Leica
M11 Monochrom
Black-and-white-only Leica M with 60MP monochrome full-frame sensor, ISO 125-200000, and 256GB internal memory.
$9,195
Launch priceReleased Apr 2023
Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Released within a month of each other.
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Wins
M11 Monochrom
Wins
Q3
5 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BQ3 has higher Burst (electronic) (15 fps vs 4.5 fps)
- BQ3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 125)
- AM11 Monochrom has higher ISO max (native) (200,000 vs 100,000)
- AM11 Monochrom has higher Battery life (CIPA) (700 shots vs 350 shots)
- AM11 Monochrom has lower Weight (542 g vs 743 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
M11 Monochrom
139 × 80 × 39 mm
542 g (1.19 lb / 19.12 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Q3
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
M11 Monochrom is 54mm thinner than Q3 but it is also 9mm wider.
M11 Monochrom is 201 g lighter than Q3.
Depth (front-to-back): 39mm M11 Monochrom · 92mm Q3
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
M11 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.
M11 Monochrom
139 × 39 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Q3
130 × 92 mm
Sensor size, to scale
M11 Monochrom
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 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
M11 Monochrom
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139, 38.5
ISO max (native)
200,000 vs 100,000 — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
700 shots vs 350 shots — higher is better
Weight
542 g vs 743 g — lower is better
Burst (mechanical)
4.5 fps vs 4 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Q3
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Face, Eye…
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264, ProRes
Burst (electronic)
15 fps vs 4.5 fps — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 130, 92
ISO min (native)
50 vs 125 — lower is better
Eye AF
Only Q3 supports it
Animal / bird AF
Only Q3 supports it
Weather sealing
Only Q3 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.
M11 Monochrom
Pros
- ✓60MP monochrome sensor
- ✓ISO up to 200000
- ✓256GB internal memory
- ✓Pure black-and-white files
Cons
- –Monochrome only
- –Manual focus only
- –No video
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 M11 Monochrom and Q3 at major authorized retailers.
Leica M11 Monochrom
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, M11 Monochrom or Q3?
Q3 scores 5.5/10 versus 1.0/10 for M11 Monochrom — Animal subject recognition.
What's the resolution difference between the M11 Monochrom and Q3?
Both cameras share the same 60.3 MP resolution.
How does stabilization compare between the M11 Monochrom and Q3?
M11 Monochrom does not have IBIS, while Q3 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M11 Monochrom or the Q3?
M11 Monochrom reaches 4.5 fps electronic. Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M11 Monochrom and Q3?
M11 Monochrom weighs 542 g and Q3 weighs 743 g, so the M11 Monochrom is 201 g lighter.
Do the M11 Monochrom and Q3 record 4K video?
M11 Monochrom: 4K up to 60p. Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M11 Monochrom and Q3 weather sealed?
M11 Monochrom: No. Q3: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 700 shots (CIPA) for the M11 Monochrom and 350 shots for the Q3, giving the M11 Monochrom the edge.
How much does each cost?
M11 Monochrom launched at $9,195 and Q3 at $5,995. The Q3 is $3,200 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way M11 Monochrom vs Q3 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica press materials.