Leica Camera AG has introduced the Q3 , the third generation of the “Q” series camera, which features a Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH prime lens and a 60-megapixel back-illuminated (BSI) sensor with phase detection autofocus. The price is $5995.
Leica Q3
The new Q3 is built around a 60-megapixel sensor that offers what Leica calls triple resolution technology, which allows you to shoot at 60, 36 or 18 megapixels, saving them in DNG RAW format. At maximum resolution, the camera is excellent at capturing fine detail, Leica says, but at a slower pace. To increase speed, photographers can lower the resolution and get more images but smaller files.
The Q3 brings back the Summilux 28mm f/1.8 ASPH lens, and Leica is confident it won’t have any issues with the higher resolution. It has a built-in macro mode for close-up shots from a minimum focusing distance of 17cm and is supported by a digital zoom function that allows photographers to frame up to focal lengths of 28, 35, 50, 75, and 90mm.
The manufacturer notes the Q3’s autofocus improvements as “significant”, probably because it now includes phase sensors. Like the Lumix S5II, the Q3 uses a hybrid autofocus system that uses contrast, depth of field (DFD) and phase detection along with subject detection to allow the camera to quickly and accurately find the subject. Photographers will be able to view autofocus in action through a new 5.76 million-dot OLED viewfinder.
Leica Q3 received an inclined screen
On the back of the camera is a new high-resolution, tiltable 3-inch touchscreen that will allow photographers to shoot from multiple angles. The company assures that despite the addition of moving parts, the camera has retained its IP52 water and dust resistance certification.
A slightly unexpected addition is that the Leica Q3 can also shoot video at up to 8K (4:2:0, Long-GOP) in both H.265 and Apple ProRes. It can also shoot at lower resolutions, including 4K up to 60 fps (4:2:2, 10-bit, All-I). It should be noted that the camera does not have a microphone port, so any video recorded with the Q3 has usage restrictions. By the way, it is not very clear whether such a level of video recording is needed for a camera with fixed optics.
The camera does not have internal memory like the M11 or M11 Monochrom, so all videos must be saved to a single SD card or sent via HDMI. The USB-C port allows you to connect an external power source and shoot with Adobe Lightroom or Capture One.
Leica Q3 with optional Drop XL Wireless Charger
The Q3 supports wireless charging using the new Leica charging pad or any other Qi-compatible devices. However, the battery that powers the Q3 is different from previous models – it’s the BC-SCL6.
Key features of the Leica Q3 camera:
- 60 MP BSI CMOS sensor with triple resolution technology
- 14 stops of dynamic range
- ISO range: 50-100,000
- Integrated 28mm Summilux f/1.7 ASPH lens with digital zoom up to 90mm
- 3″ vertically tilted touchscreen with 76% higher resolution
- 5.76 megapixel OLED viewfinder
- Wireless charging via optional handle
- USB-C port for charging and tethering
- New battery with 18% more capacity
- Maestro IV processor with 8 GB of buffer memory
- Contrast and phase detection autofocus with eye, face, body and animal tracking
- 8K video output and ProRes video support
- HDMI port for connecting external recorders and playback on other screens
- Weatherproof design with IP52 certification
- Dimensions: 130 x 80.3 x 92.6 mm
- Weight with battery: 743 g
- Hand assembled in Germany
- Website
And price?
Q3, like all Leica cameras, unfortunately, can hardly be called an affordable compact, the price is impressive – $ 5995. It’s already available for pre-order.
