Q3 Monochrom: Versatility in Black & WhiteBringing monochrome-only imaging to the beloved all-in-one Q3 platform, the Leica Q3 Monochrom is a multimedia camera with a unique mixture of versatility and decisiveness. Distinguished by its black-and-white-only 60MP full-frame sensor and a newly styled body design, the Q3 Monochrom retains the other key assets of the series, including a fixed 28mm f/1.7 lens, 8K video recording, a high-res EVF and LCD, and intuitive, streamlined operation.
Full-Frame Sensor and Maestro IV Processor60MP Black & White BSI CMOS SensorTaken from the M11 Monochrom, the Q3 Monochrom features the same 60MP full-frame CMOS sensor that has been modified to solely record black-and-white imagery. By removing the color filer array (CFA), the sensor only records monochromatic imagery using luminance values for enhanced clarity, depth, and resolution. By omitting this CFA, the Q3 Monochrom also achieves a higher sensitivity range (compared to color-enabled Q3 cameras) of ISO 100-200000.
This high-resolution 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 sharpness 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 1.25x crop simulates a 35mm focal length, a 1.8x crop simulates a 50mm focal length, a 2.7x crop simulates a 75mm focal length, and a 3.2x crop simulates a 90mm focal length.
Triple Resolution Technology
Also like the M11 and other Q3-series cameras, the 60MP sensor in the Q3 Monochrom 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 imagery and a wide dynamic range.
Maestro IVThe Maestro IV processor, along with 8GB of buffer memory, suits the multimedia-intended use of the Q3 Monochrom 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 100-200000, allows continuous shooting up to an impressive 15 fps, and facilitates smooth operation when working with the EVF and LCD.
Leica Content Credentials + Content Authenticity Initiative
The Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) is a collaborative effort initiated by Adobe in partnership with various other organizations, including The New York Times and Leica. Its primary goal is to develop a standard for digital content attribution.
In the Q3 Monochrom, this technology shows up as Leica Content Credentials. By using a secure processing chip, the camera will encrypt image metadata at the point of capture. This information can then be independently verified and even appended to when using compatible applications, such as Adobe Photoshop. Viewers can then verify the provenance of the image and confirm the veracity of the image. The aim is to give viewers more confidence in the images they are looking at and provide creators with another way to maintain credits.
Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens and Autofocus
Summilux Optics
Using the proven design from the past Qs, the Q3 Monochrom inherits the Summilux 28mm f/1.7 wide-angle prime lens that provides a broad field of view and fast performance to suit working in a variety of environments and lighting conditions.
As a lens designed specifically for the Q cameras, the optical design has been refined for high sharpness and low distortion along with a compact, functional profile that's discreet while providing room to make tactile adjustments to focus, aperture, and to switch to the dedicated macro focusing range for working with subjects as close as 6.7" away. Additionally, optical image stabilization helps to compensate for the effects of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting.
Contrast-Detection Autofocus
One distinction of the Q3 Monochrom, compared to other Q3-series cameras, is the sole use of contrast-detection autofocus. Whereas the other cameras offer phase-detection AF, which requires the color filter array over the sensor for use, the Q3's monochromatic-only sensor requires the use of contrast-based focusing. Despite the difference, the focusing system remains speedy, accurate, and still supports Eye Detection AF for ensured sharpness in portraits.
8K Monochromatic Video and ProRes Recording
With more attention given to video recording, the Q3 Monochrom is 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 sampling 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 sampling, 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 Monochrom as a tool for video creators.
- The Q3 Monochrom also supports using RODE external microphones via USB-C connection for improved audio quality while recording video.
Camera Design
Hi-Res EVF and Tilting LCD
Two key physical improvements for the Q3-series of cameras include 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 Monochrom 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 and Q3 43, the Q3 Monochrom has a unique black paint finish, pebbled leatherette, and a minimalist design with no red dot or top plate text, resulting in a very stealth-like appearance.
- 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 302 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 Monochrom 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/Q3 43 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.
Newly Designed User Interface
Helping to improve usability and simplify the shooting experience, the Q3 Monochrom is ushering in a new user interface design to the Q series with redesigned icons borrowed from the SL3 series, as well as faster navigation, optimized legibility, and a Control Center that can be customized to users' needs for easier access to oft-used settings and menu options.
Expanded Wireless Connectivity
- 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.
- FOTOS app also supports adding GPS information to your files using locational data from your mobile device.
Dedicated Optional Accessories
A trio of dedicated, optional accessories can improve your shooting experience with the Q3 Monochrom:
- Being a true black-and-white camera, traditional colored contrast filters can be used. The 49mm Slim Red Filter is a perfect match for the Q3 Monochrom; its slim design maintains compatibility when the lens hood is attached and the deep red color enhances contrast between clouds and blue skies, darkens green tones, and can smooth skin tones in daylight conditions.
- An updated HG-DC1 Hand Grip has been released with a Q3 Monochrom-matching leatherette texture; all other functions of this new grip match the previous version, including its compatibility with Qi chargers for wireless charging of the camera's BP-SCL6 battery.
- The Drop XL Wireless Charger is a perfectly sized Qi-type wireless charger for the Q3 Monochrom when the HG-DC1 is attached.
