Description
Leica Q3 43: New Focal Length, Same Performance
The Leica Q3 43 is a groundbreaking addition to the Q series, featuring the same high-performance and portable design but now equipped with a longer APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH lens. Designed for photographers seeking a tighter composition with more reach, this version offers a natural, narrower field of view compared to the original Q3s 28mm lens, making it ideal for portrait and everyday photography.
While it introduces a new focal length and some body design enhancements, the Q3 43 retains the core features that made the original Q3 successful: a 60MP full-frame sensor, hybrid autofocus system, 8K video recording, and ergonomic design that caters to a wide range of shooting styles.
Full-Frame Sensor and Maestro IV Processor
60MP BSI CMOS Sensor
Adopted from the Leica M11 and original Q3, the Q3 43 integrates a 60MP full-frame CMOS sensor with a back-illuminated (BSI) design. This ensures reduced noise levels and quicker readout speeds, enhancing both still photography and video performance. The high resolution is perfect for capturing detailed scenes, such as landscapes and architecture, while the BSI design improves clarity, color accuracy, and low-light performance at higher ISOs.
The 60MP sensor also supports a unique digital zoom feature that simulates various focal lengths: 1.4x crop for 60mm, 1.7x for 75mm, 2x for 90mm, 2.8x for 120mm, and 3.5x crop for a 150mm focal length.
Triple Resolution Technology
Just like the M11 and original Q3, the 60MP sensor in the Q3 43 enables Triple Resolution Technology. This innovative feature allows users to select from 60MP, 36MP, or 18MP resolutions, with each option utilizing the full sensor area and delivering rich 14-bit color and a 14-stop dynamic range.
Maestro IV Processor
The Maestro IV processor, paired with 8GB of buffer memory, drives the high-speed performance of the Q3 43, whether capturing stills or video. It supports Triple Resolution Technology, offers a wide ISO range of 50-100000, enables continuous shooting up to 15 fps, and ensures smooth operation with both the EVF and LCD.
43mm APO-Summicron Lens and Hybrid Autofocus
43mm Focal Length: A New View
The Leica Q3 43 is the first in the Q series to feature a 43mm lens, closely approximating the human eye’s field of view. This results in a natural, distortion-free perspective that works well across various genresfrom landscapes to portraits to street photography. It also includes a dedicated macro mode for close-ups, focusing as near as 10.4 inches.
Apochromatic Optical Design
The new APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH lens boasts an apochromatic correction, ensuring accurate color reproduction with minimal chromatic aberrations. Aspherical elements further enhance sharpness, reduce distortion, and improve contrast, making this lens an excellent combination of a versatile focal length, bright f/2 aperture, and exceptional optical performance.
Hybrid Autofocus and Subject Tracking
Thanks to the Q3 43s hybrid autofocus system, which combines phase-detection with contrast-detection and depth-from-defocus (DFD) technology, the camera delivers fast and precise focus performance, even in challenging lighting conditions or when tracking moving subjects. Additionally, intelligent subject detection can track eyes, faces, bodies, and animals within the frame.
8K Video and ProRes Recording
The Q3 43 is a robust multimedia tool that excels in video recording, offering DCI 8K video at up to 30p with 4:2:0 10-bit color internally, or 8-bit externally through the micro-HDMI port. It also supports 4K video recording at up to 60p with 4:2:2 10-bit color internally or externally. Full HD recording is available with up to 120p for slow-motion, and all resolutions support true 24p for cinematic video capture.
ProRes 422 HQ is supported internally for Full HD video at frame rates up to 60p. The micro-HDMI and USB-C ports provide compatibility with external recorders, gimbals, and accessories like the RODE external microphones for improved audio quality.
Camera Design and Usability
High-Resolution EVF and Tilting LCD
The Q3 43 features a 5.76m-dot OLED EVF with a 120fps refresh rate, providing smooth motion rendering with 0.79x magnification and an eye sensor for automatic switching between the EVF and LCD. Additionally, the 3-inch 1.84m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD offers flexible shooting angles, intuitive control, and clear display quality.
Compact, Weather-Sealed Body
The cameras magnesium alloy body is IP52-rated for dust and moisture resistance, allowing it to withstand tough shooting conditions. The Q3 43 introduces a unique grey leatherette body covering, contrasted by black top and bottom plates, for a distinctive and timeless aesthetic.
Improved Battery and Connectivity
Featuring a BP-SCL6 lithium-ion battery that delivers up to 350 shots per charge, the Q3 43 also supports in-camera charging via the USB-C port. It is Made for iPhone certified, offering seamless connectivity with iPhones, and it accepts UHS-II SD cards for fast file transfers.
Advanced Connectivity and Wireless Charging
Enhanced wireless capabilities, including Wi-Fi (2.4 & 5 GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0, enable faster data transferup to 10x faster than previous models. In combination with the updated Leica FOTOS app, users can now transfer full-resolution DNG files to a mobile device in just 2 seconds.
The Leica FOTOS app also offers new creative options, including transferring Leica Looks to your camera, such as Contemporary, Classic, and a newly introduced Leica Chrome look for a film-like aesthetic. GPS data can be added to your images via your mobile device.
The Q3 43 is also compatible with the optional HG-DC1 Wireless Charging Handgrip for wireless battery charging using Qi-compatible charging mats, such as the Drop XL Wireless Charger.
Key Features
- 60MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor
- APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH Lens
- 8K30, 4K60 & 4:2:2 10-Bit, FHD ProRes HQ Video Recording
- Phase-Detection AF & Optical Image Stabilization
- Triple Resolution Technology
- 5.76m-Dot OLED EVF
- 3″ 1.84m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- ISO 50-100000, Up to 15-fps Shooting
- SD UHS-II Slot; USB-C and HDMI Ports
- IP52 Weather Sealing
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