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.
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.
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.
