Leica
Q2
47MP full-frame fixed-lens compact with Summilux 28mm f/1.7 and weather sealing.
$4,995
Launch priceReleased Mar 2019
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 6.7 years newer.
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Wins
Q2
Wins
Q3 Monochrom
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BQ3 Monochrom has higher ISO max (native) (200,000 vs 51,200)
- AQ2 has higher Burst (mechanical) (12 fps vs 4 fps)
- BQ3 Monochrom has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- AQ2 has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 15 fps)
- AQ2 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareQ2
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 and Q3 Monochrom share virtually identical body dimensions.
Q2 is 25 g lighter than Q3 Monochrom.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q2 · 92mm Q3 Monochrom
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Q2
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
130 × 92 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Q3 Monochrom
130 × 92 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Q2
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
Burst (mechanical)
12 fps vs 4 fps — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Q2 supports it
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only Q2 supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only Q2 supports it
Reasons to choose
Q3 Monochrom
ISO max (native)
200,000 vs 51,200 — 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
Pros
- ✓47MP full-frame
- ✓Summilux 28mm f/1.7
- ✓Weather sealed
- ✓Iconic one-camera solution
Cons
- –Fixed 28mm lens
- –Expensive
- –Superseded by Q3
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 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 wildlife, Q2 or Q3 Monochrom?
Q2 scores 10.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for Q3 Monochrom — 30fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the Q2 and Q3 Monochrom?
Q2 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 and Q3 Monochrom have in-body image stabilization?
Q2 has 8-stop in-body image stabilization, while Q3 Monochrom does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q2 or the Q3 Monochrom?
Q2 reaches 30 fps electronic. Q3 Monochrom reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q2 and Q3 Monochrom?
Q2 weighs 718 g and Q3 Monochrom weighs 743 g, so the Q2 is 25 g lighter.
Do the Q2 and Q3 Monochrom record 4K video?
Q2: 4K up to 60p. Q3 Monochrom: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the Q2 and Q3 Monochrom weather sealed?
Q2: Yes. Q3 Monochrom: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 520 shots (CIPA) for the Q2 and 350 shots for the Q3 Monochrom, giving the Q2 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Q2 launched at $4,995 and Q3 Monochrom at $6,795. The Q2 is $1,800 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Q2 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.