Leica Q3

Most people will look at the price-tag, roll their eyes and instantly dismiss the Q3, but we think you owe it to yourself to at least take it for a test-drive, if only to experience the unique Leica approach to making a modern yet still traditional camera.

The Leica is clearly the king of that pack. The lens is sharper and better, the sensor larger, and the autofocus better or just as good as on the Fuji. With X100V prices well over the $1,500 selling price, the Leica almost doesn’t seem that expensive anymore—almost. At $6,000, the Q3 is obviously not for everyone. But if you can afford it and are comfortable with the 28-mm focal length, the Q3 is a great camera.

The Leica Q3 looks very much like a small M11, pretty much identical to the Q2 that preceded it, but does some things that rangefinder-style Leica cameras don't. A chunky fixed Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens that has AF, a macro range for close focusing, weather sealing to IP52 standard, 10fps and handling that is intrinsically more familiar to modern photographers.

An exceptionally capable fixed-lens camera for both photos and videos. The Q3 might be ruinously expensive, but serious snappers will love it all the same.

Overpriced but highly desirable minimalist full frame camera producing detailed images in glorious Leica colors, now with a tilt screen and improved battery life.

The Leica Q3 is the most powerful, most enjoyable, but most expensive compact camera available. Cost aside, it’s what a camera should be in 2023; tactile, desirable and high quality. While it lacks the slow and measured M-series rangefinder user experience, the Q3 should still satisfy Leica-ites as a top-quality everyday snapper. For everyone else, it’s one for the wish list.

The compact and weather-protected Leica Q3's full-frame sensor and bright, wide-angle lens make it an ideal camera for outdoor use and travel.

I wasn’t expecting to be as enamored with the Leica Q3 as I have been. The images from the 60MP sensor are stunning, and the digital crop function makes the 28mm fixed lens so much more fun to play around with. Leica processing on its images shines through, shot after shot were keepers. Autofocus is great, quick, and snappy for zone focusing, with good human and eye detection.