Leica’s Q-series lineup of cameras was brought to market in 2015. The line has since seen numerous upgrades to the original Leica Q. This lineup of cameras is known to offer incredible image quality in compact, nostalgic-designed bodies. The Q-series will give you today’s image quality in cameras that feel vintage. Today, Leica announces the next in the Q-series with the brand new Leica Q3 43. This is a variation from the original Leica Q3. Including, a brand new, APO Summicron 43mm lens. Hence, even better image quality at a focal length that closely mirrors the human eye. Let’s review what makes the Leica Q3 43 a special camera. Undoubtedly sure to excite both photographers and videographers across the globe.
Key Features of the Leica Q3 43
- Full-frame BSI CMOS Sensor (60MP/36MP/18MP)
- APO-Summicron 43 f/2 ASPH Fixed Lens (Digital Zoom from 43mm-150mm)
- Hybrid Autofocus System
- Tilting LCD & 5.67MP OLED Viewfinder
- USB-C and HDMI Ports
- 8K/30p Video
- IP52 Ingress Protection
What’s New About the Leica Q3 43
The Leica Q3 43 offers the same nostalgic feel we’re used to seeing from Leica cameras. Moreover this camera captures incredibly sharp, detailed images in any lighting conditions. A tilting LCD screen and a 5.67MP OLED viewfinder are both very high-resolution and easy to use. The 43mm newly developed APO-Summicron f/2 ASPH lens very closely mirrors the human eye at 43mm. Meanwhile, it can zoom in up to 150mm for macro or telephoto images. A maximum aperture of f/2 offers excellent bokeh and allows the Leica Q3 43 to provide exceptional low-light performance. Especially combined with the Q# 43’s outstanding ISO performance. Let’s get a closer look at some of the key features of this brand-new camera.
APO-Summicron 43 f/2 ASPH Lens
Perhaps the most crucial feature of the Q3 43 is the newly developed fixed lens. Leica designed this new APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH lens to mirror the human eye. Markedly making it the perfect camera for street photography, portraits, and travel. The APO lens offers superior performance with corrections to aberrations compared to a traditional lens. With this lens, you can take images and video at 43, 60, 75, 90, 120, or 150mm focal lengths. This not only makes this lens superior in quality but also highly versatile. Finally, the maximum aperture of f/2 makes it perfect for separating your subject from the background with extraordinary bokeh across focal lengths.
Triple Resolution Sensor
Like the standard Leica Q3, the Q3 43 has a full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with triple-resolution technology. It allows you to choose between 60, 36, and 18 megapixels to best suit the scene you’re capturing. When you want to capture the most detail and resolution, 60 megapixels has you covered. If you need to maximize storage space, you can quickly and easily drop down to 18 megapixels for greater buffer memory. An ISO range of 50 to 100,000 should have you covered for shooting in everything from bright sunlight to total darkness, and the low-light performance of this sensor will give you incredible results.
Hybrid Autofocus System
A hybrid autofocus system has been carried over from the Leica Q3. It consists of Phase Detection AF, Contrast AF, Depth from Defocus, and AI algorithms to ensure that your subject stays tack-sharp at all times. The autofocus system is fast and accurate, perfect for photos and videos. While many cameras utilize just one different AF method, the Leica Q3 43 offers an even greater autofocus experience by combining the best of multiple different methods under one roof.
8K/30p Video
The Leica Q3 43 isn’t just a photography camera. It can capture impressive 8K video in numerous different codecs, including .h265 and ProRes 422 HQ. In-camera USB-C and HDMI ports allow for seamless connectivity with microphones, gimbals, power banks, and external displays for even the most professional video creators to capture exceptional video content. The fixed 43mm lens is perfect for video, offering a distortion-free perspective and a true-to-life look. 8K video is possible at 30fps, with 4K video up to 60fps, and 120fps at 1080.
Who Should Buy the Leica Q3 43?
Any photographer who wants to experience the incredible craftsmanship and quality of a Leica camera in a timeless design should consider the Q3 43. This is an incredibly portable camera that takes exceptional-quality images, made possible by the APO-Summicron lens, which significantly reduces aberrations. With a highly versatile set of focal ranges, this is a great “walk-around” camera for street, portrait, travel, or event photography. While certainly capable enough to be a stand-alone body, the Leica Q3 43 would also function particularly well as a second run-and-gun style body for an already established photographer or videographer.
Comparison Table
| Leica Q3 43 | Leica Q3 | Leica Q2 | |
| Megapixels | 60MP/36MP/18MP | 60MP/36MP/18MP | 47MP |
| Lens | 43mm f/2 APO-Summicron ASPH Fixed Lens | 28mm f/1.7 Summilux ASPH Lens | 28mm f/1.7 Summilux ASPH Lens |
| Video | 8K/30p | 8K/30p | 4K/30p |
| ISO Range | 50-100,000 | 50-100,000 | 100-100,000 |
| Tilt LCD Screen? | Yes | Yes | No |
Comparable Leica Cameras
The Leica Q3 43 is the latest iteration of Leica’s Q-series lineup of cameras, initially launched in 2015. The Q3 43 is an offshoot from the original Q3, which has the same sensor and very similar specs with a different lens. The original Q3 utilizes a 28mm f/1.7 Summilux ASPH lens, compared to the 43mm f/2 APO-Summicron ASPH on the Q3 43. For those on a budget, the older Leica Q2 can still pack a punch with it’s 47 megapixel sensor and 4K video at 30fps. Regardless of which Q-series camera you choose, you can expect the same superior image quality and craftsmanship we’re used to seeing from the German-made Leica cameras.
Final Thoughts
The headline feature on the new Leica Q3 43 is certainly the new APO-Summicron lens, which promises to offer exceptional image quality on an already incredible sensor. With 8K footage, the Q3 43 is future proof and equip to not only capture stunning images, but also production quality 8K video. If you’re in the market for a camera that pushes the boundaries of superb image quality in a timeless, compact body, the Leica Q3 43 should be at the forefront of your list.
