Leica
M6
Reissued mechanical M rangefinder for 35mm film — the classic Leica experience returns.
$5,695
Launch priceReleased Oct 2022
Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Q3 is 7 months newer.
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Wins
M6
Wins
Q3
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BQ3 has higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 0 MP)
- BQ3 has higher ISO max (native) (100,000 vs 25,600)
- BQ3 has higher EVF resolution (5,760,000 vs 2,360,000)
- BQ3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- AM6 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareM6
139 × 79 × 38 mm
598 g (1.32 lb / 21.09 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Q3
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
M6 is 1mm shorter and 54mm thinner than Q3 but it is also 9mm wider.
M6 is 145 g lighter than Q3.
Depth (front-to-back): 38mm M6 · 92mm Q3
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
M6
139 × 79 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.
M6
139 × 38 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Q3
130 × 92 mm
Sensor size, to scale
M6
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
M6
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138.6, 79.3, 38.25
AA filter
Only M6 supports it
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only M6 supports it
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only M6 supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only M6 supports it
Headphone jack (3.5mm)
Only M6 supports it
Reasons to choose
Q3
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 0 MP — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 130, 80, 92
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye
Weather sealing
Only Q3 supports it
Codecs
Adds ProRes
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 15 fps
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
M6
Pros
- ✓Mechanical film M
- ✓Iconic design
- ✓Built to last
- ✓Pure analog workflow
Cons
- –Film only
- –Manual everything
- –Ongoing film/processing costs
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 M6 and Q3 at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, M6 or Q3?
Q3 scores 8.0/10 versus 4.0/10 for M6 — 60.3MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the M6 and Q3?
M6 is 0 MP and Q3 is 60.3 MP, so the Q3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the M6 and Q3 have in-body image stabilization?
M6 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while Q3 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M6 or the Q3?
M6 reaches 15 fps electronic. Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M6 and Q3?
M6 weighs 598 g and Q3 weighs 743 g, so the M6 is 145 g lighter.
Do the M6 and Q3 record 4K video?
M6: 4K up to 60p. Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M6 and Q3 weather sealed?
M6: No. Q3: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the M6 and 350 shots for the Q3, giving the M6 the edge.
How much does each cost?
M6 launched at $5,695 and Q3 at $5,995. The M6 is $300 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way M6 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.