Leica Q3 vs Leica X-U

Lets take a closer look at the Leica Q3 vs Leica X-U, both Large Sensor Compact digital cameras and both of them are sold by Leica. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the Q3 (60MP) and X-U (16MP) and the Q3 (Full frame) and X-U (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The Q3 was announced 7 years later than the X-U and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Large Sensor Compact).

Before going into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the Q3 scores versus the X-U when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica Q3 and Leica X-U. The whole galleries are available at Leica Q3 Gallery and Leica X-U Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Leica Q3 enjoys outer dimensions of 130mm x 80mm x 93mm (5.1" x 3.1" x 3.7") having a weight of 743 grams (1.64 lbs) and the Leica X-U has dimensions of 140mm x 79mm x 88mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 3.5") having a weight of 635 grams (1.40 lbs).

Compare the Leica Q3 vs Leica X-U in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at the time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the Q3 against the X-U.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the Q3 and X-U is 60 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading specifications. The graphic below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the Q3 and X-U.

Plainly, both the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The Q3 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Leica Q3 will offer more detail with its extra 44MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The younger Q3 is going to have an edge in sensor technology.