Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Released May 2023
Leica
SL2-S
24MP L-mount low-light specialist with exceptional build.
$4,895
Released Dec 2020
Q3 is 2.5 years newer.
Wins
Q3
Wins
SL2-S
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AQ3 has higher ISO max (native) (100,000 vs 25,600)
- AQ3 has higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 24.6 MP)
- AQ3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- BSL2-S has higher Burst (mechanical) (8 fps vs 4 fps)
- BSL2-S has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Q3
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
SL2-S
138 × 98 × 88 mm
720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz)
Q3 is 8mm narrower and 18mm shorter than SL2-S but it is also 4mm thicker.
Q3 is 23 g heavier than SL2-S.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q3 · 88mm SL2-S
Sensor size, to scale
Q3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL2-S
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Q3: mount data unavailable
SL2-S
✓ 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
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 130, 80, 92
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 24.6 MP — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 3,690,000 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds ProRes
EVF magnification
0.79 × vs 0.78 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose
SL2-S
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
AA filter
Only SL2-S supports it
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 4 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only SL2-S supports it
In-body stabilization
Only SL2-S supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only SL2-S supports it
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.
Q3
Pros
- ✓60MP full-frame
- ✓Summilux 28mm lens
- ✓Built like a tank
- ✓Unique aesthetic
Cons
- –Fixed lens
- –Very expensive
- –No interchangeable system
SL2-S
Pros
- ✓Excellent low light
- ✓L-mount
- ✓Pro build
Cons
- –24MP
- –Heavy
- –Price
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, Q3 or SL2-S?
SL2-S scores 9.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for Q3 — 20fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the Q3 and SL2-S?
Q3 is 60.3 MP and SL2-S is 24.6 MP, so the Q3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Q3 and SL2-S have in-body image stabilization?
Q3 does not have IBIS, while sL2-S has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q3 or the SL2-S?
Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic. SL2-S reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q3 and SL2-S?
Q3 weighs 743 g and SL2-S weighs 720 g, so the SL2-S is 23 g lighter.
Do the Q3 and SL2-S record 4K video?
Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. SL2-S: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Q3 and SL2-S weather sealed?
Q3: Yes. SL2-S: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 350 shots (CIPA) for the Q3 and 640 shots for the SL2-S, giving the SL2-S the edge.
How much does each cost?
Q3 launched at $5,995 and SL2-S at $4,895. The SL2-S is $1,100 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.