Leica Digilux 3 vs Leica Q2 Monochrom

On this page, we will be looking at the Leica Digilux 3 and Leica Q2 Monochrom, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both are offered by Leica. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the Digilux 3 (7MP) and Q2 Monochrom (47MP) and the Digilux 3 (Four Thirds) and Q2 Monochrom (Full frame) have totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The Digilux 3 was brought out 15 years before the Q2 Monochrom and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Leica Digilux 3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Leica Q2 Monochrom being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple summary of how the Digilux 3 scores against the Q2 Monochrom when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica Digilux 3 & Leica Q2 Monochrom. The entire galleries are viewable at Leica Digilux 3 Gallery & Leica Q2 Monochrom Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Leica Digilux 3 offers physical measurements of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") and a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Leica Q2 Monochrom has measurements of 130mm x 80mm x 92mm (5.1" x 3.1" x 3.6") and a weight of 734 grams (1.62 lbs).

Take a look at the Leica Digilux 3 and Leica Q2 Monochrom in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the Digilux 3 vs the Q2 Monochrom.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the Digilux 3 and Q2 Monochrom is 65 and 60 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing purely by going over technical specs. The visual underneath may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the Digilux 3 and Q2 Monochrom.

As you can tell, each of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The Digilux 3 featuring a tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Leica Q2 Monochrom will deliver more detail having its extra 40MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older Digilux 3 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.