TechCamerasLeica Q3 review: pretty much the perfect camera for artistic pursuitsThe Leica Q3 is a stunning camera with the brand’s signature minimalist design and staggering image qualityWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)T3 VerdictThe Leica Q3 is not just a camera – it’s a photography experience. If you’re looking for a catalyst to help you fall in love with taking photos again, this is the way. When you nail the perfect shot, on this camera, you’ll know about it.Reasons to buy+Stunning image quality+8k video recording+Minimalist design+Tactile feelReasons to avoid-Not cheap-Retro-tinged layout won’t be for everyoneWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
TechCamerasLeica Q3 review: pretty much the perfect camera for artistic pursuitsThe Leica Q3 is a stunning camera with the brand’s signature minimalist design and staggering image qualityWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)T3 VerdictThe Leica Q3 is not just a camera – it’s a photography experience. If you’re looking for a catalyst to help you fall in love with taking photos again, this is the way. When you nail the perfect shot, on this camera, you’ll know about it.Reasons to buy+Stunning image quality+8k video recording+Minimalist design+Tactile feelReasons to avoid-Not cheap-Retro-tinged layout won’t be for everyoneWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
The Leica Q3 is a stunning camera with the brand’s signature minimalist design and staggering image quality
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)T3 VerdictThe Leica Q3 is not just a camera – it’s a photography experience. If you’re looking for a catalyst to help you fall in love with taking photos again, this is the way. When you nail the perfect shot, on this camera, you’ll know about it.Reasons to buy+Stunning image quality+8k video recording+Minimalist design+Tactile feelReasons to avoid-Not cheap-Retro-tinged layout won’t be for everyone
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
T3 VerdictThe Leica Q3 is not just a camera – it’s a photography experience. If you’re looking for a catalyst to help you fall in love with taking photos again, this is the way. When you nail the perfect shot, on this camera, you’ll know about it.Reasons to buy+Stunning image quality+8k video recording+Minimalist design+Tactile feelReasons to avoid-Not cheap-Retro-tinged layout won’t be for everyone
T3 VerdictThe Leica Q3 is not just a camera – it’s a photography experience. If you’re looking for a catalyst to help you fall in love with taking photos again, this is the way. When you nail the perfect shot, on this camera, you’ll know about it.
T3 Verdict
The Leica Q3 is not just a camera – it’s a photography experience. If you’re looking for a catalyst to help you fall in love with taking photos again, this is the way. When you nail the perfect shot, on this camera, you’ll know about it.
Reasons to buy+Stunning image quality+8k video recording+Minimalist design+Tactile feelReasons to avoid-Not cheap-Retro-tinged layout won’t be for everyone
Reasons to buy+Stunning image quality+8k video recording+Minimalist design+Tactile feel
Stunning image quality
8k video recording
Minimalist design
Tactile feel
Reasons to avoid-Not cheap-Retro-tinged layout won’t be for everyone
Not cheap
Retro-tinged layout won’t be for everyone
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Leica Q3 deals
$6,295View$8,069.95$6,469.95View$6,679.95View
$6,295View
$6,295View
$6,295View
$6,295
$6,295
$8,069.95$6,469.95View
$8,069.95$6,469.95View
$8,069.95$6,469.95View
$8,069.95$6,469.95
$6,469.95
$6,679.95View
$6,679.95View
$6,679.95View
$6,679.95
$6,679.95
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Technology is a funny old thing, sometimes. Go back as little as 20 years and owning one of thebest cameraswas something worthwhile for just about anyone. Every family would have a camera just for capturing memories and moments.
Then thesmartphonecame along. With it, cameras which were decent enough to capture those kinds of moments could be found in every pocket in the land.
So, I hear you ask, why should we still buy a camera? Moreover, why would we buy thisLeica Q3– a retro looking thing with minimal buttons and a breathtaking price tag? Well, dear reader, let’s explore that and see.
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
Leica Q3 review: Price and Release Date
The Leica Q3 costs £5,300 in the UK. It was released on the 25th of May 2023.
Leica Q3 review: Features
Let’s kick things off with some raw specs. The Q3 packs a 60MP CMOS sensor into a magnesium body weighing 743g. It’s a hefty beast, but that weight should offer a reassuring feel when in use.
On the front, a Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens can be found. That’s a fixed lens – no swapping around here – with an integrated macro mode. That packs in an image stabilisation system which works on both photos and videos, ensuring minimal shaking and movement.
Inside, you’ll find the Leica Maestro IV processor powering things, while USB-C and HDMI ports ensure painless connectivity with external devices. The Leica FOTOS app is also part and parcel of the system here, allowing users to enjoy truly effortless updates and file sharing with their mobile device.
Images are shot in standard fare JPG and DNG file formats. Video footage up to 8k can be shot on the Q3 at 30fps, with 4k offering up to 60fps and FHD footage up to 120fps.
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
Leica Q3 review: Design
Let’s not beat around the bush here – this is absolutely gorgeous. The Leica design language has always been exceptional, and this really is no exception. It’s a real masterclass in doing simple things well – a theme which we’ll come back to later on.
The all-black design is really sleek, too. They could just as easily have opted for a hybrid of silvery metal tones mixed in with the black leather. That’s a classic camera design, but it wouldn’t have been anywhere near as smart.
What’s more, you can really tell that Leica have put thought into the design of this camera. Little things like the thumb rest on the rear of the device are elegant as well as practical.
It’s a lot of praise to heap on what is – in essence – a black box with a lens on the front. But the Leica experience is all about the details, and this design echoes that brilliantly.
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
Leica Q3 review: Performance
Of course, none of that matters if it can’t perform. But if you’re expecting that, I’m not sure you quite understand why Leica are so revered. This is more than just a camera – it’s a photography experience, and the image quality matches that.
It was really interesting to use, actually. So much is said about the Leica look – even on devices like theLeica Sofort 2and theXiaomi 13range – that I really wondered if it was real, or just a placebo.
Well, spoiler alert – it’s real. You won’t get it every time – bad shots still look like bad shots – but when you really nail it, you’ll squeeze out the extra 5% which makes these cameras so revered.
Foreground and background bokeh is pleasingly soft. Couple that with a pleasingly in focus subject and you have a truly beautiful shot. It’s not effortless, but it’s certainly easier than it has any business being.
Image1of4(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
Image1of4(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
Image1of4
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
Getting around the camera is effortless, too. The large display on the rear provides all of the visual information needed, while a simple arrangement of D-pad, menu button and playback button rounds out the back panel.
Well, not quite actually. Sat at the top – just beside the thumb rest – you’ll find a pair of customisable buttons. On my review unit, one of these was handily setup to switch between photo and video modes, but they can be set up to your own individual taste.
On the top of the unit, you’ll find a third customisable button sat atop the control wheel on the right hand side. That’s next to the shutter release and on-off rotary switch, and a shutter speed dial.
Image1of2(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
Image1of2(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
Image1of2
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
The whole thing is beautifully simple. You won’t find yourself bogged down with menu-diving and option paralysis – simply get set up and start snapping. As someone who learned to take photos on a fully manual camera, the Leica Q3 feels incredibly familiar, though you can of course automate as you feel the need to.
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
Leica Q3 review: Verdict
Ultimately, there are probably two ways you’ll look at this. One camp will see a £5k+ camera with a fixed 28mm lens and a distinct lack of physical control.
The other will see that same device, but love the minimalist approach and the limitations imposed. It’s no secret that limitation can be a fantastic breeding ground for creativity, and this camera is likely to offer that in spades.
But let’s also be frank – this is an absolutely mesmerising camera. Judging a device like this on its specs is a little like judging a fish on how well it can climb a tree. It’s completely missing the point of why you buy something like this.
The Leica Q3 isn’t just a camera. It’s a photography experience. And if you want to fall in love with every aspect of taking photos again, this is the device to do it with.
Leica Q3: Price Comparison
$6,295View$6,295View$8,069.95$6,469.95View$6,679.95View$6,844.95View
$6,295View
$6,295View
$6,295View
$6,295
$6,295
$6,295View
$6,295View
$6,295View
$6,295
$6,295
$8,069.95$6,469.95View
$8,069.95$6,469.95View
$8,069.95$6,469.95View
$8,069.95$6,469.95
$6,469.95
$6,679.95View
$6,679.95View
$6,679.95View
$6,679.95
$6,679.95
$6,844.95View
$6,844.95View
$6,844.95View
$6,844.95
$6,844.95
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
My most anticipated Apple TV+ show gets another tantalising teaserThe Studio gets a minute tease
The Studio gets a minute tease
Build bigger arms in just 30 minutes with this 5-move dumbbell-only workoutIt’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!
It’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!
OMEGA puts the Moon on your wrist with its new Speedmaster Moonphase MeteoriteOMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up
OMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up
