Leica Q3 43
Announced September 26, 2024
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Leica Q3 43 is a premium, high-resolution compact camera featuring a stellar 43mm APO-Summicron lens that provides a natural perspective and exceptional image quality. While its fixed focal length and high price point make it a niche tool, it offers a refined, tactile shooting experience for serious photographers.
Weighted from 31 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional image quality and sharpness from the 43mm APO lens
- Premium, robust build quality and tactile design
- Effective macro mode and leaf shutter for flash
- High-resolution 60MP sensor
- Versatile and natural 43mm focal length
Cons
- Very high price point
- Limitations of the fixed lens and focal length
- Inconsistent or slow autofocus tracking
- Subpar video performance and rolling shutter issues
- Lack of modern conveniences like internal memory or dedicated audio ports
- Launch price $6,895 (USD)
- Sensor 60.3MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 8K 29.97p 4K 59.94p
- Stabilization In-body IS
- Burst 15 fps electronic 15 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 31 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 8/10
I wish the camera was updated even a little bit, but I have to admit that I had more fun with the 43mm lens than I did with the previous Q3; and I really had fun with the previous Q3.
- DPReview 89/100
The Leica Q3 43 is a beautiful piece of engineering and design, and a welcome addition to the range if you don’t see the world through the angle of view offered by the existing 28mm Q cameras.
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Ultimately there’s no other camera with this particular combination of features: a 60 Megapixel full-frame sensor with a top quality 43mm prime and a great viewfinder, all packed into a compact but well-built weatherproof body.
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Leica’s original 28mm Q3 was excellent, but the addition of a superb 43mm f/2 lens elevates the Leica Q3 43 even further. It’s a stunning camera that offers sensational image quality – at a price.
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[T]he lens is frankly spectacular and noticeably better than the original 28 one, although the 28 is by no means bad.
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I'm enjoying the Leica Q3 43. I think it's a great addition to the lineup.
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If you want quality without compromise in a reasonably compact form factor then the Leica Q3 43 could well hit the spot. For travel, reportage, photojournalism, landscape and even portraiture then the quality is there, and very convincingly so.
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The Leica Q3 43 becomes by far the best quality fixed lens compact I’ve tested, as indeed it should be for the money.
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It is also hugely expensive, but despite its high price, it feels worth it for serious enthusiasts who appreciate Leica.
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If pin-sharp portraits and street photography are your style – and if money isn’t an issue – this is one of the finest compacts you can buy for everyday shooting.
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While not without its shortcomings, the Q3 43 is an undeniable force to be reckoned with.
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I think it's an awesome camera and a great addition to their lineup.
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The design of the Q is an evolution from Kaoru Mokunaka’s perfect concept in the Leica X1, it has developed into a really well thought out camera aimed solidly at photographers rather than ticking technical boxes. I would challenge anyone not to love it.
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I would say that the Q343 definitely passed or exceeded my expectations with this experiment of a camera that can do everything in the studio.
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Don't get me wrong, I love this camera, I really do. I love Leica in general, and I do think this is a good camera.
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The design of the Q is an evolution from Kaoru Mokunaka’s perfect concept in the Leica X1, it has developed into a really well-thought-out camera aimed solidly at photographers rather than ticking technical boxes! I would challenge anyone not to love it.
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Honestly, I do think it's a wonderful camera.
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[T]he Leica Q3 43 takes amazing pictures.
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This camera is absolutely phenomenal. The image quality stellar.
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I enjoy using it for street photography and travel photography.
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While this camera is undeniably expensive, it delivers exceptional image quality for those willing to overlook a few quirks. For discerning photographers, it represents the pinnacle of performance in its class.
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For me, this is the perfect going out and about all day, every day, all around a camera.
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Again, I've talked about that in other videos, hopefully Leica does address that with the SL3, but I'm finding the Leica Q3 43 to be pretty damn good.
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I had not shot with a 43mm lens before (or 40mm come to that!), and it’s been an absolute joy! Having 20mp for a 75mm portrait lens with a narrow depth of field is quite enough.
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This is an amazing camera. It does so many things right…in fact almost everything superlatively well.
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If you're looking for a camera that can come with you every time you leave the house, that is a joy to use with many unique features and will give you absolutely uncompromised quality in the smallest package, then the Q343 might just be the perfect camera for you.
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Just like its 28mm sibling, the 43 produces wildly sharp files with more than enough information to make large prints, which is what I’m after.
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So I'm going to say this, and I have to explain a little bit of why I'm going to say this: I think the Leica Q3 43 is the one and done Leica, the one Leica that can do it all.
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The 43mm focal length makes it versatile for street photography and even as a backup to my SL2-S, and it's a sneaky good focal length.
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The Leica Q3 43 is not for everyone. It is expensive, fixed in focal length, and unapologetically niche.
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[T]he Leica Q3 43’s focal length creates a distinctly different shooting experience. The Q3 43 maintains Leica's reputation for luxury cameras with exceptional image quality and premium build.
