I was on a wait list for a while when the camera first released, my local Mayfair store said it would be 3 months to fill demand, so I cancelled and kept a close eye on the reviews, looking back I’m glad I waited for a few firmware revisions before I bought
I've been a Fujifilm X100 fanboy until the recent availability idiocy. This year it was time to upgrade my X100F and in March I decided to pull the trigger on the Leica Q3. Best decision ever. I love how it feels, the image it produces, the ease of its use and everything about it. But most importantly it made me take more pictures! I was scared of 28mm coming from a 35mm world, but with the unlimited availability of croping out of 60Mpx there's nothing to worry about.
I’ve had my Q3 for almost 6 months, being a Fujifilm user for the last 12 years. After failing to secure an X100vi in the first consignment, I went mad and decided it was a sign for me to take the plunge and get my dream camera. No regrets whatsoever, I agree with everything you say, I think the substantive cost is totally justified for me. Regarding ergonomics, I’ve always used handgrips to add arca Swiss functionality as I shoot a fair amount of landscape as well as street. I went for the IDS works grip and have found it perfect. It adds very little to the size of the Q3 and feels like part of the camera. I’ve not felt the need for a thumb grip having this. Keep up the content, I’m sure we may cross paths in London some time in the future! ,
A few comments on the video I'm not sure what's different about the Q2 and Q3 physically but my Q2 sits on its base perfectly balanced. I use a PD slide lite and wear it across my body and the weight seems to disappear. Where I live the streets aren't particularly brightly lit so I rely on high ISO a lot, quite often 6400, I agree it's not an issue. How have custom set BBF? i have searched for methods but come up blank.
I've been researching a lot these past few weeks to find an upgrade from my Nikon d600 that I was using to capture moments with my family (using a prime 50mm). So far my research has lead me to the Leica q3, Sony a7c ii paired with a 35mm 1.4 gm lens or the Sony rx1r ii (really wish they would upgrade this). My primary search would be trying to find something that will do well in low light scenarios while also being able to capture fun moments like my kids jumping into the lake while visiting family. Since I haven't bought a camera in a long time I'm just out of the loop with the current tech. For example I found the autofocus on the d600 not tracking the kids properly (this is likely entirely user error though I did try experimenting with the settings and still had trouble) and my shots wouldn't focus properly making the kids faces blurry. Would the Leica q3 be able to handle this type of action? If it can I'd likely choose it since I do believe in the idea there is beauty in simplicity or at least that's the vibe I get from the Leica q3 (I do realize nowadays nothing is too overly simple due to the amount of settings offered by each camera but as a novice finding something that can be simple then grow from there is nice). With Sony what I can tell is that Sony's autofocus is possibly best in class (atm) with the new AI system complementing the already great autofocus that Sony offers. I imagine it would handle tracking a subject into the water pretty easily. Any recommendations of the options presented? I do understand that the Leica q3 is fixed rather than having the ability to swap lens but I think that's where the megapixel count comes into play. My biggest concern is just capturing the kids doing some kind of action shot while holding down the shutter for multiple shots. I've been trying to learn more about rolling shutter and if it's only related to electronic shutter vs mechanical while taking video or if it affects still photos too. I'm no expert by any means and constantly learning so any positive feedback is greatly appreciated.
The leica is quite snappy yea, it also has intelligent AF so can track different things depending on what you select it to Sony definitely has a much better autofocus system, as you say it is indeed the best in the world. i have used both the A7C and Q3 recently and they are both really capable cameras, although that being said I cannot stand how small the Sonys EVFs are in comparison to the q3
I agree that compared with an M11/Summilux the Q3 is good value. The only problem is the Summilux is fixed to something digital that won't age well with time a stand-alone Summilux lens will still have same utility in 10 or even 20 years time. I think the Q3 is a great camera but not the same long term photography investment as purchasing Leica M-mount lenses. Hope you get some good images in Belgium.
Yeah ive always considered the Q a great entry point into the leica ecosystem, i tend to tell people if they want a leica to save up for a Q if they cant get an M and then avoid the DLux models
Although this can be particularly offset by the fact that the M lens has to be used with a significantly more expensive body assuming digital that will also age.
@@phil5743 yes I think the best way to look at it is buy a Q2 body and get a free lens 🙂 I love Leica's especially their colour science. It used to be Leica could charge a premium because 1) they were good and 2) they would likely be worth what you paid for them some years later. M6s and many lenses appreciated in value. With electronic obsolescence that isn't true so purchasers of digital Leica's have to assume their purchase value will likely be largely written off in 10 years. Time to dust off my enlarger!
Good review. I shot fuji for years alongside m bodies for film. All I have the is the q3 now and I love everything about it except it’s not the snappiest camera in terms of menus and being able to shoot quickly once you turn it on. In comparison to Fuji in particular, iq is out of this world and miles better, and the Leica fotos app actually works. Can’t say the same thing about Fuji
Hi, Good video. I agree to your thoughts.👍 As it seems, to save battery power, you should set the CONNECTIVITY MODES always to OFF‼️, except when transferring photos via Bluetooth to the Leica Photos App. (This is a power saving option!) After transferring, set it back to OFF! I got the Leica thumbs grip on my Q3, which works perfectly. Greetings from Luxembourg.
I have had mine for 4 months and im slightly underwhelmed to be honest. If im shooting buildings its beautiful but when i take pictures of my kids, even from a distance, at full body with head in centre of frame the distortion on their head is driving me crazy... Plus i love the video specs but apart from in a controlled environment the af is so bad its unusable. Almost wonder why they added video when its this poorly implemented... HOWEVER.... Ive been thinking of letting it go and i cant. Love the small size. The build quailty. Pictures of anything other than my kids... Wondering if i should go back to sony.... But then you carry around a bazooka all day... And dont like the c cameras Anyway, thanks for the video. Enjoyable content
can’t say that I have noticed any distortion on my photos no matter what I am using, but can’t say anything about the video specs as I am yet to use it and I don’t plan to
Good review. I agree with everything with you. I've had my Q3 for 5 weeks now and have been lucky to get it for the price increase in a local shop here in Cologne. I come from over 10 years with Sony A7x with lenses more on the wide end and wanted a more portable option and love the Q3. I agree with you, that a thumb grip should come with the camera as a default accessory, but I went for the original Leica one.
@@SnapsBySamosh the original thumb grip works flawlessly with the Q3. I preferred it, because it supports the two function buttons directly. But it is still totally overpriced for what it is.
I would have bet money you were like 6’2 minimum.. that is surprising.. but on top pic the more q3 videos I see the more intrigued I am.. I got the x100vi on release and have fallen in love with the form factor and it’s now something I always have on me whereas with my Nikon z8 it was sometimes a hassle to bring.. the q3 speaks to me in a lot of ways but for the price it’s gotta be worth it
Haha definitely not, my partner (the person filming these videos) is only 4ft9 so she’s glad im not 6’2. Youve definitely got a more than capable kit with what you have got, but Leica cameras are special… maybe try it out in your local leica store and get a feel for it first
![Jack Harlow - Hello Miss Johnson [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q86_nlRoIGw/mqdefault.jpg)
Had mine for just over a year - no regrets - love it. I got mine from a small retailer in Scotland - after a wait of about 35 days!
I was on a wait list for a while when the camera first released, my local Mayfair store said it would be 3 months to fill demand, so I cancelled and kept a close eye on the reviews, looking back I’m glad I waited for a few firmware revisions before I bought
I've been a Fujifilm X100 fanboy until the recent availability idiocy. This year it was time to upgrade my X100F and in March I decided to pull the trigger on the Leica Q3. Best decision ever. I love how it feels, the image it produces, the ease of its use and everything about it. But most importantly it made me take more pictures! I was scared of 28mm coming from a 35mm world, but with the unlimited availability of croping out of 60Mpx there's nothing to worry about.
Being stuck with 1 focal lengths a blessing in disguise
I’ve had my Q3 for almost 6 months, being a Fujifilm user for the last 12 years. After failing to secure an X100vi in the first consignment, I went mad and decided it was a sign for me to take the plunge and get my dream camera. No regrets whatsoever, I agree with everything you say, I think the substantive cost is totally justified for me. Regarding ergonomics, I’ve always used handgrips to add arca Swiss functionality as I shoot a fair amount of landscape as well as street. I went for the IDS works grip and have found it perfect. It adds very little to the size of the Q3 and feels like part of the camera. I’ve not felt the need for a thumb grip having this. Keep up the content, I’m sure we may cross paths in London some time in the future!
,
I’ve had a good few people over here and insta asking to do some form of photo walk so i will plan one in when im back home
A few comments on the video I'm not sure what's different about the Q2 and Q3 physically but my Q2 sits on its base perfectly balanced. I use a PD slide lite and wear it across my body and the weight seems to disappear. Where I live the streets aren't particularly brightly lit so I rely on high ISO a lot, quite often 6400, I agree it's not an issue. How have custom set BBF? i have searched for methods but come up blank.
I've been researching a lot these past few weeks to find an upgrade from my Nikon d600 that I was using to capture moments with my family (using a prime 50mm). So far my research has lead me to the Leica q3, Sony a7c ii paired with a 35mm 1.4 gm lens or the Sony rx1r ii (really wish they would upgrade this). My primary search would be trying to find something that will do well in low light scenarios while also being able to capture fun moments like my kids jumping into the lake while visiting family. Since I haven't bought a camera in a long time I'm just out of the loop with the current tech. For example I found the autofocus on the d600 not tracking the kids properly (this is likely entirely user error though I did try experimenting with the settings and still had trouble) and my shots wouldn't focus properly making the kids faces blurry. Would the Leica q3 be able to handle this type of action? If it can I'd likely choose it since I do believe in the idea there is beauty in simplicity or at least that's the vibe I get from the Leica q3 (I do realize nowadays nothing is too overly simple due to the amount of settings offered by each camera but as a novice finding something that can be simple then grow from there is nice). With Sony what I can tell is that Sony's autofocus is possibly best in class (atm) with the new AI system complementing the already great autofocus that Sony offers. I imagine it would handle tracking a subject into the water pretty easily. Any recommendations of the options presented? I do understand that the Leica q3 is fixed rather than having the ability to swap lens but I think that's where the megapixel count comes into play. My biggest concern is just capturing the kids doing some kind of action shot while holding down the shutter for multiple shots. I've been trying to learn more about rolling shutter and if it's only related to electronic shutter vs mechanical while taking video or if it affects still photos too.
I'm no expert by any means and constantly learning so any positive feedback is greatly appreciated.
The leica is quite snappy yea, it also has intelligent AF so can track different things depending on what you select it to
Sony definitely has a much better autofocus system, as you say it is indeed the best in the world. i have used both the A7C and Q3 recently and they are both really capable cameras, although that being said I cannot stand how small the Sonys EVFs are in comparison to the q3
I agree that compared with an M11/Summilux the Q3 is good value. The only problem is the Summilux is fixed to something digital that won't age well with time a stand-alone Summilux lens will still have same utility in 10 or even 20 years time. I think the Q3 is a great camera but not the same long term photography investment as purchasing Leica M-mount lenses. Hope you get some good images in Belgium.
Yeah ive always considered the Q a great entry point into the leica ecosystem, i tend to tell people if they want a leica to save up for a Q if they cant get an M and then avoid the DLux models
Although this can be particularly offset by the fact that the M lens has to be used with a significantly more expensive body assuming digital that will also age.
@@phil5743 yes I think the best way to look at it is buy a Q2 body and get a free lens 🙂 I love Leica's especially their colour science. It used to be Leica could charge a premium because 1) they were good and 2) they would likely be worth what you paid for them some years later. M6s and many lenses appreciated in value. With electronic obsolescence that isn't true so purchasers of digital Leica's have to assume their purchase value will likely be largely written off in 10 years. Time to dust off my enlarger!
Good review. I shot fuji for years alongside m bodies for film. All I have the is the q3 now and I love everything about it except it’s not the snappiest camera in terms of menus and being able to shoot quickly once you turn it on. In comparison to Fuji in particular, iq is out of this world and miles better, and the Leica fotos app actually works. Can’t say the same thing about Fuji
Deleted the fuji app day 1, fotos is great in comparison but i dont think ill use it still :)
@@SnapsBySamosh it’s fantastic. Give it a shot. I never take my card or battery out of the camera
Hi,
Good video. I agree to your thoughts.👍
As it seems, to save battery power, you should set the CONNECTIVITY MODES always to OFF‼️, except when transferring photos via Bluetooth to the Leica Photos App. (This is a power saving option!)
After transferring, set it back to OFF!
I got the Leica thumbs grip on my Q3, which works perfectly.
Greetings from Luxembourg.
Yeah connectivity modes like that always drain a cameras battery, im older school, i still transfer with sd card directly
Ordered it for a long time. (At least, in my mind). The Waiting is so frustrating!
Glad I found this video as the date is coming near. Thanks!
Hope you enjoy it!
I have had mine for 4 months and im slightly underwhelmed to be honest. If im shooting buildings its beautiful but when i take pictures of my kids, even from a distance, at full body with head in centre of frame the distortion on their head is driving me crazy... Plus i love the video specs but apart from in a controlled environment the af is so bad its unusable. Almost wonder why they added video when its this poorly implemented...
HOWEVER.... Ive been thinking of letting it go and i cant. Love the small size. The build quailty. Pictures of anything other than my kids...
Wondering if i should go back to sony....
But then you carry around a bazooka all day... And dont like the c cameras
Anyway, thanks for the video. Enjoyable content
can’t say that I have noticed any distortion on my photos no matter what I am using, but can’t say anything about the video specs as I am yet to use it and I don’t plan to
Good review. I agree with everything with you. I've had my Q3 for 5 weeks now and have been lucky to get it for the price increase in a local shop here in Cologne. I come from over 10 years with Sony A7x with lenses more on the wide end and wanted a more portable option and love the Q3. I agree with you, that a thumb grip should come with the camera as a default accessory, but I went for the original Leica one.
How do you find the original leica one?
@@SnapsBySamosh the original thumb grip works flawlessly with the Q3. I preferred it, because it supports the two function buttons directly. But it is still totally overpriced for what it is.
I would have bet money you were like 6’2 minimum.. that is surprising.. but on top pic the more q3 videos I see the more intrigued I am.. I got the x100vi on release and have fallen in love with the form factor and it’s now something I always have on me whereas with my Nikon z8 it was sometimes a hassle to bring.. the q3 speaks to me in a lot of ways but for the price it’s gotta be worth it
Haha definitely not, my partner (the person filming these videos) is only 4ft9 so she’s glad im not 6’2.
Youve definitely got a more than capable kit with what you have got, but Leica cameras are special… maybe try it out in your local leica store and get a feel for it first
Camera should come with a spare battery and a hand grip at that price
Agreed