Leica
Q2 Monochrom
Monochrome-only Q2 with 47MP sensor and fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 for black-and-white purists.
$5,995
Launch priceReleased Nov 2020
Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Q3 is 2.5 years newer.
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Wins
Q2 Monochrom
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 lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- AQ2 Monochrom has higher Burst (mechanical) (8 fps vs 4 fps)
- AQ2 Monochrom has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- AQ2 Monochrom has higher Battery life (CIPA) (640 shots vs 350 shots)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareQ2 Monochrom
130 × 80 × 92 mm
718 g (1.58 lb / 25.33 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Q3
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
Q2 Monochrom and Q3 share virtually identical body dimensions.
Q2 Monochrom is 25 g lighter than Q3.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q2 Monochrom · 92mm Q3
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Q2 Monochrom
130 × 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.
Q2 Monochrom
130 × 92 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Q3
130 × 92 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Q2 Monochrom
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
Q2 Monochrom
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 4 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Q2 Monochrom supports it
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only Q2 Monochrom supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only Q2 Monochrom supports it
Headphone jack (3.5mm)
Only Q2 Monochrom supports it
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 350 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Q3
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye
Codecs
Adds ProRes
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 47.3 MP — higher is better
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
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Q2 Monochrom
Pros
- ✓47MP monochrome
- ✓Summilux 28mm f/1.7
- ✓Weather sealed
- ✓Unique B&W compact
Cons
- –Monochrome only
- –Fixed lens
- –Very niche
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 Q2 Monochrom and Q3 at major authorized retailers.
Leica Q2 Monochrom
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, Q2 Monochrom or Q3?
Q2 Monochrom scores 9.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for Q3 — 20fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the Q2 Monochrom and Q3?
Q2 Monochrom is 47.3 MP and Q3 is 60.3 MP, so the Q3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Q2 Monochrom and Q3 have in-body image stabilization?
Q2 Monochrom has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while Q3 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q2 Monochrom or the Q3?
Q2 Monochrom reaches 20 fps electronic. Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q2 Monochrom and Q3?
Q2 Monochrom weighs 718 g and Q3 weighs 743 g, so the Q2 Monochrom is 25 g lighter.
Do the Q2 Monochrom and Q3 record 4K video?
Q2 Monochrom: 4K up to 60p. Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the Q2 Monochrom and Q3 weather sealed?
Q2 Monochrom: Yes. Q3: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the Q2 Monochrom and 350 shots for the Q3, giving the Q2 Monochrom the edge.
How much does each cost?
Both launched at $5,995.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Q2 Monochrom 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.