Leica
Q3 43
Q3 variant with 43mm equivalent perspective for classic reportage.
$5,995
Released Jun 2024
Leica
SL3
60MP L-mount flagship with 8K video and Leica color science.
$6,995
Released Mar 2024
Q3 43 is 3 months newer.
Wins
Q3 43
Wins
SL3
6 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BSL3 has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 15 fps)
- BSL3 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- BSL3 has higher Burst (mechanical) (7 fps vs 4 fps)
- AQ3 43 has lower Weight (743 g vs 769 g)
- AQ3 43 has higher EVF magnification (0.79 × vs 0.78 ×)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Q3 43
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
SL3
141 × 108 × 85 mm
769 g (1.70 lb / 27.13 oz)
Q3 43 is 11mm narrower and 28mm shorter than SL3 but it is also 7mm thicker.
Q3 43 is 26 g lighter than SL3.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q3 43 · 85mm SL3
Sensor size, to scale
Q3 43
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Q3 43: 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
Q3 43
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 130, 80, 92
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye
Codecs
Adds ProRes
Weight
743 g vs 769 g — lower is better
EVF magnification
0.79 × vs 0.78 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose
SL3
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 141.2, 108, 84.6
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only SL3 supports it
In-body stabilization
Only SL3 supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only SL3 supports it
Headphone jack (3.5mm)
Only SL3 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 60.3 MP
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 50
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 100,000
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Q3 43
Pros
- ✓Unique 43mm view
- ✓60MP
- ✓Premium compact
Cons
- –Fixed lens
- –Expensive
- –Niche focal length
SL3
Pros
- ✓60MP
- ✓8K video
- ✓Leica build
- ✓L-mount
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Heavy
- –Large files
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, Q3 43 or SL3?
SL3 scores 9.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for Q3 43 — 8K recording for future-proof footage.
What's the resolution difference between the Q3 43 and SL3?
Both cameras share the same 60.3 MP resolution.
Do the Q3 43 and SL3 have in-body image stabilization?
Q3 43 does not have IBIS, while sL3 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q3 43 or the SL3?
Q3 43 reaches 15 fps electronic. SL3 reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q3 43 and SL3?
Q3 43 weighs 743 g and SL3 weighs 769 g, so the Q3 43 is 26 g lighter.
Do the Q3 43 and SL3 record 4K video?
Q3 43: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. SL3: 8K / C8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the Q3 43 and SL3 weather sealed?
Q3 43: Yes. SL3: Yes.
How much does each cost?
Q3 43 launched at $5,995 and SL3 at $6,995. The Q3 43 is $1,000 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.