Leica Camera AG will release the Leica SL3-S on January 25, 2025. The biggest feature of the development of the Leica SL3-S is that it responds to the high demands of professional photography and video production. The most important issue was to create a camera that could provide the highest level of image quality for both photos and videos, and that also had optimal operating speed and reliability.
Leica SL3-S Highlights
At the heart of the Leica SL3-S is a 35mm full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor with a total of 24 megapixels, a multi-shot mode that allows shooting at 48-megapixel and 96-megapixel equivalents, and a new autofocus system.
The autofocus system is housed in a robust full-metal body with dust- and water-resistant performance equivalent to IP54, and is equipped with an autofocus system that combines the benefits of three detection methods: the latest generation phase-difference detection AF (PDAF), depth map (object recognition AF), and contrast detection AF.
While taking full advantage of this autofocus function, continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per second is possible. This continuous shooting function makes the Leica SL3-S the fastest system camera in Leica’s history. With a dynamic range of up to 15 stops and an extremely wide ISO sensitivity setting range from ISO 50 to ISO 200,000, it is said to be possible to achieve high-quality photos and videos in a variety of situations.
Content Authentification Certification
The Leica SL3-S is the first Leica SL System to feature a content credential function based on the framework promoted by the Content Authentication Initiative (CAI). This function adds metadata to captured images, such as the camera model used, the photographer, and the image’s history, preventing image tampering. This information added to images can be verified using a free tool. By embedding verifiable information in images, this system can guarantee the authenticity of images and ensure the transparency of image editing.
Shooting Video with the Leica SL3-S
As for the video recording function, it can shoot videos at a maximum of 6K/3:2 open gate. Open gate has the flexibility to use the shot video for a wide range of purposes. For example, it is possible to edit a video shot with open gate into a vertical 4K/9:16 video by deciding the composition later without degrading the image quality.
It is also possible to output 5.9K 30fps RAW video via HDMI and record it to an external display recorder. In addition, it supports high-speed CFexpress Type B memory cards, allowing unlimited recording of 5.8K 30fps Apple ProRes 422 HQ video and C4K 60fps video within the camera. Video can also be recorded directly to an external SSD via USB connection. In this way, the Leica SL3-S is designed to have high flexibility to handle a variety of scenes and applications.
Timecode Synchronization and Memory
The dedicated timecode interface allows professional-level work in video and audio synchronization. The image processing engine is the “LEICA MAESTRO IV.” This image processing engine can smoothly process huge amounts of data, so it is said to be able to achieve excellent images in terms of color reproduction, dynamic range, and noise reduction even when shooting in the L-Log color gamut. Due to its performance, the “LEICA MAESTRO” is said to be highly regarded around the world.
The versatile interface and connectivity to a wide range of devices also support a seamless professional workflow. The interface includes a slot for CFexpress Type B memory cards, a slot for SD memory cards (UHS-II), a USB Type-C terminal (for high-speed data transfer, tethered shooting, SSD connection, and charging), and a full-size HDMI 2.1 terminal (for connecting to an external LCD display or external recording media).
In addition, Bluetooth connection and Wi-Fi connection using MIMO technology enable high-speed and stable connection to Leica’s dedicated app, “Leica FOTOS”, allowing even the largest DNG data to be transferred quickly.
The Leica SL3-S is certified by Apple as “Made for iPhone” and “Made for iPad,” and can be directly connected to an iPhone or iPad using the included USB Type-C cable. In 2025, it will also be compatible with Adobe’s Frame.io Camera to Cloud function. The Camera to Cloud function allows you to upload still images and videos directly from the camera to the Frame.io cloud for further processing.
L-Mount
The lens mount is Leica L-mount. In addition to Leica SL lenses and lenses for other Leica systems, you can also use the wide variety of L-mount lenses from L-mount alliance companies, from ultra-wide-angle to super telephoto. In addition, by attaching a mount adapter, you can use various cine lenses. When shooting with cine lenses, you can make settings in the menu.
The Leica SL3-S’s L-mount ensures high compatibility with lenses for a wide range of camera systems. The camera also boasts a specially designed image sensor that is also suited to shooting with the well-established M lenses, allowing users to take full advantage of their outstanding performance.
The M-lenses’ excellent image quality and compact size are a great advantage when combined with the Leica SL3-S for both photography and videography. In addition, the range of uses can be further expanded by utilizing the built-in image stabilization function, which provides up to 5 stops of image stabilization.
Viewfinder
The camera uses an EyeRes finder. The optical system is made of glass lenses and is precisely crafted, and the subject is always displayed clearly and smoothly thanks to the high resolution of 5.76 million dots and the high frame rate of 120 fps. In addition, the exposure preview function allows you to check in advance what exposure and composition you will be able to shoot with.
The rear of the device is equipped with a tilting, high-definition 3.2-inch touch panel LCD monitor that uses an advanced moving mechanism, allowing for even greater freedom in viewing angles.
Operability
Another feature of the camera is its operability and design, inherited from the Leica SL3. As with the Leica SL3, the company aimed to further refine the ergonomic design, feel when using it, user interface, and menu operability. As a result, the overall design has been improved, including the shape of the grip and the layout of the buttons, making it easier to operate intuitively.
The menu structure and icons have been made easier to understand, with separate menus for photo and video shooting, and operability has been further improved. It also comes equipped with a “Cine mode” to meet the needs of professional video production.
Frequently used functions can be assigned to the FN button. Menu operations can also be performed by touch, making the camera intuitive and comfortable to use. In addition, the user interface displayed on the LCD monitor automatically switches between portrait and landscape orientation depending on the camera’s orientation, allowing users to continue shooting both photos and videos smoothly.
In addition, its light weight, compact size, and shape that fits comfortably in the hand are also appealing. As for accessories, all those compatible with the Leica SL3 can also be used with the Leica SL3-S.
