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Leica Q3 vs Pentax 645Z

The Leica Q3 and the Pentax 645Z are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in May 2023 and April 2014. The Q3 is a fixed lens compact, while the 645Z is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (Q3) and a medium format (645Z) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 60.3 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 51.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Leica Q3
versus
Pentax 645Z
Leica Q3   Pentax 645Z
Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
28mm f/1.7 Pentax 645 mount lenses
60.3 MP – Full Frame sensor 51.1 MP – Medium Format sensor
8K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 50-100,000 ISO 100-204,800
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1840k dots 3.2" LCD – 1037k dots
Tilting touchscreen Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
15 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
350 shots per battery charge650 shots per battery charge
130 x 80 x 93 mm, 743 g 156 x 117 x 123 mm, 1550 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica Q3 and the Pentax 645Z? 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.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Leica Q3 and the Pentax 645Z is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Leica Q3 vs Pentax 645Z
Compare Q3 versus 645Z top
Comparison Q3 or 645Z rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax 645Z is considerably larger (76 percent) than the Leica Q3. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the Q3 has a lens built in, whereas the 645Z is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the Q3 gets 350 shots out of its Leica BP-SCL6 battery, while the 645Z can take 650 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI90 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 adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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.

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Body Specifications
  empty 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.
 
Pentax 645Z 156 mm 117 mm 123 mm 1550 g 650 Y Apr 2014 US$ 8 499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
5.
 
Hasselblad X1D 150 mm 98 mm 71 mm 725 g .. Y Jun 2016 US$ 8 995ebay.com
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D II 148 mm 97 mm 70 mm 766 g .. Y Jun 2019 US$ 5 749ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Sep 2012 US$ 6 949ebay.com
8.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Jun 2019 US$ 3 999ebay.com
9.
 
Leica M Typ 262 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 400 Y Nov 2015 US$ 5 195ebay.com
10.
 
Leica M10 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jan 2017 US$ 6 599ebay.com
11.
 
Leica M10-P 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Aug 2018 US$ 7 999ebay.com
12.
 
Leica M11 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 640 g 700 Y Jan 2022 US$ 8 999 amazon.com
13.
 
Leica Q2 130 mm 80 mm 92 mm 718 g 370 Y Mar 2019 US$ 4 999 amazon.com
14.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
15.
 
Leica SL3 141 mm 108 mm 85 mm 769 g 320 Y Mar 2024 US$ 6 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Pentax 645D 156 mm 117 mm 119 mm 1480 g 800 Y Mar 2010 US$ 9 995ebay.com
17.
 
Zeiss ZX1 142 mm 93 mm 46 mm 800 g 250 n Sep 2018 US$ 5 999ebay.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 Q3 was launched at a lower price than the 645Z, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have 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 associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica Q3 features a full frame sensor and the Pentax 645Z a medium format sensor. The sensor area in the 645Z is 66 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 0.79. The sensor in the Q3 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the 645Z offers a 4:3 aspect.

Leica Q3 and Pentax 645Z sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Leica Q3 offers a higher resolution of 60.3 megapixels, compared with 51.1 MP of the Pentax 645Z. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.79μm versus 5.30μm for the 645Z). However, it should be noted that the Q3 is much more recent (by 9 years and 1 month) than the 645Z, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the 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 Pentax 645Z are 41.3 x 31 inches or 104.9 x 78.6 cm for good quality, 33 x 24.8 inches or 83.9 x 62.9 cm for very good quality, and 27.5 x 20.6 inches or 69.9 x 52.4 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 Pentax 645Z are ISO 100 to ISO 204800 (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.

Q3 versus 645Z MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty 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 63288K/30p25.414.7321696
2.
 
Pentax 645Z Medium Format 51.1 8256 61921080/60i26.014.74505101
3.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
4.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
5.
 
Hasselblad X1D Medium Format 51.3 8272 62001080/25p26.214.84489102
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D II Medium Format 51.3 8272 62001080/25p25.714.5323499
7.
 
Leica M Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p24.013.3186084
8.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p25.214.2282194
9.
 
Leica M Typ 262 Full Frame 23.7 5952 3976none24.813.7247890
10.
 
Leica M10 Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none24.413.2213386
11.
 
Leica M10-P Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none25.114.1273993
12.
 
Leica M11 Full Frame 60.3 9528 6328none26.314.83376100
13.
 
Leica Q2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/30p26.413.5249196
14.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
15.
 
Leica SL3 Full Frame 60.3 9520 63368K/30p25.414.8329597
16.
 
Pentax 645D Medium Format 39.5 7264 5440none24.612.6126282
17.
 
Zeiss ZX1 Full Frame 37.4 7488 49924K/30p25.214.1275994
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 can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Q3 provides a higher video resolution than the 645Z. It can shoot video footage at 8K/30p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/60i.

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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), while the 645Z has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the Q3 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the 645Z (98%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the Q3 has a higher magnification (0.79x vs 0.78x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica Q3, the Pentax 645Z, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty 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 Q35760 n3.0 / 1840 tilting Y 1/2000s 15.0/s n Y
2.
 
Pentax 645Zoptical Y3.2 / 1037 tilting n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Hasselblad X1D2360 n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/2000s 2.3/s n n
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D II3690 n3.6 / 2360 fixed Y 1/2000s 2.7/s n n
7.
 
Leica M Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
8.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
9.
 
Leica M Typ 262optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
10.
 
Leica M10optical n3.0 / 1037 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
11.
 
Leica M10-Poptical n3.0 / 1037 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
12.
 
Leica M11optical n3.0 / 2333 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
13.
 
Leica Q23680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
15.
 
Leica SL35760 Y3.2 / 2333 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
16.
 
Pentax 645Doptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 1.1/s n n
17.
 
Zeiss ZX16221 n4.3 / 2765 fixed Y 1/1000s 3.0/s n 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 645Z 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 and the Pentax 645Z both have 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the Q3 and the 645Z write their files to SDXC cards. The 645Z features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the Q3 only has one slot. The Q3 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the 645Z can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

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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 Pentax 645Z and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica Q3Ystereo / mono--micro3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Pentax 645ZYstereo / monoY-mini3.0---
3.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
4.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
5.
 
Hasselblad X1DYstereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D IIYstereo / monoYY-3.0Y--
7.
 
Leica M Typ 240Ystereo / mono---2.0---
8.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240Ymono / ----2.0---
9.
 
Leica M Typ 262Y- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Leica M10Y- / -----Y--
11.
 
Leica M10-PY- / -----Y--
12.
 
Leica M11Y- / ----3.2Y-Y
13.
 
Leica Q2Ystereo / mono----Y-Y
14.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
15.
 
Leica SL3Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
16.
 
Pentax 645DYstereo / ----2.0---
17.
 
Zeiss ZX1Ystereo / mono---3.1YYY

It is notable that the Q3 offers wifi support, while the 645Z does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax 645Z (unlike the Q3) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The Q3 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Leica. In contrast, the 645Z has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the 645Z from Pentax. Further information on the features and operation of the Q3 and 645Z can be found, respectively, in the Leica Q3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax 645Z Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Leica Q3 better than the Pentax 645Z or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Leica Q3:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (60.3 vs 51.1MP) with a 11% higher linear resolution.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (8K/30p vs 1080/60i).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 98%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.79x vs 0.78x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1840k vs 1037k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (15 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the 645Z requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (130x80mm vs 156x117mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the 645Z).
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • 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 a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Reflects 9 years and 1 month of technical progress since the 645Z launch.

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Arguments in favor of the Pentax 645Z:

  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (650 versus 350) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in April 2014).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Q3 is the clear winner of the match-up (21 : 10 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.

Q3 21:10 645Z

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica Q3 and the Pentax 645Z place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Prime Lens Compact Camera and Best DSLR 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 645Z. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica Q35/5..4.5/5....4.5/5 May 2023 US$ 5 999 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax 645Z5/5..3.5/5..4.5/55/5 Apr 2014 US$ 8 499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
5.
 
Hasselblad X1D..o..81/100..4/5 Jun 2016 US$ 8 995ebay.com
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D II....4/5..4/54/5 Jun 2019 US$ 5 749ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M Typ 2404/5......4/5.. Sep 2012 US$ 6 949ebay.com
8.
 
Leica M-E Typ 240............ Jun 2019 US$ 3 999ebay.com
9.
 
Leica M Typ 262............ Nov 2015 US$ 5 195ebay.com
10.
 
Leica M104.5/5......4/54.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 6 599ebay.com
11.
 
Leica M10-P....3/5....4/5 Aug 2018 US$ 7 999ebay.com
12.
 
Leica M114.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2022 US$ 8 999 amazon.com
13.
 
Leica Q2....4.5/584/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2019 US$ 4 999 amazon.com
14.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
15.
 
Leica SL3....4.5/5....4.5/5 Mar 2024 US$ 6 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Pentax 645D5/5.......... Mar 2010 US$ 9 995ebay.com
17.
 
Zeiss ZX13/5....83/1004/54/5 Sep 2018 US$ 5 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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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.

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    Specifications: Leica Q3 vs Pentax 645Z

    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 Specifications
    Camera Model Leica Q3 Pentax 645Z
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens 28mm f/1.7 Pentax 645 mount lenses
    Launch Date May 2023 April 2014
    Launch Price USD 5,999 USD 8,499
    Sensor Specs Leica Q3 Pentax 645Z
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Medium Format Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 43.8 x 32.8 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 1436.64 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 54.7 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 0.79x
    Sensor Resolution 60.3 Megapixels 51.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 9528 x 6328 pixels 8256 x 6192 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.79 μm 5.30 μm
    Pixel Density 6.98 MP/cm2 3.56 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 8K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 50 - 100,000 ISO 100 - 204,800 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 101
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 26.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 14.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 4505
    Screen Specs Leica Q3 Pentax 645Z
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 98%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.79x 0.78x
    Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 1840k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica Q3 Pentax 645Z
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/2000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 15 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Leica Q3 Pentax 645Z
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Leica Q3 Pentax 645Z
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL6 Pentax D-LI90
    Battery Life (CIPA)350 shots per charge650 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)
    156 x 117 x 123 mm
    (6.1 x 4.6 x 4.8 in)
    Camera Weight 743 g (26.2 oz) 1550 g (54.7 oz)
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