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Leica Introduces Greatly Enhanced SL3 Mirrorless

March 8, 2024 by Louie Alma Photography No Comments

Leica Introduces Greatly Enhanced SL3 Mirrorless

Leica just announced the Leica SL3, the third model in their storied SL series of mirrorless cameras. Shutterbug was given access to a not-quite-final sample for several days. Here’s our report and a small gallery of images we captured.

Featuring a new hybrid autofocus system, new GUI, CFexpress Type B compatibility, IP54 certification and an 18% beefier battery, the new Leica SL3 wildly eclipses its predecessor and somehow manages to weigh in more than 10% lighter — 26.8 ounces vs 29.6 (762 g vs 838).

It also boasts significantly enhanced video capability (C8K), expanded ISO range from ISO 50 to 100,000 (native is ISO 100), optimized ergonomics and Leica’s now-familiar CMOS sensor with Triple-Resolution Technology (60/36/18 megapixel). Wow. That’s s lot to unpack. And the price? Same as the Leica SL2.

Key Features
Full-frame BSI CMOS sensor
User-selectable resolution 60, 36 or 18 megapixels
ISO 50-100,000 (base ISO is 100)
Hybrid AF system (PDAF + Contrast Detection + Object Detection)
Maestro IV signal processor with 8GB buffer memory
15-stop dynamic range (per Leica)
5-axis body-integral image stabilization (5-stop efficacy)
DNG, JPEG and DNG+JPEG

New and much more intuitive graphical user interface
Up to 8K video HEVC (.h265) and ProRes
CFexpress Type B and SD UHS II slots
Full-size HDMI 2.1 Type A interface
USB-C interface
Timecode interface

Tiltable high resolution backlit LCD
5.76 million dot OLED EVF
IP 54 Certification
New 2200mAh battery (BC-SCL6)
High speed connectivity (Bluetooth 5.1 + Wi-Fi 2×2 MMO)
Compatible with Leica Fotos 4.4
Leica L-mount
Optional DC Coupler and double charger
Optional new handgrip
Lighter weight vs SL2 (26.8 ounces, 762 grams)
Made in Germany

Price & Availability
The Leica SL3 is available now from Leica Stores and authorized Leica Dealers for $6995.

For a deep dive into the significance of the IP54 certification, check our detailed explanation here: Is Your Weather Resistant, Splashproof, Waterproof Camera Impervious to Water & Dust?

Click to read Shutterbug’s review of the Leica SL2 from 2019 and the original Leica SL from 2015.

Image Quality
At the end of the day, the image is what matters most. Since the sample we borrowed did not have final firmware, we did not conduct a review-level field test. That said, we did capture a couple hundred images. A few examples are found below. All were captured using a Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH zoom lens ($2,895).

Look for our full review in the near future.

GALLERY

Leica SL3 with Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH zoom lens; 1/50 sec at f/2.8 and ISO 250. The image below matches the area outlined here in yellow enlarged to 100% reproduction. ©Jon Sienkiewicz

 

 

Allendale, NJ train station underpass. Leica SL3 with Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH zoom lens; 1/50 sec at f/2.8 and ISO 400. ©Jon Sienkiewicz

 

Leica SL3 with Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH zoom lens; 1/200 sec at f/3.2 and ISO 100. ©Jon Sienkiewicz

 

Image shown full frame and at 100% crop. Leica SL3 with Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH zoom lens; 1/50 sec at f/2.8 and ISO 1000. ©Jon Sienkiewicz

 

Ramsey, NJ Farmers’ Market. Image shown full frame and at 100% crop. Leica SL3 with Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH zoom lens; 1/400 sec at f/8 at ISO 100. ©Jon Sienkiewicz

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