I picked up a Fujifilm x100v over a year ago as a poor man’s Leica and I absolutely love it. I also have a Sony A7 iii, but all my photos feel lifeless. When I shoot with the Fuji, it just has a look that’s so much more inspiring. And operation of the camera is closer to an old film camera with the exposure settings on physical dials and switches. It makes me feel more connected to what I’m shooting. I imagine owning a Leica would be similar, but with higher quality images. I’ll probably take the plunge someday.
If your photos feel lifeless with Sony it's because you can't edit lol. X100V edits them for you automatically in camera. It's just a filter or preset essentially.
@@duvalpenny100 Rude. No I shoot raw and typically don’t use the jpegs, which have the film emulation. Though the filters can be quite inspiring and some have been usable out of camera. I’ve shot great photos with the Sony too, but I really like what I get out of the Fuji. Maybe it’s the color science, the lens, the crop, or maybe it’s all in my head. Who knows. Who cares.
I'm also a photographer and I also live on the run, we don't stop from side to side! I understand your feelings, the same thing happened to me with the q3. But this camera will slow me down and that's why I bought it, to enjoy the moment. I photograph much less and live more in the moment 🙏🏼
Finallly. A photographer,that admits. He did NOT, do his research properly on a camera before buying it. Good for you. I am a 69 year old retired Pro. It amazes me how many new or young photographers,don’t understand the camera they’re buying these days. Part of doing your job,and getting great photos,is knowing EVERYTHING about your camera. I shoot leica M for one reason, Quality, Compact, less Weight. Carrying 10 lbs is better than 30 lbs. thanks
Well to be a successful photographer you don’t need to be a good photographer. You only need to be a very good talker and have some social skills. And you need a good postproduction. But this was true even in 60-70-80-90-00 . But now you only need to be good at social interaction. You can be a phantastisch good shooter with an iPhone.
I’m not a pro, just an enthusiast. I bought a Q3 and love it. Before that, I’ve shooting a Nikon D300 and D5, bought each new as soon as they came out.
So true. I researched the Q3 to the nth degree before committing. Now I see so many used Q3's being listed for sale from owner I don't think fully understood the camera. Before purchasing, I went through all my personal archive of photos and established that 87% of my photos are wide. I am a wide shooter, I hardly ever go beyond 50mm. The Q3 is my everyday camera. I use canon and sony for work but the Q3 is strictly reserved for personal use, never to be used for commercial jobs.
I don't know who you know personally, but especially on TH-cam a lot of photographers are influencers and I don't know how many of them get those cameras for a few weeks to do their reviews (just as magazine editors got back in the day). So, if they don't know whats going on, it's not their loss, they are just bad at reviewing. But Jerad Hill seems to have really bought it himself. I would also say, that such a purchase shouldn't be done solely online. This is a purchase you should go into a store and check out at let an expert explain everything to you.
I got my camera months ago, and at the beginning I felt exactly the same that you felt, but now I have realized that camera is absolutely fantastic. After some time I started to enjoy it. When I see my pictures taken with my LeicaQ3, I said….wawww
Hi Jared. I have been a Q2 user and as of last week I am now a Q3 shooter. I liked your video but feel the need to correct some of your points. 1. I suggest you set your connection setting to "mass storage" and try connecting a USB-C cable to your computer (or iPhone 15) and Q3. I think you will find the files transfer very quickly and easily into Lightroom, Photos, or any attached drive. You do not need to take out the SD card unless you choose to. 2. You should try using the wireless grip, it's very convenient for charging, albeit not as fast as connecting a USB-C cable to a charger. I want to add that your comments about having to adjust the aperture via aperture ring and shutter speed via a shorter speed dial made me giggle and realize how the photography world has changed generationally. The Leica is meant to feel and act like a film or mechanical camera, that's the point of cameras like Leicas (in addition to their amazing files, colors and micro contrast). In fact the most popular mirrorless (consumer) camera have their throwbacks to film cameras with manual controls (Fuji X100V, Nikon Zf, etc). Your instincts as to why you bought the Q3 are GREAT instincts. I hope you spend more time with your Q3 and discover the joy of making photographs with it. For many of us, photography is a slow, mindful and quiet process ..... enter Leica.
Thanks for the comment. Shouldn’t have to change a connection setting in 2023 and be forced to choose what you want the port to do. Even Android phones can auto detect that these days. I have used the wireless grip but do not yet have the Leica charging base. It does not work well with other wireless chargers unless the platform is large enough to support the camera, most are designed for phones. Unless you have been shooting professionally for a long time you might not be able to relate to the mindset I found myself in where photography can feel more like a production than a process. Thanks for the tips!
@@jeradcamera The settings change to mass storage is true for every modern camera I've owned in the past several years. My Fujis are no different than my Q3 in this regard. I do find some of your complaints strange, because the Q3 has a tremendous about of customizability. You can map nearly every feature to any button, minus the aperture in manual mode which is on the lens. Manual aperture control on lens is something people seek though, same with Fuji lenses. One of the major draws to Leica bodies is the simplicity and film body like controls. It's meant to slow you down and engage with the craft. Although, depending on how it's setup the Q3 can function quite quickly since it's also a point and shoot. It seems you bought it with the expectation to be like cameras you already own, but the UX has a completely different design philosophy that's unique to Leica. Personally, I couldn't stand the wireless grip and returned it. It adds too much bulk to the camera and is finicky. I use an IDS grip instead which adds next to no weight/bulk, provides access to both the battery and SD card, and is arca swiss compatible.
It is true that there is the option to switch USB connection modes but I have not had to manually do that on any camera in at least 5 or more years. I have had just about every Sony mirrorless model, several Canon R models, and even a few Nikons and have never needed to change USB modes from default to transfer files to a computer. The default on the Q3 was the iPhone connection which is silly considering the app does such a fine job. The default should have been set to Mass Storage or an auto detect option which these days is not hard to implement. I agree with you completely about the charging grip. I don't like how the camera feels with it. I will check out the IDS grip. Thanks for the tip!
@@jeradcamera Hi, thanks for the video. I just want to add on this subjet since i don't understand why this "settings" point is that important though. Leica has the very best companion app when it comes to file transfer and management through wifi, and the option to use mass storge is there. So not only the problem is not as bad as you put it (the functionality is actually easy to find) but Leica has a very good additional option on top of it. On the other end, while comparing the Q3 to Nikon or Canon devices on what you feel is one "UI quirk" seems ...okay... I cannot miss the irony of you adding Sony to the equation, since their devices, as crazy good as they are, notoriously have among of the worst UI logic in the whole market for multiple reasons! Especially while Leica on the contrary has among the best UI design, if not the best. I'm not joking, it takes less time to select the mass storage option within the Q3's overall great UI than it requires on Sony devices(flagship included) to reach some basic photography options... I understand that one's habits play a very big role in user experience and expectations, but here, it seems like we're in a situation in which said habits kind of blurred your judgement. There are many legit elements to criticize about the Q3, but this "Mass storage" thing should not be a part of it.
Sell it to me! I had a Q3, but sold it. Big mistake. I miss the Q3 very much and I've got another one on back order now. What I loved about the Q3 is that I could set it and do street photography all day without ever touching anything but the shutter button. I never used AF. Never used a programmable button. It works as a "pure" camera -- manual focus and settings visible on the dials (without a screen). It's a completely different photographic experience than my hyper-automatic, hyper-digital Canons. It's fun. And it makes beautiful images.
Just over a year ago I bought a used Q first gen because I wanted a good camera that would go anywhere with me. I agree with everything you say about the different mindset needed to really appreciate it. The time you need to spend composing your image in your head before you take it, the creativity that is required in working with the fixed lens. It is like slow-cooking a special meal vs. eating a tv dinner. Ultimately, it brings back art into your photography and makes you enjoy your hard-earned results so much more. Disclaimer: I still love my Nikon. Each for its own, 'horses for courses' as the English say.
OK...not getting this. Fed up with "boring" and "unexciting" Sony. Want something different to "enjoy as a photographer". Get something different. Hate it cos it don't work like a Sony and now you got dials for aperture/shutter. I'm out here in YT land scratching my f'n head. What's not to like about dials? Have you never shot a film SLR? Now that's different and photographer-like. What didn't you know about the Q3 before you laid out $6k that took you by surprise? Oh; and I think calling a Q3 'point and shoot' is worthy of some debate. Of course it's a mirrorless! Sheesh. You're all conflicted. Not subscribing here, thanks.
Exactly the same feelings I went through within the first week of getting my hands on the Q3. I also am spoiled by the Sony a7m3, a7R5, and the a7CR. But I have learned the quirks and positive points that Leica Q3 has and now I love it and go out more often to take pictures. I love how Leica renders the photos and the pictures right out of the camera are exquisite! So, Jerad, I am, with you there and like your honest review!
My camera journey was RX1>A7R>A7R2>A7R5 when they launched.. recently got the Q3 for my EU trip next week (told the wife is a cheap mid life crisis purchase) …. Hope I will enjoy the slower pace shooting experience … just to be on the safe side i will bring my bulky A7R5 too 😅
During our 2wk trip i just used the Q3 and left the A7R5 in the hotel room safe… maybe because i just enjoyed playing with a shiny new toy I found it easier/more comfortable taking photos of strangers in street photography. Also because of its lighter/compact body I find myself taking more photos compared to when I first used the A7R5 in our Tokyo trip… sometimes I was just too lazy to take out the A7R5 from my camera bag especially end of the day when getting tired and I just used my iPhone instead But if I had to choose one it will still be the A7R5 because you can change lenses
@@meat_loves_wasabi Do you feel your RV and Q3 will become complimentary or that one will end up gathering dust? I too am an RV owner with love of shiny new toys, but i feel a Q3 would be a whole lot more than that. Sony lenses are 20,35 (1.8) 55, 85 (1.8) and 70~200 (f4). Took them all to Europe recently, but walked the streets with one on the camera, one in the bag. Never brave enough to go out with just one lens!
Good thing is both cameras have very different user experience so you won’t feel that you have 2 “similar” cameras where one will be left collecting dust When I am feeling lazy and planning to take mostly casual street photography it will be the Q3 But if I plan to go someplace to take photos of landscape, architecture, wildlife etc where I need different focal lengths or want that quickly snappy AF than it will be the 7R5 with 24-105 & 24f1.4 For the Q3 I set one of the custom button to crop mode so I can easily get 35mm (39mp) or 50mm (19mp) focal length when needed
I promise, you will use that Q3 very often. Hint: Make yourself comfortable with manual zone focusing and you will experience a totally new way of photography 😊. With the 60 megapixel you can use if for 3/4 portrait, street, landscape, cityscape, architecture, use the built in perspective control, btw, that data is also in the dngs if switched off, clicking on Transform/Guided the camera data is applied, see page 128 in the English Q3 manual. It’s IP52 rated, poring rain is no problem (same with the SL + SL lenses, the M and M lenses are unfortunately not IP52 rated). Have fun, I envy you. Didn’t get mine yet. - Dialling in the aperture by a ring is the natural way to do it 😄. At least for Leica M users and former Nikon FM2 shooters of the 1980’s like me 😆
@@jeradcamera What I meant was don't use AF. If you e.g. dial in f/5.6, turn the infinity symbol of the focus ring to the right 5.6 marker, the left one shows you the minimum focus distance. Everything in between is in hyperfocal range and sharp. :D
Manually zone focus on a lens that only permits zone focusing up to 2 meters, and then immediately tosses it to infinity? Sorry, not sure how useful zone focusing is on this, outside of crowded gatherings?
I bought a Q2 monochrom. It was my gateway drug into Leica. Now I find myself with the Q2M, an SL2-S, an M11 monochrom, and a vintage M6. I am definitely a Leica fanboy at this point. The Q2M is a work of art. everything you said about how the Q3 changes how you shoot rings true. Using all of my Leicas is a deep pleasure. Yes, every one of the cameras, with the possible exception of the SL2-S, requires me to slow down and be deliberate. I refuse to consider the Q2M as a "point-and-shoot"-- It's a compose-and-shoot. The images are sublime. I'm primarily a landscape photographer. I bring the monochrome cameras with me on my shoots and have gotten some of my favorite shots ever using the Q2M and M11M. I also shoot Fujifilm GFX and Olympus OM-1 and love both of those systems, but my deepest satisfaction is with the Leicas. I'm going to buy a Q3. I have come close to buying a Q2 several times in the past but managed to hold off. No longer.
I'm a Nikon Pro Photographer. But whenever I can I use my Q3. It tickles my creativity. By the way; JJC has a handgrip that leaves the battery an memory slot open! The also haven a thumb support that doesn't break the bank. Bought them at Amazon.
I shot a Hasselblad for years with the aperture and shutter ring on the lens. You could even lock them in sync to keep the same exposure value. It was easy and quick to use.
It's buyers remorse. This is actually more in line what normal people who doesn't have any access to various camera system, like media person on TH-cam would be.
He should have gotten a fuji x100V instead. Way better highlight retention, film sims, leaf shutter, built in ND, plus a case by kaza deluxe. Or an xe4, the new voightlander 27mm manual lens, and a leica m adapter. Film sims including the new bleach bypass, same highlight retention as the x100v, etc… Sonys do a number on people where tacking a computer onto a camera turns them into a “pc user” photographer… where their learning curve on it becomes their own platform Stockholm syndrome! I.e. “this camera is gonna solve all of my problems”
Camera GAS is almost always followed by buyers remorse and a sort of "what do I do now?" themed depression/malaise. I find the best thing for that is to go back to your older gear, which is highly functional but sucks because its boring, get that longing back, and then pick up the Q. This process can take a while. When you pick up your new gear after the slog of your old gear weighs boringly on your soul, you'll be more in touch with what made you want "something different" in the first place. As for your frustration with dials. LOL. Man.... that's why I despise Sony cameras. They keep you guys "in" the camera. Get out the of the camera. Dials and aperture rings are way more intuitive and simple to adjust. Also, why get a Leica if you don't want to twist dials and rings? This is a Leica. It's basically a Leica M camera with an EVF. Many Fuji bodies are setup the same as Leica M bodies. Fuji guys have been twisting dials and rings for over a decade. It's hilarious to see Sony guys look at a manual themed digital camera and say "Why all these dials and rings?" I mean....yo.....LOL.
Was shocked how well you described that GAS/remorse process. At least I know now that I'm not the only one. Will try your approach, so thanks for that!
I own a full range of sony gear. I also own a Q2. Q2 is my go-to camera for travel and most of the landscape work I do. 28 (ish) is my go-to focal length. For the limited amount of portraiture I do, the Q3 crop will be more than adequate. My favorite portrait lens is a 40mm so the cropped image wont suffer too much in resolution. I’m used to carrying only a single lens and I configure myself and the camera to accommodate that limitation. I actual prefer it. My sony lenses are mostly primes. All that said, I just did a portrait this morning for a friend and used the sony a1. I brought three primes. 24,35,50 GM. I only used the 35. I did consider a sony ACr. I would have preferred that from a cost POV, but…the EVF and the screen are inferior. I much prefer the tilt Leica system. There is no new sony 28 mm lens. The Sony system is probably a much better work system. The Leica Q3 remains on order. I will trade in the Leica Q2.
Fascinating insight. I have lusted after a Q since the ‘2’ came out and the ‘3’ is another step. But they are a lot of money for an amateur and I sometimes wonder if I am just getting caught up in the hype. And, yes, I too am a Sony shooter. An A7rv now, a 7iii previously. Both great cameras though the v I find a huge step up. To Q3 or not to Q3, that is the question.
Ok, others will rant at me but this is the truth. I use Canon and Sony bodies for work. Neither camera comes close to image quality produced by the Q3. I am so confident in that, that if I had to shut my photography business down and sell my gear, I would confidently only keep the Q3 as my everyday camera. The image quality is impressive. Rent one and prove me wrong when you compare to your sony bodies.
Hi Jerad Thank you so much for your review. I started with Nikon all manual FM2 ,then went with Fuji all analog dials shooting in manual setting the shutter to avoid camera shake,setting the iso to avoid camera shake then only adjusting the lens aperture’s for exposure and I find this super fast for capturing action. I have the Q,Q2,waiting for the Q3 now for almost 6 months now. I find this technique makes the Q very fast and reliable in manual mode. Again thanks for the review.
I think the problem is your generation has been spoilt by the digital age ! I did lol when you said you have to adjust the aperture on the lens. That was the norm for my generation being bought up on proper film cameras its called real photography and learning your craft this camera takes you back somewhat and makes you think rather than todays offerings of having the camera do the work 💁♂️. Footnote Im from the baby boomer generation
Well, believe it or not: I threw a Sony in the bin, because it was too frustrating to work with. So I switched to Leica M and that's exactly, what I need: simple, fast and no nonsense menu. I bought a Q as a backup camera, which has video mode and macro too. Never failed, and dead easy to fit into my work flow as press photographer. How often do you put a Q3 on a tripod? Very seldom, because of the OIS is so effective, you can handhold even 2 - 3 sec. I can't see any problem with the location of the card slot.
Ah, OK - so having started photographing in the 60's, I have been frustrated with all the buttons and menus of the digital cameras, until I found the Fuji's. I use them as manual cameras almost exclusively, so this should be a natural progression. Your title had me worried a bit... Enjoyed hearing about your experience.
I had similar feelings about my Q3 and the tremendous difference between shooting with it, shooting with my Sony a6700 and its lenses, and my Nikon D850 and its lenses. It's definitely a different animal and it takes some getting used to. That said, I live in Southern Nevada, very close to S. Utah and the big 5 National parks in that part of Utah, my spouse and I hit the road and left all cameras except the Leica and our iPhones at home, and I was blown away at how different and how great the "change of perspective"was and how easy working with the worlds most expensive "point and shoot" camera became once I got a bit of shooting of incredible Southern Utah scenery under my belt. It's interesting how I had many of the same feelings as you did, but as I shot more and more frames, that "not meeting expectations" feeling just melted away. This is my 3rd Leica so their style and menu layouts and just their "philosophy" are not entirely foreign to me. I think that the extremely high price and getting on the waitlists and WAITING 3 months totally added to my inflated expectations, but I am thrilled with this camera and I look forward to many years of shooting with this excellent and extremely well made tool. Update: I just returned from a months vacation in Italy, Turkey, and Greece. This was not a business trip(although I fully expect to sell some of the images that I created on the trip) and I went on the trip with only one camera, The Q3.There were limitations in that regard, but it was actually wonderfully freeing too. The only thing that I found myself reaching into my camera bag for was a fresh battery or a new SD card. I made over 12k.exposures and had a blast! By the time I got home, using the Leica was really second nature. Ive determined that this is an artist's tool and not a professional tool. It's my gift to myself that I will use to keep reminding myself what I love about taking pictures and in fact, why I picked up my very first camera. BTW: the USB-C port does download images now. AND there are some great grip/baseplates available that can remain on the Q3 and give you full access to the battery and the SD card slot. jjc, and IDSworks both make great ones. I bought the jjc which is also an ArcaSwiss base too.
I did the same thing. I bought a Q, spent a lot of money and hoped that I would get more utility out of it than my Fuji's. I ignored the name and the history and looked at it from a physical and technical standpoint and in the end the utility versus price didn't make sense. It only made sense if I prioritize the name and the history of Leica. So I returned the Q3 and bought a Leica xvario for $1,000. That satisfied me and I enjoy it to this day. The price for me matched utility.
The only good Leica is a film Leica…and I love the new m11p, but Leica’s are not immune to digital rot. That’s a though reality on a digital camera costing thousands…
I too had the same frustration at first I thought about sending it back. The card removal is frustrating and I have got used to taking the grip off to down load. Only just getting used to enjoying the experience after about six week. Still love my Sony too.
I am thinking we were in the same delivery run from B&H. Also mainly a Sony shooter, but what I will say is that shooting with the Leica is a very fulfilling experience. I also own a Nikon FA film camera and have been shooting that a bunch recently. The Leica reminds me of shooting with the old film camera but then does not have all the faffery with developing and scanning film, and the files take very minimal editing. There is definitely room in my life for both. I did also find the same with the SD card slot because I bought the leather case… I bought a 256GB card so that at least I will never have to change it in the field.
I was running parallel with Sony and Fujifilm a numbers of years ago. I gave up on Sony primarily because of the menu system and instantaneous self-obsolescence. The external controls on the Fuji cameras became second nature and the addition of the Leica Q2 was an easy transition.
Very interesting. I`ve been shooting for 40 years and Leica for about 30. I have shot Sony and Canon too but find those bodies too menu driven. I prefer my main controls shutter /aperture / ISO as dials . It really is horses for courses . Good review .
Own Sonys and Leicas. You’ll be happier with an A7RC and a 24mm f2.8 or similar. The Q3 is a particular camera and a joy to use. I find that the best way to shoot the Q3 is in shutter priority and forget it. You’ll enjoy it a lot more that way.
Shutter priority and auto aperture? I'd rather have depth of field control than shutter. But I'm full manual all the time and am enjoying that on the Leica as I learn to slow down.
@jeradhill_photo After a lot of thought I decided to do what GastonShutters says. I just bought the A7CR with a 24mm F2.8 G...I hope you'll get a chance to try this set up . I would love to hear your take and any adjustments to settings you'd make
To be honest, I'm surprised hearing a pro was somehow not able to understand what he would get when ordering a Q3. I'm not a pro but what I did before I made the decision to order: I got me a 27mm equivalent lens for my Fujifilm X-Pro2 and went out numerous times with that one on the camera and nothing else with me. But anyway I didn't have too many doubts that I would like it, as back in the 80ies, after some years of shooting I learned that wide angles are my preferred lenses. And as one growing up in times of Kodachrome, Ektachrome and Ilford FP4 and HP5 the dials for aperture and shutter speed just feel natural and intuitive. These dials were the reason why I got me a Leica MFT (dlux7) and a Fujifilm before. Controls via menu just feel strange and unnatural to me. But thanks for the honest review showing how you were struggling with the concept but finally loving it. For the purpose it was supposed to serve. Being a masterpiece of craftmanship intentionally limiting the way of taking pictures.
You said, `Unrealistic expectations can rob us of the joy of things in life.' What a beautiful statement! So true about all of life not just cameras. I use Nikon and the Z6ii AF is not as good as Sony and Canon but as you say, I don't expect it to be so it doesn't disappoint me. All my photography is `art' and hobby not professio0nal, so Leica should be on my list right? But I would have to go out with the Q3 and the Nikon with a Nikon 28mm fixed prime lens and shoot both. And if I could not pick the Leica images from the Nikon images back on the computer in a double blind test, then I would not spend money on the Leica. Choosing the Leica comes down to IQ which is always dependent on the beholder Now I just need to find someone who owns a Q3! lol!
I have done just that and the photos from my Q3 are far superior to the ones from my Nikon Z7ii with the Nikon 28/1.8. I don't have a Z version of the 28 yet, but it is also superior to the 24-70/2.8 Z lens. Not to mention much lighter. But I do know the new Z glass is also far superior to all my F glass, so maybe a 28 Z lens would be a match.
Different cameras have different strengths and weaknesses. They don’t all do all photo jobs well. The Q3 is not an everyday jobbing photographer’s camera.
Great information. I wanted to get one for a long time (q2 then q3 on release date) and went to the store and experienced what you are talking about. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I need to focus on what's important in photography and get back to printing more, that's what worked for me. Ough and black and white. The a7r5 is just so good it's hard to compare with anything else.
I was looking comparison with a7cr with leica q since I need af to capture as my older daughter become more active This video seal the decision, I came from different route, so those aperture click, shutter button might be a routine rather than trying to build muscle memory, I’m not used to remember a lot of button and toggle and it might distract me Thank you
I have been looking at the q3 and I have never owned a Leica I already shoot 5 different systems, I love photography, your video is a honest take on photography., I think I just want to get the fun back in my photography.I have just completed buying the om system 4/3 it’s a joy to use just went all in and bought 3 om system cameras, all all the great lens enclosing the 150-400 f4.5 tc, I know I am getting off the subject of Leica, I want this Q3 then there’s the M11, my wife said I am always looking for ways to spend thousands of dollars, maybe she’s right as I am well over the 100k mark on gear.at this point I don’t know if this will fix my problem. But your Video was refreshing to watch, my first time here.
Listening to this entire thing few things caught me off guard. Were you not used to using a 28mm before buying the Q3? Rolling your finger on a knob on the back feels more intuitive than changing aperture on the lens? I mean to each his own but even Sony has that setup on the 50mm 1.2 G master. Honestly think an adapter and some old vintage 28mm would have done the same thing for changing your thinking but GAS is undefeated so enjoy your Leica
I still have the iPhone 14 and happy Leica adds that cable to the box 6:00. If it comes to smartphones, I always skip some versions, I stepped up 11 to 14 and that will be more than sufficient for the next f years.
I've been looking at the Q3 and SL3, and one of the things I found amazing is the quality of what little noise the images have, and the outrageous color. Jerad didn't discuss the image quality which I would think is the first thing a Q3 owner (or any other camera owner) should discuss. I'm not into cameras as status symbols, so I'd like to hear anyone's opinion on image quality of Leica vs Sony/Canon/Nikon/etc. I'm willing to accept a steep learning curve if there is a reward at the end. Thanks all. Thanks Jerad.
I can agree with you. I’ve been a long time Sony user and I’m used to the functionality and customization with the Sony. I’ve had my q2 for two months or so and it took me about a month to get used to the q2. And I’ve found the sweet spot of the camera to get the images that impress me. Great video!
I got a Leica sl in 1965 and kept it till early 1980s sold it for Nikons (I always regret it). It was a hobby. I only had the standard 50mm lens. Took a photograph class in college in the 70s. It took a lot of thinking about aperture and shutter adjustments on taking a photograph as the metering system metered out side the body. Taking a photo was about what you want to express. How the negatives were going to turn out. What the print was going to look like or slide. With that camera, when everything came together it was exciting. Still have my Rolleiflex T. Not like today camera where you can shoot as much as you want in a few minutes. Rarely take photos. Do have a number of current cameras.
I can afford Leica Q3 easily but will not buy it because there are less expensive cameras out there AND iPhones, that do it better, cheaper and weigh far less.
I guess the Q3 was not meant for a busy professional photographer like you. I’m a hobby photographer and the Q3 did not offer me anything I needed from what I get from my Q2. Best if you wanted Leica was to get an M/ST versions. The Q’s are essential for travelling light and for those with time on their hands like myself. Personally I would be prudent and try before buying. Thanks for an interesting video and your point of view on the Q3.
Having owned 3 Q's before I was excited to buy the Q3. But I'm now considering cutting it into pieces !!!! The function buttons can be set to suit your own wishes and User Profiles can be set as well. However change 1 setting, i.e. ISO, and you'll find the function buttons have reset to factory settings. Many occassions I've put the camera to my eye to see that it's already videoing or that all other settings have changed. The pictures, when you get one are superb as is the build quality but using the latest firmware update (2.01), has taken the gloss off my hobby. In stead of picking this up every time I leave my home, as I did with my Q, Q-P & Q2, it stays on the shelf. Trying to get help from Leica customer care is a nightmare. I've asked for a replacement because I can't believe they have given the camera all the bells and whistles but made it a flexible as a base ball bat. Having brought this as an early birthday present I shall, on my actual birthday in April, be using an angle grinder on the body and cutting it in two. Perhaps I'll set it in acrylic and make it an ornament or just send it back to Leica. You choose.
It's why for some martial arts, one goes back from black belt to a white one. It's why some folks go back to film despite that being so cumbersome. Being able to do everything yourself feels different. Like building your own log cabin. It's not for most people though :) P.S. ironical Leica makes camera for photography purists who crave tactile feel yet now hear people complain it doesnt allow him just do more advanced version of "point n shoot". I have SL2-S, Z7 (previous D780, 810, Df, ...) now going back to basics. Hope he realizes that at the end P.P.S. i never take SD cards out of my Leica - just use Leica app to transfer for editing / publishing on my phone
I got the x100v to reignite my spark. My old faithful A7r3 and a7s3 collect dust when it comes to a every day carry. But for work it's a different story
These cameras are a huge game changer and they will help you become a better photographer. I have just received my Q3 and have owned a Q2 monochrom for some years now. These cameras are without a doubt my all-time favorites, an absolute joy to use, with image quality that blows you away, and a superb build quality that no other brand offers. My Canon R5 and it's pro range lenses, Fuji Xpro 3 and it's pro lenses or the pro-Nikons I have owned in the past do not remotely compare to the joy of the user experience of these cameras or the image quality they produce. If you write these cameras off because you think they are just 'rich kids toys', or are 'unnecessary'....you're doing yourself no favors and are missing out on something truly amazing.
Coming from Canon, my first Leica images were not good…it has taken me time to improve and learn. I appreciate the tactile feel, and the forced intentionality of the Q2. It alerts me to how complacent I had become with grab and go filming.
AFAIK it is (now?) possible to get photos out of the Leica via USB-C at least by plugging it into an Apple product. At least thats what some other reviewer said.
I like slow cooking and I like slow photography because it stimulates creativity, enjoyment of the process of taking pictures and the results it can achieve. If You want speedy efficiency get something else.
Great video. I felt the same when i got my Q2 coming from an A7R3 background. I think I will always have a lov/hate relationship with this camera! Question for you - do you think the Leica blows out highlights much quicker than the Sony? For travel, I find myself having to underexpose the photos a lot to get a decent sky.
Good question. I tend to underexpose by default so I haven’t noticed that issue. I also almost always rock a circular polarizer on my lenses when outside.
I get the sticker shock on Leica’s… but devil advocate. If you bought a similar Sony A7cr that’s $3000usd, Add in a 24gm or 35gm $1400 you are at $4400 total. The reality is the difference is $2000 premium which is manageable. My view Leica is an aspirational product for many photographers and hobbyist. If you can afford it great enjoy it
It’s a real camera…like the Argus range finder I started with when I was 10… work with the “ sunny 16” and you’ll start seeing again.. open shade..?? Backlit..?? Start “seeing” again..!! That’s Leica’s gift…
Welcome to the Leica experience. I have the Q2, SL2 and CL. Leica and Fuji to a lesser extent, are camera brands that simply get out of the way of the photographer. Come to think of it the my old Nikon D5 with its button layout did the same thing.
I think the essence of the photographer experience is to CHOOSE where you want to focus, which shutter speed to use and what depth of field to use plus of course composition, subject, etc.. You can just as easily do this with a Sony as with a Leica. Personally, I love the Leicas, but it is due to their design more than anything else. I simply like how they look. On the other hand, I hate the Sonys with their countless little plastic buttons and PlayStation feel.
A moment to consider is why we are buying new things in the first place.. Busy, working, tired, kids.... If you are watching this money is also not a big issue. There is one thing we all lack.. It's time. We are trying to buy a new gadget so we find time to enjoy using it. The problem and why we get frustrated is that a new gadget will not buy us time. Applies to new sports, hobbies..
A 20-minute video without saying anything that makes sense. I invite you to consider that the Q and Q2 are identical in operation and have been on the market for years. It was enough to watch a video to understand how they work before spending 6K. With Q3 files are downloaded via cable as of day 1. It was enough to read and understand the manual. Your RV with the 35GM costs as much as the Q3. I owns the Sony a7RV and the Q3 too. Yours is a video that doesn't make sense and honestly expectations have nothing to do with it.
It's interesting that you don't consider the Q3 a workhorse camera, I guess because you come from a Sony. For me it's the opposite, the Q3 is the workhorse camera, and a Leica M is the "slow down" camera.
It looks great and I'm sure it can produce some nice images but...the need to rationalize your experience with it and blame yourself for it's shortcomings is not a great advertisement for it.
I don't think the "it" factor really exists in cameras. The camera "promises" it, just like a new girlfriend but after the newness wears off and you become intimately aware of its limitations (which all cameras and girlfriends have) in comes the disenchantment. If one ever sees the truth, they realize that the "enchantment" is spiritual and something that takes place within self and really only comes after allowing the camera's (or girlfriends) idiosyncrasies to stretch and push you into growth as an artist and person. Before you suggest that people can rightly outgrow their equipment as a justification to drop a girlfriend, let me say...people can grow in ways that cameras can't. I think its best to focus on expanding our skillset, artistic education and the emotional/psychological/spiritual side of ourselves in order to approach the camera as a richer person. I believe that is the key (from someone with 8 cameras).
Comparing to iPhone is wild. Every version of Sony camera does not come out yearly. And knowing this, the Leica is $6k and heralded for its simplicity. How would that be MORE exciting exactly? “Because it’s not a Sony..”? And then to say it doesn’t meet expectations because it’s what you’re used to? Instead of saying you want something different then flaming it because it’s different, just say you wanted to try something different. Nothing wrong with that. Maybe it makes you excited to get back to your sonys.
A Rolex is not just a watch, and a Leica is not just a camera - no need to say more about it. Either you feel that "Leica spirit" as soon as you hold it in your hands or you don't. If the price is an issue, or the "how much features do I get for my money?" question, get something else.
In short, you finally learn how to "take pictures" instead of "snapping images". You could have done that if you started photography with film, you wouldl have learn also to restrain yourself because you would have only 36 exposures to go with (I shake my head when read "burst rate", ok for sport may be or wild life). And BTW, this kind of camera can be a lot faster than any PASM camera if you think depth of field and shutter speed, once the ISO is set to auto , you have choosen your aperture (depth of field) and your shutter speed you don't need to touch any setting anymore ; you just have to "think" your photography , and in manual mode you don't have even to touch the focus ring needless to mention in autofocus, no more rolling wheels and just at a glance you see all the parameters, there is no need get to the back screen and eventually scrolling menus ; you are left with I call TCT (think - compose - trigger) ! This camera would have been great with a zoom or with interchangeable lenses.
It seems odd to want to get excited about a tool, especially a computer like the iPhone or Sony Alpha cameras. It seems that the word "utility" [12:30] includes different things for different imaging tool users: * iPhone snapshot capturer: With minimal overhead, the phone is already on hand, the image can immediately be posted. * Sony image taker: The camera does as much as possible, including focus and exposure, and soon composition. * Leica art creator: The camera is primarily designed to do exactly what the artist tells it to do, nothing more and nothing less. There may be an interesting difference between Sony and Nikon mirrorless cameras. A Nikon is a better Leica M camera than an actual Leica. Perhaps this is because the 2023 Z8 retains a lot of the operational modes of a 1988 N8008, keeping it more of an image-making device with a computer rather than a computer with image-making components.
The points mentioned are valid ... but aren't they very clear before someone purchase a Leica Q? Have to use physical controls to set aperture, shutterspeed ... these are design adopted since Leica Q ...
I heard no concrete, specific advantages mentioned about using this camera. It's all about the mystique which basically can be summed up as the hype around the brand.
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I picked up a Fujifilm x100v over a year ago as a poor man’s Leica and I absolutely love it. I also have a Sony A7 iii, but all my photos feel lifeless. When I shoot with the Fuji, it just has a look that’s so much more inspiring. And operation of the camera is closer to an old film camera with the exposure settings on physical dials and switches. It makes me feel more connected to what I’m shooting.
I imagine owning a Leica would be similar, but with higher quality images. I’ll probably take the plunge someday.
If your photos feel lifeless with Sony it's because you can't edit lol. X100V edits them for you automatically in camera. It's just a filter or preset essentially.
@@duvalpenny100 Rude. No I shoot raw and typically don’t use the jpegs, which have the film emulation. Though the filters can be quite inspiring and some have been usable out of camera. I’ve shot great photos with the Sony too, but I really like what I get out of the Fuji. Maybe it’s the color science, the lens, the crop, or maybe it’s all in my head. Who knows. Who cares.
I'm also a photographer and I also live on the run, we don't stop from side to side! I understand your feelings, the same thing happened to me with the q3. But this camera will slow me down and that's why I bought it, to enjoy the moment. I photograph much less and live more in the moment 🙏🏼
You can transfer with USB. Menu 5, camera settings, usb-mode, mass storage
It took me a bit to find this, too. Works like a charm.
@@AramLanghans hehe yeah I had a similar issue with the M11, If i remember correctly one setting was for Windows PCs, the other was for Macs.
Which cable do I need to transfer images? USB C to USB C?
Finallly. A photographer,that admits. He did NOT, do his research properly on a camera before buying it. Good for you. I am a 69 year old retired Pro. It amazes me how many new or young photographers,don’t understand the camera they’re buying these days. Part of doing your job,and getting great photos,is knowing EVERYTHING about your camera. I shoot leica M for one reason, Quality, Compact, less Weight. Carrying 10 lbs is better than 30 lbs. thanks
Well to be a successful photographer you don’t need to be a good photographer. You only need to be a very good talker and have some social skills. And you need a good postproduction. But this was true even in 60-70-80-90-00 . But now you only need to be good at social interaction. You can be a phantastisch good shooter with an iPhone.
I’m not a pro, just an enthusiast. I bought a Q3 and love it. Before that, I’ve shooting a Nikon D300 and D5, bought each new as soon as they came out.
So true. I researched the Q3 to the nth degree before committing. Now I see so many used Q3's being listed for sale from owner I don't think fully understood the camera. Before purchasing, I went through all my personal archive of photos and established that 87% of my photos are wide. I am a wide shooter, I hardly ever go beyond 50mm. The Q3 is my everyday camera. I use canon and sony for work but the Q3 is strictly reserved for personal use, never to be used for commercial jobs.
I don't know who you know personally, but especially on TH-cam a lot of photographers are influencers and I don't know how many of them get those cameras for a few weeks to do their reviews (just as magazine editors got back in the day). So, if they don't know whats going on, it's not their loss, they are just bad at reviewing. But Jerad Hill seems to have really bought it himself. I would also say, that such a purchase shouldn't be done solely online. This is a purchase you should go into a store and check out at let an expert explain everything to you.
Carry iPhone 15, even lighter and much less expensive!
I got my camera months ago, and at the beginning I felt exactly the same that you felt, but now I have realized that camera is absolutely fantastic.
After some time I started to enjoy it. When I see my pictures taken with my LeicaQ3, I said….wawww
YES you can - and always could transfer files over USB. Did you read the manual?
Hi Jared. I have been a Q2 user and as of last week I am now a Q3 shooter. I liked your video but feel the need to correct some of your points.
1. I suggest you set your connection setting to "mass storage" and try connecting a USB-C cable to your computer (or iPhone 15) and Q3. I think you will find the files transfer very quickly and easily into Lightroom, Photos, or any attached drive. You do not need to take out the SD card unless you choose to.
2. You should try using the wireless grip, it's very convenient for charging, albeit not as fast as connecting a USB-C cable to a charger.
I want to add that your comments about having to adjust the aperture via aperture ring and shutter speed via a shorter speed dial made me giggle and realize how the photography world has changed generationally. The Leica is meant to feel and act like a film or mechanical camera, that's the point of cameras like Leicas (in addition to their amazing files, colors and micro contrast). In fact the most popular mirrorless (consumer) camera have their throwbacks to film cameras with manual controls (Fuji X100V, Nikon Zf, etc). Your instincts as to why you bought the Q3 are GREAT instincts. I hope you spend more time with your Q3 and discover the joy of making photographs with it. For many of us, photography is a slow, mindful and quiet process ..... enter Leica.
Thanks for the comment.
Shouldn’t have to change a connection setting in 2023 and be forced to choose what you want the port to do. Even Android phones can auto detect that these days.
I have used the wireless grip but do not yet have the Leica charging base. It does not work well with other wireless chargers unless the platform is large enough to support the camera, most are designed for phones.
Unless you have been shooting professionally for a long time you might not be able to relate to the mindset I found myself in where photography can feel more like a production than a process.
Thanks for the tips!
@@jeradcamera The settings change to mass storage is true for every modern camera I've owned in the past several years. My Fujis are no different than my Q3 in this regard.
I do find some of your complaints strange, because the Q3 has a tremendous about of customizability. You can map nearly every feature to any button, minus the aperture in manual mode which is on the lens. Manual aperture control on lens is something people seek though, same with Fuji lenses. One of the major draws to Leica bodies is the simplicity and film body like controls. It's meant to slow you down and engage with the craft. Although, depending on how it's setup the Q3 can function quite quickly since it's also a point and shoot. It seems you bought it with the expectation to be like cameras you already own, but the UX has a completely different design philosophy that's unique to Leica.
Personally, I couldn't stand the wireless grip and returned it. It adds too much bulk to the camera and is finicky. I use an IDS grip instead which adds next to no weight/bulk, provides access to both the battery and SD card, and is arca swiss compatible.
It is true that there is the option to switch USB connection modes but I have not had to manually do that on any camera in at least 5 or more years. I have had just about every Sony mirrorless model, several Canon R models, and even a few Nikons and have never needed to change USB modes from default to transfer files to a computer. The default on the Q3 was the iPhone connection which is silly considering the app does such a fine job. The default should have been set to Mass Storage or an auto detect option which these days is not hard to implement.
I agree with you completely about the charging grip. I don't like how the camera feels with it. I will check out the IDS grip. Thanks for the tip!
@@jeradcamera Hi, thanks for the video. I just want to add on this subjet since i don't understand why this "settings" point is that important though. Leica has the very best companion app when it comes to file transfer and management through wifi, and the option to use mass storge is there. So not only the problem is not as bad as you put it (the functionality is actually easy to find) but Leica has a very good additional option on top of it. On the other end, while comparing the Q3 to Nikon or Canon devices on what you feel is one "UI quirk" seems ...okay... I cannot miss the irony of you adding Sony to the equation, since their devices, as crazy good as they are, notoriously have among of the worst UI logic in the whole market for multiple reasons! Especially while Leica on the contrary has among the best UI design, if not the best.
I'm not joking, it takes less time to select the mass storage option within the Q3's overall great UI than it requires on Sony devices(flagship included) to reach some basic photography options...
I understand that one's habits play a very big role in user experience and expectations, but here, it seems like we're in a situation in which said habits kind of blurred your judgement. There are many legit elements to criticize about the Q3, but this "Mass storage" thing should not be a part of it.
Sell it to me! I had a Q3, but sold it. Big mistake. I miss the Q3 very much and I've got another one on back order now. What I loved about the Q3 is that I could set it and do street photography all day without ever touching anything but the shutter button. I never used AF. Never used a programmable button. It works as a "pure" camera -- manual focus and settings visible on the dials (without a screen). It's a completely different photographic experience than my hyper-automatic, hyper-digital Canons. It's fun. And it makes beautiful images.
I am considering it. If you are interested, send me a message through social media or my website.
So basically you don’t the camera
@@021Rocs Sonys & Fujis basically have "built in" LR on fall auto. Driverless.
Just over a year ago I bought a used Q first gen because I wanted a good camera that would go anywhere with me. I agree with everything you say about the different mindset needed to really appreciate it. The time you need to spend composing your image in your head before you take it, the creativity that is required in working with the fixed lens. It is like slow-cooking a special meal vs. eating a tv dinner. Ultimately, it brings back art into your photography and makes you enjoy your hard-earned results so much more. Disclaimer: I still love my Nikon. Each for its own, 'horses for courses' as the English say.
Same same‼️
OK...not getting this. Fed up with "boring" and "unexciting" Sony. Want something different to "enjoy as a photographer". Get something different. Hate it cos it don't work like a Sony and now you got dials for aperture/shutter. I'm out here in YT land scratching my f'n head. What's not to like about dials? Have you never shot a film SLR? Now that's different and photographer-like. What didn't you know about the Q3 before you laid out $6k that took you by surprise? Oh; and I think calling a Q3 'point and shoot' is worthy of some debate. Of course it's a mirrorless! Sheesh. You're all conflicted. Not subscribing here, thanks.
It’s all about creating views by making contrarian or other shocking statements
Exactly the same feelings I went through within the first week of getting my hands on the Q3. I also am spoiled by the Sony a7m3, a7R5, and the a7CR. But I have learned the quirks and positive points that Leica Q3 has and now I love it and go out more often to take pictures. I love how Leica renders the photos and the pictures right out of the camera are exquisite! So, Jerad, I am, with you there and like your honest review!
My camera journey was RX1>A7R>A7R2>A7R5 when they launched.. recently got the Q3 for my EU trip next week (told the wife is a cheap mid life crisis purchase) …. Hope I will enjoy the slower pace shooting experience … just to be on the safe side i will bring my bulky A7R5 too 😅
Let me know how the two compare!
During our 2wk trip i just used the Q3 and left the A7R5 in the hotel room safe… maybe because i just enjoyed playing with a shiny new toy
I found it easier/more comfortable taking photos of strangers in street photography.
Also because of its lighter/compact body I find myself taking more photos compared to when I first used the A7R5 in our Tokyo trip… sometimes I was just too lazy to take out the A7R5 from my camera bag especially end of the day when getting tired and I just used my iPhone instead
But if I had to choose one it will still be the A7R5 because you can change lenses
@@meat_loves_wasabi Do you feel your RV and Q3 will become complimentary or that one will end up gathering dust? I too am an RV owner with love of shiny new toys, but i feel a Q3 would be a whole lot more than that. Sony lenses are 20,35 (1.8) 55, 85 (1.8) and 70~200 (f4). Took them all to Europe recently, but walked the streets with one on the camera, one in the bag. Never brave enough to go out with just one lens!
Good thing is both cameras have very different user experience so you won’t feel that you have 2 “similar” cameras where one will be left collecting dust
When I am feeling lazy and planning to take mostly casual street photography it will be the Q3
But if I plan to go someplace to take photos of landscape, architecture, wildlife etc where I need different focal lengths or want that quickly snappy AF than it will be the 7R5 with 24-105 & 24f1.4
For the Q3 I set one of the custom button to crop mode so I can easily get 35mm (39mp) or 50mm (19mp) focal length when needed
@@meat_loves_wasabi makes sense. Thanks.
I promise, you will use that Q3 very often. Hint: Make yourself comfortable with manual zone focusing and you will experience a totally new way of photography 😊. With the 60 megapixel you can use if for 3/4 portrait, street, landscape, cityscape, architecture, use the built in perspective control, btw, that data is also in the dngs if switched off, clicking on Transform/Guided the camera data is applied, see page 128 in the English Q3 manual. It’s IP52 rated, poring rain is no problem (same with the SL + SL lenses, the M and M lenses are unfortunately not IP52 rated). Have fun, I envy you. Didn’t get mine yet. - Dialling in the aperture by a ring is the natural way to do it 😄. At least for Leica M users and former Nikon FM2 shooters of the 1980’s like me 😆
Will have to try manual zone. I typically shoot selective point which I think Leica calls "field."
@@jeradcamera What I meant was don't use AF. If you e.g. dial in f/5.6, turn the infinity symbol of the focus ring to the right 5.6 marker, the left one shows you the minimum focus distance. Everything in between is in hyperfocal range and sharp. :D
Manually zone focus on a lens that only permits zone focusing up to 2 meters, and then immediately tosses it to infinity? Sorry, not sure how useful zone focusing is on this, outside of crowded gatherings?
I bought a Q2 monochrom. It was my gateway drug into Leica. Now I find myself with the Q2M, an SL2-S, an M11 monochrom, and a vintage M6. I am definitely a Leica fanboy at this point.
The Q2M is a work of art. everything you said about how the Q3 changes how you shoot rings true. Using all of my Leicas is a deep pleasure. Yes, every one of the cameras, with the possible exception of the SL2-S, requires me to slow down and be deliberate. I refuse to consider the Q2M as a "point-and-shoot"-- It's a compose-and-shoot. The images are sublime.
I'm primarily a landscape photographer. I bring the monochrome cameras with me on my shoots and have gotten some of my favorite shots ever using the Q2M and M11M. I also shoot Fujifilm GFX and Olympus OM-1 and love both of those systems, but my deepest satisfaction is with the Leicas.
I'm going to buy a Q3. I have come close to buying a Q2 several times in the past but managed to hold off. No longer.
I'm a Nikon Pro Photographer. But whenever I can I use my Q3. It tickles my creativity. By the way; JJC has a handgrip that leaves the battery an memory slot open! The also haven a thumb support that doesn't break the bank. Bought them at Amazon.
I bought that grip too. Love it.
I shot a Hasselblad for years with the aperture and shutter ring on the lens. You could even lock them in sync to keep the same exposure value. It was easy and quick to use.
LOL. That was some weird rationale. Still don't get why you bought this when you are "used to" so many different things.
the man wanted Leica so he bought one
It's buyers remorse. This is actually more in line what normal people who doesn't have any access to various camera system, like media person on TH-cam would be.
He should have gotten a fuji x100V instead. Way better highlight retention, film sims, leaf shutter, built in ND, plus a case by kaza deluxe. Or an xe4, the new voightlander 27mm manual lens, and a leica m adapter. Film sims including the new bleach bypass, same highlight retention as the x100v, etc…
Sonys do a number on people where tacking a computer onto a camera turns them into a “pc user” photographer… where their learning curve on it becomes their own platform Stockholm syndrome!
I.e. “this camera is gonna solve all of my problems”
Doesn’t this Leica have leaf shutter.
Yes
@@Chris-ey7zy
Camera GAS is almost always followed by buyers remorse and a sort of "what do I do now?" themed depression/malaise. I find the best thing for that is to go back to your older gear, which is highly functional but sucks because its boring, get that longing back, and then pick up the Q. This process can take a while. When you pick up your new gear after the slog of your old gear weighs boringly on your soul, you'll be more in touch with what made you want "something different" in the first place. As for your frustration with dials. LOL. Man.... that's why I despise Sony cameras. They keep you guys "in" the camera. Get out the of the camera. Dials and aperture rings are way more intuitive and simple to adjust. Also, why get a Leica if you don't want to twist dials and rings? This is a Leica. It's basically a Leica M camera with an EVF. Many Fuji bodies are setup the same as Leica M bodies. Fuji guys have been twisting dials and rings for over a decade. It's hilarious to see Sony guys look at a manual themed digital camera and say "Why all these dials and rings?" I mean....yo.....LOL.
Was shocked how well you described that GAS/remorse process. At least I know now that I'm not the only one. Will try your approach, so thanks for that!
I own a full range of sony gear. I also own a Q2. Q2 is my go-to camera for travel and most of the landscape work I do. 28 (ish) is my go-to focal length. For the limited amount of portraiture I do, the Q3 crop will be more than adequate. My favorite portrait lens is a 40mm so the cropped image wont suffer too much in resolution. I’m used to carrying only a single lens and I configure myself and the camera to accommodate that limitation. I actual prefer it. My sony lenses are mostly primes. All that said, I just did a portrait this morning for a friend and used the sony a1. I brought three primes. 24,35,50 GM. I only used the 35. I did consider a sony ACr. I would have preferred that from a cost POV, but…the EVF and the screen are inferior. I much prefer the tilt Leica system. There is no new sony 28 mm lens. The Sony system is probably a much better work system. The Leica Q3 remains on order. I will trade in the Leica Q2.
I haven't heard that viewpoint, but it makes a lot of sense. It's very good advice, particularly when considering the Q3.
To 17:41 , English manual page 172. Use USB mass storage (mounting as drives) or PTP (not showing as drives but popping up in LrC etc.)
Yeah I was able to get it to work. Camera comes in iPhone connection mode rather than mass storage.
@@jeradcamera Some company decisions on default settings are hard to understand. Similar to jpg as factory settings 🙈 on bodies likes D6, a1, R3 etc.
Fascinating insight. I have lusted after a Q since the ‘2’ came out and the ‘3’ is another step. But they are a lot of money for an amateur and I sometimes wonder if I am just getting caught up in the hype. And, yes, I too am a Sony shooter. An A7rv now, a 7iii previously. Both great cameras though the v I find a huge step up.
To Q3 or not to Q3, that is the question.
Ok, others will rant at me but this is the truth. I use Canon and Sony bodies for work. Neither camera comes close to image quality produced by the Q3. I am so confident in that, that if I had to shut my photography business down and sell my gear, I would confidently only keep the Q3 as my everyday camera. The image quality is impressive. Rent one and prove me wrong when you compare to your sony bodies.
Hi Jerad
Thank you so much for your review. I started with Nikon all manual FM2 ,then went with Fuji all analog dials shooting in manual setting the shutter to avoid camera shake,setting the iso to avoid camera shake then only adjusting the lens aperture’s for exposure and I find this super fast for capturing action. I have the Q,Q2,waiting for the Q3 now for almost 6 months now. I find this technique makes the Q very fast and reliable in manual mode. Again thanks for the review.
“Zoom through”. There is no zooming with the Q series. It is a wax on, wax off experience, that I find great. The slow process is wonderful.
Leica has a foot-zoom feature.
I think the problem is your generation has been spoilt by the digital age ! I did lol when you said you have to adjust the aperture on the lens. That was the norm for my generation being bought up on proper film cameras its called real photography and learning your craft this camera takes you back somewhat and makes you think rather than todays offerings of having the camera do the work 💁♂️. Footnote Im from the baby boomer generation
I started in film as a hobbyist.
Well, believe it or not: I threw a Sony in the bin, because it was too frustrating to work with. So I switched to Leica M and that's exactly, what I need: simple, fast and no nonsense menu. I bought a Q as a backup camera, which has video mode and macro too. Never failed, and dead easy to fit into my work flow as press photographer. How often do you put a Q3 on a tripod? Very seldom, because of the OIS is so effective, you can handhold even 2 - 3 sec. I can't see any problem with the location of the card slot.
Ah, OK - so having started photographing in the 60's, I have been frustrated with all the buttons and menus of the digital cameras, until I found the Fuji's. I use them as manual cameras almost exclusively, so this should be a natural progression. Your title had me worried a bit... Enjoyed hearing about your experience.
I had similar feelings about my Q3 and the tremendous difference between shooting with it, shooting with my Sony a6700 and its lenses, and my Nikon D850 and its lenses. It's definitely a different animal and it takes some getting used to. That said, I live in Southern Nevada, very close to S. Utah and the big 5 National parks in that part of Utah, my spouse and I hit the road and left all cameras except the Leica and our iPhones at home, and I was blown away at how different and how great the "change of perspective"was and how easy working with the worlds most expensive "point and shoot" camera became once I got a bit of shooting of incredible Southern Utah scenery under my belt. It's interesting how I had many of the same feelings as you did, but as I shot more and more frames, that "not meeting expectations" feeling just melted away. This is my 3rd Leica so their style and menu layouts and just their "philosophy" are not entirely foreign to me. I think that the extremely high price and getting on the waitlists and WAITING 3 months totally added to my inflated expectations, but I am thrilled with this camera and I look forward to many years of shooting with this excellent and extremely well made tool.
Update: I just returned from a months vacation in Italy, Turkey, and Greece. This was not a business trip(although I fully expect to sell some of the images that I created on the trip) and I went on the trip with only one camera, The Q3.There were limitations in that regard, but it was actually wonderfully freeing too. The only thing that I found myself reaching into my camera bag for was a fresh battery or a new SD card. I made over 12k.exposures and had a blast! By the time I got home, using the Leica was really second nature. Ive determined that this is an artist's tool and not a professional tool. It's my gift to myself that I will use to keep reminding myself what I love about taking pictures and in fact, why I picked up my very first camera. BTW: the USB-C port does download images now. AND there are some great grip/baseplates available that can remain on the Q3 and give you full access to the battery and the SD card slot. jjc, and IDSworks both make great ones. I bought the jjc which is also an ArcaSwiss base too.
I did the same thing. I bought a Q, spent a lot of money and hoped that I would get more utility out of it than my Fuji's. I ignored the name and the history and looked at it from a physical and technical standpoint and in the end the utility versus price didn't make sense. It only made sense if I prioritize the name and the history of Leica. So I returned the Q3 and bought a Leica xvario for $1,000. That satisfied me and I enjoy it to this day. The price for me matched utility.
The only good Leica is a film Leica…and I love the new m11p, but Leica’s are not immune to digital rot. That’s a though reality on a digital camera costing thousands…
I too had the same frustration at first I thought about sending it back. The card removal is frustrating and I have got used to taking the grip off to down load. Only just getting used to enjoying the experience after about six week. Still love my Sony too.
You can connect the camera to the PC, you just have to go through your settings, and choose the correct option.
I am thinking we were in the same delivery run from B&H. Also mainly a Sony shooter, but what I will say is that shooting with the Leica is a very fulfilling experience. I also own a Nikon FA film camera and have been shooting that a bunch recently. The Leica reminds me of shooting with the old film camera but then does not have all the faffery with developing and scanning film, and the files take very minimal editing. There is definitely room in my life for both. I did also find the same with the SD card slot because I bought the leather case… I bought a 256GB card so that at least I will never have to change it in the field.
What day did you place your Q3 order? I’m hoping to receive this camera shortly.
Fuji X100 series is one of the most exciting cameras available.
I was running parallel with Sony and Fujifilm a numbers of years ago. I gave up on Sony primarily because of the menu system and instantaneous self-obsolescence. The external controls on the Fuji cameras became second nature and the addition of the Leica Q2 was an easy transition.
Very interesting. I`ve been shooting for 40 years and Leica for about 30. I have shot Sony and Canon too but find those bodies too menu driven. I prefer my main controls shutter /aperture / ISO as dials . It really is horses for courses . Good review .
You can transfer via usb c but need to change a setting. Just put the Q3 in USB mode (Mass Storage.)
Own Sonys and Leicas. You’ll be happier with an A7RC and a 24mm f2.8 or similar. The Q3 is a particular camera and a joy to use. I find that the best way to shoot the Q3 is in shutter priority and forget it. You’ll enjoy it a lot more that way.
Shutter priority and auto aperture? I'd rather have depth of field control than shutter. But I'm full manual all the time and am enjoying that on the Leica as I learn to slow down.
@jeradhill_photo After a lot of thought I decided to do what GastonShutters says. I just bought the A7CR with a 24mm F2.8 G...I hope you'll get a chance to try this set up . I would love to hear your take and any adjustments to settings you'd make
To be honest, I'm surprised hearing a pro was somehow not able to understand what he would get when ordering a Q3. I'm not a pro but what I did before I made the decision to order: I got me a 27mm equivalent lens for my Fujifilm X-Pro2 and went out numerous times with that one on the camera and nothing else with me. But anyway I didn't have too many doubts that I would like it, as back in the 80ies, after some years of shooting I learned that wide angles are my preferred lenses.
And as one growing up in times of Kodachrome, Ektachrome and Ilford FP4 and HP5 the dials for aperture and shutter speed just feel natural and intuitive. These dials were the reason why I got me a Leica MFT (dlux7) and a Fujifilm before. Controls via menu just feel strange and unnatural to me.
But thanks for the honest review showing how you were struggling with the concept but finally loving it. For the purpose it was supposed to serve. Being a masterpiece of craftmanship intentionally limiting the way of taking pictures.
You said, `Unrealistic expectations can rob us of the joy of things in life.' What a beautiful statement! So true about all of life not just cameras.
I use Nikon and the Z6ii AF is not as good as Sony and Canon but as you say, I don't expect it to be so it doesn't disappoint me. All my photography is `art' and hobby not professio0nal, so Leica should be on my list right?
But I would have to go out with the Q3 and the Nikon with a Nikon 28mm fixed prime lens and shoot both. And if I could not pick the Leica images from the Nikon images back on the computer in a double blind test, then I would not spend money on the Leica. Choosing the Leica comes down to IQ which is always dependent on the beholder
Now I just need to find someone who owns a Q3! lol!
I have done just that and the photos from my Q3 are far superior to the ones from my Nikon Z7ii with the Nikon 28/1.8. I don't have a Z version of the 28 yet, but it is also superior to the 24-70/2.8 Z lens. Not to mention much lighter. But I do know the new Z glass is also far superior to all my F glass, so maybe a 28 Z lens would be a match.
Different cameras have different strengths and weaknesses. They don’t all do all photo jobs well.
The Q3 is not an everyday jobbing photographer’s camera.
Great information. I wanted to get one for a long time (q2 then q3 on release date) and went to the store and experienced what you are talking about. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I need to focus on what's important in photography and get back to printing more, that's what worked for me. Ough and black and white. The a7r5 is just so good it's hard to compare with anything else.
I was looking comparison with a7cr with leica q since I need af to capture as my older daughter become more active
This video seal the decision, I came from different route, so those aperture click, shutter button might be a routine rather than trying to build muscle memory, I’m not used to remember a lot of button and toggle and it might distract me
Thank you
I have been looking at the q3 and I have never owned a Leica I already shoot 5 different systems, I love photography, your video is a honest take on photography., I think I just want to get the fun back in my photography.I have just completed buying the om system 4/3 it’s a joy to use just went all in and bought 3 om system cameras, all all the great lens enclosing the 150-400 f4.5 tc, I know I am getting off the subject of Leica, I want this Q3 then there’s the M11, my wife said I am always looking for ways to spend thousands of dollars, maybe she’s right as I am well over the 100k mark on gear.at this point I don’t know if this will fix my problem. But your Video was refreshing to watch, my first time here.
It’s just a different route to your images. The journey counts too. Not just the destination… I’m loving my Q3. Took some time to get used to.
Listening to this entire thing few things caught me off guard. Were you not used to using a 28mm before buying the Q3? Rolling your finger on a knob on the back feels more intuitive than changing aperture on the lens? I mean to each his own but even Sony has that setup on the 50mm 1.2 G master. Honestly think an adapter and some old vintage 28mm would have done the same thing for changing your thinking but GAS is undefeated so enjoy your Leica
I still have the iPhone 14 and happy Leica adds that cable to the box 6:00. If it comes to smartphones, I always skip some versions, I stepped up 11 to 14 and that will be more than sufficient for the next f years.
I've been looking at the Q3 and SL3, and one of the things I found amazing is the quality of what little noise the images have, and the outrageous color. Jerad didn't discuss the image quality which I would think is the first thing a Q3 owner (or any other camera owner) should discuss. I'm not into cameras as status symbols, so I'd like to hear anyone's opinion on image quality of Leica vs Sony/Canon/Nikon/etc. I'm willing to accept a steep learning curve if there is a reward at the end. Thanks all. Thanks Jerad.
I can agree with you. I’ve been a long time Sony user and I’m used to the functionality and customization with the Sony. I’ve had my q2 for two months or so and it took me about a month to get used to the q2. And I’ve found the sweet spot of the camera to get the images that impress me. Great video!
I got a Leica sl in 1965 and kept it till early 1980s sold it for Nikons (I always regret it). It was a hobby. I only had the standard 50mm lens. Took a photograph class in college in the 70s. It took a lot of thinking about aperture and shutter adjustments on taking a photograph as the metering system metered out side the body. Taking a photo was about what you want to express. How the negatives were going to turn out. What the print was going to look like or slide. With that camera, when everything came together it was exciting. Still have my Rolleiflex T. Not like today camera where you can shoot as much as you want in a few minutes. Rarely take photos. Do have a number of current cameras.
Thank you for your honesty and insight.
Brilliant and honest review. Thank you.
I am only excited with Leica, but can't afford it.
I can afford Leica Q3 easily but will not buy it because there are less expensive cameras out there AND iPhones, that do it better, cheaper and weigh far less.
I guess the Q3 was not meant for a busy professional photographer like you. I’m a hobby photographer and the Q3 did not offer me anything I needed from what I get from my Q2. Best if you wanted Leica was to get an M/ST versions. The Q’s are essential for travelling light and for those with time on their hands like myself. Personally I would be prudent and try before buying. Thanks for an interesting video and your point of view on the Q3.
Having owned 3 Q's before I was excited to buy the Q3. But I'm now considering cutting it into pieces !!!! The function buttons can be set to suit your own wishes and User Profiles can be set as well. However change 1 setting, i.e. ISO, and you'll find the function buttons have reset to factory settings. Many occassions I've put the camera to my eye to see that it's already videoing or that all other settings have changed. The pictures, when you get one are superb as is the build quality but using the latest firmware update (2.01), has taken the gloss off my hobby. In stead of picking this up every time I leave my home, as I did with my Q, Q-P & Q2, it stays on the shelf. Trying to get help from Leica customer care is a nightmare. I've asked for a replacement because I can't believe they have given the camera all the bells and whistles but made it a flexible as a base ball bat. Having brought this as an early birthday present I shall, on my actual birthday in April, be using an angle grinder on the body and cutting it in two. Perhaps I'll set it in acrylic and make it an ornament or just send it back to Leica. You choose.
It's why for some martial arts, one goes back from black belt to a white one. It's why some folks go back to film despite that being so cumbersome. Being able to do everything yourself feels different. Like building your own log cabin. It's not for most people though :)
P.S. ironical Leica makes camera for photography purists who crave tactile feel yet now hear people complain it doesnt allow him just do more advanced version of "point n shoot". I have SL2-S, Z7 (previous D780, 810, Df, ...) now going back to basics. Hope he realizes that at the end
P.P.S. i never take SD cards out of my Leica - just use Leica app to transfer for editing / publishing on my phone
I got the x100v to reignite my spark. My old faithful A7r3 and a7s3 collect dust when it comes to a every day carry. But for work it's a different story
These cameras are a huge game changer and they will help you become a better photographer.
I have just received my Q3 and have owned a Q2 monochrom for some years now. These cameras are without a doubt my all-time favorites, an absolute joy to use, with image quality that blows you away, and a superb build quality that no other brand offers.
My Canon R5 and it's pro range lenses, Fuji Xpro 3 and it's pro lenses or the pro-Nikons I have owned in the past do not remotely compare to the joy of the user experience of these cameras or the image quality they produce.
If you write these cameras off because you think they are just 'rich kids toys', or are 'unnecessary'....you're doing yourself no favors and are missing out on something truly amazing.
Coming from Canon, my first Leica images were not good…it has taken me time to improve and learn. I appreciate the tactile feel, and the forced intentionality of the Q2. It alerts me to how complacent I had become with grab and go filming.
AFAIK it is (now?) possible to get photos out of the Leica via USB-C at least by plugging it into an Apple product. At least thats what some other reviewer said.
All you didn’t like about it makes me love it. 🙂
I like slow cooking and I like slow photography because it stimulates creativity, enjoyment of the process of taking pictures and the results it can achieve. If You want speedy efficiency get something else.
Awesome,,, very down to earth review, and I so agree with you. Thank you for sharing.
This was such a great video Jerad!
Great video. I felt the same when i got my Q2 coming from an A7R3 background. I think I will always have a lov/hate relationship with this camera! Question for you - do you think the Leica blows out highlights much quicker than the Sony? For travel, I find myself having to underexpose the photos a lot to get a decent sky.
Good question. I tend to underexpose by default so I haven’t noticed that issue. I also almost always rock a circular polarizer on my lenses when outside.
I get the sticker shock on Leica’s… but devil advocate.
If you bought a similar Sony A7cr that’s $3000usd, Add in a 24gm or 35gm $1400 you are at $4400 total.
The reality is the difference is $2000 premium which is manageable.
My view Leica is an aspirational product for many photographers and hobbyist. If you can afford it great enjoy it
That’s a good take.
It’s a real camera…like the Argus range finder I started with when I was 10… work with the “ sunny 16” and you’ll start seeing again.. open shade..?? Backlit..?? Start “seeing” again..!!
That’s Leica’s gift…
Welcome to the Leica experience. I have the Q2, SL2 and CL. Leica and Fuji to a lesser extent, are camera brands that simply get out of the way of the photographer. Come to think of it the my old Nikon D5 with its button layout did the same thing.
I think the essence of the photographer experience is to CHOOSE where you want to focus, which shutter speed to use and what depth of field to use plus of course composition, subject, etc.. You can just as easily do this with a Sony as with a Leica. Personally, I love the Leicas, but it is due to their design more than anything else. I simply like how they look. On the other hand, I hate the Sonys with their countless little plastic buttons and PlayStation feel.
A moment to consider is why we are buying new things in the first place.. Busy, working, tired, kids.... If you are watching this money is also not a big issue. There is one thing we all lack.. It's time. We are trying to buy a new gadget so we find time to enjoy using it. The problem and why we get frustrated is that a new gadget will not buy us time. Applies to new sports, hobbies..
Exactly what I’m going through with my Sony and thinking about getting this q3 or q2.ty
Obviously a new camera system requires a learning curve. Pretty absurd review.
Well, for 6000$ i would also make my self love the damn thing 😒
Well said…I’m in the same boat👍
All of your gripes are normal for us Fuji users. Analog feel.
So the gist of it is that you are having difficulty because it is not set up like a Sony. Then why didn’t you just buy a A7CR?
A 20-minute video without saying anything that makes sense. I invite you to consider that the Q and Q2 are identical in operation and have been on the market for years. It was enough to watch a video to understand how they work before spending 6K. With Q3 files are downloaded via cable as of day 1. It was enough to read and understand the manual. Your RV with the 35GM costs as much as the Q3. I owns the Sony a7RV and the Q3 too. Yours is a video that doesn't make sense and honestly expectations have nothing to do with it.
Interesting. If I had a spare $10k for sure I would buy one.
Weird that the Q3 shares the jewel box of the past, but M’s from the 11 on have a newer, straight forward boxing.
the Q3 is like a Chanel bag, you get one because you can. unlike a Chanel bag, it does not increase in value :)
Also, to love photography, go back to film. Get an M3 or M6 and shoot film. It really is better.
A great advert for Sony
It's interesting that you don't consider the Q3 a workhorse camera, I guess because you come from a Sony. For me it's the opposite, the Q3 is the workhorse camera, and a Leica M is the "slow down" camera.
It looks great and I'm sure it can produce some nice images but...the need to rationalize your experience with it and blame yourself for it's shortcomings is not a great advertisement for it.
Ideally the Q3 should behave and do whatever you want it to do (whatever!) just as any Sony (Nikon, Canon, Fuji...)
Curious to know how long you waited to receive the Q3
I ordered mine in early May I believe. Might have been earlier.
I don't think the "it" factor really exists in cameras. The camera "promises" it, just like a new girlfriend but after the newness wears off and you become intimately aware of its limitations (which all cameras and girlfriends have) in comes the disenchantment.
If one ever sees the truth, they realize that the "enchantment" is spiritual and something that takes place within self and really only comes after allowing the camera's (or girlfriends) idiosyncrasies to stretch and push you into growth as an artist and person. Before you suggest that people can rightly outgrow their equipment as a justification to drop a girlfriend, let me say...people can grow in ways that cameras can't.
I think its best to focus on expanding our skillset, artistic education and the emotional/psychological/spiritual side of ourselves in order to approach the camera as a richer person. I believe that is the key (from someone with 8 cameras).
There is digital zoom or crop in post processing then to have that tight view
You mentioned time stamps. I couldn’t find any.
Love the your attitude. 👍👍👍❤
Comparing to iPhone is wild. Every version of Sony camera does not come out yearly.
And knowing this, the Leica is $6k and heralded for its simplicity. How would that be MORE exciting exactly? “Because it’s not a Sony..”?
And then to say it doesn’t meet expectations because it’s what you’re used to?
Instead of saying you want something different then flaming it because it’s different, just say you wanted to try something different. Nothing wrong with that.
Maybe it makes you excited to get back to your sonys.
You missed the point.
I have a Sony A7iii and this year I purchased an A7RV and neither give me the satisfaction that the Fuji X100V does.
Surely there’s a person on TH-cam reviewing going from a Toyota to a Ferrari. That would have similar sentiments.
🤣🤣
A Rolex is not just a watch, and a Leica is not just a camera - no need to say more about it. Either you feel that "Leica spirit" as soon as you hold it in your hands or you don't.
If the price is an issue, or the "how much features do I get for my money?" question, get something else.
Amazing review.
In short, you finally learn how to "take pictures" instead of "snapping images". You could have done that if you started photography with film, you wouldl have learn also to restrain yourself because you would have only 36 exposures to go with (I shake my head when read "burst rate", ok for sport may be or wild life). And BTW, this kind of camera can be a lot faster than any PASM camera if you think depth of field and shutter speed, once the ISO is set to auto , you have choosen your aperture (depth of field) and your shutter speed you don't need to touch any setting anymore ; you just have to "think" your photography , and in manual mode you don't have even to touch the focus ring needless to mention in autofocus, no more rolling wheels and just at a glance you see all the parameters, there is no need get to the back screen and eventually scrolling menus ; you are left with I call TCT (think - compose - trigger) !
This camera would have been great with a zoom or with interchangeable lenses.
Bet you would like a fuji more...
Who said it’s a work horse camera ? Please buy Toyota for running it like a taxi 😂This Is Rolls Royce 😂
It seems odd to want to get excited about a tool, especially a computer like the iPhone or Sony Alpha cameras.
It seems that the word "utility" [12:30] includes different things for different imaging tool users:
* iPhone snapshot capturer: With minimal overhead, the phone is already on hand, the image can immediately be posted.
* Sony image taker: The camera does as much as possible, including focus and exposure, and soon composition.
* Leica art creator: The camera is primarily designed to do exactly what the artist tells it to do, nothing more and nothing less.
There may be an interesting difference between Sony and Nikon mirrorless cameras. A Nikon is a better Leica M camera than an actual Leica. Perhaps this is because the 2023 Z8 retains a lot of the operational modes of a 1988 N8008, keeping it more of an image-making device with a computer rather than a computer with image-making components.
The points mentioned are valid ... but aren't they very clear before someone purchase a Leica Q? Have to use physical controls to set aperture, shutterspeed ... these are design adopted since Leica Q ...
Big Lebowski once said "It's your opinion man"
Nialist
I heard no concrete, specific advantages mentioned about using this camera. It's all about the mystique which basically can be summed up as the hype around the brand.
WiFi transfer to iPad where you keep Lightroom is another option 19:58