Camera Review, Top 10 ReviewMorten ByskovOctober 14, 2024Fujifilm X100VI sample images, Fujifilm X100VI sample photos, Fujifilm X100VI vs. Leica Q3, Fujifilm X100VI versus Leica Q3, X1000VI vs Q3, Leica Q3 versus Fujifilm X100VI, Q3 vs. X100VI, Fujifilm X100VI vs. Leica Q3 shootout, Fujifilm X100VI vs. Leica Q3 sample images4 Comments

Fujifilm X100VI Versus Leica Q3

Fujifilm X100VI and Leica Q3 side-by-side size comparison — The Fujifilm X100VI and Leica Q3 side by side

Fujifilm X100VI Vs. Leica Q3 - Sample Images Shootout

In August, I had the pleasure of reviewing the Fujifilm X100VI and Leica Q3 back-to-back with one-day overlapping. This allowed me to take both cameras out, capture a few comparative sample images, and gain some perspective while using them simultaneously.

Both cameras have been popular in the fixed-lens camera segment. Although there is a steep price difference, photographers often compare and deliberate which option may suit them the best.

I feel unbiased about the two camera brands, although I have been a Fujifilm user for much longer than a Leica user.

In the following, I will point out a few glaring differences, but the main goal of this post is to show photos captured on the same day from the same vantage point so that you can make a judgment call on these two fine cameras.

A Leica Q3 and Fujifilm X100VI side by side for comparison — The Leica Q3 and Fujifilm X100VI

Price Difference

Let’s address the elephant in the room and highlight the rather staggering price difference between the X100VI and Q3. When this post was published, the X100VI retailed for $1,599.00 and the Q3 for $6,295.00, making the Q3 almost four times the cost of an X100VI.

For most of us, it should be crucial to consider this when comparing the two. For some photographers, however, pricing is not a deterrent. The Q3 has been on backorder almost the entire time it has been on the market, and the same goes for the X100VI. Early adopters have been flipping the X100VI at way beyond its list price.

Both cameras are in high demand, but I think Leica buyers are generally more affluent and perhaps less concerned about cost.

Electric cars charging in North Vancouver — Fujifilm X100VI

Electric car charging in North Vancouver — Leica Q3

Build Quality, Design, and Handling

Both cameras have very good build quality, with a slight edge to the Q3. Overall, it feels more premium. Both cameras are design icons in the camera world, generally regarded as having top-notch industrial design elements with chiseled edges, each with a distinct brand DNA.

The Q3 is considerably heavier (about 50%) and bulkier at 1.6 lb, 743 g with dimensions of 5.1 x 3.2 x 3.6”, 130 x 80.3 x 92.6 mm compared to 1.1 lb, 521 g and 5 x 2.9 x 2.2", 128 x 74.8 x 55.3 mm for the X100VI. The lens is much bigger on the Q3.

Both have articulating LCD screens. The X100VI excels with a design that has the screen completely flush with the camera, which is very elegant. I also prefer the exposure compensation dial on the X100VI.

The aperture ring on the Q3 is positioned at the tip of the lens instead of by the mount, and after trying this and several Voigtländer lenses lately, I prefer this placement.

Overall, I am more partial to the size of the Q3. The X100VI is super compact and will fit in a pocket, but I prefer the Q3's increased substance.

The Q3 is very similar in size and weight to a Fujifilm X-Pro camera and lens combination, which is an all-time favorite of mine when it comes to size and weight.

Electric car charge in North Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X100VI. — Fujifilm X100VI

Electric car charge in North Vancouver. Sample image from a Leica Q3. — Leica Q3

Focal Lenght Preference

The preferred focal length will be an individual choice. The Fujifilm X100VI, with its 23mm f/2 and APS-S sensor, has the classic 35mm full-frame equivalent field of view, whereas the Q3 goes wider with its 28mm f/1.7 Summiux f/1.7 lens. The Q3 lens is wider than what it says on the label and is more like a 26mm lens.

Using the two cameras side-by-side, I preferred the Q3's wider angle, and the 60-megapixel sensor easily allowed me to crop to a 35mm field of view if desired.

The WCL-X100 II Wide Conversion Lens for the X100VI ($349.00) will give a similar field of view as the Q3 at 28mm, but unfortunately, I cannot speak to the quality of this add-on lens as I have not tried it.

If you prefer the Q3 in general, Leica recently announced the Q3 43, which features an APO-Summicron 43mm f/2 lens. This, of course, reduces the wide-angle aspect and allows for more cropping for a telephoto effect instead.

I would advise you to seriously consider this paragraph before jumping in either direction. Check your favorite focal lengths and contemplate which style of photography you plan to cover with your X100VI, Q3, or Leica Q3 43.

Outdoor seating at Lonsdale restaurant in North Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X100VI. — Fujifilm X100VI

Outdoor seating at a Lonsdale restaurant in North Vancouver. Sample image from a Leica Q3. — Leica Q3

Image Quality - Full Frame vs. APS-C

The image quality between the X100VI and Q3 is closer than expected. Given the fact that the Q3 is at 60 megapixels and full-frame with a superior 28mm Summilux f/1.7 lens does give it some advantages on paper, but when viewing the photos on my 16” MacBook Pro or LG 4K OLED TV, it is very hard to spot massive differences. Perhaps it will be more pronounced in large prints.

Overall, I spot slightly better micro contrast in the Q3 photos, and the full-frame 28mm delivers an ever-so-slightly truer or larger-than-life look, probably due to the larger sensor, better lens, and higher megapixel count. But I would have to say the X100VI did better comparably than I expected.

The sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide, depending on your monitor size. Please click to view larger photos if you are viewing them on your PC or laptop, or pinch-zoom if you are viewing them on your phone.

A closed shop on Lonsdale in North Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm X100VI. — Fujifilm X100VI

A closed down shop in North Vancouver. Sample image from a Leica Q3. — Leica Q3

It’s a Wrap

Regardless of specs, final image quality, handling, or build quality, the cost of either the X100VI or Leica Q3 will ultimately be the deciding factor for which direction you will take. It’s not like they are even close price-wise.

Next up on your priority list could be portability and weight, and here, the X100VI excels. It is also a camera that you can take with you anywhere, perhaps without worrying if you are fully insured in case you lose or have your camera stolen.

As mentioned above, the final output from these two cameras was much closer than I would have predicted, but I would still prefer the Q3 if my budget allowed it.

I do not see the X100VI versus Q3 as a winner-or-loser scenario. All photographers come to the table with different goals and budgets, and instead, I see these cameras as two winners.

The X100VI packs a lot of punch at the price point. In comparison, I do not find the same value for dollars spent in the Leica Q3, but this statement will vary tremendously depending on who you ask.

If you have the budget and appreciate the subtle differences across the board in a camera, the Q3 could be for you, and I would not blame you.

The Leica Q3 and Summilux 28mm f/1.7 — Leica Q3

The latest Leica Q3 43 adds another player to this segment, and due to the success of the X100 and Q series cameras, I think we should brace ourselves for more options soon.

The rumor mill predicts a Fujifilm GFX-style camera with a fixed lens in 2025. It is rumored to have a 35mm lens (28mm full-frame field of view). Of course, this is highly speculative but interesting nonetheless.

Please see more sample images below.

For more specs and in-depth details, please check my full reviews below:

Fujifilm X100VI - Review
Leica Q3 - Review

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate links below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm X100VI - B&H Photo
Leica Q3 - B&H Photo
Leica Q3 43 - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.