Leica, the renowned German camera manufacturer, has just announced a new addition to its Q series of full-frame compact cameras. The Leica Q3 43 is set to excite photography enthusiasts with its highly anticipated 43mm f/2 lens, addressing a long-standing request from Leica fans for a focal length closer to the standard 50mm perspective.
Key Features and Specifications
The Q3 43 shares many similarities with its sibling, the Q3, including:
- A 60.4-megapixel full-frame sensor
- ISO range of 50 to 100,000
- Hybrid autofocus system
- 8K video recording at up to 30fps
- 5.76m-dot OLED viewfinder
- Tilting 3-inch touchscreen
What sets the Q3 43 apart is its newly developed APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 ASPH lens. This focal length closely mimics human vision, offering a more natural perspective compared to the wider 28mm f/1.7 lens found on the standard Q3.
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| Introducing the Leica Q3 43, designed with a striking aesthetic and advanced features for photography enthusiasts |
Versatility Through Digital Cropping
Like its predecessors, the Q3 43 features in-camera digital cropping. This function allows users to simulate longer focal lengths, including:
- 60mm
- 75mm
- 90mm
- 120mm
- 150mm
This versatility makes the Q3 43 an attractive option for photographers who prefer standard to telephoto focal lengths.
Design and Aesthetics
To differentiate it from the standard Q3, Leica has adorned the Q3 43 with a distinctive gray leatherette finish, complementing the black top and bottom metal plates. This subtle design change allows owners of both models to easily distinguish between them.
Pricing and Availability
The Leica Q3 43 comes with a premium price tag of $6,895 / £5,900 (approximately AU$12,000), positioning it $600 higher than the standard Q3 model.
Potential Drawbacks
Despite its high-end status, the Q3 43 follows a controversial trend set by recent Leica releases:
- The $200 BC-SCL4 battery charger is not included in the box
- Only a USB-C cable is provided for charging
This omission has raised eyebrows among some tech enthusiasts, who argue that such nickel-and-diming is unbecoming of a premium brand.
Conclusion
The Leica Q3 43 represents a natural evolution of the Q series, catering to photographers who have long desired a more standard focal length in this compact form factor. While its price point and certain omissions may give some pause, the camera's combination of high-resolution imaging, versatile digital cropping, and the new 43mm lens is likely to make it a sought-after item among Leica aficionados and serious photographers alike.