Upgrade Guide
Leica Leica SL3-S→Leica Q3 43
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Situational
One clear hardware improvement over the Leica SL3-S. Worth it if that specific upgrade aligns with what you shoot.
What's new in the Q3 43
-
Resolution60MP vs 25MP (+35MP)
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 | Leica SL3-S | Q3 43 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -1.3 | ||
| Street | +1.1 | ||
| Travel | +0.5 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -1.2 | ||
| Filmmaking | -1.4 | ||
| Documentary | -0.9 | ||
| Sports & Action | — | ||
| Landscape | — | ||
| Wildlife | — | ||
| Casual | +0.1 | ||
| Food | -0.1 | ||
| Macro | -1.2 | ||
| Architecture | -0.2 | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.9 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | Leica SL3-S | Q3 43 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £4,489 | £6,995 | |
| Released | 2025 | 2024 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 24.6MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS | |
| Resolution | 25MP | 60MP | ↑ |
| Video | 6K/30p open gate, 4K/60p, 10-bit, L-Log | 8K/30p, 4K/60p 10-bit — L-Log | |
| Autofocus | Hybrid phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | Phase-detect AF with face and eye detection | |
| Stabilisation | 5-stop IBIS | Optical stabilisation in the lens (no IBIS) | |
| Burst Rate | 30fps (electronic) | 15fps electronic | ↓ |
| Battery Life | 315 shots (CIPA) | ~350 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 852g (with battery and card) | 743g (body only) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF 0.79× 5.76M-dot OLED | |
| Screen | Tilting touchscreen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen, 1.84M dots | |
| Mount | Leica L (L-mount) | Fixed Summicron-M 43mm f/2 ASPH (43mm — closest to human field of view) | |
| Memory Cards | CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Single UHS-II SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See Leica SL3-S and Q3 43 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 43 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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