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 3.8 years newer.
Wins
M11
Wins
Q3 Monochrom
5 categories tied
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)
- AM11 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (700 shots vs 350 shots)
- AM11 has lower Weight (530 g vs 743 g)
- BQ3 Monochrom has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 64)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
M11
139 × 80 × 39 mm
530 g (1.17 lb / 18.70 oz)
Q3 Monochrom
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
M11 is 54mm thinner than Q3 Monochrom but it is also 9mm wider.
M11 is 213 g lighter than Q3 Monochrom.
Depth (front-to-back): 39mm M11 · 92mm Q3 Monochrom
Sensor size, to scale
M11
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
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139, 38.5
Battery life (CIPA)
700 shots vs 350 shots — higher is better
Weight
530 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.
M11
Pros
- ✓Rangefinder experience
- ✓60MP
- ✓Legendary brand
Cons
- –Manual focus only
- –Extremely expensive
- –No video focus
Q3 Monochrom
Pros
- ✓60MP monochrome sensor
- ✓Summilux 28mm f/1.7
- ✓8K video
- ✓IP52 sealed compact
Cons
- –Monochrome only
- –Fixed lens
- –Very expensive
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, M11 or Q3 Monochrom?
Q3 Monochrom scores 5.5/10 versus 0.0/10 for M11 — Animal subject recognition.
What's the resolution difference between the M11 and Q3 Monochrom?
Both cameras share the same 60.3 MP resolution.
Do the M11 and Q3 Monochrom have in-body image stabilization?
M11 does not have IBIS, while q3 Monochrom does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M11 or the Q3 Monochrom?
M11 reaches 4.5 fps electronic. Q3 Monochrom reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M11 and Q3 Monochrom?
M11 weighs 530 g and Q3 Monochrom weighs 743 g, so the M11 is 213 g lighter.
Do the M11 and Q3 Monochrom record 4K video?
M11: 4K up to 60p. Q3 Monochrom: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M11 and Q3 Monochrom weather sealed?
M11: No. Q3 Monochrom: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 700 shots (CIPA) for the M11 and 350 shots for the Q3 Monochrom, giving the M11 the edge.
How much does each cost?
M11 launched at $8,995 and Q3 Monochrom at $6,795. The Q3 Monochrom is $2,200 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.