Leica
M10 Monochrom
40MP black-and-white-only digital M with no color filter array for maximum monochrome acuity.
$8,395
Launch priceReleased Jan 2020
Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Q3 is 3.3 years newer.
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Wins
M10 Monochrom
Wins
Q3
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BQ3 has higher ISO max (native) (100,000 vs 25,600)
- BQ3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- AM10 Monochrom has higher Burst (mechanical) (8 fps vs 4 fps)
- AM10 Monochrom has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- AM10 Monochrom has higher Battery life (CIPA) (640 shots vs 350 shots)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareM10 Monochrom
139 × 80 × 39 mm
660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Q3
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
M10 Monochrom is 53mm thinner than Q3 but it is also 9mm wider.
M10 Monochrom is 83 g lighter than Q3.
Depth (front-to-back): 39mm M10 Monochrom · 92mm Q3
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
M10 Monochrom
139 × 80 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.
M10 Monochrom
139 × 39 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Q3
130 × 92 mm
Sensor size, to scale
M10 Monochrom
35.8 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
856 mm² area
Q3
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
M10 Monochrom
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139, 39
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 4 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only M10 Monochrom supports it
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only M10 Monochrom supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only M10 Monochrom supports it
Headphone jack (3.5mm)
Only M10 Monochrom supports it
Reasons to choose
Q3
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 130, 92
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
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 40.89 MP — higher is better
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.
M10 Monochrom
Pros
- ✓40MP monochrome sensor
- ✓No Bayer filter
- ✓Stunning B&W files
- ✓Classic M body
Cons
- –Monochrome only
- –Manual focus
- –Very niche
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 M10 Monochrom and Q3 at major authorized retailers.
Leica M10 Monochrom
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, M10 Monochrom or Q3?
M10 Monochrom scores 9.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for Q3 — 20fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the M10 Monochrom and Q3?
M10 Monochrom is 40.89 MP and Q3 is 60.3 MP, so the Q3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the M10 Monochrom and Q3 have in-body image stabilization?
M10 Monochrom has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while Q3 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M10 Monochrom or the Q3?
M10 Monochrom reaches 20 fps electronic. Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M10 Monochrom and Q3?
M10 Monochrom weighs 660 g and Q3 weighs 743 g, so the M10 Monochrom is 83 g lighter.
Do the M10 Monochrom and Q3 record 4K video?
M10 Monochrom: 4K up to 60p. Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M10 Monochrom and Q3 weather sealed?
M10 Monochrom: Yes. Q3: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the M10 Monochrom and 350 shots for the Q3, giving the M10 Monochrom the edge.
How much does each cost?
M10 Monochrom launched at $8,395 and Q3 at $5,995. The Q3 is $2,400 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way M10 Monochrom vs Q3 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica press materials.