Leica SL3-S

Leica Camera AG introduced the SL System in 2015, uniquely combining photography and videography from the start. With the full-frame system based on the L-Mount standard, Leica has firmly established itself in the world of professional audiovisual production.

The latest version in the range of SL-System cameras is the Leica SL3, which was introduced in March 2024. Like all Leica products, this camera meets the highest standards of image and production quality, and sets new standards for ease of use with its unique user interface. These values are now embodied in a new SL-System camera: the Leica SL3-S.

The Leica SL3-S is a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24-megapixel sensor, fast autofocus and enhanced video features. It combines current technology with a refined design and includes new functions intended to support professional audiovisual workflows.

New technology

The Leica SL3-S features a 24 MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, plus 48 MP and 96 MP Multi-Shot modes. Its autofocus system combines phase-detection AF (PDAF), depth-map AF and contrast-detection AF, enabling continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per second with autofocus. The IP54-certified metal body offers protection against dust and splashes. The camera supports an ISO range of 50 to 200,000 and a wide dynamic range.

The SL3-S introduces content credentials technology through the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), which allows images to be tagged with metadata such as camera model, author information and editing data. This data can be verified with tools such as verify.contentauthenticity.org.

In terms of video, the SL3-S supports recording up to 6K resolution, including 3:2 open-gate mode. Furthermore, the camera offers options such as HDMI RAW in 5.9K/30 fps and internal ProRes 4:2:2 HQ recording up to 5.8K/30 fps or C4K/60 fps via the CFexpress type B interface. Recording to external SSDs via USB-C and synchronization via a timecode interface are also available.

The Maestro IV processor with L2 technology processes large amounts of data and supports a wide dynamic range, natural color reproduction and a low noise level. This makes the SL3-S suitable for various applications in photography and videography.

Interface and connectivity

The Leica SL3-S offers extensive connectivity and workflows, with CFexpress type B and UHS-II SD card slots, a USB-C port for fast transfer, tethering, external SSD recording and power, plus an HDMI 2.1 output. Bluetooth and MIMO Wi-Fi provide stable connections to the Leica FOTOS app for transferring full-resolution DNG files. At publication, Camera-to-Cloud support through Adobe Frame.io was planned for 2025.

Thanks to the L-Mount the SL3-S offers extensive compatibility with Leica and partner lenses, including Cine lenses via adapters. The camera utilizes the full potential of Leica M lenses, supported by integrated image stabilization up to 5 stops. The EyeRes EVF offers crystal clear images at 120 fps and 5.76 MP resolution, while the tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen adds versatility when taking photos and videos from various angles.

Leica SL user interface and menu navigation

As with the SL3, the optimizations include the SL3-S ergonomic and haptic features, as well as the user interface and menu navigation. The handgrip, button layout and overall camera design have been improved for more intuitive use.

The clearly structured icon and menu design makes navigation even easier, with sections for photo and video functions. Cine mode is specifically tailored to the needs of professional video production.

When shooting photographs or video, the SL3-S interface adapts to the camera’s landscape or portrait orientation. The SL3-S is lighter and more compact than its predecessors, with an optimized design intended to improve handling. The accessory range already available for the Leica SL3 is also compatible with the SL3-S.