Thinking of trading my SL3 for a Q3 43

[Mutiny Mike]

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I know these are around the same price new, but thinking of trading my SL3 with 4x batteries and M lens adapter for a Q3 43.  Not sure if any Q3 43 owners have any regrets with the fixed focal length to want to trade. Thoughts?

 

 

[jaapv]

Totally different cameras. You would be losing the versatility of a professional camera system and gaining the compactness and simplicity of a travel and daily use camera. And lose any wideangle.  Up to you to decide which one fits YOUR photography. 
Disclosure: A Q does not fit mine. I explore too many aspects of photography 

[Markey]

As jaapv says two totally different cameras .

I have an SL2s system and a Q3 43.

The Q is a fantastic city and every day camera but I need the SL2s for my equestrian stuff.

Depends what you want to do.

Edited Wednesday at 08:55 PM by Markey

[hoppyman]

I have and use both. I echo the comments about how different they are. Each has its own strengths of course

By the way the batteries are interchangeable which I do often. I have two of the earlier versions and two of the newer. The newer have higher capacity mostly important if video is of your interest. I wouldn't suggest trading them in.

[LeicaR10]

Mutiny Mike,  First, welcome to the forum where you will find or have observed there are many photographers who will offer their sage advice to include myself.  Second, as Jaapv wrote in his post these are two different cameras.  It will get down to your genre(s) of photography and needs.  If you want to travel light and find the focal lengths meet your needs, the Q43 might well be a excellent choice.  But if you can swing it, perhaps having both tools wil meet your needs.  It will get down to your needs and wants, plus bank account.  Good news for you, there are excellent choices for you to consider.  r/ Mark 

Edited Thursday at 01:41 AM by LeicaR10

[bobtodrick]

I'll second all the previous posts.

Five years ago I traded my system camera (Nikon kit) for a Q.  Because I retired from any semblance of pro shooting to concentrate on my personal work...which happens to suit a wide angle viewpoint perfectly.  I'm quite happy with my decision.

Twenty years ago...no way! 

[LocalHero1953]

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I'll keep the thread going by saying exactly the same as previous responses! Different cameras, different uses.

I have the SL2-S (to be replaced by the SL3-S, arriving today), which I use for purposeful photos, often for others: portraits, events, stage performance etc. I also have the Q3 43 (previously Q2) which I use for travel, social, family and anything casual.

Whether either or both cameras are a good idea for you depends entirely on what sort of photography you do. All cameras are compromises and our choices limit what we can do with them. For example, I have no aspiration to take shots of distant wildlife or high speed sports, and my cameras are poor for that (though the SL2-S can handle dance very well).

[keithlaban.co.uk]

As much as I love my Q3 43 I would never want to be limited to using one fixed lens camera or any other single system.

Edited Thursday at 08:02 AM by keithlaban.co.uk

[Jan1985]

Can the Q43 be a second camera for certain moments i.e. on a wedding? When your first body is an SL3-S with something like a 24-70 lens?

[Mutiny Mike]

Just a note I already have a M10 and an M6 a few Sonys and a ton of other cameras.  
 

I got this SL3 for a steal so that is why I am considering trading it.  I haven’t heard any great things about the SL3 so keeping it would be hard to justify.  
 

I am fine with a single focal length and am up for that challenge.  

[Jeff S]

2 hours ago, Mutiny Mike said:

 I haven’t heard any great things about the SL3 so keeping it would be hard to justify.  
 

 

Instead of using it to make your own assessment?  No wonder you’re surveying strangers for your next move.

[Dazzajl]

3 hours ago, Mutiny Mike said:

Just a note I already have a M10 and an M6 a few Sonys and a ton of other cameras

Then it seems a bit of a no brainer choice. If the Sonys are modern they will outperform the SL3, which it doesn't sound like you've used much or bonded with anyway. So why not swap it out for something with a totally different feel and appeal.

[PhotoCruiser]

Am 16.10.2025 um 14:13 schrieb Mutiny Mike:

Just a note I already have a M10 and an M6 a few Sonys and a ton of other cameras.  
I got this SL3 for a steal so that is why I am considering trading it.  I haven’t heard any great things about the SL3 so keeping it would be hard to justify.  
I am fine with a single focal length and am up for that challenge.  

At this point go for it!
I just would think twice if 43mm is for your use better than the 28mm, i would not like the 43mm and i'm perfectly fine with my 28mm Q2.

But thats me and how and what i photograph what is 90% wide and if its too wide then i crop but would hate to have the wrong lens on and miss a shot.
I did for many years underwater photography and there if happens frequently that the wrong lens in on and no way to change it underwater.

Chris

[Mutiny Mike]

On 10/16/2025 at 10:43 AM, Jeff S said:

Instead of using it to make your own assessment?  No wonder you’re surveying strangers for your next move.

I am asking for advice not judgement.  Is this the wrong place? Are newcomers not welcome here?  

The SL3 landed in my lap for $4K and I am not wanting to invest in buying L mount lenses for it when I already have a ton of M mount, e-mount, EF mount, Nikon mount, PL mount and other lens investments.  Sorry I asked Jeff.  

[Mutiny Mike]

59 minutes ago, PhotoCruiser said:

At this point go for it!
I just would think twice if 43mm is for your use better than the 28mm, i would not like the 43mm and i'm perfectly fine with my 28mm Q2.

But thats me and how and what i photograph what is 90% wide and if its too wide then i crop but would hate to have the wrong lens on and miss a shot.
I did for many years underwater photography and there if happens frequently that the wrong lens in on and no way to change it underwater.

Chris

You're not wrong.  I would be fine with the 28mm Q3.  I was more thinking of portraits, but I have the M10 and M6 for that.  I appreciate your advice.

[Jeff S]

2 minutes ago, Mutiny Mike said:

I am asking for advice not judgement.  Is this the wrong place? Are newcomers not welcome here?  

The SL3 landed in my lap for $4K and I am not wanting to invest in buying L mount lenses for it when I already have a ton of M mount, e-mount, EF mount, Nikon mount, PL mount and other lens investments.  Sorry I asked Jeff.  

You asked, and I replied.  This reflects different philosophies and approaches, not about new or old membership. There are plenty of old members here who similarly survey others about what camera or lens to buy, or to take to City X, etc.  

I would instead rent the Q3-43 (easy and cheap rental in the US) and decide. And I’d put a 35/50 lens (M and SL lenses can also be rented) on the SL3 to compare.  But that’s my approach.  Nobody else can know my shooting, editing and print workflow, let alone personal preferences regarding handling , ergonomics, menu interface, viewing comfort, etc. No two people produce the same results, or share the same style and preferences, even with identical gear.

[S/W]

vor 20 Minuten schrieb Mutiny Mike:

You're not wrong.  I would be fine with the 28mm Q3.  I was more thinking of portraits, but I have the M10 and M6 for that.  I appreciate your advice.

Even if you have an M10 and M6, you should try an M lens on the SL3 using an M/SL adapter. You'll be surprised at how well you can focus, and you'll also have an image stabilizer, which isn't available in the M series. As good as the Q3 43 is, it's still a bit limited, because with the SL3 you can switch between M or SL lenses of all focal lengths at any time, giving you much more flexibility overall. But that's just something to think about.

[PhotoCruiser]

vor 4 Minuten schrieb S/W:

As good as the Q3 43 is, it's still a bit limited, because with the SL3 you can switch between M or SL lenses of all focal lengths at any time, giving you much more flexibility overall.

Thats not a limit, thats freedom from thinking of what lenses to carry and shlepping them around but need a bit of experience and will to learn how to deal with that.
And that makes the Q series the best travel and to carry every day camera on the market, if 28mm or 43mm is personal preference and for what the camera is/will be used.

I grew up with fixed length (mostly 50mm) cameras including Leicas, then started with (d)slr's to collect lenses and my luggage got bulkier and heavier till i bought the Q2 and now i am free from that for travel and everyday carry purposes.
But you are also right, i did it the opposite way, 2019 Q and then Q2 and this February i bought a SL2 just to be able to change lenses and have focal lengths the Q2 does (not) have
Main reason for buying the excellent priced and in brand new condition SL2 was macro, what the Q2 can do but for my taste suboptimal.
14mm
28mm
105mm Macro

Having already other cameras with changeable lenses i would go the same way as OP was asking about.

Chris