The fast and flexible full-frame system camera for photography and video production. The most effective tool for your creativity.
The intuitive operation and customizable functions of the Leica SL3-S make it a tool for performance. It comes with a 24MP full-frame sensor, a fast, accurate PDAF autofocus system to allow continuous shooting at 30 fps with full autofocus support, together with a latest-generation processor. Whether you’re interested in photography or video production, the camera provides optimum flexibility for achieving your creative vision with its 3:2 open-gate recording functionality, a unique user experience, L-mount bayonet and numerous interfaces. It delivers excellent images and videos in any shooting scenario. Powerful connectivity options allow it to be seamlessly integrated into professional workflows.
Unbounded creativity
The Leica SL3-S allows productions to meet professional standards at never before seen speeds, all while staying true to the Leica aesthetics and functional design. With fast and precise autofocus, a Maestro IV processor and intuitive handling, it is tailored to meet the demands of today. The familiar high image quality from Leica is combined with 6K open-gate recording and enhanced video functions. The Leica SL3-S is a bold expression of creativity.
Engineered for Speed
Every moment counts. Whether autofocus, handling or connectivity – the Leica SL3-S is built to be fast.
Faster and more precise autofocus
The SL3-S supports continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per second with full autofocus, making it the fastest Leica ever built. Thanks to the combination of phase detection, object and contrast detection, and advanced algorithms, your subject will be reliably recognised every time.
Flexible handling
Seamlessly switch between photo and video modes with ease – thanks to a well-structured menu that clearly distinguishes between the two, ensuring you always keep your bearings. The customisable interface and multitude of connections enable maximum flexibility. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi provide a stable and fast connection to the Leica FOTOS App – the perfect assistant to your creative process.
Sensor with image stabilization
A BSI CMOS full-frame sensor forms the core of the camera with its 24-megapixel native resolution and top low-light performance. The Maestro IV processor effortlessly handles enormous amounts of data and ensures efficient image stabilization. It reliably processes image data with excellent noise behaviour, superb color rendering and high dynamic range – with 24 megapixels in all photo modes as well as 48 or 96 megapixels in handheld multishot mode. What’s more, fast transmission rates for CFexpress type B are supported for video production in up to 6K quality with efficiency codecs and in the L-Log color space lauded by professionals worldwide.
The hybrid camera from Leica
The SL3-S is particularly strong when it comes to video production: 6K recording in RAW format via HDMI is no problem. Videos and photography have an equally convincing look and level of detail – perfect for elevated and uncompromising productions. Because framing is every bit as important as the look, open-gate recording in 3:2 allows the entire sensor range to be used instead of the classic 16:9. This increases flexibility during editing. Format adaptations remain clear and top quality as a result.
The feel of a Leica
If you have ever held a Leica in your hands, you can appreciate balanced ergonomics and know what premium quality feels like. When you take your eyes off the display and look through the viewfinder, your subject is crystal clear for you to compose perfectly thanks to the sophisticated optical system and 5.76 million pixels.
A look at the menu
The menu switches between portrait and landscape view depending on the camera’s orientation. Video and photo modes are visually separate, allowing you to keep your bearings whatever the situation. The GUI is also customizable, permitting you to adapt every detail of the camera to your workflow.
Digital workflow
The powerful connectivity of the SL3-S will take your workflow to the next level. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with MIMO technology provide a stable and fast connection to the Leica FOTOS App. This allows you to transfer DNG images and videos in seconds, control your camera via your mobile device, install firmware updates, and apply Leica Looks presets to your JPG images directly. A very special update is planned for 2025: the integration of Camera to Cloud technology via frame.io in the SL3-S. This allows you to share data directly from the set with third parties for consultation or further editing.
Connections
The SL3-S can be integrated in any setup. It includes numerous interfaces, such as CFexpress type B, SD UHS-II, HDMI type A, timecode with synchronization of image and sound as well as USB-C. This allows the camera to be connected with recording devices, microphones, hard drives and – as a certified Apple accessory – with the iPhone® or iPad®. The SL3-S provides even more flexibility via Tethered Shooting with Capture One. Limitless possibilities for a professional workflow.
Made for professionals
Leica Content Credentials
As a partner of the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), we are proud to be able to protect the valuable work of artists. This is true for the SL3-S as well. It is the first SL-System camera equipped with content credentials technology. If required, images are signed in a tamper-proof manner with metadata about the camera model as well as creation and editing information. This image content as well as image editing can be checked at any time with freely available verification tools like verify.contentauthenticity.org. A token of our appreciation for your creative work.
Features:
Full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with 24 megapixels and a quick PDAF hybrid autofocus system (30 fps, 12 bit, AFc)
Open-gate video recording (6K, 30 fps / 4K, 60 fps) and HDMI-RAW Video (5.9K, 30 fps / 4K, 60 fps)
48MP and 96MP multi-shot mode
The intuitive operation and customizable functions deliver the unique Leica user experience
In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) and L-mount bayonet
5.76 million dot OLED viewfinder and tiltable 3.2-inch display with 2.3 million dots
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (MIMO)
SD UHS-II, CFexpress type B and USB-C, SSD recording, HDMI 2.1 type A and 3.5 mm jack, timecode interface
Made in Germany, IP54 Weather Sealing Certification
Photo Features:
New 24 Megapixel BSI CMOS Sensor combined with the Maestro IV processor and 8GB of buffer memory: Providing exceptional low light performance and incredible color output, while offering a file size that is ideal for sharing.
Advanced Autofocus System: This new sensor boast 779 autofocus points which is over 3x more than on the SL2-S and over 2.4x more than on the SL3 camera.
30 fps capture in AFc mode: Ideal for capturing fast moving subjects, such as for sports and wildlife photography.
Leica Content Credentials Support: The first autofocus camera from Leica with Content Credentials support and the only autofocus camera on the market with dedicated hardware that is CAI-compliant.
Handheld Multishot mode up to 96 Megapixels: Allowing for high resolution RAW file output, for the first time without the requirement of a tripod.
Video Features:
Unlimited 6K Open Gate Internal Recording: Using the full size of the sensor in the native 3:2 aspect ratio instead of being limited to recording in the cropped 16:9 aspect ratio, new creative opportunities are now possible for post-production, while showcasing the full characteristics of the chosen full frame lens when capturing video.
Unlimited 5.8K Internal ProRes 422 HQ recording: With widespread adoption across the video post-production industry, ProRes 422 HQ offers visually lossless recording, with a high data rate of up to 1,9 Gbps.
5.9K 12bit RAW External Video Recording: For videographers who need the most flexibility in post-production, RAW video offers incredibly malleable files with the best dynamic range and color grading support for full scale productions.
Direct to SSD recording via USB-C: Introducing a 4th recording option for video (alongside SD, CF Express & HDMI), creatives may use even larger storage options, perfect for bigger projects.
Camera to Cloud with Frame.io planned in 2025: The Leica SL3-S will be able to share footage directly to the cloud, for enhanced collaboration among teams.
Approx. 768 g (without battery, SD card, camera bayonet cover)
Sensor-size
CMOS sensor, 25.3 MP/24.6 MP (total/effective)
Buffer
8 GB
Storage medium
UHS-II (recommended), UHS-I, SD/SDHC/SDXC card + CFexpress card type B (recommended)
Material
All-metal housing: magnesium and aluminum, synthetic leather cover, protected against splash water according to IEC standard 60529 (protection class IP54)
Lens mount
Leica L bayonet with contact strip for communication between lens and camera
Operating conditions
-10 °C to +40 °C
Interfaces
ISO accessory shoe with additional control contacts Timecode interface HDMI socket 2.1 Type A USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Audio output 3.5 mm/audio input 3.5 mm Communication interface in the base cover for multifunctional handle
Tripod thread
A 1/4 DIN 4503 (1/4") stainless steel in the base
Processor
Leica Maestro series (Maestro IV)
Image stabilization
5-axis image stabilization
Filter
RGB color filter, UV/IR filter, no low-pass filter
File formats
Photo: DNG™ (raw data), DNG + JPG, JPG (DCF 2.0, Exif 3.00)Video: MP4 h.265 AAC 48 kHz/16 Bit h.264 AAC 48 kHz/16 Bit MOV: h.265 LPCM 48 kHz/24 Bit h.264 LPCM 48 kHz/24 Bit ProRes LPCM 48 kHz/24 Bit RAW: RAW LPCM 48 kHz/24 Bit
Photo resolution:
35mm: JPG
6000 x 4000 24 MP
35mm: DNG
6000 x 4000 24 MP
APS-C: JPG
3936 x 2624 10,3 MP
APS-C: DNG
3936 x 2624 10,3 MP
File size:
DNG™:
approx. 40 MB, depending on resolution and image content
JPG:
depending on resolution and image content
Video:
max. length depending on ambient temperature and available storage space
Color depth:
DNG™:
14 bit (12 bit also possible depending on the continuous shooting mode)
Rec. 709, L-Log Rec. 2020, HLG Rec. 2020, further information can be found in the "L-Log Reference Manual" for download on the Leica website.
Viewfinder/monitor:
Viewfinder (EVF)
Resolution: 5,760,000 pixels (dots), 60 fps or 120 fps, magnification: approx. 0.76x with aspect ratio 3:2 / approx. 0.78x with aspect ratio 4:3, image coverage: 100 %, exit pupil position: 21 mm, adjustable from -4 dpt to +2 dpt, with eye sensor for automatic switching between viewfinder and monitor, time delay 0.005 s
Monitor
3.2" (backlight LED) with anti-fingerprint and anti-scratch coating, 2,332,800 pixels (dots), 3:2 format, touch display
Mech. Shutter: 30 m to 1/8000 s Electric shutter function: 60 s to 1/16000 s Flash synchronization: up to 1/200 s
Shutter button
Two-stage (1st stage: activation of the camera electronics including autofocus and exposure metering; 2nd stage: shutter release)
Image sequence:
Picture Series
2 fps, 14 bit, AF, Mechanical or Electric Shutter, AFc, even if AFs or Intelligent AF is selected 5 fps, 14 bit, AF, mechanical or electric shutter, AFc, even if AFs or Intelligent AF is selected 7 fps, 14 bit, AF, mechanical or electric shutter, AFc, even if AFs or Intelligent AF is selected 15 fps, 12 bit, AF, electric shutter, AFc, even if AFs or Intelligent AF is selected 30 fps, 12 bit, AF, electric shutter, AFc, even if AFs or Intelligent AF is selected
Focusing:
Work area
Lens-dependent
Focus mode
Automatic or manual With manual setting: optional magnifying glass function (auto magnification) and edge marking (focus peaking) available as focusing aids
Autofocus system
Hybrid AF by combining contrast measurement, depth map and phase comparison measurement with AF measuring points in the sensor.
Autofocus modes
Intelligent AF (automatically refocuses as soon as something changes in the scene), AFs, AFc, AF setting can be saved, optional touch AF
Autofocus metering methods
Multi-field, spot (movable), field (movable and scalable), zone (movable and scalable), tracking, person detection, animal (beta)
Autofocus metering areas
Contrast-AF: 315 / Phase detection-AF: 779
Exposure:
Exposure metering
TTL (exposure metering through the lens)
Exposure metering methods
Spot, center emphasized, bright areas emphasized, multi-field
Exposure modes
Program automatic (P) Aperture priority (A): manual setting of the aperture Shutter priority (S): manual setting of the shutter speed Manual (M): manual setting of shutter speed and aperture
Exposure compensation
±3 EV in 1/3 EV steps or 1/2 EV steps
Auto bracketing
3 or 5 exposures, gradations between exposures up to 3 EV, in 1/3 EV steps, optional additional exposure compensation: up to ±3 EV
ISO sensitivity range
Auto ISO: Photo ISO 100–ISO 200 000 Auto ISO: Video ISO 100–ISO 200 000 Auto ISO: Video L-Log ISO 400–ISO 100 000 Auto ISO: Video HLG ISO 400–ISO 200 000 Manual: Photo ISO 50–ISO 200 000 Manual: Video ISO 50–ISO 200 000 Manual: Video L-Log ISO 400–ISO 100 000 Manual: Video HLG ISO 400–ISO 200 000
White balance
Automatic (Auto), presets (Sunny, Cloudy, Shade, Tungsten, HMI, Fluorescent (warm), Fluorescent (cool), Flash), manual measurement (gray card (pipette), gray card), manual color temperature setting (color temperature, 2000 K to 11500 K)
Flash:
Flash unit connection
About accessory shoe
Flash sync speed
1/200 s, slower shutter speeds can be used, if the sync speed falls below: with HSS-compatible Leica flash units, automatic switchover to TTL linear flash mode
Flash metering
Using center-weighted TTL pre-flash metering with Leica flash units (SF 26, SF 40, SF 58, SF 60, SF 64) or system-compatible flash units, SF C1 remote flash control
Flash exposure compensation
SF 40: ±2 EV in 1/2 EV steps SF 60: ±2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
Equipment:
Microphone
Stereo internal + microphone input 3.5 mm stereo jack
Loudspeaker
Mono internal + headphone output 3.5 mm jack stereo
WLAN
The "Leica FOTOS" app is required to use the WLAN function. Available in the Apple App Store™ or in the Google Play Store™. EU/US/CN, IEEE802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz, channel 1-11 (2412-2462 MHz) EU/US/CN, Client mode, (for indoor use only) IEEE802.11a/n/ac, 5 GHz, channel 36-64 (5180-5320 MHz) EU/US/CN, Access point + client mode, IEEE802.11a/n/ac, channel 149-165 (5745-5825 MHz) JP, Access point + client mode, (for indoor use only) IEEE802.11a/n/ac, 5 GHz, channel 36-48 (5180-5240 MHz) JP, client mode, (for indoor use only) IEEE802.11a/n/ac, channel 52-144 (5260-5720 MHz)
GPS
Can be activated via the Leica FOTOS app, not available everywhere due to country-specific legislation. Data is written to the Exif header of the image files.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.0 LE: Channel 0-39 (2402-2480 MHz)
Menu languages
English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean
Power supply:
Rechargeable battery (Leica BP-SCL6)
Lithium-ion battery, rated voltage 7.2 V (DC); capacity 2200 mAh (min.), 315 shots (according to CIPA standard), 1042 shots (according to CIPA standard with adjusted shooting cycle) Factory: Panasonic Energy (Wuxi) Co. Ltd, manufactured in China
USB-C power supply unit (Leica ACA-SCL6, optionally available)
Input: AC voltage 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.25 A, automatic switching; Output: DC voltage 5 V/9 V, 3 A; Manufacturer: Salom Electric (Xiamen) Co, Ltd, made in China
Input: DC voltage 5 V/3 A, 9 V/3 A, automatic switching; Output: DC voltage 8.4 V, 850 mA/1000 mA; Manufacturer: Salom Electric (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., made in China
Charging via USB
During operation: 9 V/3 A (min. 27 W) When the camera is switched off: 5 V/1500 mA (2.5 W or more)
