A first for the Q series, the Leica Q3 43 is the same powerful and portable camera but now touts a longer APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH. lens. Built for those looking for more reach rather than a wider field of view, this sibling of the original Q3 is better positioned for portrait photographers and everyday shooters looking for a narrower, more natural perspective compared to the 28mm lens of the original.
Beyond the lens and some aesthetic differences on the camera body, the Q3 43 remains functionally the same as the Q3: it includes the high-performance 60MP full-frame sensor, hybrid AF system, 8K video recording, and refined handling design that made the original Q3 version a versatile all-in-one choice for a variety of shooting needs. Full-Frame Sensor and Maestro IV Processor60MP 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 DesignHi-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.