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Leica SL3 Review

For any hybrid shooter who’s interested in the Leica SL System, the release of the Leica SL3 will be met with a great deal of anticipation. The third generation body arrives as the best Leica camera for hybrid stills and video creation ever made. It boasts cutting-edge technology, signature aesthetics, exceptional made in Germany build quality, and a redesigned user experience.

Leica SL3 Video Review | Is This The ULTIMATE Leica Camera?

Even the multitude of Leica rumours circulating about the SL3 couldn’t anticipate just how advanced this full-frame mirrorless camera would become. Our Leica SL3 review highlights many of the most significant upgrades compared to the previous gen. and how the camera even shaves off some size and weight, creating a formidable tool to take any content to the next level.

Whether you're considering an upgrade or intrigued by the evolution of the system, join us as we delve into the SL3 in a comprehensive review.

Leica SL3 release date

The next-generation Leica SL3 was released on March 7, 2024, almost 4.5 years after the previous model, and nine years since the original SL camera launched. Leica's commitment to future-proofing their cameras ensures extended product lifecycles, integrating versatile and contemporary technology for end users.

Leica SL3 price

Surprisingly, the Leica SL3 price is £5,920.00, which is identical to the outgoing model, and remains competitive for a flagship professional hybrid camera. By comparison, Leica’s current flagship M11-P rangefinder camera is priced at £8,000.00, underscoring the value that L Mount creators have with the SL3.

Sample 01 with Leica Summilux SL 50mm F/1.4 ASPH Lens Black Anodised. Camera settings: Exposure 1/1000 sec. f/2. ISO 100 (flash fired)

Key features

As with every Leica camera launch, the SL3 integrates a host of state-of-the-art technologies.

The most notable features include:

• The latest Maestro IV Processor
• 60MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology
• In-body image stabilisation with sensor-shift technology
• Hybrid AF-System (PDAF + Contrast Detection + Object Detection)
• 5.76 Million dots OLED-Viewfinder
• 8K Video HEVC (.h265) and ProRes recording
• Up to 15 stops dynamic range and 14-bit colour depth
• Metal housing with IP54 certification
• CFexpress Type B and an SD UHS II memory card slot
• Timecode Interface
• Wi-Fi 2x2 MIMO and Bluetooth

Sample 02 with Leica Summilux SL 50mm F/1.4 ASPH Lens Black Anodised. Camera settings: Exposure 1/160 sec. f/2.8. ISO 6400

What are the main SL3 upgrades?

The Leica SL3 arrives packed with upgrades for both photography and video creation, which revolve around the new processor and CMOS sensor. The table below highlights key differences compared to the SL2.

Sample 03 with Leica Summilux SL 50mm F/1.4 ASPH Lens Black Anodised. Camera settings: Exposure 1/1000 sec. f/2. ISO 250

SL3 Image quality

Newly added Triple Resolution technology is tried and tested in the Leica M11, M11 Monochrom and M11-P rangefinders. Images can be captured in 60, 36 and 18 megapixel resolutions as both DNG and JPG formats, using the full sensor area, which draws out the best quality from the BSI CMOS sensor.

The processor and sensor combination extend dynamic range while also improving low light performance through a higher maximum ISO and better noise control. The SL3 offers up to 15 stops of dynamic range, compared to 14 stops from the previous model, with a maximum ISO 100,000. This low light prowess surpasses all but the Leica Q3 and M10 Monochrom, which features a specially developed B&W sensor.

When taking into account the 5-axis sensor shift in-body stabilisation system, which delivers around 5.5-stops of compensation, the results are spectacular. You can shoot handheld in virtually any light, capture beautiful crisp images with excellent tonality and graduations, especially when paired with high-quality L mount lenses, which are abundant.

Sample 04 with Leica Summilux SL 50mm F/1.4 ASPH Lens Black Anodised. Camera settings: Exposure 1/400 sec. f/2. ISO 640

New autofocus system (AF)

With the addition of sensor based phase detection (PDAF) Leica has introduced a new layer of hybrid technology to the SL series. It is widely accepted that phase detection AF delivers superior results over contrast detection in many situations, and the SL3 draws on three AF technologies to ensure pin sharp results.

The hybrid focusing system now combines phase detection (PDAF), depth map (Object Detection AF), and contrast detection (Contrast Detection AF) technologies, utilising the most suitable method depending on the current scene.

Face/Eye/Body detection and subject tracking are also available, which culminates in superior focus when combined with new hybrid AF. Whether your subject is stationary or being tracked while moving around the frame you can expect significant improvements to results compared to the SL2.

How user-friendly is the Leica SL3?

Newcomers to Leica cameras often comment on how easy they are to shoot with and the SL3 is no exception. Its refined body features a slightly smaller and lighter build, coupled with a comfortable deep grip for exceptional balance and handling.

The SL3 also includes three screens, with a high-resolution 5.76 million dot OLED viewfinder (EVF), a top LCD panel, and the addition of a tiltable 3.2-inch touchscreen panel on the rear. The latter features intuitive gesture control in order to swipe, pinch, tap and use other familiar gestures. The EVF is a highlight, providing a near optical viewing experience thanks to the high res, fast refresh and 0.78x magnification. A diopter correction dial is also available for eye glasses wearers and to fine-tune EVF focus to suit your eyes.

Fn buttons are available for customisation by simply pressing and holding on them, as is the control centre on the LCD, which provides quick access to most frequently used settings.

Exceptional build quality adds to the overall experience, with a solid, premium feel, which is supported by a certified IP54 rating, which protects the body against rain, snow and dust.

Is it easy to navigate the menus?

The SL3 offers a refined user experience, with improvements to handling, customisation and menu navigation. Menu icons have been updated, the navigation enhanced and menu items are clearly defined with independent colours when in stills or video modes (red for stills and yellow for video).

The menu features a floating design, which adjusts when shooting in horizontal or vertical orientation, adding to the overall streamlined useability of the camera.

Build quality and durability

As is common with Leica cameras which are designed and made in Germany, the SL3 is built to last. It fuses a solid all-metal fully sealed housing with an elegant leather finish, which not only oozes class, but handles exceptionally well.

In addition to the robust body, the SL3 features a new CFexpress Type B card slot, alongside support for an SD card slot. CFexpress memory cards offer considerably faster read/write speeds compared to UHS-II SD cards, enabling seamless capture of the high-resolution stills images and 8K video, which the camera is capable of.

Additionally, Leica has added support for the higher capacity BC-SCL6 battery, which enhances performance vs the previous generation, which already offered over 500 shots per charge.

Sample 05 with Leica Summilux SL 50mm F/1.4 ASPH Lens Black Anodised. Camera settings: Exposure 1/250 sec. f/2. ISO 6400

Accessories

A number of new and existing accessories are compatible with the SL3 camera, including the newly designed Leica Multifunctional Handgrip HG-SCL7. This is perhaps the most desirable accessory for studio and portrait photographers, who often shoot in vertical orientation and benefit from extended shooting times.

Two wrist straps are available from May 2024, with a specific Wrist Strap for HG-SCL7 Handgrip Elk Leather for when the grip is attached, and a Leica Carrying Strap for SL and S System Elk Leather for the standalone camera.

Anyone with two or more batteries, (which hopefully includes everyone!) would benefit from the Leica USB-C Dual Charger BC-SCL6, which charges two BC-SCL6 batteries. Alternatively you can opt for the Leica USB-C Power Set, which includes an additional battery, USB-C AC-Adapter ACA-SCL6, travel plug adapters and the dual charger.

Sample 06 with Leica Summilux SL 50mm F/1.4 ASPH Lens Black Anodised. Camera settings: Exposure 1/1600 sec. f/1.4. ISO 100 (flash fired)

Is there a good range of L mount lenses available?

Yes, since its inception in 2018, the L mount alliance has introduced numerous L mount lenses for the system. Aside from own-brand Leica lenses, you can also utilise options from Sigma and Panasonic, as well as third party makers Laowa and TTArtisan, catering to every genre and skill level.

Leica FOTOS app

Leica FOTOS is well into its fourth generation for iOS and Android devices. The nifty app provides a range of features including remote camera control, image download (DNG and JPEG), camera firmware updates, and the ability to find and filter shots.

The app seamlessly integrates with Adobe Lightroom, Darkroom and Capture One on iOS and iPadOS, for professional editing of your pictures while on the go, and without a computer.

Sample 07 with Leica Summilux SL 50mm F/1.4 ASPH Lens Black Anodised. Camera settings: Exposure 1/400 sec. f/2. ISO 640

Summary

The SL3 delivers impressive build, handling and image quality, catering to every type of content creation in any location. Leica considered every aspect of the third generation hybrid camera, adding a tiltable LCD screen, superior battery performance and improving AF, all within a body, which is around 70g lighter than its predecessor.

A state-of-the-art processor paired with a 60 megapixel sensor provides exceptional image quality, with spectacular resolution plus Leica’s unique Triple Resolution Technology, which saves time and file sizes without sacrificing image quality.

For videography the SL3 offers 8K Video HEVC and ProRes recording, with wide dynamic range and versatile connectivity in support of monitor recorders. There’s a full-sized HDMI port and audio jack for an external video microphone, ensuring both stills and video creators benefit from this flagship hybrid camera.

Reserve your Leica SL3 Mirrorless Camera today, and if you’re upgrading why not get a free trade-in quote and sell us your old gear, using the money to offset against the SL3.

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By Nick Dautlich on 07/03/2024