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-S
Fast 24.6MP L-mount hybrid with 6K open-gate video, 30fps burst, and 5-axis stabilization.
$5,295
Launch priceReleased Jan 2025
SL3-S is 4.2 years newer.
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Wins
Q2 Monochrom
Wins
SL3-S
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BSL3-S has higher AF points / zones (779 vs 49)
- BSL3-S has higher ISO max (native) (200,000 vs 25,600)
- BSL3-S has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- AQ2 Monochrom has higher Resolution (47.3 MP vs 24.6 MP)
- BSL3-S has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 20 fps)
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-S
141 × 108 × 83 mm
768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)
Q2 Monochrom is 11mm narrower and 28mm shorter than SL3-S but it is also 9mm thicker.
Q2 Monochrom is 50 g lighter than SL3-S.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q2 Monochrom · 83mm SL3-S
Sensor size, to scale
Q2 Monochrom
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL3-S
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Q2 Monochrom: mount data unavailable
SL3-S
✓ 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
Resolution
47.3 MP vs 24.6 MP — higher is better
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 5 stops — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 7 fps — higher is better
Weight
718 g vs 768 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
SL3-S
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 141.2, 108, 82.7
AF points / zones
779 vs 49 — higher is better
ISO max (native)
200,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Internal RAW video
Only SL3-S 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
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
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-S
Pros
- ✓6K open-gate video
- ✓30fps electronic burst
- ✓24.6MP full-frame
- ✓CFexpress plus SD
Cons
- –Lower resolution than SL3
- –Large body
- –Premium price
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Q2 Monochrom and SL3-S at major authorized retailers.
Leica Q2 Monochrom
Leica SL3-S
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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-S?
SL3-S scores 8.5/10 versus 6.0/10 for Q2 Monochrom — 6K video for oversampled 4K.
What's the resolution difference between the Q2 Monochrom and SL3-S?
Q2 Monochrom is 47.3 MP and SL3-S is 24.6 MP, so the Q2 Monochrom captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Q2 Monochrom and SL3-S have in-body image stabilization?
Q2 Monochrom has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while SL3-S has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q2 Monochrom or the SL3-S?
Q2 Monochrom reaches 20 fps electronic. SL3-S reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q2 Monochrom and SL3-S?
Q2 Monochrom weighs 718 g and SL3-S weighs 768 g, so the Q2 Monochrom is 50 g lighter.
Do the Q2 Monochrom and SL3-S record 4K video?
Q2 Monochrom: 4K up to 60p. SL3-S: 6K Open Gate (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the Q2 Monochrom and SL3-S weather sealed?
Q2 Monochrom: Yes. SL3-S: Yes.
How much does each cost?
Q2 Monochrom launched at $5,995 and SL3-S at $5,295. The SL3-S is $700 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Q2 Monochrom vs SL3-S vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.