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 Monochrom
Monochrome full-frame Q3 with 60MP sensor and fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens for black-and-white reportage.
$6,795
Launch priceReleased Nov 2025
Q3 Monochrom is 16.2 years newer.
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Wins
M9
Wins
Q3 Monochrom
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BQ3 Monochrom has higher ISO max (native) (200,000 vs 25,600)
- BQ3 Monochrom has higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 18 MP)
- BQ3 Monochrom 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 Monochrom
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
M9 is 55mm thinner than Q3 Monochrom but it is also 9mm wider.
M9 is 158 g lighter than Q3 Monochrom.
Depth (front-to-back): 37mm M9 · 92mm Q3 Monochrom
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 Monochrom
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 Monochrom
130 × 92 mm
Sensor size, to scale
M9
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
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 Monochrom
ISO max (native)
200,000 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 Monochrom 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 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 M9 and Q3 Monochrom at major authorized retailers.
Leica Q3 Monochrom
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, M9 or Q3 Monochrom?
Q3 Monochrom 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 Monochrom?
M9 is 18 MP and Q3 Monochrom is 60.3 MP, so the Q3 Monochrom captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the M9 and Q3 Monochrom have in-body image stabilization?
M9 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while Q3 Monochrom does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M9 or the Q3 Monochrom?
M9 reaches 20 fps electronic. Q3 Monochrom reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M9 and Q3 Monochrom?
M9 weighs 585 g and Q3 Monochrom weighs 743 g, so the M9 is 158 g lighter.
Do the M9 and Q3 Monochrom record 4K video?
M9: 4K up to 60p. Q3 Monochrom: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M9 and Q3 Monochrom weather sealed?
M9: No. Q3 Monochrom: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the M9 and 350 shots for the Q3 Monochrom, giving the M9 the edge.
How much does each cost?
M9 launched at $6,995 and Q3 Monochrom at $6,795. The Q3 Monochrom is $200 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way M9 vs Q3 Monochrom vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica press materials.