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
Released Nov 2025
Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Released Nov 2024
Q3 Monochrom is 11 months newer.
Wins
Q3 Monochrom
Wins
Alpha 1 II
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AQ3 Monochrom has higher ISO max (native) (200,000 vs 32,000)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher Burst (mechanical) (10 fps vs 4 fps)
- AQ3 Monochrom has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 15 fps)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Q3 Monochrom
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
Q3 Monochrom is 6mm narrower and 17mm shorter than Alpha 1 II but it is also 9mm thicker.
Q3 Monochrom and Alpha 1 II weigh the same.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q3 Monochrom · 83mm Alpha 1 II
Sensor size, to scale
Q3 Monochrom
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Q3 Monochrom: mount data unavailable
Alpha 1 II
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
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 32,000 — 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 50.1 MP — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 1 II
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Insect, Car/Train…
Burst (mechanical)
10 fps vs 4 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
AA filter
Only Alpha 1 II supports it
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Alpha 1 II supports it
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
- ✓Weight — Both 743 g
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
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
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Q3 Monochrom or Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 II scores 9.0/10 versus 4.5/10 for Q3 Monochrom — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the Q3 Monochrom and Alpha 1 II?
Q3 Monochrom is 60.3 MP and Alpha 1 II is 50.1 MP, so the Q3 Monochrom captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Q3 Monochrom and Alpha 1 II have in-body image stabilization?
Q3 Monochrom does not have IBIS, while alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q3 Monochrom or the Alpha 1 II?
Q3 Monochrom reaches 15 fps electronic. Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q3 Monochrom and Alpha 1 II?
Both bodies weigh roughly 743 g.
Do the Q3 Monochrom and Alpha 1 II record 4K video?
Q3 Monochrom: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the Q3 Monochrom and Alpha 1 II weather sealed?
Q3 Monochrom: Yes. Alpha 1 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 350 shots (CIPA) for the Q3 Monochrom and 520 shots for the Alpha 1 II, giving the Alpha 1 II the edge.
How much does each cost?
Q3 Monochrom launched at $6,795 and Alpha 1 II at $6,499. The Alpha 1 II is $296 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica and Sony press materials.