Leica has unveiled what some are declaring is the best ever Leica camera, the SL3
However, it’s still as idiosyncratic as your usual Leica
With a 60 megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) full frame CMOS sensor, that is 5-axis shift stabilised, the new Leica SL3 is one of the highest resolution full frame format mirrorless cameras on the market. And you get phase-detect focusing. It’s priced US$6,800 (€6,300) and is available straight away.
At first glance, the SL3 looks very similar to the now, 5 year old, Leica SL2. But a lot has changed internally. The image buffer has been doubled from 4GB to 8GB. Of course, we have the new sensor, which seems very similar, on paper, to the one you will find in the Leica M11 rangefinder, launched two years ago, plus 315 on-sensor phase-detect focusing points. The suspicion is that it is a Sony IMX455, rather than the 47 megapixel part in the SL2, which probably had Panasonic DNA. The mechanical shutter mechanism has a different ring to it.
There is now a CF Express card slot alongside one SD-XC slot, and the rear display screen has moved further to the left, displacing the three main control buttons, which are relocated to the right of the screen.
And, now, the SL3 is endowed with an up/down tilting rear display.
So far, so good. But the SL3 is no Ferrari. Its technical shutter shooting rate is limited to 5 frames per second. That wouldn’t have been outstanding 20 years ago. This increases to 15fps in electronic shutter mode. That’s still far from the cutting-edge.
But buying a Leica has never been about being-cutting edge. Depending on who you speak to, it’s about the feel of the camera, the very distinctive and unique Leica design, and of course the optics.
At 60 megapixels, the sensor is knocking on the limit of the pixel pitch to pixel performance limit, but if the sensor is an IMX455, it’s sure to be an awesome performer under most conditions.
It’s also interesting to see how much motion picture capability has advanced up the list of priorities. Maybe this has something to do with Panasonic Lumix, Leica’s key technical partner, and fellow L-mount proponent. The SL3 can shoot up to 8K video, without any clip time constraints.
So, is this the best Leica ever? Probably. Is this the best mirrorless camera, ever? That’s another debate.
PRESS RELEASE
New: Leica SL3
The new mirrorless full-frame system camera from Leica is now available.
Wetzlar, 7th March 2024. In 2015, Leica Camera AG introduced the SL-System, uniquely combining the two worlds of photography and videography. From the beginning, Leica has
focused on partnering with its users and the photographic community to ensure that their products achieve exceptional standards. The result is a system which meets the highest
requirements in image quality, manufacturing quality, and ease of handling. Now, the long-established company presents the next generation of the mirrorless full-frame system: the
Leica SL3.
The rigorous demands of professional photographers have long served as a benchmark and inspiration for the development of the system, in particular the Leica SL3. The result is an
extremely versatile camera, offering unprecedented image quality in both photography and videography. The SL3 combines state-of-the-art technology, extraordinary design, and masterly
manufacturing quality – more compact, lighter, and even more user-friendly than its preceding model. The new functions of the Leica SL3 are based on an ongoing dialogue with professionals,
which is highly valued and cultivated by the company in the ever-changing world of photography.
At the core of the Leica SL3, you can find the BSI CMOS full-frame sensor with Triple Resolution Technology, which is safely protected in a solid all-metal body with elegant leather. To meet a
variety of photographic requirements, the sensor records raw files in DNG or JPEG format with a resolution of either 60, 36 or 18 MP. In each case, the full sensor surface is used. Together
with the dynamic range expanded to 15 f-stops and the impressive ISO range from 50 to 100,000, the SL3 delivers remarkably detailed images in outstanding quality – in all light
conditions.
With phase detection (PDAF), depth mapping (Object Detection AF), and contrast recognition (Contrast Detection AF), the innovative autofocus system of the SL3 combines the strengths
of three technologies to create razor-sharp pictures even in dim light. In addition, intelligent subject recognition supports the photography of dynamic scenes.
The lens bayonet, which is based on the L-Mount standard developed by Leica, facilitates the use of outstanding lenses from all of the Leica camera systems. Additionally, it is compatible
with a diverse array of ultra-wide to super-telephoto zoom lenses offered by L-Mount alliance partners. Therefore, the lens bayonet guarantees extensive system compatibility for the Leica
SL3. Specifically, the exceptional potential of the renowned Leica M-Lenses is fully harnessed, thanks to the unique design of the image sensor and an external light sensor. The integrated
in-body image stabilisation further broadens the scope of application for M-Lenses.
The EyeRes® viewfinder of the Leica SL3 is equipped with an elaborately manufactured optical system made of glass lenses. It always shows the subject crystal clear with up to 120 frames
per second and a resolution of 5.76 million pixels. The live preview enables full control over the exposure and composition of images even before releasing the shutter. Another new feature is
the tiltable 3-inch high-res touchscreen with a high-quality tilting mechanism. Even more creative possibilities can be achieved thanks to its additional viewing angles.
Videos are recorded in a resolution of up to 8K, supported by efficient codecs such as H.265 and ProRes by Apple. A dedicated time code interface allows for professional image and sound
synchronisation on set. Throughout this process, the new Maestro-IV processor with L² technology easily handles the vast amounts of data, resulting in pictures with magnificent
colour rendering as well as excellent noise performance.
Another highlight is the new user interface of the Leica SL3. Every optimisation is aimed at enhancing user comfort such as ergonomics, tactile feel, and menu navigation. As a result, the
grip, button layout, and overall camera design have been refined to further promote intuitive handling. The updated, streamlined icon and menu design offer a clear structure, facilitating
even easier navigation. The distinct separation of photo and video modes proves especially beneficial as it is aided by a specific colour code for differentiation: red for photo mode and
yellow for video mode.
Furthermore, the camera’s main functions can be completely adapted to individual needs. The freely assignable FN keys and the optimised touch interaction in the menu add to the intuitive
and comfortable operation of the camera. When photographing and filming, the SL3’s user interface aligns itself in landscape or portrait format, depending on the camera position. Thanks
to the convenient handling, improved ergonomics, robust design, and IP54 certification, photographers can focus on capturing the shot in any weather and environment. At the same
time, the new SL3 is noticeably lighter and more compact than its predecessors and is even more comfortable to use.
The Leica user experience undergoes continuous refinement. Regular firmware updates, influenced by valuable customer feedback, are seamlessly delivered to the SL3 through the
Leica FOTOS app. This ensures the camera stays current and future-proof in a user-friendly manner.
The camera’s new interface and improved connectivity ensure a seamless professional workflow. There are slots for the memory cards CFexpress type B and UHS-II-SD, a USB-C port
for high-speed data transmission, tethering, and power supply as well as a full-size HDMI 2.1 output for external monitors or recording equipment. Additionally, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with
MIMO technology ensure a stable and fast connection to the Leica FOTOS app. As a certified Apple “Made for iPhone® and iPad®” accessory, the Leica SL3, together with the included USB-
C cable, enables a direct connection to Apple products.
The new BP-SCL6 battery, along with the separately available double charger, offers ample capacity. This dual charger allows for the simultaneous and faster charging of two batteries.
The double charger and the additional battery are available individually or as an attractive set. Moreover, the accessories within the SL-System now include a new handgrip and a DC coupler.
The DC coupler can be inserted into the camera’s battery slot to ensure a continuous power supply via USB-C. The new carrying strap with an innovative attachment and a hard-wearing
wrist strap for the hand grip have also been specially designed for everyday professional photography use.
Conclusion: In close partnership with photographers, Leica Camera AG has taken the SL- System to a new level. With an optimised design, efficient user interface, and the versatile L-
Mount bayonet, the Leica SL3 is a highly modern, intuitive full-frame camera with outstanding image quality. It combines precision, the best materials, and unprecedented manufacturing
quality “Made in Germany”. Robust and reliable, it masters every challenge in photo- and videography, setting new standards in terms of user comfort and a seamless professional
workflow with extended interfaces, improved connectivity, and useful accessories.
The Leica SL3 is now available globally at all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorised dealers. The retail price will be €6,800.00 including VAT.
Find all information on the Leica SL3 at: leica-camera.com/sl3
Leica Camera – A Partner for Photography
Leica Camera AG is an international, premium manufacturer of cameras and sports optics. The legendary reputation of the Leica brand is based on a long tradition of excellent quality, German
craftsmanship and German industrial design, combined with innovative technologies. An integral part of the brand’s culture is the diversity of activities the company undertakes for the
advancement of photography. In addition to the Leica Galleries and Leica Akademies spread around the world, there are the Leica Hall of Fame Award and, in particular, the Leica Oskar
Barnack Award (LOBA), which is considered one of the most innovative sponsorship awards existing today. Furthermore, Leica Camera AG, with its headquarters in Wetzlar, Hesse, and a
second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, has a worldwide network of its own national organisations and Leica Retail Store.
