Leica Q3 – first test images
Last week, the Leica Q3 was introduced as the successor to the Q2. The camera has a large fan base worldwide because it's a kind of mini powerhouse: Despite its small dimensions, the Q series delivers incredibly good images. This is thanks in part to the excellent lens – a Summilux 1.7/28 mm – but also to the high manufacturing precision and the integrated electronics. The Q2 already set the bar high with 47.5 megapixels and 4K. With the Q3, Leica has upped the ante even further: 61 megapixel resolution, 8K video, plus – something Leica fans have been waiting for a long time – a pivoting screen...
Except for the pivoting screen, the Leica Q3 is virtually identical to the Q2. However, a lot has changed inside the camera (Leica press photos).
First impression
What sets Leica cameras apart is their excellent image quality, superb craftsmanship, and ease of use. The Q3 is built precisely in this DNA. Anyone who's already shot with a Q will have virtually no adjustment required. Only the buttons on the back of the camera are arranged slightly differently, as more space was needed for the large flip-up screen. Since I only had the camera for a few hours, I went into our garden and collected impressions. Thanks to the wide-aperture lens and the macro settings, you have a lot of creative freedom despite the fixed focal length. And thanks to the generous resolution, you can even crop something.
I'm thrilled with the initial results. Here are a few photos from this first spontaneous test, edited to my liking:
I hope to have the opportunity to test the Q3 more extensively at a later date and also try out the video features. I've shot a few short clips, and I was particularly impressed by the precise autofocus, which also works well for filming. But as I said, I need more time for a serious review.
