Leica Q3 Macro & Crop modes Test w/ Samples

[Miltz]

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After taking a macro shoot with my Leica Q3 and cropping it heavily I was really impressed with the results. Then for the next few days I wondered how much better is the Leica Q3 than my Nikon Z6 with the Nikon 35mm 1.8s. I decided to go back out and test it. Let's keep in mind the Nikon Z6 has a 24 megapixel sensor while the Leica Q3 has 60 megapixels. It's clearly not a fair comparison for the Nikon, but I was still curious how much better the Leica will be. All images were shot at F5.6 at the closest focusing distance the lens would allow on a tripod with OIS & IBIS off. The exposes and white balance were adjusted so the images look as close as possible. Focus point was in the same spot for both cameras. Sharpening was at default which is 40 in Adobe Camera raw. Nothing else was done to the images.

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The First image shows both lenses shot at their closest focusing distance. There is no Macro mode on the Nikon 35mm 1.8s. The Leica was shot on Macro mode. I was surprised how close the Nikon lens was able to get. It's listed at 0.19x magnification. Obviously the Q3 was able to focus closer, but the difference is quite small. 

 

This is the crop of the image that I wanted to compare as it's what intrigued me about the outlet in the first place. I have to say I'm really surprised how well a 24 megapixel image cropped heavily compared to a 60 megapixel image with the same crop. On my new Retina display the differences are so subtle that one can easily replace one with the other and not notice. This image represents the most I would ever crop in the real world. 

 

 

Finally let's do a 100% crop and pixel peep just for those who are curious. Pretty much was you expect to see when looking at 100% comparing 24 to 60 megapixels. 

 

My concluding thoughts are mixed. I was expecting a much larger difference between the images. The Nikon 35mm 1.8s is an amazing lens and is the sharpest 35mm lens I ever tested. The Macro mode on the Q3 isn't really a macro lens, it just gets a little closer than a standard lens. I knew this before the test, but I didn't realize how close it really is. This test also shows that you can crop with any camera and get great results, you don't need 60 megapixels. 24 might be enough for a lot of people. Initially I was disappointed, but the fact is the Leica Q3 is weightless and more fun to use than my Nikon camera, so that does mean a lot to me. I can only imagine how much better my Nikon Lens would perform on a ZII or Z8 with 47 Megapixels. 

Edited February 3, 2024 by Miltz