Leica Launches SL3 Full-Frame Mirrorless

2024.03.07

The third Leica Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera brings significant upgrades over its predecessors. This will now be the flagship Leica mirrorless which incorporates the majority of modern features in competing cameras.

Externally, the new Leica SL3 resembles the SL2. It maintains the same clean design with minimalist labelling yet plenty of direct controls, including dual control-dials. The internals have been completely upgraded to output much higher image-quality, vastly superior video and operate faster in most but not all regards.

The heart of the Leica SL3 is a newly-developed 60 Megapixels Full-Frame BSI-CMOS sensor with builtin phase detect AF for the first time in a Leica camera. There are 315 Phase-Detect AF points which we assume combines with Contrast-Detect AF to perform new people and animal tracking. More importantly, this 60 MP CMOS sensor is mounted on a 5-axis image-stabilization mechanism. It claims 5-stop of efficiency, lagging behind what other manufacturers currently offer by several stops.

The Leica SL3 has an ISO 100-100,000 sensitivity range which expands to include ISO 50. A hybrid shutter can take exposures from 1/16,000s to one full hour. With its lower resolution, the SL2 managed 1/40,000, one of the few steps backwards for this new camera. When in Electronic-Shutter mode, the SL3 can capture continuously at 15 FPS for a maximum of 60 frames, regardless of the format. Any continuous drive speed above 5 FPS locks AF and AE at the first frame.

There is a very nice EVF with an essential Eye-Start Sensor with a comfortable rubber eye-piece. Although it is likely the same unit as on the SL2, it is setup slightly different. The EVF resolution remains the same ultra-sharp 5.8 MP and it still shows 100% coverage. It is magnification that differs. When capturing Full-Frame images, which have a 3:2 aspect-ration, magnification is 0.76X. Only when a 4:3 crop is applied does it achieve the same 0.78X magnification of the SL2.

Its substantial jump in resolution and process power, allow the Leica SL3 to capture 8K and Cinema 8K video, a first for Leica. Cinema 8K is a wider 17:9 aspect-ratio version of 8K with a 8192x4320 resolution. This is possible up to 30 FPS. In Cinema 4K and 4K Ultra-HD, 60 FPS is possible. At Full-HD, the frame-rate can reach 120 FPS. To support much higher throughput, the SL3 introduces asymmetric memory-card slots. One accepts CF Express Type B and the other SDXC UHS-II cards.

This camera includes advanced features that are common to upper-range models. This includes 5-frame AEB, an Interval-Timer, WB Tuning and a choice of metering modes. Modern features are absent though, as it does not offer builtin HDR, Time-Lapse, Super-Resolution, Focus Bracketing, Focus-Stacking or even automated dust reduction, all surprising on a premium camera.

The available for pre-order right now. The list price is $7000 USD and it is expected to become available in the next couple of weeks. It sturdy weatherproof camera with an IP54 rating, is freezeproof down to -10C and a good improvement other its predecessor, making it one of the most advanced L-mount models in the market. Those who are interested can pre-order one from Adorama or B"H Photo.

• Digital Camera