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
Leica
SL3
60MP L-mount flagship with 8K video and Leica color science.
$6,995
Launch priceReleased Mar 2024
Q3 Monochrom is 1.6 years newer.
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Wins
Q3 Monochrom
Wins
SL3
5 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AQ3 Monochrom has higher ISO max (native) (200,000 vs 100,000)
- 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 Monochrom has lower Weight (743 g vs 769 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
Q3 Monochrom
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
SL3
141 × 108 × 85 mm
769 g (1.70 lb / 27.13 oz)
Q3 Monochrom is 11mm narrower and 28mm shorter than SL3 but it is also 7mm thicker.
Q3 Monochrom is 26 g lighter than SL3.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q3 Monochrom · 85mm SL3
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Q3 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.
Q3 Monochrom
130 × 92 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
SL3
141 × 85 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Q3 Monochrom
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Q3 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
Q3 Monochrom
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 130, 80, 92
ISO max (native)
200,000 vs 100,000 — higher is better
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 (IBIS)
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
- ✓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
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Q3 Monochrom
Pros
- ✓60MP monochrome sensor
- ✓Summilux 28mm f/1.7
- ✓8K video
- ✓IP52 sealed compact
Cons
- –Monochrome only
- –Fixed lens
- –Very expensive
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 Q3 Monochrom and SL3 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 video, Q3 Monochrom or SL3?
SL3 scores 9.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for Q3 Monochrom — 8K recording for future-proof footage.
What's the resolution difference between the Q3 Monochrom and SL3?
Both cameras share the same 60.3 MP resolution.
Do the Q3 Monochrom and SL3 have in-body image stabilization?
Q3 Monochrom does not have IBIS, while SL3 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q3 Monochrom or the SL3?
Q3 Monochrom reaches 15 fps electronic. SL3 reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q3 Monochrom and SL3?
Q3 Monochrom weighs 743 g and SL3 weighs 769 g, so the Q3 Monochrom is 26 g lighter.
Do the Q3 Monochrom and SL3 record 4K video?
Q3 Monochrom: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. SL3: 8K / C8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the Q3 Monochrom and SL3 weather sealed?
Q3 Monochrom: Yes. SL3: Yes.
How much does each cost?
Q3 Monochrom launched at $6,795 and SL3 at $6,995. The Q3 Monochrom is $200 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Q3 Monochrom vs SL3 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica press materials.