Upgrade Guide
Leica Q2→Leica Q3 Monochrom
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the Q2. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the Q3 Monochrom
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Resolution60MP vs 47MP (+13MP)
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StabilisationIBIS added — significant for handheld and video
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Burst rate15fps (5fps with AF per frame) vs 10fps
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Generation6 years newer (2025 vs 2019)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | Q2 | Q3 Monochrom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -1.2 | ||
| Street | +0.3 | ||
| Travel | -2.0 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -1.6 | ||
| Filmmaking | +1.5 | ||
| Documentary | +1.2 | ||
| Landscape | +1.2 | ||
| Casual | -1.1 | ||
| Food | -1.2 | ||
| Macro | +0.9 | ||
| Architecture | +1.7 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.2 | ||
| Fun & simple | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | Q2 | Q3 Monochrom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £3,750 | £5,900 | |
| Released | 2019 | 2025 | ↑ |
| Sensor | Full-frame CMOS 35mm | 60MP full-frame CMOS, monochrome (no colour filter array) | |
| Resolution | 47MP | 60MP | ↑ |
| Video | 4K 30fps, 1080p 120fps | 8K/30p, C4K/60p 10-bit, ProRes 422 HQ (FHD) | |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF with manual override | Contrast-detect AF with face, eye, body and animal (beta) detection | |
| Stabilisation | Optical IS | Digital stabilisation (Visual compensation); no IBIS or optical IS | |
| Burst Rate | 10fps | 15fps (5fps with AF per frame) | ↑ |
| Battery Life | 340 shots (CIPA) | 302 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 718g (with battery and card) | 746g (with battery) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.79× 3.68M-dot | OLED EVF, 5.76M dots, 0.79x | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed touchscreen, 1.04M-dot | 3.0" tilting touchscreen, 1.84M dots | |
| Mount | Fixed 28mm f/1.7 Summilux-C ASPH | Fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-II |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See Q2 and Q3 Monochrom next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the Q3 Monochrom against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the Q2
Related buying guides
Camera family history