Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Leica
SL3-S
Fast 24.6MP L-mount hybrid with 6K open-gate video, 30fps burst, and 5-axis stabilization.
$5,295
Launch priceReleased Jan 2025
SL3-S is 1.7 years newer.
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Wins
Q3
Wins
SL3-S
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AQ3 has higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 24.6 MP)
- BSL3-S has higher ISO max (native) (200,000 vs 100,000)
- BSL3-S has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 15 fps)
- BSL3-S has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- BSL3-S has higher Burst (mechanical) (7 fps vs 4 fps)
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-S
141 × 108 × 83 mm
768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)
Q3 is 11mm narrower and 28mm shorter than SL3-S but it is also 9mm thicker.
Q3 is 25 g lighter than SL3-S.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q3 · 83mm SL3-S
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-S
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-S
141 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Q3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL3-S
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Q3: mount data unavailable
SL3-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
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 24.6 MP — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye
Codecs
Adds ProRes
Weight
743 g vs 768 g — lower is better
EVF magnification
0.79 × vs 0.78 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose
SL3-S
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 141.2, 108, 82.7
ISO max (native)
200,000 vs 100,000 — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only SL3-S supports it
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only SL3-S supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only SL3-S supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓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
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓EVF resolution — Both 5,760,000
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-S
Pros
- ✓6K open-gate video
- ✓30fps electronic burst
- ✓24.6MP full-frame
- ✓CFexpress plus SD
Cons
- –Lower resolution than SL3
- –Large body
- –Premium price
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Q3 and SL3-S 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-S?
SL3-S scores 8.5/10 versus 5.5/10 for Q3 — 6K video for oversampled 4K.
What's the resolution difference between the Q3 and SL3-S?
Q3 is 60.3 MP and SL3-S is 24.6 MP, so the Q3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Q3 and SL3-S have in-body image stabilization?
Q3 does not have IBIS, while SL3-S has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q3 or the SL3-S?
Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic. SL3-S reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q3 and SL3-S?
Q3 weighs 743 g and SL3-S weighs 768 g, so the Q3 is 25 g lighter.
Do the Q3 and SL3-S record 4K video?
Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. SL3-S: 6K Open Gate (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the Q3 and SL3-S weather sealed?
Q3: Yes. SL3-S: Yes.
How much does each cost?
Q3 launched at $5,995 and SL3-S at $5,295. The SL3-S is $700 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Q3 vs SL3-S vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica press materials.