Leica's flagship fixed-lens compact — 60MP full-frame sensor, Summilux 28mm f/1.7, phase-detect AF.
The Leica Q3 was released in June 2023 as the third-generation Q-series fixed-lens full-frame compact, combining a 60.3MP BSI CMOS sensor without optical low-pass filter with a fixed Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens. The Q3 records internally at up to 8K/30fps — a resolution tier requiring an external recorder on almost all other fixed-lens or mirrorless cameras at its release. IP52 weather sealing is built throughout.
The 60.3MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor without OLPF pairs with the Maestro IV processor. The fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens uses 11 elements in 9 groups with 13 aperture blades for smooth bokeh rendering. Phase-detect AF covers 315 metering fields for rapid acquisition; a dedicated macro button reduces minimum focus distance from 30cm to 17cm. 15fps burst shooting. 8K video records at up to 30fps internally in H.265 and ProRes. Battery life approximately 350 shots using the BP-SCL6, body weight approximately 743g with battery.
The 60.3MP resolution in a fixed-lens compact enables significant crop headroom: at full 60MP the 28mm frame can be cropped to a 35mm, 50mm, or 75mm equivalent perspective in post, retaining approximately 38MP, 20MP, or 9MP respectively. For photographers who want a single compact body that covers multiple effective focal lengths through cropping, the resolution headroom makes the fixed 28mm more versatile than it appears. The 8K internal recording is a specification rarely available in compact bodies.
On the used market the Q3 is available at premium Leica compact pricing. Condition checks: IP52 sealing at body and port covers, 28mm Summilux front element for any marks — it has no filter thread, so any front element damage is expensive — and BP-SCL6 battery health. The 17cm macro mode requires the dedicated button to activate. Fixed lens; no interchangeable mount.