Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Leica
SL3
60MP L-mount flagship with 8K video and Leica color science.
$6,995
Launch priceReleased Mar 2024
SL3 is 10 months newer.
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Wins
Q3
Wins
SL3
6 categories tied
Which would you choose?
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 has lower Weight (743 g vs 769 g)
- AQ3 has higher EVF magnification (0.79 × vs 0.78 ×)
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
SL3
141 × 108 × 85 mm
769 g (1.70 lb / 27.13 oz)
Q3 is 11mm narrower and 28mm shorter than SL3 but it is also 7mm thicker.
Q3 is 26 g lighter than SL3.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q3 · 85mm SL3
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Q3
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
130 × 92 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
SL3
141 × 85 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Q3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Q3: 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
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 (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
- ✓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
Pros
- ✓60MP full-frame
- ✓Summilux 28mm lens
- ✓Built like a tank
- ✓Unique aesthetic
Cons
- –Fixed lens
- –Very expensive
- –No interchangeable system
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 and SL3 at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, Q3 or SL3?
SL3 scores 9.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for Q3 — 8K recording for future-proof footage.
What's the resolution difference between the Q3 and SL3?
Both cameras share the same 60.3 MP resolution.
Do the Q3 and SL3 have in-body image stabilization?
Q3 does not have IBIS, while SL3 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q3 or the SL3?
Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic. SL3 reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q3 and SL3?
Q3 weighs 743 g and SL3 weighs 769 g, so the Q3 is 26 g lighter.
Do the Q3 and SL3 record 4K video?
Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. SL3: 8K / C8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the Q3 and SL3 weather sealed?
Q3: Yes. SL3: Yes.
How much does each cost?
Q3 launched at $5,995 and SL3 at $6,995. The Q3 is $1,000 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Q3 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.