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 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 5 years newer.
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Wins
Q2 Monochrom
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 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 Monochrom
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
Q2 Monochrom and Q3 Monochrom share virtually identical body dimensions.
Q2 Monochrom is 25 g lighter than Q3 Monochrom.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q2 Monochrom · 92mm Q3 Monochrom
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 Monochrom
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 Monochrom
130 × 92 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Q2 Monochrom
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
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 Monochrom
ISO max (native)
200,000 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 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 Q2 Monochrom and Q3 Monochrom at major authorized retailers.
Leica Q2 Monochrom
Leica Q3 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 Monochrom?
Q2 Monochrom scores 9.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for Q3 Monochrom — 20fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the Q2 Monochrom and Q3 Monochrom?
Q2 Monochrom is 47.3 MP and Q3 Monochrom is 60.3 MP, so the Q3 Monochrom captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Q2 Monochrom and Q3 Monochrom have in-body image stabilization?
Q2 Monochrom has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while Q3 Monochrom does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q2 Monochrom or the Q3 Monochrom?
Q2 Monochrom reaches 20 fps electronic. Q3 Monochrom reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q2 Monochrom and Q3 Monochrom?
Q2 Monochrom weighs 718 g and Q3 Monochrom weighs 743 g, so the Q2 Monochrom is 25 g lighter.
Do the Q2 Monochrom and Q3 Monochrom record 4K video?
Q2 Monochrom: 4K up to 60p. Q3 Monochrom: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the Q2 Monochrom and Q3 Monochrom weather sealed?
Q2 Monochrom: Yes. Q3 Monochrom: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the Q2 Monochrom and 350 shots for the Q3 Monochrom, giving the Q2 Monochrom the edge.
How much does each cost?
Q2 Monochrom launched at $5,995 and Q3 Monochrom at $6,795. The Q2 Monochrom is $800 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Q2 Monochrom 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.