Monochrom has higher ISO max (native) (200,000 vs 25,600)
- BQ3 Monochrom has higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 24 MP)
- BQ3 Monochrom has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- AM (Typ 240) has higher Burst (mechanical) (8 fps vs 4 fps)
- AM (Typ 240) has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareM (Typ 240)
139 × 80 × 42 mm
680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Q3 Monochrom
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
M (Typ 240) is 50mm thinner than Q3 Monochrom but it is also 9mm wider.
M (Typ 240) is 63 g lighter than Q3 Monochrom.
Depth (front-to-back): 42mm M (Typ 240) · 92mm Q3 Monochrom
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
M (Typ 240)
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 (Typ 240)
139 × 42 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Q3 Monochrom
130 × 92 mm
Sensor size, to scale
M (Typ 240)
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 (Typ 240)
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139, 42
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 4 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only M (Typ 240) supports it
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only M (Typ 240) supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only M (Typ 240) supports it
Headphone jack (3.5mm)
Only M (Typ 240) supports it
Reasons to choose
Q3 Monochrom
ISO max (native)
200,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 130, 92
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 24 MP — 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
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
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
M (Typ 240)
Pros
- ✓24MP CMOS M
- ✓Live view added
- ✓Weather sealed
- ✓Maestro processor
Cons
- –Superseded by M10
- –Slow AF
- –Heavy for M body
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 (Typ 240) and Q3 Monochrom at major authorized retailers.
Leica M (Typ 240)
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 (Typ 240) or Q3 Monochrom?
M (Typ 240) scores 9.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for Q3 Monochrom — 20fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the M (Typ 240) and Q3 Monochrom?
M (Typ 240) is 24 MP and Q3 Monochrom is 60.3 MP, so the Q3 Monochrom captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the M (Typ 240) and Q3 Monochrom have in-body image stabilization?
M (Typ 240) has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while Q3 Monochrom does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M (Typ 240) or the Q3 Monochrom?
M (Typ 240) reaches 20 fps electronic. Q3 Monochrom reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M (Typ 240) and Q3 Monochrom?
M (Typ 240) weighs 680 g and Q3 Monochrom weighs 743 g, so the M (Typ 240) is 63 g lighter.
Do the M (Typ 240) and Q3 Monochrom record 4K video?
M (Typ 240): 4K up to 60p. Q3 Monochrom: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M (Typ 240) and Q3 Monochrom weather sealed?
M (Typ 240): Yes. Q3 Monochrom: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the M (Typ 240) and 350 shots for the Q3 Monochrom, giving the M (Typ 240) the edge.
How much does each cost?
M (Typ 240) launched at $6,950 and Q3 Monochrom at $6,795. The Q3 Monochrom is $155 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way M (Typ 240) vs Q3 Monochrom vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica press materials.