Leica Q3 First Impressions

[@GajanBalan]

Join the Foto Club: churchxstreet.com

[@donharrington576]

Fabulous analysis thank you so much..I ordered one.

[@GajanBalan]

Congrats! Enjoy ✌🏾

[@Chaosflo-kc9fh]

Thanks for the video! I came here on my journey to find the perfect: easy to use - small enough - can do all - take kids/family pics - Apple style camera and now I'm really excited!

[@hdm-nm]

I'm ok with it not having a flippy screen, but I do wish they had had made it a 3-way tilt screen to accommodate vertical shooting.

[@toneyf]

with 60Mpx you can do a vertical crop

[@Alxndrzlkrnn]

@@toneyf I don't think its the issue with the 60mpx resolution of the sensor but the ergonomic of the camera itself. It's much more comfortable to shoot vertically for portraiture when the screen can be flipped like fujifilm's. I don't like a flipped out screen for photography tho and it's not suitable to use a flipped out screen on a photo first camera like the Q3.

[@c73w]

@@Alxndrzlkrnn there are some situations that you need to have that fully articulated screen putting the camera away from your face so you want to see what you are shooting and this won’t affect someone if it exists but this is a big point for Leica so that they can get more clients who appreciate that they respect our needs and for who don’t want to use just don’t 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jeffchastain2977]

I agree about the Q3 not having a screen that flips all the way around. This is not a camera for selfie shots OR vloggers. This is for fine photography both still and moving.

[@c73w]

I don’t agree with you, I am a photographer and there are some situations that I need to have that fully articulated screen putting the camera away from my face so I want to see what am I shooting and this won’t affect someone you won’t die if it exists but this is a big point for Leica so that they can get more clients who appreciate that they respect our needs 🤦🏻‍♂️and if you don’t want to use just don’t 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jeffchastain2977]

@@c73w I agree. I have only owned the camera for a few months and have used the screen for shots lower than eye level and above eye level. I don’t need an entirely articulated screen for my work.

[@bigheadtaco]

can't wait to take this one for a spin. Thanks for your review Gajan. Hope to see you soon...

[@GajanBalan]

Appreciate you Take! Looking forward to the next adventure ✊🏾

[@PhreestyleNYC]

Definitely the best review on the Q3 I’ve seen on KZbin for first impressions. Including that I enjoyed the photographs you took showcasing the image quality, they were really awesome shots 🔥

[@GajanBalan]

I appreciate that, thank you 🙏🏾

[@Nedumgottil]

Just want to say your portraits are amazing, great work! 🐙

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks Anthony 🙏🏾

[@GiorgioGeorge-i2l]

Thank you for amazing review of SLs-2 and Q3.I just upgrade my Q3 and will start taking photos.I started with Q and Q2 and now Q3.Leica know what they are doing.They have 100 years of experience. Thank you to Oskar Barnack who invented 24x36 size that we call today full frame. Have a great day.

[@ArminHirmer]

yeah yeah, even if the design language on the back is not "my" Leica style... I sent my Q2M back to Leica and I am now on the looooong waiting list for the Q3 :)

[@buffalo369]

This is by far, the most honest review I have heard on Q3. ♉

[@gotja]

40mm version would be so nice

[@MikeNothumJr-uu8no]

One of the best reviews on the new Q3. Love hearing about how you interact with the camera and not just technical specs.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks Mike. Truly appreciate the support ✌🏾

[@neilrslater]

Love your work and presentation style Gajan, always informative, always helpful

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@SeahawkMoments]

Mine is arriving in a few hours. Thoughts on a filter? Pro list? Uv? Or leave as is?

[@ZDShah]

🦧Gajan, thanks for your take on the Q3...your reviews are always insightful. I appreciate the footage and actual photo shoots you include. Very impressive and thanks for including not just the positives but a few things making lacking with this camera. Looking forward to your long-term review.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏾

[@meos]

Fantastic video! Really appreciate the time you took to do some in-depth testing to give us a good overview. Made me bite the bullet and put down the deposit for a Q3. Thank you Gajan! (P.S. I would have liked the flippy screen, because I plan on shooting (youtube) videos with this!)

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks Marco and congrats! Put some serious mileage on that camera ✊🏾

[@WaywardAce]

Your reviews are always on point ….. No deal breakers of note for me ….. the upgrades are tastefully done and not out of left field 🐘

[@jmcdeal9516]

🐱 thanks for sharing your views; appreciated. Really considering the Q3 and this vid helps.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏾

[@Fleet42]

I’ve thought about grabbing this to complement my M11 but i think the SL3 will be the one to buy!!! Great review as usual!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@Fleet42]

@@GajanBalan 🦍

[@Offshorekite]

🐏 great review... I'm a TV & film documentary stills photographer and have had a Q2 for a year... daily use and at times unforgiving environments - it has performed in incessant rain it has climbed on the outside of buildings with me and it has worked up close with dancers... my favourite camera... I'm on the list for a Q3

[@SkywhiteChannel]

Great review! Informative, detailed and entertaining. We’ll done!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@DeeRosa]

Man I’m just loving your images - the lens holding up for 3 generations is amazing and still my favorite lens I’ve ever used.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks brother, I can’t wait to take this lens overseas and really push it. Wild stuff.

[@mashudali8482]

Both your channels are dope

[@m.andrewdocumentary]

Isn’t this lens technically more like 25mms?

[@StewartPalmshore]

Great review, and I agree, it would be convenient to have a built in flash. One less thing to carry and gives the camera one more edge.

[@leafsfan71]

I knew the Q3 was coming out soon, but i bought my Q2 2 months ago. Will wait and see if i upgrading is worth it. FYI - I absolutely love the Q2

[@TeteRecinos]

Might as well wait for the limited edition versions and enjoy the Q2 for a while 👍👍👍

[@Secretweapondoze]

“…which is not a Pokémon move…” YOU WIN SIR! Instant Sub. Love your content, love it even more!

[@248mediauitgeverij]

Compliment from the Netherlands. So easy to understand 👏👏

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@AlexOnStreets]

Gajan always on point!

[@GajanBalan]

Appreciate you brother, thanks for watching ✊🏾

[@drc4563]

Great review! Really good! Just wish it came with a 35mm Lux.

[@rossxjohnson]

🐨Nice video. Didn't think there's be that much depth in the Q3 over the Q2 but appreciate the honest and real world thoughts on the Q3.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏾

[@A1000Truths]

Awesome video! I just got the Q2 Reporter not to long ago. Love that camera and what it offers. Think any Q camera will produce amazing images. Q3 looks great !

[@bigboi36]

Done Well Gajan. Im very interested in this camera

[@nicoxg]

🦊 (part of the club... and saving for the M11M)

[@GajanBalan]

Truly appreciate the support. Thank you ✊🏾

[@toheartosee]

Can you please have a video to share what lighting set up you do for studio photoshoot when you use Q2?

[@jzuffoletto]

I've been shooting with a Q since 2015 and absolutely love it. I would love to upgrade to a Q3, but now that I'm retired, $6K is a mighty big ask. Still, I love the flip screen, the big sensor and the weather proofing. Maybe one day....!

[@spektrograf]

🐻 Nice, well articulated, as always, Gajan. Thank you!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏾

[@raphaelrosarilli]

🐲 your videos are always on point and fire, thank you! the new Q3 looks stunning.

[@GajanBalan]

Truly appreciate the support, thank you ✊🏾

[@TeteRecinos]

🐅 Them going with their newest processor for the Q3 makes me think that Leica is leaving the “lack of features are compensated by incredible image quality” philosophy behind. The Q3 will probably become their best selling camera yet. The new SL3 will most likely lack features that the new mirrorless flagships from the other brands will have but at the same time it’ll be so much more useable than the 601 and SL2(S) that it won’t matter and result in a lot of sales for the SL system (I hope). We live in exciting times indeed. Great video as always!

[@GajanBalan]

Well said. Thanks for watching 🙏🏾

[@sharonleibel]

If you look at Leica as 2 "parts" and not one, It's easier to see: They are not "leaving it". They have it, in the "modern lines": The "functionality and features" exist in the Q and SL lines, Which are less "traditional". The "Less is more" is the M.

[@TeteRecinos]

@@sharonleibel totally agree with you. What I meant to say was that the SL/Q (and S) are behind other similar offerings from the other brands but you could always count on the image quality. Now we are getting image quality + more modern features on the AF lines from Leica.

[@sharonleibel]

@@TeteRecinos I agree. I think the M is a “don’t touch the classic camera” line. And they invest in modernization in other lines: Q, SL, S. But as you said, they are advancing in some areas, but insist on staying behind in other areas, sometime more important. For some odd reasons.

[@TheMishupo]

Great video, If someone is against the flipping screen - he can keep it closed. Nothing like optical VF. Fuji does it better on the xpro. Only problem is the price… which makes this camera not feasible.

[@pw3459]

Beautiful model! Nice review.

[@cleftoftherock6797]

Diopter Control works fantastic! Everything about my new Q3 I love. Especially the quality of the photos. Outrageously outstanding. How come I don't feel bad about spending the money?

[@xxxxxsimon]

Thanks for the review. Your interaction with the models looks very good/on point 🔥🔥🔥 loved that.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@RYN988]

Thanks!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏾

[@kqschwarz]

Great review. One negative you didn't mention was the absence of audio-in/out ports. Not a deal breaker for me, as mic'ing the talent and using an external audio recorder will alway be better, but many will bemoan the absence of a pair of audio in/out ports as a negative for those that want to use the Q3 for video. I wouldn't even mention the absence of an audio port for a Leica Q, as they are usually photography-centric cameras, but the great video features of this camera mean it has to be raised as an issue. Even in my case as an external recorder user, the absence of an audio port means no timecode syncing. Again, not an issue for most users, but it does come up frequently for video creators. All that said, I love the camera. All I need to do now is to start saving up...

[@GajanBalan]

Yep, I cut it out of this video for time but definitely something I wanna touch on in the full review.

[@jeffchastain2977]

I watched another review of the Q3 and the reviewer mentioned that he thought that there was a possibility that a firmware update might turn the usbC into a mic/sound input.

[@GajanBalan]

@@jeffchastain2977 I've asked Leica for an update on this, haven't heard back yet.

[@riomusi]

@GajanBalan I would like to see more comparison of the digital crop 50mm-75mm on Q3 versus the M11+50mm lens. I wonder how much different on distortion, especially for portrait. Thank you!

[@hoymikey]

Sold my M10 system to dive into Q3, hope I did the right thing.

[@wrk4mines]

Great insightful video as always Gajan!! 🐧

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@colinosullivan]

Enjoyed this one mate. Cheers

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you ✌🏾

[@cameraz99]

Great review. Thanks. 🤖

[@Murlexander]

Thank you 🐈‍⬛

[@GajanBalan]

Truly appreciate the support. Thanks for watching 🙏🏾

[@kristiencuthbertson2878]

🐼 I’m actually really impressed by this. I wanted the Q, then the Q2 when it released, and now this is definitely on my mind. Hopefully will be able to grab one in the coming year(s). Also really excited for what’s to come from Leica! The SL3 will be an absolute beast of a camera! And something about this camera makes me think that a rangefinder-styles ILC is on its way 👀 Marvelous video once again 👌🏽

[@GajanBalan]

Well said, Thanks for watching ✊🏾

[@giomusah2155]

@@GajanBalan is there something as good quality but cheaper, 6k is pricey.. I have a pen f and oly pro lens....

[@fotografist_ca]

🐙 this was such a refreshingly honest and real world review of the Q3!

[@GajanBalan]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@mtcrun]

Thanks for another great video! 🐺

[@GajanBalan]

My pleasure, thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@vichethm5763]

Great review as always. I definitely have this on my radar, only time will tell.

[@GajanBalan]

Curious to see what you think!

[@agrnbrg]

Gajan, who made your soft touch shutter button? Alan

[@datricandude27]

🦁love your genuine and honest reviews. Bless up!

[@GajanBalan]

Truly appreciate the support Kevin, thank you ✊🏾

[@deejayiwan7]

Excellent review

[@Neobright1]

🦧thanks! One day I'll be able to afford a Q series camera, this is the most compelling so far!

[@haymobachmaier]

I am Happy with my 3 Babes: M262, M4-P and IIIg 😎📷🍀 nice Video

[@djkimstravelvlog8872]

well made video!!! you've got a new subscriber!!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@gothampops]

Great video as usual. Can’t wait to check this out. 🐘

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching brother 🙏🏾

[@Straneus]

Awesome review. Subscribed. Big up and peace from Sweden.

[@GajanBalan]

Truly appreciate the support ✌🏾

[@mrprivette]

I wonder why the Q3 doesn’t get more respect in the realm of professional photography. With its amazing sensor, high megapixels, ability to crop and still retain respectable image quality as well as a very reliable autofocus, why doesn’t it get more recognition?

[@Trendrating]

Probably they don't see valid reasons to spend 5k for this camera..

[@mrprivette]

@@Trendrating Well given the fact that the Q2 is Leica’s highest selling model and it’s only $500 cheaper I’m just surprised more ppl aren’t considering it. I know the fixed lens is a turnoff for some but the ability to crop overrides that imo.

[@qdogg290]

🐐Believe it or not, I've considered unloading all of my GFX gear: 50S II, 35-70, 100-200, 80 f/1.7 ... to finance a Q3. I still have my XT-3 for my telephoto needs. I'd definitely need to try it before following through with something so crazy.

[@TryingtoLearntheuke]

🐶 Just found your channel. I have enjoyed your videos so am now subscribed.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks ✌🏾

[@FLORAMORAITINI]

Thank you for the nice video. Yes I am interested in Q3 due to the spectacular images it captures with the 3 zoom capabilities together with the improved autofocus and night capability. Wait for your full review for my final decision. Thanks again

[@GajanBalan]

Appreciate you watching ✌🏾

[@touchtennis]

"and if you don't know what that is, God bless you!" hahahahahahah

[@GajanBalan]

😂

[@kolkataphototours917]

This was epic. This is all I was waiting for.

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching brother! Hope to see one in your hands soon ✊🏾

[@Avg_Vet]

Leica did everything I asked for and more in the Q3. I have no complaints except for the typical Leica complaint and that's price. 🐯

[@GajanBalan]

Haha, fair enough! Thanks for watching ✊🏾

[@julianj7d374]

100% agree on the screen. It is perfect for photography which is all I do. Keep that flippy far far away from me and from Leicas. LOL.

[@MarkMclennon]

just bought one today 2nd hand

[@GajanBalan]

Congrats! Enjoy the journey ✌🏾

[@ChristinMathew-v4p]

Great video. I have been using x100v for more than three years and was was waiting for the Q3 as an upgrade. I love x100v as an everyday camera to shoot my kids and family. While x100v is such a fun camera, at times I felt it was a little too slow with its focus and metering. Do you think when compared to x100v, the Q3 is more responsive overall and quicker with autofocus?

[@GajanBalan]

It definitely felt more responsive. Though I wanna spend more time in a full review to get a better handle of how the accuracy holds up in tougher conditions.

[@AdamHouston]

🦎 There’s enough to like about the Q3 as a photographer’s camera that I’ve succumbed to temptation. M doesn’t tempt me (I like to have AF available) and neither does SL (I’m invested in other system for that kind of system), but Q is its own class. A full flippy screen would be nice if it meant that I could hide the screen when not needed. The video-related features do nothing for me - I think Dante specifically mentioned amateur videographers in one of the lower circles.

[@Phantom_gtx]

Great!

[@TravelsByTrike]

Nice review and appreciated. My camera store in Oregon says the Q3 should be available in Jan 2024. Is that what you are hearing as well?

[@GajanBalan]

I imagine it might vary from store to store. That’s a long wait!

[@GeoffGrant2010]

Thanks Gajan! Good review. Seems like a great EDC. The video is beyond anything I will use as primarily a stills guy and only occasional video, but its nice to know its there. I agree with the vertical screen and I wish it were flush with the body, but hey, that’s a small think. The app seems so much better than the new Fuji app. Good for Leica and shame on Fuji! Thanks Gajan!

[@adubs920]

Great video. I don’t have any emojis turned on for my keyboard, but I made it to the end!

[@GajanBalan]

Truly appreciate the support. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@jkpinpdx]

Imagine all the FIRMWARE UPDATES we will see on this camera in the next few years! Excited to get mine, already ordered from B&H just waiting for it now… 🤪

[@GajanBalan]

Especially with that new processor, I’m hoping to see some ambitious stuff. Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@valentinogrimaldi2103]

first impressions?

[@nel-cam]

🦆 - I was actually going to message you about this camera lol. I have been wanting to get into the Leica collection and think the Q3 might be a good gateway. Dope video as always!

[@GajanBalan]

Appreciate you watching brother! It's such capable camera. If you can find joy in the focal length, it makes for a killer companion.

[@5nanometers]

Not a fan of the Q3's rear screen (the functionality is nice, but the design feels out of place) Personally, I didn't mind the Q2's fixed screen. My Q2 photos definitely feel more intimate and from my "pov," whereas my Sony RX1RII photos feel more journalistic - simply because the tilt screen allows for more angles (i.e. imagine angling your camera down to capture a large crowd). Even though the Q2 and RX1RII are compact cameras, the tilt screen makes a huge difference. But working around the restriction is also fun, and that's why the Q2 is so fun. At least the button placement is much improved. Now, you can shoot this completely one handed and use the button macros with your thumb

[@williamfuehrer8237]

Now a Q2 user but the new Q3 features may push me to upgrade.

[@vampolascott36]

I was thinking about a Q2 for a while, but I just couldn't accept the wide lens as my only option. So I bought an M10, because 28mm is an excellent 2nd lens.

[@PeterbFree]

I feel 28mm is too wide for portraits, just too much distortion on faces. Also has very little subject separation

[@Shellvedge]

🐶 I’m sold! 💪🏻

[@113jvmpv]

Thank you very much. Your presentation was very helpful. BTW, What is the flash you're using?

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching. Using the Profoto A10x and A2.

[@MikeMu]

🦅I'm going to disagree on a fully articulating. I like my GH6 one that tilts up, and fully articulating. Thanks for the video.

[@GajanBalan]

That’s fair. Thanks for watching ✊🏾

[@olavivalli]

An enjoyable production, thank you. Used a Q2 for the last year and just pulled the trigger on the Q3. 🦦

[@GajanBalan]

Congrats! Enjoy the journey and thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@deejayiwan7]

Original Q is still excellent

[@gewglesux]

I like the idea about being able to screw in a manual release wish i could do that with my Q2.. other than that...

[@GajanBalan]

Fair

[@bychrisjones]

Yooooo the mvc2 transitions!!!! 🐥

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✊🏾

[@mobasti_7262]

Nice vid! What do you think about the jpeg files and photos without external flash?

[@ryans_life]

🦁wicked review as always Gajan. Looks like a brilliant upgrade and is on my radar especially if they come out with a reporter edition. But I also wish they came out with a 35mm edition. 28mm while great is just too similar to my iPhone when it comes to competing as an edc. Having said that obviously the look between the lens and full frame means its different. Anyways exciting times and going to watch it closely.

[@drc4563]

Excellent review! Unrelated follow up Q. When do you use your Leicas and when do you use your Fuji GFX cameras? Can you generalise when you use both in practice. Because it’s not realistic for most amateurs to own both systems so I was wondering how you chose which one to use.

[@GajanBalan]

The GFX would be in the studio for client work, but I’ve stopped entirely now. I now use my Leicas for all my work.

[@drc4563]

@@GajanBalan thank you. Can you explain why you prefer the Leicas and what you use each one for. It would be very interesting. Esp sl or sl2 vs GFX.

[@wilfredobenitez7275]

Great review. I’m on the fence between taking the plunge now, or waiting for the Q3 Monochrom. I’m currently a Q2M shooter. Love all the upgrades especially the flip screen!

[@ArminHirmer]

Question: in the b-roll you are using I guess a Fuji EFX20 flash with an extension cord on the hot shoe Is this the Nikon version?

[@GajanBalan]

Ordered a generic Neewer Canon one to test, but it ended up working perfectly and haven’t had issues in well over a year I’ve been using it. www.amazon.ca/dp/B00YUAMMU2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@ArminHirmer]

@@GajanBalan thank you, they always say Nikon stuff will work with Leica. good to know :)

[@jtcurcillo]

I was a Fujifilm shooter and now I’m an M6 and M10 shooter. Great video. Thinking of moving to capture one from LR. I know capture one was started with Fujifilm in mind is it great for Leica files?

[@GajanBalan]

I definitely prefer it for Leica. Try it out for yourself though. Dedicate a weekend and edit through some old favourite images and see if it sticks.

[@ChristinMathew-v4p]

Gajan, I have never used a Leica before and I am planning to pre order a Q3. And I am switching from FujiFilm X100v. The x100v allowed me to shoot with one hand, in the aperture priority mode. I could adjust aperture and exposure compensation using the front and rear command dials. I was wondering if the Q3/Q2 have an option to set the aperture via a control (a button or a dial) other than the control ring on the lens? I looked this up online and on the user manual, but could not get an answer.

[@boostedgixxer]

🦁

[@borisharold]

nice video ! do you find a "color science " difference with the Q2 ?

[@GajanBalan]

Feels similar to the SL2 cameras.

[@bbj6107]

🐯 I'm trying to decide if this Leica life is for me. Great vid as always G!!

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching ✊🏾

[@sandeep_narayan]

@gajan , should I replace my Fuji XT4 + 18/33 f1.2 with Leica Q3

[@marcussaroop]

🐳 Great video. I am not sure about that price. It looks like a good camera, though does the price match the features?

[@GajanBalan]

Thanks for watching Marcus. It’s relative. Some people will find more value than the listed price and some will never be able to justify the price. There’s no right answer. Just comes down to if it’s valuable to your journey.