The Leica Q3 is not a camera to be taken lightly. It can film from Full HD up to 8K DCI, through 4K (UHD, DCI) and 8K (UHD). In 1080p, you can go up to 120 fps for slow motion sequences, and even get Apple ProRes. Recording in 4K (4:2:2 10 bits) can be done up to 60 fps and up to 30 fps in 8K and 4:2:0 10 bits internally, a very correct level. The HDMI output can recover 4:2:2 10 bits in 8K, but no ProRes or Raw on the horizon.
Fat cropped in 4K and beyond
On paper, the Q3 is therefore not ridiculous in terms of definition. These video modes are somewhat handicapped by the Super 35mm cropping that occurs when capturing in 4K or 8K, regardless of the frame rate ; fortunately, the optics are quite wide-angle.
The images from the 8K (here UHD and 30 fps) are very rich and detailed, but compared to the sequences from a Sony A7R V, we note that they are slightly more over-emphasized. Colorimetry experts can count on a recording in LOG or HLG. However, the recording time is limited to 29 consecutive minutes. This legal barrier had jumped around the turn of the 2020s, but Leica still seems to enforce it, which is rather odd.
Autofocus and rolling shutter
The video menu does not have many options for filming, and we are very happy to be able to count on optical stabilization to accompany the shooting. However, due to the non-stacked 60 Mpx sensor, the device is very subject to the effect of rolling shutter. Something to take into account if you are shooting freehand.
The deluxe add-on camera
Autofocus tracking is available in video, but it loses some liveliness compared to stills. The most optimistic will say that it is very soft, which is not necessarily a bad thing on video; yet, there is no way to smoothen the experience. Also, the lack of mic or headphone ports limits the Q3’s suitability for videographers. That being said, for pros and amateurs alike, a 24×36 device filming in 8K with a limited footprint remains rather interesting.