Thinkimg of selling all of my Sony gear for the Q3 43. Thoughts.

[richard371]

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Went ahead and placed the order.  Looking forward to receiving it.  I hope it doesn’t have freezing issues I’m reading about.

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[BWColor]

Congratulations…

Just keep your firmware current.

[richard371]

After reading 30+ reviews and 100s of comments I have decided to purchase the Q.  I received it yesterday from B&H and it's more impressive than I expected. I took it out after work yesterday and took about 50 shots.  They all look great.  For me the A1 was a waste as I never shot action, sports, wildlife etc.  I only shoot single shots of mostly still subjects.  If I do need to get a wide shot in from time to time, I can always pull out my iPhone. The camera is such a joy to shoot with and much lighter than the A1 with lenses.  It's built like a fine Swiss watch.  I purchased the Motoqueen thumb grip which is the same quality of Leica, a Hoage lens hood so I can use macro with the B&W filter that even uses the Leica lens cap. I use a nylon rope leash I wear around my neck.  Thanks for everyone's advice.

[richard371]

I shoot RAW+jpg.  I wish there was a way to have the Leica looks in lightroom to apply to the RAW files.

[Crem]

On 7/19/2025 at 9:41 AM, richard371 said:

I've been reading lots of reviews and forum post etc. in addition to going into a Leica store and checking it out.  Right now I have a 3 year old Sony A1, 24-70GM2, 55 1.8, 24-105F4, and the 40/2.5 which I enjoy the most.  I don't shoot any action, sports etc.  Mainly just general walk around/travel photography.  What's alluring me to the Q3 is the images I'm seeing online.  There is just something about them that pop.  I tried Leica profiles for the Sony and it's not the same. I'm also tired of lugging heavy gear around so sometimes it just stays at home. Also tired of deciding what lens to take/buy etc.  I'm going into this camera knowing its limitations and I know the AF is not in the same league as the Sony. Not only am I loving the IQ of the Q3 I also want a more enjoyable shooting experience. I feel like the Sony is like shooting with a computer.  Thoughts?  Any advice here?  It's a big trade/purchase that I hope I will not regret.  Thanks

A few thoughts:

• Do you need IBIS? If so the Sony A1 is going to be much better than the Q343.
• Have you looked at your catalog stats to see what focal lengths you use? and what your favorite photos were taken at? I would struggle to be limited to a 43mm, but I could totally live with a 28mm and some cropping.
• Do you need a 1/8000 mechanical shutter? You'll be limited to 1/2000 mechanical on the Q series. Your catalog stats can also tell you this.
• Is the Q small enough for you? The Sony A1 with the 40 2.5 is pretty small for what it is. Neither the Sony or the Q is going to fit in a pocket and I don't find them all that different for day to day use (in terms of size). It takes something like the Ricoh GR IIIx 40mm to make a meaningful size impact for me (pocket vs shoulder/neck strap).

Personally I prefer the Q series (or really any Leica) to the Sony's, but I keep a Sony A7CII around for the great AF. 

[richard371]

49 minutes ago, Crem said:

A few thoughts:

• Do you need IBIS? If so the Sony A1 is going to be much better than the Q343.
• Have you looked at your catalog stats to see what focal lengths you use? and what your favorite photos were taken at? I would struggle to be limited to a 43mm, but I could totally live with a 28mm and some cropping.
• Do you need a 1/8000 mechanical shutter? You'll be limited to 1/2000 mechanical on the Q series. Your catalog stats can also tell you this.
• Is the Q small enough for you? The Sony A1 with the 40 2.5 is pretty small for what it is. Neither the Sony or the Q is going to fit in a pocket and I don't find them all that different for day to day use (in terms of size). It takes something like the Ricoh GR IIIx 40mm to make a meaningful size impact for me (pocket vs shoulder/neck strap).

Personally I prefer the Q series (or really any Leica) to the Sony's, but I keep a Sony A7CII around for the great AF. 

Q3 has Optical stabilization which is not bad. I don't need a high shutter speed,  I love the feel and using the Q3 over the Sony A1 with 40 2.5. I just received it yesterday and like it a lot

[F-train]

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14 hours ago, richard371 said:

After reading 30+ reviews and 100s of comments I have decided to purchase the Q.  I received it yesterday from B&H and it's more impressive than I expected. I took it out after work yesterday and took about 50 shots.  They all look great.  For me the A1 was a waste as I never shot action, sports, wildlife etc.  I only shoot single shots of mostly still subjects.  If I do need to get a wide shot in from time to time, I can always pull out my iPhone. The camera is such a joy to shoot with and much lighter than the A1 with lenses.  It's built like a fine Swiss watch.  I purchased the Motoqueen thumb grip which is the same quality of Leica, a Hoage lens hood so I can use macro with the B&W filter that even uses the Leica lens cap. I use a nylon rope leash I wear around my neck.  Thanks for everyone's advice.

Sounds like you made a good decision Richard.
Enjoy it!

[dugballs]

Congratulations on your new Q! For my professional sports photography, I use Sony. But for my everyday, and personal projects I always pick up my Q2M. There is something special about Leica.