Leica unveils Q3 Monochrom featuring 60 MP full-frame monochrome sensor and other upgrades
Since the launch of the Leica M9 Monochrom in May 2012, Leica has offered various digital cameras with monochrome sensors. The Wetzlar-based camera specialist just announced a monochrome version of the Leica Q3, seizing the opportunity to give the compact camera a series of design changes.
True to its “Monochrom” branding, the camera completely forgoes any colour on its exterior – gone are the iconic red Leica logo, the yellow lens markings, and the red “A” for enabling aperture or shutter priority mode. Leica has also introduced a new leather surface reminiscent of the texture on classic Leica cameras. There are three main technical improvements. First, the user interface has been reworked to offer distinct colour schemes that clearly differentiate between photo and video modes. This change will also be rolled out to the Leica Q3 and Q3 43 via a firmware update by year’s end.
Second, the Leica Q3 Monochrom is the first Q series model to support Content Credentials, a feature that helps verify the authenticity of photos. Third, the camera’s 60 MP full-frame sensor does away with a Bayer colour filter, allowing it to capture only black-and-white still images and videos (up to 8K). This design choice results in higher photosensitivity and lower image noise. Compared to the standard Q3, the Q3 Monochrom’s maximum ISO has doubled to 200,000.
The rest of the specifications remain largely unchanged. The Leica Q3 Monochrom features a 28 mm f/1.7 lens with optical image stabilisation and a central shutter, a 120 Hz OLED viewfinder with 5.76 million dots, a 3-inch touchscreen with 1.84 million dots, and autofocus. Equipped with the Leica Maestro IV processor and 8 GB of buffer memory, it can shoot up to 4 photos per second with autofocus and 15 photos per second without.
Price and availability
Priced at US$7,790, the Leica Q3 Monochrom is now available from authorised dealers and Leica’s online shop – representing a US$1,055 premium over the regular Leica Q3 with a colour sensor.
Source(s)
Leica (Press release | Product page)
