Leica
M9
First full-frame digital Leica M — 18MP CCD with no AA filter and iconic rangefinder handling.
$6,995
Launch priceReleased Sep 2009
Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Q3 is 13.7 years newer.
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Wins
M9
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 higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 18 MP)
- BQ3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- AM9 has higher Burst (mechanical) (8 fps vs 4 fps)
- AM9 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareM9
139 × 80 × 37 mm
585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Q3
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
M9 is 55mm thinner than Q3 but it is also 9mm wider.
M9 is 158 g lighter than Q3.
Depth (front-to-back): 37mm M9 · 92mm Q3
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
M9
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.
M9
139 × 37 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Q3
130 × 92 mm
Sensor size, to scale
M9
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
M9
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139, 37
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 4 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only M9 supports it
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only M9 supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only M9 supports it
Headphone jack (3.5mm)
Only M9 supports it
Reasons to choose
Q3
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 18 MP — 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
Weather sealing
Only Q3 supports it
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 3,690,000 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds ProRes
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
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
M9
Pros
- ✓First digital FF Leica M
- ✓CCD rendering
- ✓No AA filter
- ✓Historic significance
Cons
- –Very slow by modern standards
- –18MP
- –CCD corrosion risk on used units
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 M9 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, M9 or Q3?
Q3 scores 8.0/10 versus 4.0/10 for M9 — 60.3MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the M9 and Q3?
M9 is 18 MP and Q3 is 60.3 MP, so the Q3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the M9 and Q3 have in-body image stabilization?
M9 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while Q3 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M9 or the Q3?
M9 reaches 20 fps electronic. Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M9 and Q3?
M9 weighs 585 g and Q3 weighs 743 g, so the M9 is 158 g lighter.
Do the M9 and Q3 record 4K video?
M9: 4K up to 60p. Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M9 and Q3 weather sealed?
M9: No. Q3: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the M9 and 350 shots for the Q3, giving the M9 the edge.
How much does each cost?
M9 launched at $6,995 and Q3 at $5,995. The Q3 is $1,000 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way M9 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.