THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME TO USE A LEICA CAMERA
FIRST DAY USING LEICA Q3 - CENTRAL PLAZA AND NEARBY [I MADE A FEW MISTAKES AND ENCOUNTERED SOME ISSUES]
My First Day with the Leica Q3: Central Plaza and a Few Initial Hiccups
Central Plaza, also known as the Central Bank of Ireland Building due to its former occupant, is an office building situated on Dame Street in Temple Bar, Dublin. It served as the headquarters for the Central Bank of Ireland from 1979 to 2017.
Remarkably, it's Ireland's only suspended structure building, with its eight storeys hanging from central concrete cores. Each level was constructed at ground level and subsequently raised into its final position. Its construction was not without controversy, primarily due to its perceived disproportion to the surrounding architecture and the fact that it was built approximately 9.1 metres (30 feet) taller than the permitted height.
In November 2025, I pre-ordered a Sony A1 II. However, by the beginning of April, it had still not arrived. Given that I needed a camera by mid-May at the latest, I realised I had to take some action. I considered the Leica Q3; however, I wouldn't be in a position to pay for it until the 30th of April. In the interim, I changed my mind and decided to opt for a Fujifilm GFX100RF instead. On the 29th of April, I received an email from my local dealer informing me that the Fuji was unavailable and that it was unlikely one would be available to me until July or later.
Consequently, I decided to investigate the secondhand camera market. I had more or less settled on a Sony A7RV when I noticed a Leica Q3 advertised at a good price, so I made an online payment. On the 30th, I visited the shop to collect the Q3. Upon my arrival, a member of staff went downstairs and returned with a Fujifilm GFX100RF. Simultaneously, another staff member approached the counter with the Q3 that I had already purchased. To cut a long story short, I returned home with two cameras, reasoning that I could likely sell the Q3 for more than I had paid. The camera was in pristine condition at this point; I suspect I will end up keeping it.
I should mention that I was rather disappointed with the images as imported into Adobe Lightroom Classic. As a result, I pre-processed them in DxO Pure Raw 5, which consumed a significant amount of additional time with minimal improvement. Furthermore, due to a misunderstanding of certain settings, I inadvertently overexposed a considerable number of the photographs.
Leica Q3 vs. Leica Q3 43: A Comparative Analysis and Workflow Investigation
1. Executive Summary
The Leica Q series has carved out a distinctive niche within the premium compact camera market. The introduction of the Leica Q3 brought noteworthy upgrades, including a 60MP sensor and phase-detection autofocus. Leica further expanded this range with the Q3 43, offering an alternative perspective through a different fixed lens. This discussion provides an in-depth comparison between the standard Leica Q3, featuring a Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens, and the Leica Q3 43, equipped with an APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. lens.
The fundamental distinction lies in the focal length and the lens's characteristics. The 28mm Q3 offers a wider field of view, advantageous for landscapes, architecture, and capturing the environmental context, with significant cropping potential thanks to its high-resolution sensor. The 43mm Q3 provides a perspective closer to human vision, often favoured for portraiture and achieving a more natural look with less distortion. Both cameras share the same advanced full-frame sensor platform, high-quality construction, excellent viewfinder, and improved connectivity, representing the core strengths of the Q3 generation.
However, both models also inherit shared weaknesses. Despite improvements, the autofocus system, particularly continuous tracking, lags behind industry leaders. Ergonomic quirks, including the button layout, the absence of a built-in grip, and a sometimes awkward tilt-screen implementation, persist. Video capabilities, while impressive on paper, are hampered by practical limitations such as significant cropping, rolling shutter, and the lack of essential audio jacks.
Processing the Leica Q3's DNG files in Adobe Lightroom Classic presents challenges due to the lack of official camera-matching colour profiles, often leading to results that differ from the camera's JPEG output and necessitating manual intervention or workarounds.
DxO PureRaw 5 emerges as a potential pre-processing solution, leveraging its advanced DeepPRIME denoising and precise Optics Modules to enhance image quality, particularly noise reduction and optical corrections. However, it primarily addresses data quality (noise, sharpness, lens flaws) rather than directly resolving the colour profile discrepancy within Lightroom.
The choice between the Q3 and Q3 43 hinges primarily on the photographer's preferred focal length and shooting style. The 28mm model suits those prioritising versatility and a wide perspective, whilst the 43mm appeals to users seeking a natural view optimised for portraits and optical purity. Prospective buyers must weigh these lens differences against the shared platform limitations and be prepared to navigate potential workflow complexities, particularly concerning RAW file processing in Lightroom.
2. Introduction: The Leica Q3 Conundrum – A Tale of Two Focal Lengths
The Leica Q series occupies a unique and coveted space in the photographic landscape. It represents Leica's successful fusion of its legendary optical prowess and minimalist design philosophy with modern digital camera technology. The core concept – a compact, full-frame sensor camera paired with a high-quality, fixed prime lens – resonates with photographers seeking exceptional image quality without the bulk and complexity of interchangeable lens systems. These cameras are often lauded not just for their technical capabilities but for the tactile shooting experience and the sheer "joy" they bring to the photographic process. They are positioned as unique companions, blending style with cutting-edge technology, designed to integrate intuitively into creative workflows.
The Leica Q3 marked a significant evolution, incorporating a new 60-megapixel sensor, hybrid autofocus, a tiltable screen, and enhanced video capabilities. Initially launched with the familiar wide-angle perspective of a Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens, a staple since the original Q, Leica later introduced a variation: the Q3 43. This model retains the Q3 body and sensor but features a newly developed APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. lens. This move signalled Leica's intention to offer distinct creative choices built upon the same powerful foundation, catering to photographers whose vision aligns better with a more "standard" or "natural" focal length compared to the traditional wide-angle Q offering.
This blog post aims to dissect the critical differences between these two compelling options. It will analyse their respective advantages and disadvantages, synthesise feedback from professional reviews and user communities, investigate the nuances of processing their DNG files, particularly within the ubiquitous Adobe Lightroom Classic environment, and evaluate the utility of DxO PureRaw 5 as a pre-processing tool. The ultimate goal is to provide potential buyers with the comprehensive insights needed to make an informed decision between the Leica Q3 and its 43mm sibling.
3. The Leica Q3 Platform: Shared Foundations, Shared Foibles
Before delving into the lens-specific differences, it is essential to understand the common platform upon which both the Q3 and Q3 43 are built. They share the same core technology, physical design principles, and consequently, many of the same strengths and weaknesses.
3.1. Core Strengths (Applicable to Both Models)
Sensor Excellence: At the heart of both cameras lies a 60.3-megapixel (effective) full-frame Back-Side Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor. This high resolution provides immense flexibility, enabling significant cropping for compositional adjustments or simulating longer focal lengths whilst retaining substantial detail. The sensor features Triple Resolution Technology, allowing users to select DNG or JPG output at 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP, potentially managing file sizes or optimising for specific needs. The BSI design contributes to strong performance in low light conditions, further enhanced by a wide native ISO range of 50 to 100,000. The sensor uses an RGB colour filter, includes a UV/IR filter, and notably omits an optical low-pass filter to maximise detail capture.
Build Quality & Design: True to Leica's heritage, the Q3 platform boasts exceptional build quality. Both models feature a full-metal housing constructed from magnesium die-cast, finished with a textured leather covering. This "Made in Germany" construction contributes to a premium, tactile feel that is frequently cited as a key part of the camera's appeal. An IP52 rating provides a degree of protection against dust and dripping water, adding durability for real-world use.
Viewing Experience: The Q3 platform offers high-quality viewing options. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a standout feature, boasting a high resolution of 5.67 million dots and a fast 120fps refresh rate for a clear, lag-free composition experience. Complementing the EVF is a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with a resolution of 1.84 million dots. This tilting capability, a first for the Q series, adds flexibility for shooting at unusual angles, particularly low-down perspectives common in street photography.
Connectivity: Leica significantly upgraded the connectivity features for the Q3 generation. Integration with the Leica FOTOS app is enhanced, offering transfer speeds up to 10 times faster than the Q2, aided by MIMO Wi-Fi technology for improved stability and data rates. The camera includes modern ports: USB-C (supporting USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds up to 10 Gbps for fast transfer and tethered shooting with software like Capture One and Lightroom) and a Type D HDMI port for external monitoring or recording. The Q3 is also certified "Made for iPhone and iPad," ensuring seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem via cable connections. Furthermore, wireless charging is possible via an optional handgrip and charging pad accessory.
Video Capabilities: The Q3 platform incorporates a surprisingly robust video feature set for a camera primarily focused on stills. It can record video at resolutions up to C8K (8192x4320) and 8K (7680x4320). Multiple formats and codecs are supported, including efficient H.265 and professional options like Apple ProRes (though limited to 1080p resolution). This extensive video specification allows the Q3 to serve as a capable tool for hybrid shooters or those needing high-quality video capture in a compact form factor.
3.2. Common Weaknesses & Quirks
Despite the impressive specifications, the Q3 platform is not without its limitations and design choices that have drawn criticism.
Autofocus Limitations: Whilst the Q3 introduced a Hybrid Autofocus system combining Phase Detection AF (PDAF), Contrast AF, Depth From Defocus (DFD), and AI-powered subject recognition – a significant upgrade from the contrast-only system of the Q2 – its real-world performance remains a point of contention. Numerous reviews and user reports indicate that whilst single-point autofocus is generally excellent and responsive, the continuous autofocus (C-AF) and subject tracking capabilities lag considerably behind competitors. Issues frequently mentioned include focus "pulsing" (visible hunting back and forth), unreliable tracking of moving subjects, and difficulty switching between detected subjects quickly. Whilst PDAF was expected to resolve the Q2's AF shortcomings, these persistent issues suggest the implementation may be suboptimal or that ultimate AF speed for action was not Leica's primary design goal. The AF is often described as "serviceable" or adequate for typical Q use cases like street and travel, but it represents a significant limitation for photographers needing reliable performance with dynamic subjects.
Ergonomics & Handling: The minimalist aesthetic, whilst visually appealing, leads to several ergonomic challenges. The menu system relies on unlabelled buttons, making it difficult to remember assigned functions without looking. One function button is flush with the body, hindering tactile operation when the camera is at eye level. Switching between autofocus and manual focus requires manipulating a small, awkwardly placed button on the lens barrel. The body lacks a substantial built-in grip, prompting many users to purchase the optional accessory grip (£195), which unfortunately must be removed to access the battery and SD card slot. An optional thumb rest (£230) is available but obstructs the accessory hot shoe. The aperture ring on the lens, whilst tactile, can be impractical and prone to accidental changes when removing the camera from a bag. Lastly, the shutter button has been frequently criticised for being unusually stiff, requiring significant pressure that can induce camera shake; some users have sent their cameras for repair or purchased an accessory "soft release" button (£75) in an attempt to mitigate this.
Tilt-Screen Implementation: The addition of a tilt screen was a welcome modernisation, but its physical implementation has drawn negative feedback. Reviewers describe it as "clunky," "poorly implemented," and difficult to grip and pull out, particularly if a protective case is fitted. Its single-axis tilt mechanism only aids horizontal shooting, offering no benefit for vertical compositions.
Video Drawbacks: The impressive video specifications are tempered by practical limitations. Achieving the highest resolutions (8K, 4K/60p) incurs a significant sensor crop. The 60MP sensor's relatively slow readout speed results in pronounced rolling shutter artefacts ("jello effect") during camera movement. Video capture often involves either this heavy crop or detail-reducing pixel subsampling. The high-quality ProRes codec is restricted to 1080p resolution. Perhaps most critically for serious video use, the Q3 body lacks both a microphone input and a headphone output jack, relegating its audio capabilities to the internal microphone and limiting its suitability for professional video production.
Other Considerations: Battery life is rated at a modest 350 shots per charge (CIPA standard), which may be insufficient for heavy shooting days. The camera's boot-up time is reportedly slow, around 3 seconds, potentially causing missed moments. Whilst supporting fast UHS-II cards, the camera features only a single SD card slot, located inconveniently on the baseplate alongside the battery. Finally, the premium price point remains a significant factor, placing it out of reach for many photographers.
The Q3 platform thus embodies a specific set of choices. It integrates advanced digital technology like a high-resolution sensor and PDAF within a framework that prioritises Leica's traditional values of minimalist design, premium materials, and a tactile user experience. This inevitably leads to compromises in areas where mainstream competitors often excel, such as autofocus speed, button ergonomics, and feature implementation (like the tilt screen or video audio jacks). Potential buyers are not just acquiring a camera; they are subscribing to a particular photographic philosophy where the overall experience and brand identity may be valued as highly as raw performance metrics. Those whose priorities align perfectly with this philosophy may find the Q3 immensely satisfying, whilst those seeking maximum functional optimisation or performance-per-pound might find its quirks and limitations frustrating.
4. Focal Point Showdown: Summilux 28mm f/1.7 vs. APO-Summicron 43mm f/2
The defining difference between the Leica Q3 and the Q3 43 lies in their fixed lenses. Whilst built on the same camera body, these lenses offer distinct perspectives, optical characteristics, and suitability for different photographic tasks.
4.1. Leica Q3: The Wide Perspective (Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH.)
Lens Characteristics: The standard Q3 features the Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens, a design carried over from the original Q and Q2. Its bright f/1.7 maximum aperture is advantageous in low light and offers potential for background separation, though less pronounced than longer focal lengths. The ASPH (aspherical) elements help control aberrations. A key feature is the integrated macro mode, accessible via a ring on the lens barrel, allowing focusing down to a minimum distance of just 17cm. The normal focusing range starts at 30cm. The lens incorporates optical image stabilisation (OIS), although its effectiveness has been described as average, with reviewers consistently achieving sharp handheld shots only down to around 1/15 sec.
The lens construction is robust, with smooth, well-damped control rings for aperture, manual focus, and macro mode. An interesting point raised in user discussions and tests is that the lens's actual field of view might be wider than 28mm (closer to 26mm or 26.5mm) before internal software corrections are applied, and some residual geometric distortion may be noticeable at the edges, particularly for critical landscape or architectural work.
Use Cases & Perspective: The 28mm focal length provides a moderately wide perspective, making it highly versatile. It excels in street photography, capturing environmental context around subjects, documenting travel, shooting landscapes and architecture, and working in confined indoor spaces. Its ability to "tell the story" by including more of the surroundings is often highlighted. However, this wide view can sometimes make subjects appear distant or small in the frame, a common observation noted in viewfinder experience. Some users find the 28mm perspective too wide, feeling it reminiscent of smartphone cameras or finding it challenging to effectively isolate subjects from busy backgrounds. Its closer normal minimum focusing distance (30cm) compared to the 43mm lens (60cm) makes it more convenient for spontaneous close-ups without needing to engage the macro mode.
Cropping Power: The combination of the 28mm lens and the 60MP sensor is central to the Q3's versatility proposition. The high resolution allows for significant digital cropping to simulate tighter focal lengths – 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, and even 90mm are offered as in-camera frame lines/crop modes. Even at a 90mm equivalent crop, the resulting image retains approximately 18.6MP, sufficient for many online uses and smaller prints. This capability is frequently promoted as a way to overcome the limitation of a fixed wide lens. It's important to remember, however, that cropping magnifies the central portion of the image; it does not alter the inherent perspective rendering or depth of field characteristics of the original 28mm focal length. Wide-angle perspective distortion will still be present in cropped images.
4.2. Leica Q3 43: The "Natural" View (APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH.)
Lens Characteristics: The Q3 43 introduces a completely new lens: the APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH.. The slightly slower f/2 maximum aperture is a minor trade-off against the 28mm's f/1.7. The key designation here is "APO" (apochromatic), signifying Leica's highest level of optical correction, particularly for chromatic aberrations (colour fringing). Leica reserves the APO designation for its finest lenses, suggesting exceptional sharpness, contrast, and colour fidelity across the frame, even wide open. The lens incorporates seven aspherical elements within its complex design, yet maintains the compact form factor expected of the Q series. Reviews praise its performance, noting excellent centre sharpness even at f/2, good corner performance (improving slightly stopped down), impressive flare resistance with minimal contrast loss or ghosting, and clean, pleasing bokeh. Like the 28mm, it features an integrated macro mode, though the specific minimum distance isn't readily available in the provided materials. Its normal minimum focusing distance is 0.6m (60cm), significantly longer than the 28mm lens. It is presumed to also feature OIS, though specific performance details relative to the 28mm are not highlighted.
Use Cases & Perspective: Leica markets the 43mm focal length as providing a "natural perspective," closely mimicking the field of view of human vision without significant distortion. This makes it particularly well-suited for portraiture, offering a flattering rendering of subjects, good separation from the background (especially at wider apertures), and natural-looking skin tones. It's also presented as versatile for street, travel, and event photography. Compared to the 28mm, the 43mm makes it easier to fill the frame with the subject and achieve shallower depth of field for subject isolation. Its perspective is generally considered less prone to the distortion that can affect subjects near the edges of a 28mm frame. The main limitation is its inability to capture very wide scenes or work effectively in extremely tight spaces where the 28mm would be necessary. The longer minimum focusing distance (60cm) also makes casual close-ups less convenient.
Cropping Power: The Q3 43 also leverages the 60MP sensor for digital cropping. Leica mentions a digital frame selection extending up to 150mm. Cropping from 43mm to common lengths like 50mm or 75mm requires less magnification than starting from 28mm, potentially preserving slightly more detail at equivalent final fields of view. However, the utility of the crop modes is arguably less critical for the 43mm, as its native focal length is already within the versatile "standard" range.
4.3. Direct Comparison & The Role of Resolution
The choice between these two lenses involves clear trade-offs. The 28mm offers greater versatility in capturing wide scenes and working indoors, relying heavily on the 60MP sensor's cropping power to achieve tighter framing. Its f/1.7 aperture is marginally faster, and its closer focusing distance is more convenient. The 43mm provides a more classic, natural perspective ideal for portraits, boasting potentially superior optical correction due to its APO design. It requires less reliance on cropping for standard views but cannot replicate the wide perspective of the 28mm.
This highlights how the 60MP sensor is a fundamental enabler for Leica's fixed-lens Q3 strategy. It allows the 28mm model to function, via cropping, as a multi-focal-length camera, albeit one always retaining a wide-angle perspective. It extends the reach of the 43mm model significantly. This reliance on "zoom-by-crop" is a distinct photographic approach compared to using interchangeable lenses with different native focal lengths and optical characteristics. Whilst powerful, it also places immense demands on the lens quality – any flaws are magnified upon cropping (potentially explaining the scrutiny of the 28mm's edge performance) – and increases the burden on the image processing pipeline due to large file sizes and the potential for noise to become more apparent in heavily cropped images. Buyers must decide if the convenience of a single fixed lens combined with cropping suits their workflow and aesthetic preferences better than the optical diversity of an interchangeable lens system or if the specific perspective offered by either the 28mm or 43mm aligns best with their vision.
Let's summarise the key differences: The standard Q3 uses the Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens, whilst the Q3 43 features the APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. lens. The 28mm model has a slightly faster maximum aperture (f/1.7 vs f/2.0) and offers a wider perspective, often described as being effectively closer to 26.5mm. It excels in street, travel, landscape, architecture, and indoor photography. Its normal minimum focus distance is 30cm, and its macro mode reaches 17cm. Its primary advantage is versatility, combining a wide field of view with significant cropping potential (up to 90mm equivalent). However, it can feel too wide for some, and potential edge distortion is a factor.
In contrast, the Q3 43 provides a "natural" standard view, mimicking human vision. Its APO lens design signifies the highest level of optical correction for colour and sharpness. This makes it ideal for portraits, events, and general street or travel photography where a standard perspective is preferred. Its normal minimum focus distance is longer at 60cm, though it also has an integrated macro mode. Digital cropping is available, potentially up to 150mm. Its key advantages are the flattering portrait perspective, natural view, and superior optical correction. The main drawbacks are its lack of wide-angle capability compared to the 28mm and its longer normal focusing distance.
My First Day with the Leica Q3: Central Plaza and a Few Initial Hiccups
Central Plaza, also known as the Central Bank of Ireland Building due to its former occupant, is an office building situated on Dame Street in Temple Bar, Dublin. It served as the headquarters for the Central Bank of Ireland from 1979 to 2017.
Remarkably, it's Ireland's only suspended structure building, with its eight storeys hanging from central concrete cores. Each level was constructed at ground level and subsequently raised into its final position. Its construction was not without controversy, primarily due to its perceived disproportion to the surrounding architecture and the fact that it was built approximately 9.1 metres (30 feet) taller than the permitted height.
In November 2025, I pre-ordered a Sony A1 II. However, by the beginning of April, it had still not arrived. Given that I needed a camera by mid-May at the latest, I realised I had to take some action. I considered the Leica Q3; however, I wouldn't be in a position to pay for it until the 30th of April. In the interim, I changed my mind and decided to opt for a Fujifilm GFX100RF instead. On the 29th of April, I received an email from my local dealer informing me that the Fuji was unavailable and that it was unlikely one would be available to me until July or later.
Consequently, I decided to investigate the secondhand camera market. I had more or less settled on a Sony A7RV when I noticed a Leica Q3 advertised at a good price, so I made an online payment. On the 30th, I visited the shop to collect the Q3. Upon my arrival, a member of staff went downstairs and returned with a Fujifilm GFX100RF. Simultaneously, another staff member approached the counter with the Q3 that I had already purchased. To cut a long story short, I returned home with two cameras, reasoning that I could likely sell the Q3 for more than I had paid. The camera was in pristine condition at this point; I suspect I will end up keeping it.
I should mention that I was rather disappointed with the images as imported into Adobe Lightroom Classic. As a result, I pre-processed them in DxO Pure Raw 5, which consumed a significant amount of additional time with minimal improvement. Furthermore, due to a misunderstanding of certain settings, I inadvertently overexposed a considerable number of the photographs.
Leica Q3 vs. Leica Q3 43: A Comparative Analysis and Workflow Investigation
1. Executive Summary
The Leica Q series has carved out a distinctive niche within the premium compact camera market. The introduction of the Leica Q3 brought noteworthy upgrades, including a 60MP sensor and phase-detection autofocus. Leica further expanded this range with the Q3 43, offering an alternative perspective through a different fixed lens. This discussion provides an in-depth comparison between the standard Leica Q3, featuring a Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens, and the Leica Q3 43, equipped with an APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. lens.
The fundamental distinction lies in the focal length and the lens's characteristics. The 28mm Q3 offers a wider field of view, advantageous for landscapes, architecture, and capturing the environmental context, with significant cropping potential thanks to its high-resolution sensor. The 43mm Q3 provides a perspective closer to human vision, often favoured for portraiture and achieving a more natural look with less distortion. Both cameras share the same advanced full-frame sensor platform, high-quality construction, excellent viewfinder, and improved connectivity, representing the core strengths of the Q3 generation.
However, both models also inherit shared weaknesses. Despite improvements, the autofocus system, particularly continuous tracking, lags behind industry leaders. Ergonomic quirks, including the button layout, the absence of a built-in grip, and a sometimes awkward tilt-screen implementation, persist. Video capabilities, while impressive on paper, are hampered by practical limitations such as significant cropping, rolling shutter, and the lack of essential audio jacks.
Processing the Leica Q3's DNG files in Adobe Lightroom Classic presents challenges due to the lack of official camera-matching colour profiles, often leading to results that differ from the camera's JPEG output and necessitating manual intervention or workarounds.
DxO PureRaw 5 emerges as a potential pre-processing solution, leveraging its advanced DeepPRIME denoising and precise Optics Modules to enhance image quality, particularly noise reduction and optical corrections. However, it primarily addresses data quality (noise, sharpness, lens flaws) rather than directly resolving the colour profile discrepancy within Lightroom.
The choice between the Q3 and Q3 43 hinges primarily on the photographer's preferred focal length and shooting style. The 28mm model suits those prioritising versatility and a wide perspective, whilst the 43mm appeals to users seeking a natural view optimised for portraits and optical purity. Prospective buyers must weigh these lens differences against the shared platform limitations and be prepared to navigate potential workflow complexities, particularly concerning RAW file processing in Lightroom.
2. Introduction: The Leica Q3 Conundrum – A Tale of Two Focal Lengths
The Leica Q series occupies a unique and coveted space in the photographic landscape. It represents Leica's successful fusion of its legendary optical prowess and minimalist design philosophy with modern digital camera technology. The core concept – a compact, full-frame sensor camera paired with a high-quality, fixed prime lens – resonates with photographers seeking exceptional image quality without the bulk and complexity of interchangeable lens systems. These cameras are often lauded not just for their technical capabilities but for the tactile shooting experience and the sheer "joy" they bring to the photographic process. They are positioned as unique companions, blending style with cutting-edge technology, designed to integrate intuitively into creative workflows.
The Leica Q3 marked a significant evolution, incorporating a new 60-megapixel sensor, hybrid autofocus, a tiltable screen, and enhanced video capabilities. Initially launched with the familiar wide-angle perspective of a Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens, a staple since the original Q, Leica later introduced a variation: the Q3 43. This model retains the Q3 body and sensor but features a newly developed APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. lens. This move signalled Leica's intention to offer distinct creative choices built upon the same powerful foundation, catering to photographers whose vision aligns better with a more "standard" or "natural" focal length compared to the traditional wide-angle Q offering.
This blog post aims to dissect the critical differences between these two compelling options. It will analyse their respective advantages and disadvantages, synthesise feedback from professional reviews and user communities, investigate the nuances of processing their DNG files, particularly within the ubiquitous Adobe Lightroom Classic environment, and evaluate the utility of DxO PureRaw 5 as a pre-processing tool. The ultimate goal is to provide potential buyers with the comprehensive insights needed to make an informed decision between the Leica Q3 and its 43mm sibling.
3. The Leica Q3 Platform: Shared Foundations, Shared Foibles
Before delving into the lens-specific differences, it is essential to understand the common platform upon which both the Q3 and Q3 43 are built. They share the same core technology, physical design principles, and consequently, many of the same strengths and weaknesses.
3.1. Core Strengths (Applicable to Both Models)
Sensor Excellence: At the heart of both cameras lies a 60.3-megapixel (effective) full-frame Back-Side Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor. This high resolution provides immense flexibility, enabling significant cropping for compositional adjustments or simulating longer focal lengths whilst retaining substantial detail. The sensor features Triple Resolution Technology, allowing users to select DNG or JPG output at 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP, potentially managing file sizes or optimising for specific needs. The BSI design contributes to strong performance in low light conditions, further enhanced by a wide native ISO range of 50 to 100,000. The sensor uses an RGB colour filter, includes a UV/IR filter, and notably omits an optical low-pass filter to maximise detail capture.
Build Quality & Design: True to Leica's heritage, the Q3 platform boasts exceptional build quality. Both models feature a full-metal housing constructed from magnesium die-cast, finished with a textured leather covering. This "Made in Germany" construction contributes to a premium, tactile feel that is frequently cited as a key part of the camera's appeal. An IP52 rating provides a degree of protection against dust and dripping water, adding durability for real-world use.
Viewing Experience: The Q3 platform offers high-quality viewing options. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a standout feature, boasting a high resolution of 5.67 million dots and a fast 120fps refresh rate for a clear, lag-free composition experience. Complementing the EVF is a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with a resolution of 1.84 million dots. This tilting capability, a first for the Q series, adds flexibility for shooting at unusual angles, particularly low-down perspectives common in street photography.
Connectivity: Leica significantly upgraded the connectivity features for the Q3 generation. Integration with the Leica FOTOS app is enhanced, offering transfer speeds up to 10 times faster than the Q2, aided by MIMO Wi-Fi technology for improved stability and data rates. The camera includes modern ports: USB-C (supporting USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds up to 10 Gbps for fast transfer and tethered shooting with software like Capture One and Lightroom) and a Type D HDMI port for external monitoring or recording. The Q3 is also certified "Made for iPhone and iPad," ensuring seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem via cable connections. Furthermore, wireless charging is possible via an optional handgrip and charging pad accessory.
Video Capabilities: The Q3 platform incorporates a surprisingly robust video feature set for a camera primarily focused on stills. It can record video at resolutions up to C8K (8192x4320) and 8K (7680x4320). Multiple formats and codecs are supported, including efficient H.265 and professional options like Apple ProRes (though limited to 1080p resolution). This extensive video specification allows the Q3 to serve as a capable tool for hybrid shooters or those needing high-quality video capture in a compact form factor.
3.2. Common Weaknesses & Quirks
Despite the impressive specifications, the Q3 platform is not without its limitations and design choices that have drawn criticism.
Autofocus Limitations: Whilst the Q3 introduced a Hybrid Autofocus system combining Phase Detection AF (PDAF), Contrast AF, Depth From Defocus (DFD), and AI-powered subject recognition – a significant upgrade from the contrast-only system of the Q2 – its real-world performance remains a point of contention. Numerous reviews and user reports indicate that whilst single-point autofocus is generally excellent and responsive, the continuous autofocus (C-AF) and subject tracking capabilities lag considerably behind competitors. Issues frequently mentioned include focus "pulsing" (visible hunting back and forth), unreliable tracking of moving subjects, and difficulty switching between detected subjects quickly. Whilst PDAF was expected to resolve the Q2's AF shortcomings, these persistent issues suggest the implementation may be suboptimal or that ultimate AF speed for action was not Leica's primary design goal. The AF is often described as "serviceable" or adequate for typical Q use cases like street and travel, but it represents a significant limitation for photographers needing reliable performance with dynamic subjects.
Ergonomics & Handling: The minimalist aesthetic, whilst visually appealing, leads to several ergonomic challenges. The menu system relies on unlabelled buttons, making it difficult to remember assigned functions without looking. One function button is flush with the body, hindering tactile operation when the camera is at eye level. Switching between autofocus and manual focus requires manipulating a small, awkwardly placed button on the lens barrel. The body lacks a substantial built-in grip, prompting many users to purchase the optional accessory grip (£195), which unfortunately must be removed to access the battery and SD card slot. An optional thumb rest (£230) is available but obstructs the accessory hot shoe. The aperture ring on the lens, whilst tactile, can be impractical and prone to accidental changes when removing the camera from a bag. Lastly, the shutter button has been frequently criticised for being unusually stiff, requiring significant pressure that can induce camera shake; some users have sent their cameras for repair or purchased an accessory "soft release" button (£75) in an attempt to mitigate this.
Tilt-Screen Implementation: The addition of a tilt screen was a welcome modernisation, but its physical implementation has drawn negative feedback. Reviewers describe it as "clunky," "poorly implemented," and difficult to grip and pull out, particularly if a protective case is fitted. Its single-axis tilt mechanism only aids horizontal shooting, offering no benefit for vertical compositions.
Video Drawbacks: The impressive video specifications are tempered by practical limitations. Achieving the highest resolutions (8K, 4K/60p) incurs a significant sensor crop. The 60MP sensor's relatively slow readout speed results in pronounced rolling shutter artefacts ("jello effect") during camera movement. Video capture often involves either this heavy crop or detail-reducing pixel subsampling. The high-quality ProRes codec is restricted to 1080p resolution. Perhaps most critically for serious video use, the Q3 body lacks both a microphone input and a headphone output jack, relegating its audio capabilities to the internal microphone and limiting its suitability for professional video production.
Other Considerations: Battery life is rated at a modest 350 shots per charge (CIPA standard), which may be insufficient for heavy shooting days. The camera's boot-up time is reportedly slow, around 3 seconds, potentially causing missed moments. Whilst supporting fast UHS-II cards, the camera features only a single SD card slot, located inconveniently on the baseplate alongside the battery. Finally, the premium price point remains a significant factor, placing it out of reach for many photographers.
The Q3 platform thus embodies a specific set of choices. It integrates advanced digital technology like a high-resolution sensor and PDAF within a framework that prioritises Leica's traditional values of minimalist design, premium materials, and a tactile user experience. This inevitably leads to compromises in areas where mainstream competitors often excel, such as autofocus speed, button ergonomics, and feature implementation (like the tilt screen or video audio jacks). Potential buyers are not just acquiring a camera; they are subscribing to a particular photographic philosophy where the overall experience and brand identity may be valued as highly as raw performance metrics. Those whose priorities align perfectly with this philosophy may find the Q3 immensely satisfying, whilst those seeking maximum functional optimisation or performance-per-pound might find its quirks and limitations frustrating.
4. Focal Point Showdown: Summilux 28mm f/1.7 vs. APO-Summicron 43mm f/2
The defining difference between the Leica Q3 and the Q3 43 lies in their fixed lenses. Whilst built on the same camera body, these lenses offer distinct perspectives, optical characteristics, and suitability for different photographic tasks.
4.1. Leica Q3: The Wide Perspective (Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH.)
Lens Characteristics: The standard Q3 features the Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens, a design carried over from the original Q and Q2. Its bright f/1.7 maximum aperture is advantageous in low light and offers potential for background separation, though less pronounced than longer focal lengths. The ASPH (aspherical) elements help control aberrations. A key feature is the integrated macro mode, accessible via a ring on the lens barrel, allowing focusing down to a minimum distance of just 17cm. The normal focusing range starts at 30cm. The lens incorporates optical image stabilisation (OIS), although its effectiveness has been described as average, with reviewers consistently achieving sharp handheld shots only down to around 1/15 sec.
The lens construction is robust, with smooth, well-damped control rings for aperture, manual focus, and macro mode. An interesting point raised in user discussions and tests is that the lens's actual field of view might be wider than 28mm (closer to 26mm or 26.5mm) before internal software corrections are applied, and some residual geometric distortion may be noticeable at the edges, particularly for critical landscape or architectural work.
Use Cases & Perspective: The 28mm focal length provides a moderately wide perspective, making it highly versatile. It excels in street photography, capturing environmental context around subjects, documenting travel, shooting landscapes and architecture, and working in confined indoor spaces. Its ability to "tell the story" by including more of the surroundings is often highlighted. However, this wide view can sometimes make subjects appear distant or small in the frame, a common observation noted in viewfinder experience. Some users find the 28mm perspective too wide, feeling it reminiscent of smartphone cameras or finding it challenging to effectively isolate subjects from busy backgrounds. Its closer normal minimum focusing distance (30cm) compared to the 43mm lens (60cm) makes it more convenient for spontaneous close-ups without needing to engage the macro mode.
Cropping Power: The combination of the 28mm lens and the 60MP sensor is central to the Q3's versatility proposition. The high resolution allows for significant digital cropping to simulate tighter focal lengths – 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, and even 90mm are offered as in-camera frame lines/crop modes. Even at a 90mm equivalent crop, the resulting image retains approximately 18.6MP, sufficient for many online uses and smaller prints. This capability is frequently promoted as a way to overcome the limitation of a fixed wide lens. It's important to remember, however, that cropping magnifies the central portion of the image; it does not alter the inherent perspective rendering or depth of field characteristics of the original 28mm focal length. Wide-angle perspective distortion will still be present in cropped images.
4.2. Leica Q3 43: The "Natural" View (APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH.)
Lens Characteristics: The Q3 43 introduces a completely new lens: the APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH.. The slightly slower f/2 maximum aperture is a minor trade-off against the 28mm's f/1.7. The key designation here is "APO" (apochromatic), signifying Leica's highest level of optical correction, particularly for chromatic aberrations (colour fringing). Leica reserves the APO designation for its finest lenses, suggesting exceptional sharpness, contrast, and colour fidelity across the frame, even wide open. The lens incorporates seven aspherical elements within its complex design, yet maintains the compact form factor expected of the Q series. Reviews praise its performance, noting excellent centre sharpness even at f/2, good corner performance (improving slightly stopped down), impressive flare resistance with minimal contrast loss or ghosting, and clean, pleasing bokeh. Like the 28mm, it features an integrated macro mode, though the specific minimum distance isn't readily available in the provided materials. Its normal minimum focusing distance is 0.6m (60cm), significantly longer than the 28mm lens. It is presumed to also feature OIS, though specific performance details relative to the 28mm are not highlighted.
Use Cases & Perspective: Leica markets the 43mm focal length as providing a "natural perspective," closely mimicking the field of view of human vision without significant distortion. This makes it particularly well-suited for portraiture, offering a flattering rendering of subjects, good separation from the background (especially at wider apertures), and natural-looking skin tones. It's also presented as versatile for street, travel, and event photography. Compared to the 28mm, the 43mm makes it easier to fill the frame with the subject and achieve shallower depth of field for subject isolation. Its perspective is generally considered less prone to the distortion that can affect subjects near the edges of a 28mm frame. The main limitation is its inability to capture very wide scenes or work effectively in extremely tight spaces where the 28mm would be necessary. The longer minimum focusing distance (60cm) also makes casual close-ups less convenient.
Cropping Power: The Q3 43 also leverages the 60MP sensor for digital cropping. Leica mentions a digital frame selection extending up to 150mm. Cropping from 43mm to common lengths like 50mm or 75mm requires less magnification than starting from 28mm, potentially preserving slightly more detail at equivalent final fields of view. However, the utility of the crop modes is arguably less critical for the 43mm, as its native focal length is already within the versatile "standard" range.
4.3. Direct Comparison & The Role of Resolution
The choice between these two lenses involves clear trade-offs. The 28mm offers greater versatility in capturing wide scenes and working indoors, relying heavily on the 60MP sensor's cropping power to achieve tighter framing. Its f/1.7 aperture is marginally faster, and its closer focusing distance is more convenient. The 43mm provides a more classic, natural perspective ideal for portraits, boasting potentially superior optical correction due to its APO design. It requires less reliance on cropping for standard views but cannot replicate the wide perspective of the 28mm.
This highlights how the 60MP sensor is a fundamental enabler for Leica's fixed-lens Q3 strategy. It allows the 28mm model to function, via cropping, as a multi-focal-length camera, albeit one always retaining a wide-angle perspective. It extends the reach of the 43mm model significantly. This reliance on "zoom-by-crop" is a distinct photographic approach compared to using interchangeable lenses with different native focal lengths and optical characteristics. Whilst powerful, it also places immense demands on the lens quality – any flaws are magnified upon cropping (potentially explaining the scrutiny of the 28mm's edge performance) – and increases the burden on the image processing pipeline due to large file sizes and the potential for noise to become more apparent in heavily cropped images. Buyers must decide if the convenience of a single fixed lens combined with cropping suits their workflow and aesthetic preferences better than the optical diversity of an interchangeable lens system or if the specific perspective offered by either the 28mm or 43mm aligns best with their vision.
Let's summarise the key differences: The standard Q3 uses the Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens, whilst the Q3 43 features the APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. lens. The 28mm model has a slightly faster maximum aperture (f/1.7 vs f/2.0) and offers a wider perspective, often described as being effectively closer to 26.5mm. It excels in street, travel, landscape, architecture, and indoor photography. Its normal minimum focus distance is 30cm, and its macro mode reaches 17cm. Its primary advantage is versatility, combining a wide field of view with significant cropping potential (up to 90mm equivalent). However, it can feel too wide for some, and potential edge distortion is a factor.
In contrast, the Q3 43 provides a "natural" standard view, mimicking human vision. Its APO lens design signifies the highest level of optical correction for colour and sharpness. This makes it ideal for portraits, events, and general street or travel photography where a standard perspective is preferred. Its normal minimum focus distance is longer at 60cm, though it also has an integrated macro mode. Digital cropping is available, potentially up to 150mm. Its key advantages are the flattering portrait perspective, natural view, and superior optical correction. The main drawbacks are its lack of wide-angle capability compared to the 28mm and its longer normal focusing distance.
THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME TO USE A LEICA CAMERA