Leica Q3 Monochrom Digital Camera

Monochrome Sensor

The Leica Q3 Monochrom is closely based on the standard Q3, maintaining many of the technical elements of the Q3 system but the 60P full-frame sensor has been engineered without a colour filter array or low-pass filter. This results in exclusively black-and-white images as well as providing greater dynamic range, sharpness and detail, as well as a softer tonal feel. In addition to this, because there are no colour filters, this allows each pixel to receive more light and therefore the Q3 Monochrom provides significantly better low-light performance, offering cleaner images with less noise.

The Q3 Monochrom has also had a monochrome make-over, exhibiting a clean matte black finish with grey and white engravings on the top plate and body. The Leica red dot has also been removed, which, alongside the monochrome make-over, provides a sleeker and more discreet finish to the camera.

Aspire for More

At first glance, the Q3 Monochrom is a classic minimalist masterpiece, boasting a signature nostalgic Leica aesthetic in a compact and lightweight body. However, turn to the specs, and the Q3 is anything but minimalist. This third-generation camera in the popular Leica Q series combines the Maestro IV processor with a triple-resolution sensor (60|36|18 MP) to deliver exceptional imaging quality for high-end photo and video production.

Thanks to the its outstanding 60MP maximum resolution, images are super sharp and detail-rich, even when zoomed in or used with wider apertures. With more pixels than its predecessor, the Q3 Monochrom makes excellent use of the digital frame selector, which simulates 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, & 90mm focal lengths. Users can crop their images to 90mm while maintaining 6MP resolution, bringing you closer to your subjects than any previous model.

Autofocus Performance

Considering the Q3’s higher resolution, Leica is a step ahead with an upgraded autofocus (AF) performance capable of tackling camera shake and focusing errors common with less forgiving resolutions. The Q3 Monochrom boasts an upgraded Hybrid-AF system that combines contrast metering, depth mapping, and phase comparison metering with AF metering points in the sensor. With the introduction of phase detection, it embodies the best of both worlds - granting users added AF precision and offering a quick response when tracking fast-moving subjects.

This intricate system covers 315 autofocus metering fields and benefits from Spot, Field, Multi-Field, Zone, Eye/Face/Body Detection, Eye/Face/Body + Animal Detection, and Tracking AF options for total focusing control. With manual settings, the Q3 also provides optional magnifying glass (Auto Magnification) and edge marking (Focus Peaking) focus assist functions, helping users get the exact results they’re looking for. This added level of support is reinforced by burst shooting support up to 10 fps (mechanical shutter) or 15 fps (electronic shutter), so users never miss the all-important shot at the height of the action.

Industry Leading Video

Leica hits the ball out of the park with their most outstanding video performance in a compact camera to date. Facilitated by the Maestro IV processor, the Leica Q3 Monochrom can record 8K video at up to 30 fps, 4K at 60 fps, or FHD at 120 fps. With 8K video and image stabilisation compensation, results are sharper and more detailed, looking right at home on the big screen. This arsenal of video features makes the Q3 a serious contender for professional videographers, filmmakers, and even cinematographers.

Leica Summilux 28mm f1.7 ASPH Fixed Lens

The Q3 Monochrom comes equipped with a Summilux 28mm f1.7 ASPH Fixed Lens in line with the existing Q series models. This lens benefits from an advanced optical structure featuring 11 glass elements in 9 groups, including 3 aspherical elements. This structure provides pin-sharp images from corner to corner, with the aspherical elements dramatically reducing the appearance of chromatic aberrations. As a 28mm lens, this wider focal length lends itself to street, architecture or portrait photography. Its maximum f1.7 aperture provides greater control of depth of field, allowing users to easily separate their subject from the background with soft yet richly informative bokeh and shoot effectively even in low-light situations.

This lens also benefits from a 30cm standard minimum focusing distance, enabling users to get closer to subjects for frame-filling results. The dedicated macro setting reduces this minimum focusing distance to 17cm. With such a close minimum focusing distance, users can create unique and original perspectives that reveal the finest details of the tiny world around us. Even at the distance of the Macro-range, this lens continues to deliver at wide-open apertures with sharply rendered results.

Optimised for Low Light

Whether capturing a cityscape or working against the sun, the Q3 Monochrom boasts a versatile dynamic range, with up to +3 EV exposure compensation in 1/3EV increments and room for editing even if the image is underexposed. The Q3’s exposure modes include Program AE mode (P), Aperture-priority mode (A), Shutter-priority mode (S), Manual (M), and various fully automated scenes (AUTO, Sport, Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, Snow/Beach, Fireworks, Candlelight, Sunset, Digiscoping). This gives users the option to put the imaging power back in the hands of the creator or to let the camera do most of the legwork for a simplified experience.

The Q3 Monochrom is an excellent investment that reduces the need for stabilisers and tripods thanks to its superb noise performance at high ISO values up to ISO 200,000. This, combined with the highly sensitive optical image stabiliser, makes motion blur and long exposures easily achievable when handheld, even in low-light environments. The result is images free from reflexes, aperture spots, and other disturbances without compromising contrast or clarity.

Take to The Streets

One of the most innovative design changes from the Q3 Monochrom is the tiltable 1,843,200 dots 3” display. This small but mighty change will be a welcome addition for street photographers using the long-favoured waist-level shooting technique. Instead of being restricted to shooting blind, the Q3 now supports users in viewing what the camera sees and monitoring what’s in the frame before snapping the shot.

Further cementing the Q3 Monochrom as the perfect camera for street photography is the improved 5.76MP 120 fps OLED viewfinder with a dedicated eye sensor for automatic switching between the viewfinder and the LCD panel. Switching only takes 0.005 seconds, ensuring users never miss a crucial moment due to lag. Thanks to its pristine, crystal-clear image of the subject, photographers will have no problem monitoring their frames in any environment.

The Leica Standard

As with all Leica cameras, the Q3 Monochrom benefits from premium German craftsmanship. Leica’s engineers use magnesium die-cast full metal housing to deliver high-quality products with maximum durability. Adding to this luxury design is a leather cover that surrounds part of the body and makes for comfortable handling. The Q3 also benefits from an IP rating of 52 and is dust- and splash-proof, so you don’t have to worry about taking your kit out on location.

Get Connected

Following on from the success of previous models, the Leica Q3 Monochrom includes a WLAN function and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for use with the dedicated Leica FOTOS app. This app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. It grants access to quick and easy file transfers from one device to another and allows you to share your content on all your favourite social media platforms. You can also change specific camera parameters from your device and remotely control your Q3's shutter release.

What's in the box?

• 1 x Leica Q3 Monochrom Digital Camera
• 1 x Leather Carrying Strap
• 1 x Leica Battery BP-SCL4
• 1 x USB-C Cable
• 1 x Lens Hood
• 1 x Lens Cap
• 1 x Accessory Shoe Cover
• 1 x Instructions