Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Sony
ZV-1
The original Sony vlogging compact with a 1-inch stacked sensor, 24–70mm f/1.8–2.8 ZEISS lens, Real-time Eye AF, and side-flip screen.
$749
Launch priceReleased May 2020
Q3 is 3 years newer.
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Wins
Q3
Wins
ZV-1
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AQ3 has higher ISO max (native) (100,000 vs 12,800)
- BZV-1 has higher Burst (mechanical) (24 fps vs 4 fps)
- AQ3 has higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 20.1 MP)
- BZV-1 has lower Weight (294 g vs 743 g)
- AQ3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 125)
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
ZV-1
106 × 60 × 44 mm
294 g (0.65 lb / 10.37 oz)
Q3 is 25mm wider, 20mm taller, and 49mm thicker than ZV-1.
Q3 is 449 g heavier than ZV-1.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q3 · 44mm ZV-1
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Q3
130 × 80 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
ZV-1
106 × 60 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
ZV-1
106 × 44 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Q3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
ZV-1
13.2 × 8.8 mm · 1″
116 mm² area
7.4× 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
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 12,800 — higher is better
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 20.1 MP — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 125 — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye
4K max frame rate
60 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
ZV-1
Codecs
Adds XAVC S, AVCHD
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 105.5, 60, 43.5
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I, Memory Stick Duo
Burst (mechanical)
24 fps vs 4 fps — higher is better
Weight
294 g vs 743 g — lower is better
AA filter
Only ZV-1 supports it
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only ZV-1 supports it
Burst (electronic)
24 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
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
ZV-1
Pros
- ✓1-inch stacked Exmor RS sensor with DRAM
- ✓24–70mm f/1.8–2.8 ZEISS zoom
- ✓Real-time Eye AF and Product Showcase
- ✓Side vari-angle LCD for vlogging
- ✓4K oversampled video and HFR slow-mo
Cons
- –Fixed 24–70mm zoom (no telephoto reach)
- –No built-in ND filter (unlike ZV-1 II)
- –No EVF
- –Short battery life for long shoots
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Q3 and ZV-1 at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, Q3 or ZV-1?
Q3 scores 8.0/10 versus 0.0/10 for ZV-1 — 60.3MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the Q3 and ZV-1?
Q3 is 60.3 MP and ZV-1 is 20.1 MP, so the Q3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the Q3 and ZV-1?
Q3 does not have IBIS, while ZV-1 uses Optical SteadyShot + Active electronic (electronic).
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q3 or the ZV-1?
Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic. ZV-1 reaches 24 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q3 and ZV-1?
Q3 weighs 743 g and ZV-1 weighs 294 g, so the ZV-1 is 449 g lighter.
Do the Q3 and ZV-1 record 4K video?
Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. ZV-1: 4K up to 30p.
Are the Q3 and ZV-1 weather sealed?
Q3: Yes. ZV-1: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 350 shots (CIPA) for the Q3 and 260 shots for the ZV-1, giving the Q3 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Q3 launched at $5,995 and ZV-1 at $749. The ZV-1 is $5,246 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Q3 vs ZV-1 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica and Sony press materials.