Powerful and portable, the Leica Q3 mixes both classic and modern with a timeless design and a bevy of new-to-Q technologies. The third generation in Q cameras, the Q3 uses the same fixed focal length full-frame design proven in the Q and Q2 cameras but ups the performance with a 60MP sensor, a new hybrid AF system, 8K video recording, and revised EVF and LCD designs.
60MP BSI CMOS Sensor
Taken from the M11, the Q3 features the same 60MP full-frame CMOS sensor as the flagship rangefinder camera. This high-resolution 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 1.25x crop simulates a 35mm focal length, a 1.8x crop simulates a 50mm focal length, a 2.7x crop simulates a 75mm focal length, and a 3.2x crop simulates a 90mm focal length.
The added resolution of the 60MP sensor also enables unique digital zoom capabilities to simulate working with different focal length lenses: a 1.25x crop simulates a 35mm focal length, a 1.8x crop simulates a 50mm focal length, a 2.7x crop simulates a 75mm focal length, and a 3.2x crop simulates a 90mm focal length.
Triple Resolution Technology
Another technology from the M11 now debuting in a Q, this 60MP sensor 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
Jumping past the M11, the Q3 introduces a new generation of processing with the Maestro IV. This processor, along with 8GB of buffer memory, suits the more multimedia-intended use of the Q3 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.
Summilux Optics
Using the proven design from the past Qs, the Q3 inherits the Summilux 28mm f/1.7 wide-angle prime lens that provides a broad field of view and fast performance to suit working in a variety of environments and lighting conditions. As a lens designed specifically for the Q cameras, the optical design has been refined for high sharpness and low distortion along with a compact, functional profile that's discreet while providing room to make tactile adjustments to focus, aperture, and to switch to the dedicated macro focusing range for working with subjects as close as 6.7" away. Additionally, optical image stabilization helps to compensate for the effects of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting.
Hybrid Autofocus and Subject Tracking
Leveraging the powerful processing and updated sensor design, one of the key upgrades in the Q3 is the inclusion of 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, the Q3 is 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 as a tool for video creators.
Imaging
| Sensor Resolution | Actual: 62.39 Megapixel Effective: 60.3 Megapixel (9520 x 6336) |
| Image Sensor | 35.8 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS |
| Image Stabilization | Optical in Integrated Lens |
Lens
| Focal Length | 28mm |
| Digital Zoom | 3.2x Maximum |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.7 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Focus Range | Normal 11.8" to Infinity / 30 cm to Infinity Macro 6.7" to Infinity / 17 cm to Infinity |
| Optical Design | 11 Elements in 9 Groups |
| Filter Size | 49 mm (Front) |
Exposure Control
| Shutter Speed | Mechanical Shutter 1/2000 to 120 Seconds Electronic Shutter 1/16000 to 1 Second |
| ISO Sensitivity | 50 to 100,000 in Manual Mode 100 to 100,000 in Auto Mode |
| Metering Method | Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multi, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
| Exposure Compensation | -3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps) |
| White Balance | 2000 to 11,500K Presets: Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Manual, Shade, Tungsten |
| Continuous Shooting | Electronic Shutter Up to 15 fps at 60.3 MP for up to 63 Frames (Raw) / 67 Frames (JPEG) Mechanical Shutter Up to 9 fps at 60.3 MP for up to 70 Frames (Raw) / 76 Frames (JPEG) Up to 7 fps at 60.3 MP for up to 74 Frames (Raw) / 83 Frames (JPEG) Up to 4 fps at 60.3 MP for up to 83 Frames (Raw) / 104 Frames (JPEG) Up to 2 fps at 60.3 MP for up to 164 Frames (Raw) / 947 Frames (JPEG) |
| Interval Recording | Yes |
| Self-Timer | 2/12-Second Delay |
| Special Options | Beach, Fireworks, Landscape, Night Portrait, Party/Indoor, Portrait, Snow, Sports, Sunset |
Still Image Capture
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 |
| Image File Format | DNG, JPEG |
| Bit Depth | 14-Bit |
Video Capture
| Internal Recording Modes | H.265 Long GOP/MOV 4:2:0 10-Bit DCI 8K (8192 x 4320) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [300 Mb/s] UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [300 Mb/s] 1920 x 1080 at 100/120 fps [100 Mb/s] H.264 ALL-Intra/MOV 4:2:2 10-Bit DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/47.95/48.00/50/59.94 fps [400 to 600 Mb/s] UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/47.95/48.00/50/59.94 fps [400 to 600 Mb/s] ProRes 422 HQ 1920 x 1080 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [181 to 454 Mb/s] H.265 Long GOP/MP4 4:2:0 10-Bit UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [300 Mb/s] UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 50/59.94 fps [100 Mb/s] H.264 Long GOP/MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [100 Mb/s] 1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [20 to 28 Mb/s] |
| External Recording Modes | 4:2:0 8-Bit via HDMI DCI 8K (8192 x 4320) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps 4:2:2 10-Bit via HDMI DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps |
| Recording Limit | Up to 30 Minutes |
| Broadcast Output | NTSC/PAL |
| IP Streaming | None |
| Built-In Microphone Type | Stereo |
| Audio Recording | 48-Bit 16 kHz AAC Audio 28-Bit 24 kHz LPCM Audio |
Interface
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) |
| Internal Memory | None |
| Video I/O | 1 x Micro-HDMI Output |
| Audio I/O | None |
| Power I/O | 1 x USB-C Input |
| Other I/O | 1 x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 2) Input/Output (Shared with Power Input) |
| Wireless | 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Mobile App Compatible | Yes: Android & iOS App Name: Leica FOTOS Functionality: Access Stored Files, Adjust Settings, Firmware Update, Remote Control, View Live Feed *As of May, 2023: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility |
| Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.) | None |
Monitor
| Size | 3" |
| Resolution | 1,843,200 Dot |
| Display Type | Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
Viewfinder
| Type | Built-In Electronic (OLED) |
| Resolution | 5,760,000 Dot |
| Coverage | 100% |
| Magnification | Approx. 0.79x |
| Diopter Adjustment | -4 to +2 |
Flash
| Built-In Flash | No |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
Environmental
| Environmental Protection | Advertised as Weather Resistant *Manufacturer Testing: IP52 |
| Operating Temperature | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C |
General
| Battery Type | 1 x BP-SCL6 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2200 mAh (Approx. 350 Shots) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.1 x 3.2 x 3.6" / 130 x 80.3 x 92.6 mm (With Protrusions) |
| Weight | 1.6 lb / 743 g (With Battery) 1.4 lb / 658 g (Body Only) |
