A first for the Q series, the Leica Q3 43 is the same powerful and portable camera but now touts a longer APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. lens. Built for those looking for more reach rather than a wider field of view, this sibling of the original Q3 is better positioned for portrait photographers and everyday shooters looking for a narrower,
Q3 43: New Focal Length, Same Q3 Performance
A first for the Q series, the Leica Q3 43 is the same powerful and portable camera but now touts a longer APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. lens. Built for those looking for more reach rather than a wider field of view, this sibling of the original Q3 is better positioned for portrait photographers and everyday shooters looking for a narrower, more natural perspective compared to the 28mm lens of the original.
Beyond the lens and some aesthetic differences on the camera body, the Q3 43 remains functionally the same as the Q3: it includes the high-performance 60MP full-frame sensor, hybrid AF system, 8K video recording, and refined handling design that made the original Q3 version a versatile all-in-one choice for a variety of shooting needs.
Beyond the lens and some aesthetic differences on the camera body, the Q3 43 remains functionally the same as the Q3: it includes the high-performance 60MP full-frame sensor, hybrid AF system, 8K video recording, and refined handling design that made the original Q3 version a versatile all-in-one choice for a variety of shooting needs.
60MP BSI CMOS Sensor
Taken from the M11 and original Q3, the Q3 43 features the same high-resolution 60MP full-frame CMOS sensor. This sensor features a back-illuminated (BSI) design that offers improved noise performance and faster readout speeds, which benefits both photo and video applications. The higher resolution suits more detail-oriented applications, like landscape and architectural subjects, and the noise-reduction benefits of the BSI design improves clarity and color accuracy when working in low-light conditions with higher ISOs.
The added resolution of the 60MP sensor also enables unique digital zoom capabilities to simulate working with different focal length lenses: a 1.4x crop simulates a 60mm focal length, a 1.7x crop simulates a 75mm focal length, a 2x crop simulates a 90mm focal length, a 2.8x crop simulates a 120mm lens, and a 3.5x crop simulates a 150mm focal length.
The added resolution of the 60MP sensor also enables unique digital zoom capabilities to simulate working with different focal length lenses: a 1.4x crop simulates a 60mm focal length, a 1.7x crop simulates a 75mm focal length, a 2x crop simulates a 90mm focal length, a 2.8x crop simulates a 120mm lens, and a 3.5x crop simulates a 150mm focal length.
Triple Resolution Technology
Also like the M11 and Q3, the 60MP sensor in the Q3 43 enables the use of Triple Resolution Technology. This unique pixel binning process allows photographers to select 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP output, with each resolution making use of the full sensor area and providing rich 14-bit color and a 14-stop dynamic range.
Maestro IV
The Maestro IV processor, along with 8GB of buffer memory, suits the multimedia-intended use of the Q3 43 and enables speedy performance when shooting stills or recording video. The faster processing also benefits using Triple Resolution Technology, helps achieve a wider sensitivity range from ISO 50-100000, allows continuous shooting up to an impressive 15 fps, and facilitates smooth operation when working with the EVF and LCD.
43mm: A New Perspective
The Q3 43 is the first Q-series camera to feature this unique focal length, which approximates the field of view of the human eye for a very realistic, distortion-free, and natural perspective compared to wider or longer focal lengths. This versatile focal length is well-suited to everything from landscapes to portraits to street subjects and, like its sister model, the Q3, also includes a dedicated Macro position for close-up shooting down to 10.4" away.
Apochromatic Optical Design
Beyond the unique focal length, Leica also took the opportunity to create a new APO lens. This APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. has an apochromatically corrected design that yields extremely high color accuracy that is void of fringing or other color aberrations. The lens design also includes aspherical elements for high sharpness, low distortion, and high contrast. It's a well-corrected lens offering a very usable combination of a versatile focal length, bright f/2 maximum aperture, impressive color rendering, and high sharpness.
Hybrid Autofocus and Subject Tracking
Leveraging the powerful processing and updated sensor design, the Q3 43 sports a hybrid AF system that utilizes phase-detection focusing along with contrast-detection and depth from defocus (DFD) AF for faster, more accurate focusing when working with moving subjects or in mixed lighting conditions. The addition of phase-detection focusing also enables an intelligent subject recognition system that can detect and track eyes, faces, bodies, and animals in the frame.
8K Video and ProRes Recording
With more attention given to video recording Like the original Q3, a lot of design attention has been given to the video performance of the Q3 43; it's a well-rounded multimedia camera with video performance that rivals the exceptional stills capabilities.
- DCI 8K recording is supported at up to 30p with 4:2:0 10-bit color when recording internally or at 8-bit when recording externally via the micro-HDMI port.
- 4K recording is also possible, with 4:2:2 10-bit color, at up to 60p with support for recording internally or externally. When shooting Full HD, the frame rate can be pushed to 120p for slow motion playback and all resolutions also support a true 24p frame rate for cinematic rendering.
- ProRes 422 HQ recording can be done internally with a Full HD resolution at frame rates up to 60p.
- Micro-HDMI and USB-C ports provide greater access to accessories like external recorders, gimbals, power banks, and more to benefit using the Q3 43 as a tool for video creators.
- The Q3 43 is also introducing the ability to work with RODE external microphones via USB-C connection for improved audio quality while recording video.
Imaging
| Sensor Resolution | |
| Image Sensor | |
| Image Stabilization |
Lens
| Focal Length | |
| Digital Zoom | |
| Maximum Aperture | |
| Minimum Aperture | |
| Focus Range | |
| Optical Design | |
| Filter Size |
Exposure Control
| Shutter Speed | |
| Bulb/Time Mode | |
| ISO Sensitivity Range | |
| Metering Method | |
| Exposure Modes | |
| Exposure Compensation | |
| White Balance | |
| Continuous Shooting | |
| Interval Recording | |
| Self-Timer | |
| Special Options |
Still Image Capture
| Aspect Ratio | |
| Image File Format | |
| Bit Depth |
Video Capture
| Internal Recording Modes | |
| External Recording Modes | |
| Recording Limit | |
| Broadcast Output | |
| IP Streaming | |
| Built-In Microphone | |
| Audio Recording |
Interface
| Media/Memory Card Slot | |
| Internal Memory | |
| Video I/O | |
| Audio I/O | |
| Power I/O | |
| Other I/O | |
| Wireless | |
| Mobile App Compatible | |
| Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.) |
Monitor
| Display Size | |
| Resolution | |
| Display Type |
Viewfinder
| Type | |
| Resolution | |
| Coverage | |
| Magnification | |
| Diopter Adjustment |
Flash
| Built-In Flash/Light | |
| External Flash Connection |
General
| Operating Conditions | |
| Battery Type | |
| Shoe Mount | |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | |
| Weight |
