Leica
M11 Monochrom
Black-and-white-only Leica M with 60MP monochrome full-frame sensor, ISO 125-200000, and 256GB internal memory.
$9,195
Released Apr 2023
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
Released Nov 2025
Q3 Monochrom is 2.6 years newer.
Wins
M11 Monochrom
Wins
Q3 Monochrom
6 categories tied
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TL;DR — Key differences
- BQ3 Monochrom has higher Burst (electronic) (15 fps vs 4.5 fps)
- BQ3 Monochrom has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 125)
- AM11 Monochrom has higher Battery life (CIPA) (700 shots vs 350 shots)
- AM11 Monochrom has lower Weight (542 g vs 743 g)
- AM11 Monochrom has higher Burst (mechanical) (4.5 fps vs 4 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
M11 Monochrom
139 × 80 × 39 mm
542 g (1.19 lb / 19.12 oz)
Q3 Monochrom
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
M11 Monochrom is 54mm thinner than Q3 Monochrom but it is also 9mm wider.
M11 Monochrom is 201 g lighter than Q3 Monochrom.
Depth (front-to-back): 39mm M11 Monochrom · 92mm Q3 Monochrom
Sensor size, to scale
M11 Monochrom
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
M11 Monochrom
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139, 38.5
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 Monochrom
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 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
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 200,000
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓EVF resolution — Both 5,760,000
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 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 M11 Monochrom and Q3 Monochrom at major authorized retailers.
Leica M11 Monochrom
Leica Q3 Monochrom
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, M11 Monochrom or Q3 Monochrom?
Q3 Monochrom 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 Monochrom?
Both cameras share the same 60.3 MP resolution.
Do the M11 Monochrom and Q3 Monochrom have in-body image stabilization?
M11 Monochrom does not have IBIS, while q3 Monochrom does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M11 Monochrom or the Q3 Monochrom?
M11 Monochrom reaches 4.5 fps electronic. Q3 Monochrom reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M11 Monochrom and Q3 Monochrom?
M11 Monochrom weighs 542 g and Q3 Monochrom weighs 743 g, so the M11 Monochrom is 201 g lighter.
Do the M11 Monochrom and Q3 Monochrom record 4K video?
M11 Monochrom: 4K up to 60p. Q3 Monochrom: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M11 Monochrom and Q3 Monochrom weather sealed?
M11 Monochrom: No. Q3 Monochrom: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 700 shots (CIPA) for the M11 Monochrom and 350 shots for the Q3 Monochrom, giving the M11 Monochrom the edge.
How much does each cost?
M11 Monochrom launched at $9,195 and Q3 Monochrom at $6,795. The Q3 Monochrom is $2,400 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.