Update: 19 July 2022: A new leak has had its way into the world relating to the new Leica Q3 camera, announced and spotted by Digicame-info (opens in new tab), it confirmed that within a Leica FOTOS App update, data was sourced to show two code names, Leica Wilson and Leica Rene.
Within this leak pictured below it is clear that the code name "Wilson" is referring to the expected Leica Q3. We have also heard from Mr Stefan Daniel, Executive VP Tech and Ops at Leica AG in a interview (opens in new tab)confirmed Leica is working on a Q3 stating:
"Yes, there will be a Q3, for sure we will not stop here as the Q line-up has become a part of Leica's product portfolio, but it is not for this year".
This might be disheartening for some loyal Q-series fans however, it makes sense if Leica would like to introduce the 60 megapixel sensor, therefore not taking away users from its flagship Leica M11 rangefinder camera (opens in new tab) for the time being.
Original Story: The Leica Q3 rumors have started rumbling, with the latest reports that the new camera will launch in 2023 with a 60MP image sensor.
Of course, the Leica Q3 is set to be the successor to the ever-popular –and DCW favorite –Leica Q2 (along with special edition versions such as the Leica Q2 Reporter).
According to a report by Leica Rumors, the manufacturer is expected to announce the Leica Q3 next year. This would line up with a screenshot taken from the live Leica M11 launch video, where it showed three white spaces for future Leica cameras behind head designer Mark Shipard –and within these empty slots were the road maps to the Leica S, Leica SL and Leica Q camera series.
With these rumors it is also expected that the Q3 would be equipped with a 60MP sensor. This would make sense seeing as Leica already has access to a 60MP sensor, which is already in the flagship M camera, the Leica M11.
Previous allusions to the new camera included a leaked image of a Leica Q model seen on the Leica Fotos app, when it was updated to support the Leica M11. However, the image of the Leica Q was not that of the original Leica Q or the Q2, but apparently the Leica Q3.
Leica Q3: What we know so far
(opens in new tab)
The Leica Q2 (opens in new tab) was released back in 2019, the successor to the popular Leica Q, both feature the iconic fixed 28mm Summilux f/1.7, and the Q2 brought a 47.3 megapixel sensor, auto focus and high res OLED viewfinder of 3.68 megapixels. The popular Leica Q2 Monochrom (opens in new tab) variant specifically designed to shoot in black and white only was then released at the end of 2020.
Needless to say these two cameras have been incredibly popular with loyal Leica customers and those looking to buy into the Leica eco-system for the first time, but the Q2 was launched back in March 2019, and with the introduction of the M11 to Leica’s flagship rangefinder M line-up and the vast technology improvements that come with it, it is safe to say that some of these improvements would potentially make their way to a new Leica Q3.
From the spotted leaked photo on the Leica Fotos app it is clear that Leica will a add a larger screen that is tiltable to the new Leica Q3, and that the button layout has changed; when compared to the back of the Q2, the new Q3 sees an extra function button located to the top, above the screen, while the three side buttons have been removed to make way for the bigger screen. The menu and play buttons have now been relocated opposite sides to the thumbwheel.
What we want to see
• 60 megapixel sensor
Of course we want to see the new sensor of the M11 inside the Leica Q3, with its multi-resolution sensor capable of producing 60, 36 and 18 megapixel images while utilizing the full frame of the sensor. However, it would also be nice to see this feature used as a crop, like in previous Q models, so if your 28mm is too wide, simply select a lower resolution and gain extra focal length on your lens.
• Monochrom variant available at launch
It has been a staple of the Leica roadmap to introduce a color sensor camera and then within its life cycle introduce a monochrome variant with added features and sensor improvements from user feedback. It would be nice to see a color and monochrome sensor available at the same time, so black and white shooters don't have to wait their turn to be able to use the latest camera and technology.
• Higher shutter speeds
Again, introduced on the Leica M11 was the use of 1/16000sec shutter speed thanks to its new electronic shutter mode. While this high speed might not be used in most cases for street photography, an area with it very popular with Leica Q/Q2 users, it would be great to see the 1/2000 of a second shutter speed bumped up to at least 1/4,000 with its mechanical shutter or 1/8000 of a second with the use of an electronic shutter.
So far these are the latest rumors available to us. However, you can be sure that more will follow and we will keep this page updated when they are announced. For now, those who are looking at the Leica Q2 as a possible upgrade to their existing setup or wanting to buy it to get into the Leica eco-system, we would say the best time to buy is now, as there is no real time confirmation to say when a Q3 could potentially be released in 2022.
Read more:
Best Leica camera (opens in new tab)
Leica Q2 review (opens in new tab)
Leica Q2 monochrom review (opens in new tab)
Best compact camera (opens in new tab)
Best Leica M lenses (opens in new tab)
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Sebastian Oakley
For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specialising in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound and many more for various advertising campaigns, books and pre/post-event highlights. He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science and is a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected in to BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association. He is familiar with and shows great interest in medium and large format photography with products by Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa and Sinar and has used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI and everything in between. His work covers the genres of Equestrian, Landscape, Abstract or Nature and combines nearly two decades of experience to offer exclusive limited-edition prints to the international stage from his film & digital photography.
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FAQs
Leica Q3 coming in 2023 with a 60MP sensor? ›
Original Story: The Leica Q3 rumors have started rumbling, with the latest reports that the new camera will launch in 2023 with a 60MP image sensor. Of course, the Leica Q3 is set to be the successor to the ever-popular – and DCW favorite – Leica Q2 (along with special edition versions such as the Leica Q2 Reporter).
Is Leica coming out with a new camera? ›Yup, Leica has re-introduced a film camera in 2022 and priced it at nearly $20k. The Leica M-A already exists in the black and silver version. But the new “Titan” edition comes with a groundbreaking new feature: different looks.
Who makes the sensor in the Leica Q? ›The image quality of Leica Q2 (70) is superior to that of Leica Q (66). Leica Q2 (52) performs better than Leica Q (40) in terms of speed. Leica Q2 is more versatile than Leica Q (82 a 68). The handling of Leica Q (66) is more effective than that of Leica Q2 (52).
Who makes Leica SL sensor? ›"Yes, there will be a Q3, for sure we will not stop here as the Q line-up has become a part of Leica's product portfolio, but it is not for this year".
Is there going to be a Leica Q3? ›LeicaRumors published a report that a new Leica Q3 is on the way. Codenamed Wilson, this information was spotted in the source code of the recently updated Leica FOTOS app as reported by Digicame-Info. The fixed 28mm f1.
Is Leica QA a Panasonic? ›“I join a camera & lens review talk group in China, there is a guy who have been working in Sony semiconductor told us Leica Q`s structure & looking is designed by Leica, its electronic system came from Panasonic, the Summilux lens was designed by Konica Minolta and produced by Panasonic.
Does Leica Q have touch screen? ›The Q is styled in a similar way to Leica's high-end M-series rangefinders, but with the addition of a high resolution electronic viewfinder and touch-sensitive LCD screen.
Can you change lenses on Leica Q? ›The Q has a “full-frame” (the equivalent surface area of a single frame of 35mm film) 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor paired with a fixed, 28mm Leica Summilux f1. 7 lens. You can't remove the lens and it doesn't zoom so you can only shoot at 28mm. 28mm is similar to the field of view of an iPhone.
Why is Leica so special? ›
The Leica M is extremely accurate and extremely rugged in nearly all conditions, thanks to the world's finest optics and precision German engineering. The Leica M is unobtrusive – it is small, lightweight and stealthy, and well suited for intimate photography. Nothing else in the world feels like a Leica.
Where is the Leica Q2 made? ›* From its classic design and respected “Made in Germany” quality seal to its integrated digital zoom that covers a range of focal lengths up to 75 mm, the Leica Q2 transcends the revered story of Leica's full-frame compact story to new heights.
Does Leica QP have image stabilization? ›It was designed in-house, unlike the T that was designed by Audi. The lens on the Leica Q is a photographer's dream. It's a 28mm, f/1.7 aperture Summilux with optical image stabilization.
Does Leica make their own sensors? ›Leica's Sensor Manufacturer Announces 8K Global Shutter CMOS Chip. Cmosis, a Belgian manufacturer who makes sensors for some of Leica's cameras, has announced a new chip with some groundbreaking abilities, and (currently) on major caveat.
Is Leica SL2 made in Germany? ›Just like the Leica SL2, the SL2-S is developed and manufactured in Germany. With an unmatched all-metal solid construction and elegant leather wrap to withstand the time it, delivers years of photographic pleasure, thanks to the sustainability guaranteed by consistent firmware updates.
Is Leica SL weather sealed? ›However, the Leica SL 24-90mm f2. 8-4 is very weather sealed. We've taken it out into the rain, snow, and other conditions. The lens kept working: this is a very reliable lens.”
How good is the Leica Q2? ›The Q2 boasts a 47.3 megapixel full-frame sensor – offering double the resolution of its predecessor. That makes it one of the highest resolution cameras out there – including professional DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
Will there be a Leica CL 2? ›This development has prompted Leica Camera AG to discontinue its CL/TL2-System cameras, in order to realign itself strategically with these market changes. Going forward, the company will primarily focus its attention on the production of full-frame cameras.
When was Leica Q2 release? ›Since its release on 3 March 2022, the Leica Q2 Reporter (opens in new tab) has been one of the most sought-after hybrid Leica cameras (opens in new tab) around.
How heavy is the Leica q2? ›| Camera type | Digital 35 mm compact camera, fixed focal length |
|---|---|
| Lens filter thread | E49 |
| Tripod thread | A 1/4 DIN 4503 (1/4") |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approx. 130 × 80 × 91.9 mm (5.12 × 3.15 × 3.62 in) |
| Weight | Approx. 734/652 g / 25.3/22.5 oz. (without/with battery) |
Does Leica make Lumix lenses? ›
Now, there are presently three categories - LEICA DC lenses for compact cameras, LEICA DG lenses for the LUMIX G, and LEICA D lenses for digital SRLs. They are manufactured by Panasonic using measurement instruments and a strict quality assurance system certified by Leica Camera AG.
Are Panasonic Leica lenses good? ›Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH
The Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens delivers excellent sharpness with high build quality, fast focusing, low falloff and CA as well as a realistic price. Overall, this lens is a fine performer in most ways, that is sturdily built and worthy of the Leica name.
Panasonic lenses and cameras are now made in China.
Does Leica Q Have Ibis? ›However, you are getting a fast wide-angle prime, as well as a body with a large grip, a fully articulating screen and IBIS. As a comparison, the Leica Q2 weighs 718g, which is impressive considering it also has IBIS and a full-frame sensor.
Does Leica Q have autofocus? ›Autofocus. The Leica Q comes with a 49-point contrast-detect autofocus system with options for both single and continuous AF, each including a variety of AF area modes.
Is Leica Q rangefinder? ›The Leica Q looks similar to the Leica M Type 240, but with a lens attached. The obvious difference between the two is the Type 240 is a proper rangefinder, while the Leica Q is a rangefinder-style camera with an electronic viewfinder.
Will there be a Leica CL 2? ›This development has prompted Leica Camera AG to discontinue its CL/TL2-System cameras, in order to realign itself strategically with these market changes. Going forward, the company will primarily focus its attention on the production of full-frame cameras.
When was Leica Q2 release? ›Since its release on 3 March 2022, the Leica Q2 Reporter (opens in new tab) has been one of the most sought-after hybrid Leica cameras (opens in new tab) around.
Is Leica CL discontinued? ›Leica has revealed it has discontinued its CL and TL2 mirrorless APS-C format cameras to focus on producing full-frame cameras, The news came via an official Leica Camera AG statement that was posted on an online forum on 16 May 2022.
How many Leica MP were made? ›With a total number of only 412 units produced, the MP is among the rarest Leica models of all time. The black-paint version was produced only 141 times and acquired mainly by professional photographers. Many of the famous Magnum photographers used MP cameras. Today it is among the most sought-after Leicas of all.