Leica’s Q3 Monochrom costs thousands and only shoots black-and-white, but that’s only made me want one more

• Captures 60MP photographs and up to 8K video
• 28mm f/1.7 Summilux fixed lens
• Dust- and splash-proof IP52 rating

It turns out the rumors were true: Leica has today unveiled the Q3 Monochrom, a dedicated monochrome-only edition of the existing Leica Q3 fixed-lens full-frame compact.

Because the Leica Q3 Monochrom's sensor is dedicated to black-and-white imaging, it need capture only brightness data. There's no color filter array here to get in the way of the process, which reduces noise even at higher ISO settings and delivers exceptionally rich, finely detailed photos even in low light conditions.

As our writer James Abbott noted in his Leica Q2 Monochrom review a few years ago, "once you see quality of the images from a camera that has no color array filter and no need for an interpolation algorithm, you'll quickly realize why the Q2 Monochrom makes sense. Even if it means sacrificing the option of shooting in color."

Image 1 of 2

The Q3 Monochrom is built around a fast Summilux 28 f/1.7 ASPH lens and a 60MP full-frame sensor (which can also capture images at 36MP and 18MP, thanks to its Triple Resolution Technology) with an ISO range of 100 to 200,000. It can also record black-and-white video at up to 8K resolution. For shooting close-up subjects, the selectable macro mode reduces the minimum focus distance to 17cm, while the digital zoom enables users to zoom/crop all the way up a focal length equivalent to 90mm.

As you'd expect from a premium Leica camera, the Q3 Monochrom is built in Germany to the brand's exacting standards and aesthetic. The all-metal body is finished in black (with grey touches and, of course, that iconic red dot logo) and rated to IP52 standards, making it protected against dust and splashes of water.

The camera features a 5.76MP OLED viewfinder and tilting touch screen, as well as micro HDMI, USB-C, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with Leica's FOTOS mobile app. It's also the first Q-series camera to offer images with Content Credentials, the digital signature certifying a photo has not been tampered with.

Form an orderly Q, shoppers

And now for the painful part. As you might expect from a premium Leica camera, the Q3 Monochrom is expensive – priced from $7,790 / £5,800 / AU$12,090. The good news – for those with the necessary funds at least – is that it's available to order from today, November 20 2025 at Leica Stores, the Leica website and authorised dealers. A number of accessories, including a handgrip (which includes wireless charging), carrying straps and a red filter, also go on sale today.

For me, the Q3 Monochrom sounds like a brilliant – perhaps even a perfect – street photography camera. Not only should it offer impeccable image quality in pretty much any lighting conditions thanks to the lens and sensor combination (and, let's face it, the fact that it's a Leica camera), it's also compact, discreet and rugged – all things I'd look for in a camera I was using for quick, on-the-hoof compositions and candids. Now I just need to find the money to buy one…

Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.

The best compact cameras

➡️ Read our full best compact cameras guide
1. Best overall
Fujifilm X100VI
2. Best with zoom
Sony RX100 Mark VII
3. Best small
Ricoh GR IIIx
4. Best full-frame
Leica Q3