Well, this is a pleasant surprise. A new Leica camera has been announced and, as you might expect, it’s pretty much 100% designed for photographers. However, as you might not expect, the Leica Q3 Monochrom also shoots video—and pretty high-quality video at that.
The kicker, of course, is that this is a monochrome-only version of the popular all-in-one Leica Q3. Designed to be a multimedia option with a unique mixture of versatility and decisiveness, the Leica Q3 Monochrom features a powerful black-and-white-only 60MP full-frame sensor and a newly styled body design.
Let’s take a look at this monochrome powerhouse and explore what it can offer for your photography (and, yes, videography) needs.
The Leica Q3 Monochrom Digital Camera
Set to retain pretty much all of the key assets from the original Leica Q3 model, this Q3 Monochrom version will include a fixed 28mm f/1.7 lens, a high-res EVF and LCD, and plenty of intuitive, streamlined operation features. It also, like the regular Leica Q3, offers 8K video recording.
Powered by a 60MP full-frame CMOS sensor that has been modified to solely record black-and-white imagery, the sensor is able to now record monochromatic imagery using luminance values for enhanced clarity, depth, and resolution.
By omitting this color filer array (CFA), the Q3 Monochrom can achieve a higher sensitivity range when compared to color-enabled Q3 cameras, which can scale between ISO 100-200000.
8K Monochromatic Video and ProRes Recording
Now, for serious videographers, this might not be your first (or best) option for pro video work. There are a million mirrorless and cinema camera options that will record high-quality video, not in black-and-white. However, if you’re a hybrid content creator or a photographer first and videographer second, these specs are actually quite interesting.
The Leica Q3 Monochrom will be able to record DCI 8K video 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 will also be possible, with 4:2:2 10-bit sampling, at up to 60p with support for recording internally or externally. ProRes 422 HQ recording can be done internally with a Full HD resolution at frame rates up to 60p.
The Q3 Monochrom will also notably support using RODE external microphones via USB-C connection for improved audio quality while recording video.
Price and Availability
There’s a lot more to explore about the Leica Q3 Monochrom that serious photographers will undoubtedly dive into. But if you’re curious for a quick glance, here are the full specs and purchase options below.
- 60MP Full-Frame B&W BSI CMOS Sensor
- No Color Array or Low Pass Filter
- Leica Content Credentials Technology
- Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens
- 8K30, 4K60 & 4:2:2 10-Bit, FHD ProRes HQ
- Contrast-Detection AF & Optical IS
- 5.76m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- 3" 1.84m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- ISO 100-200000, Up to 15-fps Shooting
- SD UHS-II Slot; USB-C and HDMI Ports
Leica Q3 Monochrom Digital Camera
Bringing 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.
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