Leica Q3: Is The Upgrade Worth It?

The Leica Q3 was released last year as a replacement for the Q2 which was launched in 2019. The Q3 has a long list of improvements, some major, some minor. But are the improvements worth paying extra for, or are you better off keeping your Q or Q2? In this video, I break down the key differences between the Q2 and Q3 and help you decide whether it's worth upgrading.
☕️ SUPPORT
If you'd like to show your appreciation for this content, feel free to buy me a coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/peterlee
All support is greatly appreciated and helps me continue to make content like this.
Other videos you may enjoy:
1. Master Zone Focusing For Better Street Photography
• Zone Focusing: The Bes...
2. DON'T waste money OVERPAYING for your SD cards - SD cards explained • How to Choose the BEST...
3. Comparing Rolleiflex, Rolleicord & Rolleiflex T - Which Is BEST FOR YOU In 2024 • Comparing Rolleiflex, ...
You may also enjoy this Rolleiflex video playlist: • The Complete Guide to ...
Please also check out my accompanying street photography blog:
www.streetphotographychina.com
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:40 - Q series background
1:22 - Q3 new features: tiltable screen
1:56 - Phase detection autofocus
2:20 - Maestro IV processor
2:48 - USB-C and HDMI ports
3:16 - New high capacity battery
4:19 - EVF (electronic viewfinder)
4:38 - 8K video capability
5:32 - Burst mode improvement
5:58 - Low light capability
6:24 - Wireless charging (with optional grip)
6:48 - Triple resolution technology
7:08 - Q3 disadvantages over Q2
8:24 - Which camera should you choose?
9:00 - Outro
Equipment used to create my videos below (affiliate links mean I get a small payment if you buy anything, but this does not affect the price you pay):
Video - Sony ZV-1:
US: amzn.to/3Rh3OgR
UK: amzn.to/3z0EK7j
SD Card - SanDisk 128GB Extreme SDXC UHS-I Memory Card - C10, U3, V30, 4K, UHD
US: amzn.to/45efZRg
UK: amzn.to/3ySREEw
Spare batteries for Sony ZV-1:
US: amzn.to/3wZvqjM
UK: amzn.to/4cbFUv7
Tripod - Manfrotto 190X:
US: amzn.to/3wW9KFe
UK: amzn.to/3V7gJms
Video light - Godox SL100D:
US: amzn.to/3VBf3Dy
UK: amzn.to/3VgSz9b
Video light diffuser - Godox QR-P90 90cm Quick Release Parabolic Deep Softbox Bowens Mount:
US: amzn.to/3z0l7MG
UK: amzn.to/3V7ewrm
If you like the content, please do give a like and subscribe so that you will be able to see new posts as they are released.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

I've been using the Q2 for a few years now as my main everyday carry and love it. If you haven't already, please check out my other video on zone focusing which is the technique I use most often with the Q2 to get great street photos ua-cam.com/video/kCpAdT-Zi60/v-deo.htmlsi=ihqLCmyfPQG3Qipu

[@davidbrighten2572]

Good video. I had a Q2 Reporter and a Q2 Monochrom. Sold them both and bought an M11 Monochrom and an M11-P. Much happier.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Thanks for commenting. I have to be honest, I am envious. The 28mm is great for most situations as I shoot mostly street photography, but I would LOVE to sometimes have say, a 50mm lens for better portraits with narrower depth of field. Sadly, as an unemployed budding UA-camr, there's no way I can afford an M11 and even if I did, I would not have anything left for the lenses. One day.

[@Robutube1]

I really liked the way that you took each improvement and discussed its 'real life' advantages over the Q and Q2. TBH, I'm not in the market for any of these (my dream is to get a Rolleiflex!) but I thoroughly enjoyed your thoughtful guide here.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Thanks again for the continuous support. A lot of people have GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) and are obsessed with getting the newest and best equipment, often justifying the purchase because they "need" the extra features. This is of course, mostly nonsense. 10-20 years ago, professionals were taking photos with 12 megapixel cameras and producing stunning images. Regarding the Rolleiflex, all I can say is - follow your dreams. It's a fantastic camera and a joy to use.

[@Robutube1]

@@StreetPhotographyChina Now I'm on the horns of a GAS vs. Get a Rolleiflex dilemma😅.

[@wyrent]

Great video, very informative, thanks for sharing! I dont own a leika, but if i were to get one....? Since I dont do video of 8k resolution, most likely i would enjoy thr older model more if we counted dollars.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Thanks for watching! Yes, Leicas are expensive and a luxury. I bought mine before I lost my job, otherwise I probably would not have got it. It is a great camera, but there are many decent cameras for a fraction of the price.

[@takeytakeyphoties]

What are your thoughts on the original Leica Q? I note that you can buy this used for around half the price of a Leica Q2 and a quarter of the price of a new Q3, which one represents the best value bearing in mind it's the same lens in each case.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

I think the original Leica Q represents incredible value. 24MP is more than most people will ever need, the lens as you say is identical even to the Q3 and the processor is the same as the Q2. It’s a smaller battery though and the diopter button isn’t recessed so you can accidentally turn it.