Leica Q3 vs Q3 Monochrom — Can Lightroom AI Noise Reduction Match Monochrome?

Videos mentioned:    • Original Leica Q3 set to Black & White vs ...      • Color FILTERS on LEICA MONOCHROM Cameras -...   Is a native monochrome sensor really that different from converting a color photo to black-and-white? And can Lightroom AI Noise Reduction close the gap? In this follow-up video, I answer two of the most asked questions from my last Leica Q3 vs Q3 Monochrom comparison. First, we test whether Lightroom’s AI denoising can make color-sensor images look like files from a native black-and-white camera—especially at high ISO. Using real-world examples shot at ISO 800 up to ISO 12,500, we closely examine noise structure, detail retention, typography, sky gradients, and the infamous “AI plasticky look.” Second, we dive deep into the editing workflow: Is editing a monochrome DNG fundamentally different from editing a color file converted to black and white? We compare tonal latitude, color mixer vs black-and-white mix sliders, highlight recovery, contrast control, and why monochrome files feel more flexible in post. This video is for Leica users, photographers curious about monochrome, and anyone wondering whether a dedicated black-and-white camera is worth it—or whether software can truly replace hardware. If you shoot black-and-white, use Lightroom, or love photography beyond the specs, this one is for you. Subscribe and stay curious. I’ve had the chance to explore the Leica Q3 Monochrom courtesy of Alexander Görlitz from FOTO GÖRLITZ LEICA BOUTIQUE BÜNDE, who loaned me the camera and the lens for this video: https://fotogoerlitz.de ‪@fotogoerlitzde‬ This video is not sponsored; it is my own opinion. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gear used to produce this video: DJI Osmo Pocket 3: https://geni.us/osmo_pocket_3_ff DJI Microphone 2: https://geni.us/DJI_Mic2_ff Panasonic Lumix S5IIx: https://geni.us/lumix_s5iix_ff Insta360 one r: https://geni.us/Insta360One_Twin_ff Peakdesing Travelpod: https://geni.us/Peak_Design_Tripod_ff Atomos Ninja V: https://geni.us/Atomos_Ninja_V_ff Rodecaster Pro II: https://geni.us/Roadcaster_Pro_II_ff KRK GoAux4: https://geni.us/KRK_GoAux4_ff KRK Rokit 5 G4: https://geni.us/KRK_Rokit5_G4_ff Sure SM7B: https://geni.us/Shure_SM7B_ff Neweer LED lights: https://geni.us/Neweer_LED_660_ff edited on DaVinci Resolve Studio 18: https://geni.us/DaVinci_Resolve_Studio using a 14" MacBook Pro: https://geni.us/14_MacBook_Pro a Logitech Mouse: https://geni.us/Logitec_MX_3S_ff and a Loopdeck CT: https://geni.us/Loopdeck_CT_ff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disclosures: 1. Some links in the description are affiliate links. If you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you. 2. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. 3. All products shown in this video are bought and not sponsored 4. All opinions are my own. Sponsors are acknowledged. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can find me here: https://www.froschmayer.com Instagram:   / florianfroschmayer   IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0296446/ Twitter:   / flofroschmayer   my Podcast (German): https://www.froschmayer.com/podcast Video produced by Stay Curious Media GmbH, Berlin, Germany http://www.staycuriousmedia.de contact: https://www.froschmayer.com/contact -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #LeicaMEV1 #LeicaM #LeicaCamera #leicasl ‪@LeicaCameraGlobal‬ ‪@LeicaCameraUSA‬ ‪@LeicaCameraAustralia‬ ‪@LeicaCameraDeutschland‬ ‪@leicacameraschweiz‬ 00:00 - Leica Q3 vs Q3 Monochrom 02:55 - Leica Q3 vs Q3 Monochrom — Can Lightroom AI Noise Reduction Match Monochrome? 07:26 - Leica Q3 vs Q3 Monochrom — Is edting the same?