Leica’s name has become well-known among smartphone enthusiasts circles for its involvement with brands like Huawei and Xiaomi. However, the brand goes beyond it as a global manufacturer of high-end cameras and lenses, as well as fine-tuned mechanical instruments and other high-tech devices for imaging. If you’re a photography enthusiast, the company has a wide portfolio of professional cameras for the best imaging experience. Now, they have introduced the latest addition to the lineup – the Leica Q3 – which features 8K video-recording capabilities and more.
Leica Q3 – Meet the company’s new fixed focal length camera
The Leica Q3 is the third iteration of the brand’s Q fixed focal length camera series. It features an all-new 60 MP BSI Imaging sensor, 8K video recording capabilities, improved AF as well as a redesigned EVF and LCD display.
To recap the story of this series, the Leica Q camera system first debuted in 2015, and the Leica Q2 was introduced in 2019. With the release of the Leica Q3 in 2023, we can basically say that there is a four-year interval between each update. The third generation comes with a fixed Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH lens, and many improvements under the hood.
60 MP camera with Summilux quality
The 60.MP’s backside-illuminated CMOS sensor comes with an all-new Maestro IV image processor with L² technology. This technology combines the strength of two imaging brands, Leica and Lumix, the L² is a symbol of the combined work and technologies. Now, users will be able to experience the results of this jointly-venture with the Leica Q3. The combination allows users to capture 60, 36, or 18 MP shots in either DNG or JPEG format while exploiting the full sensor area.
When it comes to video recording formats, the new Leica Q3 offers a wide list of formats. You can record in 4K 4:2:0 10-bit H.265, 10-bit 4:2:2 up to 4K@60fps, and Full HD at 120fps as well as ProRes 422 HQ capture. For more details on the list of video recording formats, you can refer to this link.
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Digging into the Summilux 28mm lens
The Leica Q3 comes with a Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. That is a camera lens manufactured by Leica. It is popularly known thanks to Leica’s M-series rangefinder cameras, which are known for their precision and image quality. The “ASPH” in the lens name stands for “aspherical.” Aspherical lens elements are designed to reduce various optical aberrations, such as distortion and spherical aberration. Overall, the Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens is a versatile and high-performance lens that offers excellent image quality, low-light capabilities, and a wide maximum aperture. It is a popular choice among photographers who value the Leica system and desire exceptional optical performance for wide-angle photography.
The optical design has 11 elements split into 9 groups and includes 3 aspherical surfaces. The lens features an OIS system and can focus as close as 17cm/6.7″ in Macro Mode. It’s also possible to overcome some of the limits imposed by the fixed lens. You can use the Digital Zoom feature! With that, you can turn the 28mm into a 35, 50, 75, and 90-mm lens.
Build and Other Hardware details
The Leica Q3 comes with an improved hybrid autofocus system that combines contrast AF and Depth from Defocus (DPD) tech with Phase Detection AF and intelligent subject recognition. According to Leica, the system allows the user to click track and focus on faces, eyes, people, and even animals.
The Leica Q3 boasts a stylish retro design. Additionally, the camera is both sleek and durable, with an IP52 rating for dust and water sprays. With that, you may be able to capture some shots on light rainy days if you’re fast enough. The camera comes with a 5.76 MP OLED viewfinder and a tiltable 3-inch 1.84m-Dot touchscreen display.
The exact dimensions of the camera are 130 x 80,3 x 92.6 mm in size. The weight is approximately 743 grams. The camera comes with a BC-SCL6 lithium-ion 2,200 mAh battery. It supports wireless charging via the optional Leica Charging Pad and HG-DC1 wireless charging handgrip. Of course, you can still charge it using a cable via the USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 1 port. It can also be used for file transfer from the camera to an iPhone/iPad via a dedicated cable.
Other connectivity features include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s possible to send photos and videos wirelessly to your smart device using the Leica FOTOS app.
Pricing and Availability
This camera certainly is not for amateurs, and don’t get me wrong. The regular user that is not into professional photography will see no reason for buying this. The price of $5,995 is not a joke for those who are not professionals.
There is also a set of accessories for the Leica Q3. These include leather protectors, lens caps, retro-look lens hoods, and more. You can find more details on Leica’s website.
