Upgrade Guide
Leica SL3→Leica Q
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Skip it
The Q offers little measurable spec improvement over the SL3. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
-
Resolution24MP (down from 60MP — optimised for low light)
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Weather sealingNot present in new body
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StabilisationIBIS not present in new body
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 | SL3 | Q | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -5.0 | ||
| Street | +0.3 | ||
| Travel | -1.3 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -4.1 | ||
| Filmmaking | — | ||
| Documentary | -4.5 | ||
| Sports & Action | — | ||
| Landscape | -3.1 | ||
| Wildlife | — | ||
| Casual | -1.6 | ||
| Food | -3.7 | ||
| Macro | -4.1 | ||
| Architecture | -3.5 | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.6 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | SL3 | Q | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £6,499 | £1,999 | |
| Released | 2024 | 2015 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | |
| Resolution | 60MP | 24MP | ↓ |
| Video | 8K/30p, 4K/60p, Apple ProRes | 1080p/60p | |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | Contrast-detect AF, 49 AF fields, face detection | |
| Stabilisation | 7.5-stop IBIS | No stabilisation | |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic | 10fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | 410 shots (CIPA) | ~270 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 875g (body only) | 640g (with battery and card) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Not weather sealed | ↓ |
| Viewfinder | 0.78" OLED EVF, 5.76M dots | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.68× magnification | |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.0" fixed touchscreen, 1.04M dots | |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Fixed Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH | |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-I slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See SL3 and Q next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the Q against your specific genres — not just specs.
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Camera family history