Leica Q3 Digital Camera | Black Paint Finish

The Leica Q3 is a powerful and portable camera that seamlessly blends classic aesthetics with contemporary features, showcasing a timeless design alongside a range of innovative technologies. As the third iteration in the Q series, the Q3 retains the fixed focal length full-frame configuration established by its predecessors, the Q and Q2, while enhancing its capabilities with a 60MP sensor, an advanced hybrid autofocus system, 8K video recording, and updated electronic viewfinder and LCD designs.

60MP BSI CMOS Sensor

The Q3, derived from the M11, incorporates the same 60MP full-frame CMOS sensor found in the flagship rangefinder camera. This advanced sensor features a back-illuminated (BSI) architecture that enhances noise performance and accelerates readout speeds, benefiting both photography and videography. Its high resolution is particularly advantageous for detail-centric applications, such as landscape and architectural photography, while the noise-reduction capabilities of the BSI design enhance clarity and color fidelity in low-light situations with elevated ISO settings.

Additionally, the 60MP sensor's increased resolution facilitates distinctive digital zoom functionalities that mimic the effects of various focal length lenses: a 1.25x crop emulates a 35mm focal length, a 1.8x crop represents a 50mm focal length, a 2.7x crop corresponds to a 75mm focal length, and a 3.2x crop simulates a 90mm focal length.

Triple Resolution Technology

A new technology from the M11 is making its debut in the Q model, featuring a 60MP sensor that supports Triple Resolution Technology. This innovative pixel binning technique allows photographers to choose between 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP outputs, utilizing the entire sensor area for each resolution. This results in vibrant 14-bit color and an impressive 14-stop dynamic range.

Maestro IV Processor

Crossing over the M11, the Q3 unveils a new era of processing capabilities with the Maestro IV. This advanced processor, paired with 8GB of buffer memory, is designed for multimedia applications, ensuring rapid performance for both still photography and video recording. The enhanced processing power also optimizes the use of Triple Resolution Technology, expands the sensitivity range from ISO 50 to 100,000, supports continuous shooting at an impressive 15 frames per second, and ensures seamless functionality with the electronic viewfinder and LCD.

Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens

Building on the successful design of previous models, the Q3 features the Summilux 28mm f/1.7 wide-angle prime lens, which offers an expansive field of view and rapid performance, making it ideal for various environments and lighting situations. This lens, specifically engineered for the Q series, boasts an optical design optimized for exceptional sharpness and minimal distortion, all within a compact and functional form that allows for discreet operation. It also provides ample space for tactile adjustments to focus and aperture, as well as a dedicated macro focusing range for capturing subjects as close as 6.7 inches. Furthermore, the inclusion of optical image stabilization mitigates the impact of camera shake, resulting in sharper images during handheld shooting.

Hybrid Autofocus and Subject Tracking

Utilizing advanced processing capabilities and a redesigned sensor, a significant enhancement in the Q3 is the introduction of a hybrid autofocus system. This system combines phase-detection focusing with contrast-detection and depth from defocus (DFD) autofocus, resulting in quicker and more precise focusing, particularly beneficial for capturing moving subjects or operating in varied lighting environments. Furthermore, the integration of phase-detection focusing facilitates an intelligent subject recognition feature that can identify and track eyes, faces, bodies, and animals within the frame.

8K Video and ProRes Recording

The Q3 stands out as a versatile multimedia camera, particularly excelling in video recording while also delivering outstanding still image quality. It supports DCI 8K recording at 30 frames per second with 4:2:0 10-bit color for internal captures, and 8-bit color for external recordings via the micro-HDMI port. Additionally, 4K recording is available at up to 60 frames per second with 4:2:2 10-bit color, allowing for both internal and external recording options. For Full HD, the frame rate can reach 120 frames per second for slow-motion effects, and all resolutions support a genuine 24 frames per second for a cinematic feel. The camera also allows for internal ProRes 422 HQ recording at Full HD resolution with frame rates up to 60 frames per second. With micro-HDMI and USB-C ports, users can easily connect various accessories such as external recorders, gimbals, and power banks, enhancing the Q3's utility for video production.

Updated EVF and New Tilting LCD

The Q3 has seen significant physical enhancements, notably an upgraded electronic viewfinder and a redesigned rear LCD. The 5.76 million-dot OLED EVF provides a high-resolution, eye-level option for composing images, boasting a refresh rate of 120 fps for more lifelike motion depiction. This viewfinder features a magnification of 0.79x, an adjustable diopter, and an eye sensor that automatically switches between the EVF and LCD. Additionally, the Q3 introduces a tilting LCD for the first time in the Q series, allowing it to tilt both upward and downward, accommodating various shooting angles. This 3-inch, 1.84 million-dot LCD also functions as a touchscreen, enabling more intuitive control over settings.

Portable, Weather-Sealed Design

The Q3 is designed as a compact camera for everyday photography, maintaining a design similar to its predecessors while incorporating significant enhancements for better usability. It features a new, higher-capacity BP-SCL6 lithium-ion battery, which offers up to 350 shots per charge and retains the same physical design as the previous BP-SCL4, making it compatible with this model. The magnesium alloy body is engineered to be dust and moisture resistant (IP52-rated), allowing for operation in challenging environments. Additionally, the updated USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port supports data transfer, tethering, power delivery, and in-camera battery charging. The Q3 is also certified as Made for iPhone, enabling a direct wired connection to an iPhone. A micro-HDMI port is included for connecting to external monitors and recorders, as well as for previewing footage on a television. The camera accepts one SD-type memory card and is compatible with the UHS II protocol.

Expanded Connectivity and Wireless Charging Accessories

Enhanced wireless connectivity, featuring both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi along with Bluetooth 5.0, allows for wireless transfer speeds that are up to 10 times faster than the previous model. Users can now achieve transfer speeds of up to 35MB/s, facilitating the transfer of a full-resolution DNG file from the camera to a mobile device in just 2 seconds. The upgraded Leica FOTOS app also allows users to transfer new Leica Looks to their camera, including options such as Contemporary, Classic, Blue, Selenium, Sepia, and others. Additionally, the FOTOS app provides the capability to incorporate GPS data into your files by utilizing location information from your mobile device. 

When used with the optional HG-DC1 Wireless Charging Handgrip, the Q3 is compatible with wireless battery charging through Qi-compatible charging pads, such as the Drop XL Wireless Charger.