Leica Q3 43 Review
We've aggregated 24 high-signal reviews and 1 live retailer price below.
Our editorial take on the Leica Q3 43
The Leica Q3 43 is a high-end fixed-lens full-frame compact built around a newly developed 43mm f/2 APO-Summicron lens paired with a 60-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor. Reviewers consistently praise the lens as the standout feature, with optical performance that is properly sharp even wide open, APO-corrected for clean color and minimal fringing, and delivering a natural perspective that feels nostalgic and versatile for both street work and commercial use. The build quality, manual focus control, autofocus speed, and overall image sharpness earn high marks across the board. Video specs are robust (8K30, 4K60, 10-bit internal), and the IP52 weather sealing adds practical durability.
The consensus is that this is an exceptionally capable camera, but the nearly $8,000 price and fixed-lens format create significant friction. Several reviewers love the results but can't recommend it broadly due to cost, and at least one returned the camera despite appreciating its qualities. The 43mm focal length won't suit everyone, and the single SD card slot, modest battery life, and weight (772g) are noted drawbacks. The Q3 43 is a niche proposition that delivers stunning image quality and a refined shooting experience, but only for those who know they want this specific lens and are willing to pay the premium.
- Newly developed 43mm f/2 APO lens is exceptionally sharp wide open with minimal aberrations
- 60-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers stunning image quality
- Solid build quality with IP52 weather sealing and excellent manual focus control
- Fast and reliable autofocus performance
- Comprehensive video specs including 8K30 and 4K60 with 10-bit internal recording
- Nearly $8,000 price tag is prohibitively expensive for a fixed-lens camera
- Single SD card slot offers no redundancy for critical shoots
- Battery life of approximately 350 shots is modest for extended use
- 772g weight is hefty for a compact camera
Synthesized by Geared editors from aggregated expert reviews.
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Leica has just unleashed a mass wave of firmware updates for many of its cameras, including the SL2, SL2-S, Q3, M11, M11 Monochrom, and M11-P.
Is this the Q update that you have always wanted?
Leica has taken a page from Ricoh’s book and made a version of the much-loved Q3 with a newly developed, longer focal length 43mm f/2 APO-Summicron lens, and it brings me right back to a nostalgic place and time when I would wander the streets with nothing but a fixed 50mm.
I didn’t find the Q3 super compelling in comparison to my personal Q2... But the Q3 43 and its new lens may offer something special and unique enough to make futzing with those drawbacks worthwhile.
The Q3 is designed as a compact, single-lens solution for high-resolution stills and video. It maintains the minimalist interface of the Q series while adding faster AF, stronger connectivity, and higher efficiency battery management for travel and everyday shooting.
My honest review of the Leica Q3 43 Digital Camera
The RX1R III is an incredible camera, capable of capturing stunning photos. However, for something Sony waited nearly a decade to update and is charging $5,100 for, it also feels like a missed opportunity.
This page collects articles and discussions related to the Leica Q3 43 digital camera, including comparisons with other cameras like the Sony RX1R III.
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Specs
- Usb
- USB-C 3.1 Gen 2
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) / Bluetooth 5.0
- Card Slot
- Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
- Battery
- 1x BP-SCL6 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2200 mAh
- Waterproof
- IP52-rated
- Battery Life
- Approx. 350 Shots
- Weight Grams
- 772 g (With Battery)
- Dimensions Mm
- 130 x 80.3 x 97.6 mm
- Aperture Range
- f/2 to f/16
- Focal Length Equiv
- 43mm
- Min Focus Distance
- 10.4 inches
- Bit Depth
- 10-Bit
- Max Frame Rate 4k
- 60 fps
- Max Frame Rate Hd
- 120 fps
- Max Video Bitrate
- 600 Mb/s
- Max Video Resolution
- 8192 x 4320
- Color
- Black / Grey leatherette
- Digital Zoom
- 3.5x Maximum
- Evf Resolution
- 5,760,000 Dot
- Continuous Shooting
- Up to 15 fps
- Video Output Bit Depth
- 8-Bit (External) / 10-Bit (Internal)
- Sensor Size
- Full-Frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm)
- Sensor Type
- CMOS
- Effective Megapixels
- 60.3 Megapixel
- Rear Screen
- Tilting 3" 1.84m-dot LCD
- Touchscreen
- Yes
- Launch Price Usd
- 7,950.00
- Stabilization
- Optical in Integrated Lens
Where to buy
Live prices from retailers. We earn a small commission when you click through - never affects ranking.
- Adoramanew● In stockBest price$7,950Buy
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