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

Leica Q3 43: full-frame 60MP fixed-lens camera with APO glass

The Q3 43 is built around a single, deliberate choice: a fixed APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH lens on a 60.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor. The 43mm focal length sits closer to how the eye actually reads a scene than the original Q3's 28mm, which makes it the version portrait photographers and documentary shooters will reach for. At f/2, the lens renders with the kind of optical correction that the APO designation demands, and optical image stabilization is built directly into the lens assembly.

The sensor resolves at 9520 x 6336 pixels, giving you significant room to crop when the 3.5x digital zoom isn't precise enough. Continuous shooting runs to 15 fps with a buffer of 63 RAW frames, and the electronic shutter reaches 1/16000s, fast enough to shoot wide open in daylight without a neutral density filter. ISO extends from 50 to 100,000 in manual mode, with a hybrid autofocus system combining phase detection, contrast detection, and AI subject recognition.

Video shooters get 8K recording in H.265 at 300 Mb/s, 10-bit 4:2:2 DCI 4K via H.264 ALL-Intra at up to 600 Mb/s, and ProRes 422 HQ for 1080p workflows, all from a body that weighs 772g with battery. The 3.0" tilting touchscreen pairs with a built-in OLED EVF, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 handles both data and charging, and Leica FOTOS connects the camera to Android and iOS for remote control and file access. For a photographer who wants one fixed focal length done without compromise, the Q3 43 makes the argument clearly.

Key Features

• 60.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor with 9520 x 6336 pixel resolution
• Fixed APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH lens with integrated macro mode
• Electronic shutter 1/16000s, mechanical shutter 1/2000s, f/2 to f/16
• 15 fps continuous shooting for up to 63 RAW or 67 JPEG frames
• 8K H.265 video at 300 Mb/s, 10-bit 4:2:2 DCI 4K, ProRes 422 HQ for 1080p
• 3.0" tilting touchscreen LCD and 5.67MP OLED electronic viewfinder
• Optical image stabilization integrated into lens assembly
• Hybrid AF system with phase detection, contrast detection, and AI subject recognition

FAQ

What focal length does the Q3 43 use, and how does it compare to the original Q3?

The Q3 43 has a fixed 43mm lens, compared to the original Q3's 28mm. The 43mm focal length is closer to natural human eye perspective, making it better suited for portraits and documentary work where you want a narrower field of view.

Can you shoot in daylight at f/2 without a neutral density filter?

Yes. The electronic shutter reaches 1/16000s, and the ISO range starts at 50, giving you enough shutter speed and exposure control to shoot wide open in bright daylight without an ND filter.

How much can you crop with the 60.3MP sensor?

The 60.3MP sensor (9520 x 6336) resolves at approximately 60 megapixels, giving you significant headroom for cropping beyond the 3.5x digital zoom when precise framing is needed.

What video formats does the Q3 43 record?

The camera records 8K H.265 at 300 Mb/s, 10-bit 4:2:2 DCI 4K via H.264 ALL-Intra at up to 600 Mb/s, and ProRes 422 HQ for 1080p workflows.

How long does the battery last on a single charge?

The BP-SCL6 battery is rated for approximately 350 shots per charge. The camera charges via USB-C, and you can use USB Power Delivery devices for charging on the go.

What autofocus system does the Q3 43 use?

The hybrid autofocus combines phase detection, contrast detection, and depth-from-defocus algorithms with AI subject recognition for accurate focus across different shooting scenarios.

Is the Q3 43 weather sealed?

The camera has IP52 ingress protection, meaning it resists dust and water spray from any direction, but it is not fully waterproof.