Leica Q3 43 (Type 6506) Digital Camera, Black with Gray Leatherette {60MP} 19084

Leica Q3 43: full-frame 60.3MP fixed-lens camera with APO-Summicron glass

The APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. is the center of gravity here. Leica engineered it specifically for this camera, using seven aspherical elements in an apochromatic design that controls chromatic aberration at the optical level than in post. At f/2, subject separation is real and the background falloff is smooth. The minimum focus distance drops to 27cm in macro mode, which extends the camera's range considerably for a fixed-lens compact.

The sensor is a 60.3MP full-frame BSI-CMOS unit, and Leica's Triple Resolution Technology lets you select between 60.3MP, 36.5MP, and 18.6MP without cropping the sensor area, all three modes use the full frame. The Maestro IV processor drives the hybrid AF system across 315 points, pulling from contrast detection, phase detection, and depth-from-defocus data simultaneously. Eye, face, body, and animal detection are all on board. Burst shooting reaches 15 fps via the electronic shutter at the full 60.3MP, with a 8GB buffer holding up to 63 RAW frames before it fills.

On the video side, the Q3 43 records 8K in H.265 at up to 29.97 fps and 300 Mb/s, and DCI 4K in H.264 ALL-Intra at 10-bit 4:2:2 at up to 600 Mb/s. ProRes 422 HQ is also available at 1080p. The body carries IP52 weather sealing, a 5,760,000-dot OLED viewfinder, and a tilting 3-inch touchscreen. Digital zoom steps reach a 150mm equivalent, giving the fixed lens meaningful flexibility in the field. At 772g with battery, this is a camera you carry everywhere without negotiating with yourself about it.

Who It's For

Portrait photographers working close to their subjects will find the 43mm focal length produces a perspective that reads as undistorted and natural, with f/2 providing genuine subject separation without the exaggerated compression of longer lenses. Street and documentary shooters gain from the IP52 sealing and a discreet form factor that doesn't announce itself. Videographers who need a compact single-camera setup can use the DCI 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 ALL-Intra output or H.265 8K recording, with USB-C tethering to external recorders and compatibility with Capture One and Lightroom Classic. Travel photographers benefit from the Triple Resolution Technology, shooting at 18.6MP or 36.5MP when card space matters, or pulling the full 60.3MP when the shot demands it.

Key Features

• 60.3MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology (60.3/36.5/18.6MP)
• APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. fixed lens with 27cm macro focus
• Hybrid AF with 315 points, eye/face/body/animal detection
• 15 fps electronic shutter at full resolution with 8GB buffer
• 8K H.265 and DCI 4K H.264 ALL-Intra 10-bit 4:2:2 video recording
• 5.76-megapixel OLED viewfinder and tilting 3-inch touchscreen
• IP52 weather sealing, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C charging
• 14-bit DNG RAW capture, digital zoom to 150mm equivalent

FAQ

What focal length and aperture does the Q3 43 lens offer?

The APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. is a fixed lens engineered specifically for this camera, with seven aspherical elements in an apochromatic design. It delivers subject separation at f/2 with smooth background falloff, and focuses as close as 27cm in macro mode.

Can I shoot at different resolutions without cropping the sensor?

Yes. Triple Resolution Technology lets you select 60.3MP, 36.5MP, or 18.6MP without cropping-all three modes use the full frame. Each resolution is available in both JPEG and 14-bit DNG RAW.

What video formats and resolutions does the Q3 43 support?

The camera records 8K (DCI 8192 x 4320 and UHD 7680 x 4320) in H.265 at up to 29.97 fps at 300 Mb/s, DCI 4K in H.264 ALL-Intra at 10-bit 4:2:2 up to 600 Mb/s, and ProRes 422 HQ at 1080p.

How many autofocus points does the hybrid AF system have?

The system uses 315 AF points across the sensor and combines contrast detection, phase detection, and depth-from-defocus processing. It includes eye, face, body, and animal detection modes.

What's the burst rate at full resolution?

The electronic shutter delivers 15 fps at 60.3MP with an 8GB buffer holding up to 63 RAW frames. The mechanical shutter reaches 9 fps at full resolution.

Is the Q3 43 weather sealed?

Yes, it carries IP52 weather sealing and operates in conditions from 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C).

How does the digital zoom function?

The fixed 43mm lens gains reach through digital zoom stepping to approximately 1.4x (60mm equiv.), 1.7x (75mm), 2.0x (90mm), 2.8x (120mm), or 3.5x (150mm equiv.).