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
SL3
60MP L-mount flagship with 8K video and Leica color science.
$6,995
Launch priceReleased Mar 2024
SL3 is 3.3 years newer.
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Wins
Q2 Monochrom
Wins
SL3
4 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BSL3 has higher AF points / zones (779 vs 49)
- BSL3 has higher ISO max (native) (100,000 vs 25,600)
- BSL3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- BSL3 has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 20 fps)
- AQ2 Monochrom has higher IBIS effectiveness (7 stops vs 5 stops)
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
SL3
141 × 108 × 85 mm
769 g (1.70 lb / 27.13 oz)
Q2 Monochrom is 11mm narrower and 28mm shorter than SL3 but it is also 7mm thicker.
Q2 Monochrom is 51 g lighter than SL3.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q2 Monochrom · 85mm SL3
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
SL3
141 × 108 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
SL3
141 × 85 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Q2 Monochrom
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Q2 Monochrom: mount data unavailable
SL3
✓ more lensesLeica L
80+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
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
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 130, 80, 92
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Q2 Monochrom supports it
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 5 stops — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 7 fps — higher is better
Weight
718 g vs 769 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
SL3
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 141.2, 108, 84.6
AF points / zones
779 vs 49 — higher is better
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Internal RAW video
Only SL3 supports it
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 20 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds Apple ProRes
Both cameras share
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓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
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
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
SL3
Pros
- ✓60MP
- ✓8K video
- ✓Leica build
- ✓L-mount
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Heavy
- –Large files
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Q2 Monochrom and SL3 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 video, Q2 Monochrom or SL3?
SL3 scores 9.0/10 versus 6.0/10 for Q2 Monochrom — 8K recording for future-proof footage.
What's the resolution difference between the Q2 Monochrom and SL3?
Q2 Monochrom is 47.3 MP and SL3 is 60.3 MP, so the SL3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Q2 Monochrom and SL3 have in-body image stabilization?
Q2 Monochrom has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while SL3 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q2 Monochrom or the SL3?
Q2 Monochrom reaches 20 fps electronic. SL3 reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q2 Monochrom and SL3?
Q2 Monochrom weighs 718 g and SL3 weighs 769 g, so the Q2 Monochrom is 51 g lighter.
Do the Q2 Monochrom and SL3 record 4K video?
Q2 Monochrom: 4K up to 60p. SL3: 8K / C8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the Q2 Monochrom and SL3 weather sealed?
Q2 Monochrom: Yes. SL3: Yes.
How much does each cost?
Q2 Monochrom launched at $5,995 and SL3 at $6,995. The Q2 Monochrom is $1,000 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Q2 Monochrom vs SL3 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica press materials.