Leica Camera continues its longstanding commitment to partnering with the creative community to ensure that its 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 fullframe system:
The Leica SL3.New SensorAt 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 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.
VersatilityThe 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 stabilization further broadens the scope of application for M-Lenses.
ScreensThe 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. 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.
VideoVideos 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 synchronization 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 color rendering as well as excellent noise performance. Additionally, the Leica SL3 is able to continuously record video, as long as adequate power and file space is available.
UI DesignAnother highlight is the new user interface of the Leica SL3. 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 color code for differentiation: red for photo mode and yellow for video mode. When photographing and filming, the SL3’s user interface aligns itself in landscape or portrait format, depending on the camera position.
Durability & ErgonomicsThanks to the convenient handling, improved ergonomics, robust design, and IP54 certification, photographers can focus on capturing the shot in any weather and environment. The camera’s operating conditions are from -10 to 40 degrees Celsius (14 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit). At the same time, the new SL3 is noticeably lighter and more compact than its predecessors and is even more comfortable to use.
InterfacesThe camera’s new interface and improved connectivity ensure a seamless professional workflow. CFexpress type B and UHS-II SD slots are available, 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.
Image Quality
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State Of The Art Sensor: Highest dynamic range sensor available for the SL system with 15 stops of dynamic range.
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Revolutionary optical designs within the native SL lenses portfolio: Allowing no detail to be go unnoticed in combination with new 60MP resolution BSI sensor.
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New Maestro IV Processor: Doubling the SL2’s buffer memory to 8GB, with noticeable speed improvements for all operations, including start up time.
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New Hybrid Autofocus System: Providing an opportunity to continuously track, eyes, faces, bodies, animals and subjects of the user’s choosing, even in the toughest of lighting conditions.
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High Resolution Video Options: For the first time in the history of the SL system, all video resolutions (including the new 8K resolution option), frame rates and quality settings can be recorded internally or externally, and without limit, as long as power and file space is available.
Build
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Handmade in Germany with an all-metal body design: Providing longevity and reliability for creatives, for years to come.
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The only full-frame camera on the market with an IP54 rating and a tilt screen: Aiding users with new creative perspectives, even in harsh weather conditions, with a guaranteed camera operation from 14 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Smallest and Lightest SL camera to date: Leica has listened to its customers in the creation of a more ergonomically friendly design.
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New and updated interfaces for high end workflows: With the introduction of the new CF Express type B card slot, users can now save their still and moving images at an average of 5x faster speeds compared to saving data to a UHS-II card.
User Experience
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Complete New Redesign of the Camera’s User Interface: All icons have been re-created from scratch, allowing for a more accessible, touch-friendly and modern design. Additionally, Leica has developed a custom font for the camera, providing further clarity and legibility in the menus.
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Support for Live View Portrait and Landscape Shooting: The camera automatically senses the position of the camera and adjusts the UI accordingly.
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Clear structure with the ability to modify the layout of the interface: In addition to the 8 customizable physical dials and buttons on the camera, the 8 on-screen tiles present when pushing the menu button can now also be customized. Additionally, a third row of touch-friendly icons can now be activated, located on the right-hand side of the live view screen.
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Distinct separation between photo and video menu settings: Photo centric menu settings are now highlighted in red, while video centric settings are now highlighted in yellow, aligning with the design language of the Leitz Cine lenses.
