Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Ricoh
GR IV Monochrome
Monochrome-only GR IV with 25.74MP APS-C sensor, red filter mode, 5-axis SR, and classic 28mm pocket street-camera design.
$2,199
Launch priceReleased Jan 2026
GR IV Monochrome is 2.7 years newer.
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Wins
Q3
Wins
GR IV Monochrome
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BGR IV Monochrome has higher ISO max (native) (409,600 vs 100,000)
- AQ3 has higher Burst (electronic) (15 fps vs 4 fps)
- AQ3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 160)
- BGR IV Monochrome has lower Weight (262 g vs 743 g)
- AQ3 has higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 25.74 MP)
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
GR IV Monochrome
109 × 61 × 33 mm
262 g (0.58 lb / 9.24 oz)
Q3 is 21mm wider, 19mm taller, and 59mm thicker than GR IV Monochrome.
Q3 is 481 g heavier than GR IV Monochrome.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q3 · 33mm GR IV Monochrome
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Q3
130 × 80 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
GR IV Monochrome
109 × 61 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
GR IV Monochrome
109 × 33 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Q3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
GR IV Monochrome
23.3 × 15.5 mm · APS-C
361 mm² area
2.4× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
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
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264, ProRes
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 130, 80, 92
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
Burst (electronic)
15 fps vs 4 fps — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 160 — lower is better
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 25.74 MP — higher is better
Animal / bird AF
Only Q3 supports it
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal
Reasons to choose
GR IV Monochrome
Codecs
Adds MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 109.4, 61.1, 32.7
Card types
Adds microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC UHS-I
ISO max (native)
409,600 vs 100,000 — higher is better
Weight
262 g vs 743 g — lower is better
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only GR IV Monochrome supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 4 fps
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
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
GR IV Monochrome
Pros
- ✓Monochrome APS-C sensor
- ✓ISO 160-409600
- ✓5-axis SR
- ✓Red filter mode
Cons
- –Black-and-white only
- –Fixed lens
- –Full HD video only
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Q3 and GR IV Monochrome at major authorized retailers.
Ricoh GR IV Monochrome
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, Q3 or GR IV Monochrome?
Q3 scores 8.0/10 versus 2.5/10 for GR IV Monochrome — 60.3MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the Q3 and GR IV Monochrome?
Q3 is 60.3 MP and GR IV Monochrome is 25.74 MP, so the Q3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Q3 and GR IV Monochrome have in-body image stabilization?
Q3 does not have IBIS, while GR IV Monochrome has in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q3 or the GR IV Monochrome?
Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic. GR IV Monochrome reaches 4 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q3 and GR IV Monochrome?
Q3 weighs 743 g and GR IV Monochrome weighs 262 g, so the GR IV Monochrome is 481 g lighter.
Do the Q3 and GR IV Monochrome record 4K video?
Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. GR IV Monochrome: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Q3 and GR IV Monochrome weather sealed?
Q3: Yes. GR IV Monochrome: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 350 shots (CIPA) for the Q3 and 250 shots for the GR IV Monochrome, giving the Q3 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Q3 launched at $5,995 and GR IV Monochrome at $2,199. The GR IV Monochrome is $3,796 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Q3 vs GR IV Monochrome vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica and Ricoh press materials.