Upgrade Guide
Leica Q2→Leica Leica SL3-S
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 Leica SL3-S
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StabilisationIBIS added — significant for handheld and video
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Burst rate30fps (electronic) vs 10fps
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Generation6 years newer (2025 vs 2019)
Unchanged or similar
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Resolution25MP (down from 47MP — optimised for low light)
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 | Leica SL3-S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +3.8 | ||
| Street | -0.9 | ||
| Travel | +0.1 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +2.6 | ||
| Filmmaking | +2.9 | ||
| Documentary | +2.5 | ||
| Landscape | +0.3 | ||
| Casual | +0.8 | ||
| Food | +1.7 | ||
| Macro | +2.2 | ||
| Architecture | +0.8 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.9 | ||
| Sports & Action | — | ||
| Wildlife | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | Q2 | Leica SL3-S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £3,750 | £4,489 | |
| Released | 2019 | 2025 | ↑ |
| Sensor | Full-frame CMOS 35mm | 24.6MP full-frame BSI CMOS | |
| Resolution | 47MP | 25MP | ↓ |
| Video | 4K 30fps, 1080p 120fps | 6K/30p open gate, 4K/60p, 10-bit, L-Log | |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF with manual override | Hybrid phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | |
| Stabilisation | Optical IS | 5-stop IBIS | |
| Burst Rate | 10fps | 30fps (electronic) | ↑ |
| Battery Life | 340 shots (CIPA) | 315 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 718g (with battery and card) | 852g (with battery and card) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.79× 3.68M-dot | EVF | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed touchscreen, 1.04M-dot | Tilting touchscreen | |
| Mount | Fixed 28mm f/1.7 Summilux-C ASPH | Leica L (L-mount) | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II | CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See Q2 and Leica SL3-S 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 Leica SL3-S against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the Q2
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Camera family history