Leica SL3-S specifications and in-depth review

Leica SL3-S

Manufacturer: Leica

The Leica SL3-S is a mirrorless camera known for its advanced design and versatility, featuring a 25.3 MP full-frame sensor and a robust, weather-sealed build. Its 3.2-inch flip-out touchscreen and 100% viewfinder coverage make it a reliable choice for various shooting conditions.

Key technical features of the Leica SL3-S include its 779 autofocus points, phase-detection autofocus for both photos and videos, and the ability to shoot 3968 x 30 fps video. With a battery life of 315 shots and support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it offers convenience and flexibility for both stills and video production.

Pros
  • Weather-sealed design makes it suitable for use in challenging environmental conditions.
  • Fully articulating 3.2-inch touchscreen with 2333k dots resolution offers flexibility and ease of use for various shooting angles.
  • Dual card slots provide expanded storage options and workflow flexibility.
  • Supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5, enabling seamless wireless connectivity and remote control features.
  • Features phase-detection autofocus and continuous autofocus for smooth and accurate video recording.
Cons
  • No built-in flash, limiting flash photography options without external equipment.
  • Lacks GPS functionality for geotagging photos or tracking location data.
  • No NFC support, which could limit quick device pairing with compatible accessories.
Who is this for?

The Leica SL3-S is ideal for professional photographers and videographers who need a durable and flexible camera. Its weather-sealed body makes it perfect for outdoor shoots in varied conditions, while the dual card slots provide reliability for storing large amounts of data. The camera's phase-detection autofocus and 4K video recording are also valuable for those who require precision and high-quality results in fast-moving environments or dynamic scenes.

Who is this NOT for?

This camera may not be the best choice for casual photographers or those seeking a lightweight, compact option for everyday use. Its 768g weight and large body size may feel cumbersome for travel or street photography. Additionally, the lack of built-in GPS and NFC support may be limiting for users who rely on these features for geotagging or easy pairing with other devices.

Design:

Type Mirrorless
viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (EVF)
is weather-sealed (splashproof)
screen resolution 2333k dots
Has a flip-out screen
viewfinder coverage 100%
screen size 3.2"
weight 768 g
has a touch screen
Has a hot shoe
volume 1261.14192 cm³
is a system camera
has a flash
lowest potential operating temperature -10 °C
maximum operating temperature 40 °C
Has a tilting viewfinder
width 141.2 mm
height 108 mm
thickness 82.7 mm

The Leica SL3-S is a mirrorless system camera with a weather-sealed body, ensuring durability in tough conditions. It features a 3.2-inch touchscreen with a 2333k dot resolution and a fully articulating flip-out screen, providing flexibility for various shooting angles. The camera's electronic viewfinder offers 100% coverage, and it includes a hot shoe for external flash support. Weighing 768 g and with dimensions of 141.2 mm x 108 mm x 82.7 mm, it strikes a balance between portability and functionality. The camera is operable in temperatures ranging from -10°C to 40°C, making it suitable for diverse environments.

Optics:

sensor size Full frame
lens mount Leica L
focus points 779
megapixels (main camera) 25.3 MP
maximum ISO 200000 ISO
has sensor shift stabilization
continuous shooting (mechanical) 7 fps
has AF tracking
Has phase-detection autofocus for photos
fastest shutter speed 0.000125 s
has manual focus
has touch autofocus
has manual shutter speed
has a BSI sensor
has manual exposure
has a two-stage shutter
has a serial shot mode
has a CMOS sensor
has manual ISO
flash sync speed 0.005 s
has manual white balance
exposure time 30 s
Maximum electronic shutter speed 6.25E-5 s
has a stacked CMOS sensor
image stabilization rating (CIPA) 5 stops
can combine image stabilization

The Leica SL3-S is equipped with a 25.3 MP full-frame sensor and a Leica L lens mount, offering versatility for various lens options. It features 779 focus points and phase-detection autofocus for precise and fast focusing. The camera also supports sensor shift stabilization and can shoot at a continuous rate of 7 fps with mechanical shutter. With a wide ISO range up to 200,000 and a BSI sensor, it excels in low-light conditions. Additionally, it offers manual controls for focus, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance, while its stacked CMOS sensor enhances performance.

Videography:

video recording (main camera) 3968 x 30 fps
Has phase-detection autofocus for videos
has continuous autofocus when recording movies
has a microphone input
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has a stereo microphone
movie bitrate 800 Mbps
number of microphones 2
has a 24p cinema mode
supports slow-motion video recording

The Leica SL3-S offers impressive videography features, including 3968 x 30 fps video recording and phase-detection autofocus for videos, ensuring smooth and sharp footage. It also supports continuous autofocus during recording, making it ideal for dynamic shooting. The camera includes a microphone input and a 3.5 mm headset jack for enhanced audio control, along with a stereo microphone and 800 Mbps movie bitrate. Additionally, the camera offers a 24p cinema mode and supports slow-motion video recording for creative flexibility.

Battery:

Battery life (CIPA) 315 shots
has a removable battery
has a rechargeable battery
has a battery level indicator
battery power 2200 mAh

The Leica SL3-S is equipped with a 2200 mAh rechargeable battery that supports up to 315 shots according to CIPA standards. It features a removable battery design for easy swapping and includes a battery level indicator to keep track of remaining power. This ensures that users can stay informed about their battery status during extended shoots.

Features:

release date January 2025
supports Wi-Fi
Has Bluetooth
Has dual card slots
has pixel shift shot
shoots raw
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
supports a remote smartphone
has an HDMI output
has GPS
has an advanced hot shoe
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
has NFC
has an external memory slot
Has USB Type-C
Bluetooth version 5

The Leica SL3-S offers several advanced connectivity features, including Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5 support, allowing seamless wireless communication. It is equipped with dual card slots for added storage flexibility and features a USB Type-C port for fast data transfer. The camera also supports remote control via smartphone, an HDMI 2.1 output for high-quality video, and an external memory slot for additional storage options.

Miscellaneous:

USB version 3.2

The Leica SL3-S features USB 3.2 connectivity, offering fast data transfer for efficient file management and workflow integration.

Final Verdict

The Leica SL3-S is a robust mirrorless camera designed for professional photographers and videographers, offering excellent performance in challenging conditions. Its weather-sealed body and dual card slots make it reliable for outdoor shoots, while features like phase-detection autofocus and 4K video recording ensure high-quality results. While its size and weight may not suit casual users, those seeking a durable, feature-rich system for serious work will find it a powerful tool.

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