Leica Q3 43

Moments, just as your eye sees them.

The Leica Q3 43 brings new dimensions to the world of Q photography, thanks to its specially engineered APO lens. With its 43mm focal length, it captures images and videos with a strikingly natural perspective, all in the exceptional quality you expect from Leica. This compact and stylish full-frame camera seamlessly fits into your creative workflow and connects effortlessly to the world around you. By blending cutting-edge technology with authentic emotion, the Q3 43 creates a perfect synergy between camera, lens and photographer, ensuring that every moment is captured with pure joy and precision.

The Essentials:

• Full-frame BSI-CMOS-Sensor with Triple Resolution Technology (60MP / 36MP / 18MP)
• APO-Summicron 43 f/2 ASPH. fixed lens with integrated macro mode
• Digital zoom from 43 to 150 mm
• ISO range from 50 to 100.00
• Hybrid Autofocus System (Phase Detection AF + Contrast AF + Depth from Defocus + AI)
• Tilting 3" display and 5.67MP OLED viewfinder
• Up to 8K-Video and multiple video formats including .h265 and ProRes
• IP52 ingress protection
• Fast and convenient connectivity with the Leica FOTOS app
• USB-C and HDMI ports
• Grey leather
• Made for iPhone and iPad
• Handmade in Germany

Full-Frame Sensor and Maestro IV Processor

60MP BSI CMOS Sensor

Taken from the M11 and original Q3, the Q3 43 features the same high-resolution 60MP full-frame CMOS sensor. This sensor features a back-illuminated (BSI) design that offers improved noise performance and faster readout speeds, which benefits both photo and video applications. The higher resolution suits more detail-oriented applications, like landscape and architectural subjects, and the noise-reduction benefits of the BSI design improves clarity and color accuracy when working in low-light conditions with higher ISOs.

The added resolution of the 60MP sensor also enables unique digital zoom capabilities to simulate working with different focal length lenses: a 1.4x crop simulates a 60mm focal length, a 1.7x crop simulates a 75mm focal length, a 2x crop simulates a 90mm focal length, a 2.8x crop simulates a 120mm lens, and a 3.5x crop simulates a 150mm focal length.

 

Triple Resolution Technology

Also like the M11 and Q3, the 60MP sensor in the Q3 43 enables the use of Triple Resolution Technology. This unique pixel binning process allows photographers to select 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP output, with each resolution making use of the full sensor area and providing rich 14-bit color and a 14-stop dynamic range.

 

Maestro IV

The Maestro IV processor, along with 8GB of buffer memory, suits the multimedia-intended use of the Q3 43 and enables speedy performance when shooting stills or recording video. The faster processing also benefits using Triple Resolution Technology, helps achieve a wider sensitivity range from ISO 50-100000, allows continuous shooting up to an impressive 15 fps, and facilitates smooth operation when working with the EVF and LCD.

 

APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. Lens and Hybrid AF

43mm: A New Perspective

The Q3 43 is the first Q-series camera to feature this unique focal length, which approximates the field of view of the human eye for a very realistic, distortion-free, and natural perspective compared to wider or longer focal lengths. This versatile focal length is well-suited to everything from landscapes to portraits to street subjects and, like its sister model, the Q3, also includes a dedicated Macro position for close-up shooting down to 10.4" away.

 

Apochromatic Optical Design

Beyond the unique focal length, Leica also took the opportunity to create a new APO lens. This APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. has an apochromatically corrected design that yields extremely high color accuracy that is void of fringing or other color aberrations. The lens design also includes aspherical elements for high sharpness, low distortion, and high contrast. It's a well-corrected lens offering a very usable combination of a versatile focal length, bright f/2 maximum aperture, impressive color rendering, and high sharpness.

 

Hybrid Autofocus and Subject Tracking

Leveraging the powerful processing and updated sensor design, the Q3 43 sports a hybrid AF system that utilizes phase-detection focusing along with contrast-detection and depth from defocus (DFD) AF for faster, more accurate focusing when working with moving subjects or in mixed lighting conditions. The addition of phase-detection focusing also enables an intelligent subject recognition system that can detect and track eyes, faces, bodies, and animals in the frame.

 

8K Video and ProRes Recording

With more attention given to video recording Like the original Q3, a lot of design attention has been given to the video performance of the Q3 43; it's a well-rounded multimedia camera with video performance that rivals the exceptional stills capabilities.

• DCI 8K recording is supported at up to 30p with 4:2:0 10-bit color when recording internally or at 8-bit when recording externally via the micro-HDMI port.
• 4K recording is also possible, with 4:2:2 10-bit color, at up to 60p with support for recording internally or externally. When shooting Full HD, the frame rate can be pushed to 120p for slow motion playback and all resolutions also support a true 24p frame rate for cinematic rendering.

• ProRes 422 HQ recording can be done internally with a Full HD resolution at frame rates up to 60p.
• Micro-HDMI and USB-C ports provide greater access to accessories like external recorders, gimbals, power banks, and more to benefit using the Q3 43 as a tool for video creators.
• The Q3 43 is also introducing the ability to work with RODE external microphones via USB-C connection for improved audio quality while recording video.

 

Camera Design

Hi-Res EVF and Tilting LCD

Two key physical improvements from the Q3 are, again, staple features for the the Q3 43—a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and the versatile tilting touchscreen rear LCD:

• 5.76m-dot OLED EVF offers a high-resolution eye-level means for composing and features a 120 fps refresh rate for more realistic motion rendering. This finder has a 0.79x magnification, an adjustable diopter, and an eye sensor for automatic switching between the EVF and LCD.
• Debuting with the Q3 series, the LCD screen has a tilting design that can face both upward and downward to suit working from a variety of shooting positions. This 3" 1.84m-dot LCD is also a touchscreen for more intuitive settings control.

 

Portable, Weather-Sealed Design

The Q3 43 is a compact camera meant for everyday shooting and its design remains similar to previous generations, but with some notable updates for improved usability:

• Distinguishing itself from the original Q3, the Q3 43 has a unique grey leatherette on the body, which contrasts with the black top and bottom plates of the body for a unique and timeless look.
• Magnesium alloy body is sealed to protect against dust and moisture (IP52-rated) for use in harsh environmental conditions.
• BP-SCL6 lithium-ion battery is rated to provide 350 shots per charge and uses the same physical design as its predecessor, the BP-SCL4, which can also be used with this camera.

 

 

• USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port can be used for transferring, tethering, power delivery, in-camera battery charging, and for connecting RODE external microphones. The Q3 43 is also Made for iPhone certified to enable a direct, wired connection to an iPhone.
• Micro-HDMI port facilitates working with an external monitor and recorder as well as previewing footage from the camera directly on a TV.
• Accepts one SD-type memory card and supports the UHS II protocol.
• Physical design remains nearly the same as the original Q3 and all of the accessories can be shared between the two cameras, including the Thumb Supports, the HG-DC1 Wireless Charging Handgrip, and the Multifunction Protector, among other accessories.

 

Expanded Connectivity and Wireless Charging Accessories

• Improved wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi 2.4 & 5 GHz and Bluetooth 5.0) and an updated Leica FOTOS app enable wireless transfer speeds up to 10x faster than the previous generation; transfer speeds up to 35MB/s are now possible, enabling moving a full-resolution DNG from the camera to your mobile device in just 2 seconds.
• Upgraded Leica FOTOS app enables transferring new Leica Looks to your camera, including Contemporary, Classic, Blue, Selenium, Sepia, and more. The announcement of the Q3 43 also brings the introduction of a new Leica Look—Leica Chrome—which can be applied to JPEGs for adding a bit of "analog charm."
• FOTOS app also supports adding GPS information to your files using locational data from your mobile device.
• When paired with the optional HG-DC1 Wireless Charging Handgrip, the Q3 43 supports wireless battery charging via Qi-compatible charging mats, like the Drop XL Wireless Charger.

Key Spec

Camera	Leica Q3 43
Camera type	Digital 35 mm compact camera
Storage medium	UHS-II (recommended), UHS-I, SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card
Material	Full metal housing: magnesium die-cast, leather covering, protection type IP52
Interfaces	ISO accessory shoe with additional control contacts for Leica flash units, HDMI jack Type D, USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C up to 10 Gbps
Tripod thread	A 1⁄4 DIN 4503 (1⁄4”) with stainless steel in the base
Buffer memory	8 GB Capacity, depending on frame rate and picture format, estimated quantity (number of possible images in the buffer memory)
Sensor size	CMOS sensor, 62.39 MP/60.3 MP (total/effective)
Processor	Leica Maestro series (Maestro IV)
Filter	RGB color filter, UV/IR filter, no low-pass filter
Image resolution	DNG: 60.3 MP, 36.5 MP, and 18.6 MP JPG: 60.3 MP, 36.4 MP, and 18.5 MP
File size	DNG™: approx. 70 MB, depending on resolution and image content JPG: depending on resolution and image content Video: max. length: 29 min
File formats	Photo: DNG™ (raw data), DNG + JPG, JPG (DCF 2.0, Exif 2.31) Video: MP4, MOV
Color depth	DNG™: 14 bit JPG: 8 bit
Color space	Photo: sRGB
Video Resolution	C8K (17:9) 8192 x 4320, 8K (16:9) 7680 x 4320, C4K (17:9) 4096 x 2160, 4K (16:9) 3840 x 2160, Full HD (16:9) 1920 x 1080
Lens	Leica APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH., 11 lenses in 8 segments, 7 aspherical lens areas
Lens filter thread	E49
Digital Zoom	Optionally approx. 1.4x (equivalent to 60 mm), approx. 1.7x (equivalent to 75 mm), approx. 2.0x (equivalent to 90 mm), approx. 2.8x (equivalent to 120 mm), or approx. 3.5x (equivalent to 150 mm)
Image stabilization	Visual compensation system for photos and video recordings
Aperture range	F2 to F16 in 1⁄3 EV increments
Viewfinder (EVF)	Resolution: 5,760,000 dots, 120 fps, magnification: 0.79x at aspect ratio: 4:3 / 0.76x at aspect ratio: 3:2, frame coverage:100%, exit pupil position: 20.75 mm, setting range -4/+2 dpt, with eye sensor for automatic switchover between viewfinder and LCD panel, time delay 0.005 s
Drive Mode	Single, Interval Shooting, Exposure Bracketing, Continuous shooting
LCD panel	3” TFT LCD, approx. 1,843,200 dots, 384 ppi, aspect ratio 3:2, touch panel
Shutter types	Mechanical central shutter or optional electronic shutter
Shutter speeds	Mech. shutter: 120 s to 1⁄2000 s Electro. shutter function: 1 s to 1⁄16000 s Flash Synchronization: up to 1⁄2000 s
Shutter button	Two-stage (1st stage: Activation of the camera electronics including autofocus and exposure metering, 2nd stage: Taking the picture)
Self-timer	Delay time: 2 s or 12 s
Drive Mode	Single, Interval Shooting, Exposure Bracketing, Continuous shooting: – 2 fps, 14 bit, AF, 4 fps, 14 bit, AF, 5 fps, 12 bit, AF, 7 fps, 14 bit, AF:Automatic settings (exposure settings in operating modes P/A/S, automatic white balance and autofocus) are implemented individually for each frame.– 9 fps, 12 bit, 15 fps, 12 bit: Automatic settings (exposure settings in operating modes P/A/S, automatic white balance and autofocus) are implemented for the first frame, and are then applied for each subsequent frame in the same picture series.
Focus range	60 cm to ∞ Macro setting: 26.5 cm to 60 cm
Focus mode	Automatic or manual With manual setting: optional magnifying glass function (Auto Magnification) and edge marking (Focus Peaking) available as focus a
Autofocus system	Hybrid-AF due to combination of contrast metering, depth mapping, and phase comparison metering with AF metering points in the sensor
Autofocus modes	Intelligent AF (autonomously selects AFs and AFc), AFs, AFc, AF setting can be saved, optional Touch AF
Autofocus metering methods	Spot (can be shifted), Field (can be shifted and scaled), Multi-Field, Zone (can be shifted), Eye/Face/Body Detection, Eye/Face/Body + Animal Detection, Tracking
Autofocus metering fields	315
Exposure metering	TTL (exposure metering through the lens), with working aperture
Metering principle	Exposure metering is done by the image sensor for all exposure metering methods (in Live View mode and in rangefinder mode)
Exposure metering methods	Spot, Center-Weighted, Highlight-Weighted, Multi-Field
Exposure modes	Program AE mode (P) Aperture-priority mode (A): manual aperture setting Shutter-priority mode (S): manual shutter-speed setting Manual (M): manual setting for shutter speed and aperture Various fully automated variants (Scene Mode): AUTO, Sport, Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, Snow/Beach, Fireworks, Candlelight, Sunset, Digiscoping
Exposure compensation	±3 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments
Automatic bracketing	3 or 5 frames, graduations between shoots up to 3 EV, in 1⁄3 EV increments additional optional exposure compensation: up to ±3 EV
ISO sensitivity range	Auto: ISO 100 to ISO 100 000. Manual: ISO 50 to ISO 100 000
White balance	Automatic (Auto), default (Daylight, Cloudy, Shadow, Tungsten, Flash), manual metering (Gray card) , manual color temperature settings (Color Temperature, 2000 K to 11500 K)
Flash unit connector	Via the accessory shoe
Flash sync time	1⁄2000 s, slower shutter speeds available, automatic changeover to TTL linear flash mode with HSS-compatible Leica system flash units if sync time is undercut
Flash exposure metering	Using center-weighted TTL pre-flash metering with Leica flash units (SF 26, SF 40, SF 58, SF 60, SF 64) or with system- compatible flash units, remote controlled flash SF C1
Flash exposure compensation	SF 40: ±2 EV in 1⁄2 EV increments SF 60: ±2 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
WLAN	WLAN function for connecting to the Leica FOTOS app. The Leica app is available from the Apple App Store™ or the Google Play Store™
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.0 LE: Channel 0–39 (2402–2480 MHz), maximum output (e.i.r.p.): 10 dBm
GPS	Not available everywhere due to country-specific legislation; can be added via the Leica FOTOS app. Data is written to Exif header of the picture files
Menu languages	English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean
Power Supply	Rechargeable battery (Leica BP-SCL6): Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, rated voltage: 7.2 V (DC); capacity: 2200 mAh (min.), 350 shots (based on CIPA standard, with All Displays Auto Off = 5 s); manufacturer: Panasonic Energy (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Made in China
Charger (Leica BC-SCL4)	Input: AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.25 A, automatic switchover; output: DC 8.4 V 0.85 A; manufacturer: Salom Electric (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., Made in China
Charging via USB	During operation: 9 V/3 A (min. 27 W) With camera switched off: 5 V/1500 mA (2.5 W or greater)
Wireless Charging	Optimal performance with 9 V chargers (10 W Charging Pad required)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	5.12 × 3.15 × 3.62 in
Weight	Approx. 772g/688 g (with/without battery)