Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Launch priceReleased May 2023
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 2.4 years newer.
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Wins
Q3
Wins
Q3 Monochrom
11 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BQ3 Monochrom has higher ISO max (native) (200,000 vs 100,000)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
Q3
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Q3 Monochrom
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
Q3 and Q3 Monochrom share virtually identical body dimensions.
Q3 and Q3 Monochrom weigh the same.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q3 · 92mm Q3 Monochrom
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Q3
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.
Q3
130 × 92 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Q3 Monochrom
130 × 92 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Q3
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
Q3
No major advantages on measured specs.
Reasons to choose
Q3 Monochrom
ISO max (native)
200,000 vs 100,000 — higher is better
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
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 4 fps
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 15 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Q3
Pros
- ✓60MP full-frame
- ✓Summilux 28mm lens
- ✓Built like a tank
- ✓Unique aesthetic
Cons
- –Fixed lens
- –Very expensive
- –No interchangeable system
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 Q3 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 portraits, Q3 or Q3 Monochrom?
Q3 scores 7.5/10 versus 7.5/10 for Q3 Monochrom — 60.3MP — excellent for large prints and crops.
What's the resolution difference between the Q3 and Q3 Monochrom?
Both cameras share the same 60.3 MP resolution.
How does stabilization compare between the Q3 and Q3 Monochrom?
Q3 does not have IBIS, while Q3 Monochrom does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q3 or the Q3 Monochrom?
Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic. Q3 Monochrom reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q3 and Q3 Monochrom?
Both bodies weigh roughly 743 g.
Do the Q3 and Q3 Monochrom record 4K video?
Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. Q3 Monochrom: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the Q3 and Q3 Monochrom weather sealed?
Q3: Yes. Q3 Monochrom: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 350 shots (CIPA) for the Q3 and 350 shots for the Q3 Monochrom, giving the Q3 Monochrom the edge.
How much does each cost?
Q3 launched at $5,995 and Q3 Monochrom at $6,795. The Q3 is $800 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Q3 vs Q3 Monochrom vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica press materials.