Leica has announced its new SL3-S Mirrorless hybrid camera, which is not an upgrade to the SL3 that was released last year, but just an additional model. It is a successor to the SL2-S that was announced back in late 2020.
At first glance, the Leica SL-3 doesn’t really stand out from the competition and it appears to be recycling a lot of the same technology from previous offerings, despite a few additions. At over $5,000 USD it is only likely to appeal to Leica enthusiasts.
The SL3-S features a new 24MP full-frame sensor, which is different from the 60MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor that is in the SL3. The SL3-S is capable of internally capturing 6K open gate in 10-bit with no time restrictions. It can also record C6K, 4K, C4K, and FHD. When shooting photos it can capture up to 30fps.
As a reference, the SL3 was capable of recording in 8K H.265 Long GOP 4:2:0 8/10-bit, H.264 ALL-Intra 4:2:2 10-bit in C4K, UHD, and FHD, and ProRes 422 HQ in FHD.
Key features
- 24MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor
- Maestro IV Processor with L2 Technology
- Hybrid AF System with 779 Points
- 3.2″ 5.7m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- 5.76m-Dot 0.78x-Mag. EyeRes OLED EVF
- 6K Open Gate Internal Recording
- ISO 50-200,000, up to 30 fps Shooting
- 6K, C6K, 4K, C4K & FHD 10-Bit Recording
- 5-Axis Image Stabilization up to 5 Stops
- CFexpress Type B & SD UHS-II Card Slots
Leica has also introduced a new autofocus system and the camera features 5-Axis Image Stabilization up to 5 Stop.
It features the same 5.76m-Dot 0.78x-Mag. EyeRes OLED EVF that is found in the SL3-S. As a comparison, the Panasonic S5 II features a 3.68m-Dot 0.78x-Magnification OLED LVF. The camera is also encased in a weather-resistant, all-metal body.
The camera is pretty heavy, weighing it at 4.71 lb / 2.13kg (With Battery).
24MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor & Maestro IV Processor
As I previously mentioned, the SL3-S features a 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with fast PDAF. When combined with the Maestro IV processor and 8GB of buffer memory it is claimed to provide exceptional low-light performance and incredible color output at a file size ideal for sharing. This system allows for DNG and JPEG format at 24MP and handheld multishot modes at 48 and 96MP.
Advanced Autofocus System
The SL3-S sensor has 779 autofocus points, which is three times more than the SL-2S and over two times more than the SL3. The combination of Contrast Detection AF and the 779-point phase-detection system is claimed to allow for quicker, more intelligent object detection and tracking for working with moving subjects, especially when shooting continuously up to 30 fps.
Video Capabilities
The headline is the ability to record in unlimited time internally in 6K Open Gate. You can use the full size of the sensor in its native 3:2 ratio. In open gate, the camera can record in:
10-Bit
UHD 6K (5888 x 3312) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps
4128 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
Additionally, this offers:
- Re-Framing Flexibility: Allows cropping and adjusting framing without losing quality.
- Better for Visual Effects: More image data aids in tasks like stabilization, tracking, and applying visual effects.
- Allows usage of anamorphic lenses on an SL3-S without loss of image information.
- Creative Aspect Ratios: Provides the option to experiment with different aspect ratios, like 4:3 or 3:2, giving more creative control.
The camera can also record in UHD in H.264/H,265, H.264 ALL-Intra 4:2:2 10-bit, and ProRes 4:2:2 at 5792 x 3056 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [1551 to 1939 Mb/s], 4096 x 2160 at 25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [811 to 1944 Mb/s], 1920 x 1080PsF at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [181 to 454 Mb/s].
The CFexpress type B interface allows for unlimited recording times in ProRes 4:2:2 HQ in 5.8K at 30 fps or C4K at 60 fps.
5.9K RAW external recording provides the best post-production flexibility, offering malleable files with good dynamic range and color grading support.
Additionally, you can now use larger storage options thanks to SSD recording via USB-C.
- Direct SSD recording via USB-C allows users to use larger storage options
- Records HDMI-Raw in 5.9K at 30 fps to external display recorders
- Upgraded Cine Mode specifically for professional video production
- Fast transmission rates for CFexpress type B are supported for video production in up to 6K quality with efficiency codecs and lauded L-Log color space
Professional Body Design
Image Stabilization and EyeRes Viewfinder
Complementing this camera’s powerful sensor is a 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization IBIS system that provides up to 5 stops of shake reduction, allowing you to capture sharper handheld images. The SL3-S EyeRes viewfinder is equipped with an optical system of glass lenses display that clearly displays the subjects with up to 120 images per second and a resolution of 5.76m-dot.
Additional Body Features
- UX design adapts based on orientation of camera body
- Tiltable screen with enhanced touch and gesture control
- SD UHS II + CFexpress Type B
- HDMI 2.1 Type A
- Timecode Interface
- USB-C
- Direct to SSD Capturing
Leica Content CredentialsThe SL3-S is the first camera in the SL system with Leica Content Credentials and dedicated CAI-compliant hardware. You can have each image signed with tamperproof metadata and receive access to verification tools that provide content, production, and editing process history.
Price & availability
The Leica SL3-S retails for $5,295 USD and it is now available to purchase.
