Leica Q3 vs X Vario
The Leica Q3 and the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in May 2023 and June 2013. Both the Q3 and the X Vario are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a full frame (Q3) and an APS-C (X Vario) sensor. The Q3 has a resolution of 60.3 megapixels, whereas the X Vario provides 16.1 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Check Q3 price at
amazon.com

Check X Vario offers at
ebay.com
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica Q3 and the Leica X Vario (Typ 107)? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
Body comparison
An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Leica Q3 and the Leica X Vario is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The X Vario can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the Q3 is only available in black.



If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica X Vario is notably smaller (7 percent) than the Leica Q3. Moreover, the X Vario is markedly lighter (8 percent) than the Q3. It is worth mentioning in this context that the Q3 is splash and dust resistant, while the X Vario does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.
Concerning battery life, the Q3 gets 350 shots out of its Leica BP-SCL6 battery, while the X Vario can take 450 images on a single charge of its Leica BP-DC8 power pack. The power pack in the Q3 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

| Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Leica Q3 | 130 mm | 80 mm | 93 mm | 743 g | 350 | Y | May 2023 | US$ 5 999 | amazon.com | |
| 2. | Leica X Vario | 133 mm | 73 mm | 95 mm | 680 g | 450 | n | Jun 2013 | US$ 2 849 | ebay.com | |
| 3. | Fujifilm GFX 50S | 148 mm | 94 mm | 91 mm | 740 g | 400 | Y | Sep 2016 | US$ 6 499 | ebay.com | |
| 4. | Hasselblad X1D II | 148 mm | 97 mm | 70 mm | 766 g | .. | Y | Jun 2019 | US$ 5 749 | ebay.com | |
| 5. | Leica M Typ 240 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 42 mm | 680 g | 500 | Y | Sep 2012 | US$ 6 949 | ebay.com | |
| 6. | Leica M Typ 262 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 42 mm | 680 g | 400 | Y | Nov 2015 | US$ 5 195 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Leica M10 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 39 mm | 660 g | 210 | Y | Jan 2017 | US$ 6 599 | ebay.com | |
| 8. | Leica M11 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 39 mm | 640 g | 700 | Y | Jan 2022 | US$ 8 999 | amazon.com | |
| 9. | Leica Q Typ 116 | 130 mm | 80 mm | 93 mm | 640 g | 300 | n | Jun 2015 | US$ 4 249 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Leica Q2 | 130 mm | 80 mm | 92 mm | 718 g | 370 | Y | Mar 2019 | US$ 4 999 | amazon.com | |
| 11. | Leica SL3 | 141 mm | 108 mm | 85 mm | 854 g | 320 | Y | Mar 2024 | US$ 6 999 | amazon.com | |
| 12. | Leica X Typ 113 | 133 mm | 73 mm | 78 mm | 486 g | 350 | n | Sep 2014 | US$ 2 299 | ebay.com | |
| 13. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | 140 mm | 79 mm | 88 mm | 635 g | 450 | Y | Jan 2016 | US$ 2 949 | ebay.com | |
| 14. | Nikon Df | 144 mm | 110 mm | 67 mm | 760 g | 1400 | Y | Nov 2013 | US$ 2 749 | ebay.com | |
| 15. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 137 mm | 99 mm | 131 mm | 831 g | 360 | n | Jun 2014 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
| 16. | Sony A1 II | 136 mm | 97 mm | 83 mm | 743 g | 520 | Y | Nov 2024 | US$ 6 499 | amazon.com | |
| 17. | Sony RX1R | 113 mm | 65 mm | 70 mm | 482 g | 270 | n | Jun 2013 | US$ 2 799 | ebay.com | |
| Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The X Vario was launched at a markedly lower price (by 53 percent) than the Q3, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.
Sensor comparison
The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica Q3 features a full frame sensor and the Leica X Vario an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the X Vario is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 60.3MP, the Q3 offers a higher resolution than the X Vario (16.1MP), but the Q3 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.79μm versus 4.80μm for the X Vario). However, the Q3 is a much more recent model (by 9 years and 11 months) than the X Vario, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the Q3 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.
The resolution advantage of the Leica Q3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Q3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 47.6 x 31.6 inches or 121 x 80.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 38.1 x 25.3 inches or 96.8 x 64.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 31.8 x 21.1 inches or 80.7 x 53.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica X Vario are 24.6 x 16.4 inches or 62.6 x 41.6 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.7 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Q3 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.
The Leica Q3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 50 to ISO 100000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) are ISO 100 to ISO 12500 (no boost).
Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

| Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Leica Q3 | Full Frame | 60.3 | 9528 | 6328 | 8K/30p | 25.4 | 14.7 | 3216 | 96 | |
| 2. | Leica X Vario | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3272 | 1080/30p | 23.4 | 12.7 | 1320 | 78 | |
| 3. | Fujifilm GFX 50S | Medium Format | 51.1 | 8256 | 6192 | 1080/30p | 25.4 | 14.1 | 2977 | 96 | |
| 4. | Hasselblad X1D II | Medium Format | 51.3 | 8272 | 6200 | 1080/25p | 25.7 | 14.5 | 3234 | 99 | |
| 5. | Leica M Typ 240 | Full Frame | 23.7 | 5952 | 3976 | 1080/25p | 24.0 | 13.3 | 1860 | 84 | |
| 6. | Leica M Typ 262 | Full Frame | 23.7 | 5952 | 3976 | none | 24.8 | 13.7 | 2478 | 90 | |
| 7. | Leica M10 | Full Frame | 23.8 | 5952 | 3992 | none | 24.4 | 13.2 | 2133 | 86 | |
| 8. | Leica M11 | Full Frame | 60.3 | 9528 | 6328 | none | 26.3 | 14.8 | 3376 | 100 | |
| 9. | Leica Q Typ 116 | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.3 | 12.7 | 2221 | 85 | |
| 10. | Leica Q2 | Full Frame | 46.7 | 8368 | 5584 | 4K/30p | 26.4 | 13.5 | 2491 | 96 | |
| 11. | Leica SL3 | Full Frame | 60.3 | 9520 | 6336 | 8K/30p | 25.4 | 14.8 | 3295 | 97 | |
| 12. | Leica X Typ 113 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.6 | 12.8 | 1491 | 78 | |
| 13. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.8 | 13.0 | 1614 | 80 | |
| 14. | Nikon Df | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | none | 24.6 | 13.1 | 3279 | 89 | |
| 15. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.1 | 11.7 | 517 | 64 | |
| 16. | Sony A1 II | Full Frame | 49.8 | 8640 | 5760 | 8k/30p | 25.4 | 14.8 | 3363 | 97 | |
| 17. | Sony RX1R | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 25.0 | 13.6 | 2537 | 91 | |
| Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. | |||||||||||
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the Q3 provides a higher video resolution than the X Vario. It can shoot video footage at 8K/30p, while the X Vario is limited to 1080/30p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Q3 has an electronic viewfinder (5760k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X Vario relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the X Vario can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF 2. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica Q3, the Leica X Vario, and comparable cameras.

| Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Leica Q3 | 5760 | n | 3.0 / 1840 | tilting | Y | 1/2000s | 15.0/s | n | Y | |
| 2. | Leica X Vario | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
| 3. | Fujifilm GFX 50S | optional | Y | 3.2 / 2360 | full-flex | Y | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
| 4. | Hasselblad X1D II | 3690 | n | 3.6 / 2360 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 2.7/s | n | n | |
| 5. | Leica M Typ 240 | optical | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
| 6. | Leica M Typ 262 | optical | n | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
| 7. | Leica M10 | optical | n | 3.0 / 1037 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
| 8. | Leica M11 | optical | n | 3.0 / 2333 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 4.5/s | n | n | |
| 9. | Leica Q Typ 116 | 3680 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | n | Y | |
| 10. | Leica Q2 | 3680 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | n | Y | |
| 11. | Leica SL3 | 5760 | Y | 3.2 / 2333 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | Y | |
| 12. | Leica X Typ 113 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
| 13. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
| 14. | Nikon Df | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | n | n | |
| 15. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 921 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
| 16. | Sony A1 II | 9437 | n | 3.2 / 2100 | full-flex | Y | 1/8000s | 30.0/s | n | Y | |
| 17. | Sony RX1R | optional | n | 3.0 / 1229 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
| Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. | |||||||||||
One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The Q3 has a touchscreen, while the X Vario has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.
The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Q3 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).
The Leica Q3 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.
The X Vario is equipped with a zoom lens, while the Q3 comes with a built-in prime. The X Vario has a 28-70mm f/3.5-6.4 optic and the Q3 offers a 28mm f/1.7 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Q3 and X Vario provide the same view at the wide-angle end, but the X Vario has less tele-photo reach at the long end. The Q3 offers the faster maximum aperture.
Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the Q3 and the X Vario write their files to SDXC cards. The Q3 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the X Vario cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.
Connectivity comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica Q3 and Leica X Vario (Typ 107) and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

| Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Leica Q3 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
| 2. | Leica X Vario | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 3. | Fujifilm GFX 50S | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
| 4. | Hasselblad X1D II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | - | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
| 5. | Leica M Typ 240 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 6. | Leica M Typ 262 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 7. | Leica M10 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | - | Y | - | - | |
| 8. | Leica M11 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
| 9. | Leica Q Typ 116 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
| 10. | Leica Q2 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | - | Y | - | Y | |
| 11. | Leica SL3 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
| 12. | Leica X Typ 113 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 13. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 14. | Nikon Df | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| 15. | Panasonic FZ1000 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
| 16. | Sony A1 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
| 17. | Sony RX1R | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the Q3 offers wifi support, while the X Vario does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.
The Q3 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Leica. In contrast, the X Vario has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the X Vario from Leica. Further information on the features and operation of the Q3 and X Vario can be found, respectively, in the Leica Q3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica X Vario Manual.
Review summary
So what is the bottom line? Is the Leica Q3 better than the Leica X Vario or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.
Reasons to prefer the Leica Q3:
- More detail: Offers more megapixels (60.3 vs 16.1MP) with a 93% higher linear resolution.
- Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
- Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
- Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
- More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
- Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
- Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (8K/30p vs 1080/30p).
- Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
- Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1840k vs 920k dots).
- More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
- Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (15 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.7 vs f/3.5).
- Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
- Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
- Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
- Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
- Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
- Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
- Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards.
- More modern: Reflects 9 years and 11 months of technical progress since the X Vario launch.
Arguments in favor of the Leica X Vario (Typ 107):
- Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
- Longer lasting: Gets more shots (450 versus 350) out of a single battery charge.
- Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (53 percent cheaper at launch).
- More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in June 2013).
If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Q3 is the clear winner of the match-up (24 : 5 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica Q3 and the Leica X Vario place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Prime Lens Compact Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the Q3 or the X Vario. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.
Expert reviews
This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

| Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Leica Q3 | 5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | May 2023 | US$ 5 999 | amazon.com | |
| 2. | Leica X Vario | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jun 2013 | US$ 2 849 | ebay.com | |
| 3. | Fujifilm GFX 50S | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 85/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2016 | US$ 6 499 | ebay.com | |
| 4. | Hasselblad X1D II | .. | .. | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jun 2019 | US$ 5 749 | ebay.com | |
| 5. | Leica M Typ 240 | 4/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | .. | Sep 2012 | US$ 6 949 | ebay.com | |
| 6. | Leica M Typ 262 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Nov 2015 | US$ 5 195 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Leica M10 | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2017 | US$ 6 599 | ebay.com | |
| 8. | Leica M11 | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2022 | US$ 8 999 | amazon.com | |
| 9. | Leica Q Typ 116 | 5/5 | .. | .. | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2015 | US$ 4 249 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Leica Q2 | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Mar 2019 | US$ 4 999 | amazon.com | |
| 11. | Leica SL3 | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | Mar 2024 | US$ 6 999 | amazon.com | |
| 12. | Leica X Typ 113 | 3.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2014 | US$ 2 299 | ebay.com | |
| 13. | Leica X-U Typ 113 | 3.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | Jan 2016 | US$ 2 949 | ebay.com | |
| 14. | Nikon Df | 4/5 | .. | .. | 81/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Nov 2013 | US$ 2 749 | ebay.com | |
| 15. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2014 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
| 16. | Sony A1 II | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Nov 2024 | US$ 6 499 | amazon.com | |
| 17. | Sony RX1R | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2013 | US$ 2 799 | ebay.com | |
| Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. | |||||||||||
The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Check Q3 price at
amazon.com

Check X Vario offers at
ebay.com
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon 20D vs Leica X Vario
- Canon G1 X vs Leica X Vario
- Fujifilm GFX 100 II vs Leica Q3
- Fujifilm GFX 50S vs Leica Q3
- Fujifilm X-T30 vs Leica Q3
- Fujifilm X100F vs Leica X Vario
- Leica Q3 vs Leica X2
- Leica Q3 vs Nikon D4S
- Leica Q3 vs Ricoh WG-6
- Leica X Vario vs Panasonic GF5
- Leica X Vario vs Panasonic S9
- Leica X Vario vs Panasonic ZS100
Specifications: Leica Q3 vs Leica X Vario
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.
| Camera Model | Leica Q3 | Leica X Vario |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | Fixed lens compact camera |
| Camera Lens | 28mm f/1.7 | 28-70mm f/3.5-6.4 |
| Launch Date | May 2023 | June 2013 |
| Launch Price | USD 5,999 | USD 2,849 |
| Sensor Specs | Leica Q3 | Leica X Vario |
| Sensor Technology | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Format | Full Frame Sensor | APS-C Sensor |
| Sensor Size | 36.0 x 24.0 mm | 23.6 x 15.7 mm |
| Sensor Area | 864 mm2 | 370.52 mm2 |
| Sensor Diagonal | 43.3 mm | 28.3 mm |
| Crop Factor | 1.0x | 1.5x |
| Sensor Resolution | 60.3 Megapixels | 16.1 Megapixels |
| Image Resolution | 9528 x 6328 pixels | 4928 x 3272 pixels |
| Pixel Pitch | 3.79 μm | 4.80 μm |
| Pixel Density | 6.98 MP/cm2 | 4.35 MP/cm2 |
| Moiré control | no AA filter | Anti-Alias filter |
| Movie Capability | 8K/30p Video | 1080/30p Video |
| ISO Setting | 50 - 100,000 ISO | 100 - 12,500 ISO |
| DXO Sensor Quality (score) | .. | 78 |
| DXO Color Depth (bits) | .. | 23.4 |
| DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | .. | 12.7 |
| DXO Low Light (ISO) | .. | 1320 |
| Screen Specs | Leica Q3 | Leica X Vario |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | Viewfinder optional |
| Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.79x | |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 5760k dots | |
| LCD Framing | Live View | |
| Rear LCD Size | 3.0inch | 3.0inch |
| LCD Resolution | 1840k dots | 920k dots |
| LCD Attachment | Tilting screen | Fixed screen |
| Touch Input | Touchscreen | no Touchscreen |
| Shooting Specs | Leica Q3 | Leica X Vario |
| Focus System | On-Sensor Phase-detect | Contrast-detect AF |
| Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | no Peaking Feature |
| Continuous Shooting | 15 shutter flaps/s | 5 shutter flaps/s |
| Electronic Shutter | up to 1/16000s | no E-Shutter |
| Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | no Intervalometer |
| Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | Built-in Flash |
| Storage Medium | SDXC cards | SDXC cards |
| Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | Single card slot |
| UHS card support | UHS-II | no |
| Connectivity Specs | Leica Q3 | Leica X Vario |
| External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
| USB Connector | USB 3.1 | USB 2.0 |
| HDMI Port | micro HDMI | mini HDMI |
| Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | no Wifi |
| Bluetooth Support | Bluetooth built-in | no Bluetooth |
| Body Specs | Leica Q3 | Leica X Vario |
| Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | not weather sealed |
| Battery Type | Leica BP-SCL6 | Leica BP-DC8 |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 350 shots per charge | 450 shots per charge |
| In-Camera Charging | USB charging | no USB charging |
| Body Dimensions |
130 x 80 x 93 mm (5.1 x 3.1 x 3.7 in) |
133 x 73 x 95 mm (5.2 x 2.9 x 3.7 in) |
| Camera Weight | 743 g (26.2 oz) | 680 g (24.0 oz) |

Check Q3 price at
amazon.com

Check X Vario offers at
ebay.com
Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

