The new Leica SL3 mirrorless camera features a 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with the Maestro IV image processor, ensuring fast focusing and great image quality. It boasts 15 stops of dynamic range and 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization for steady shots.
The camera body enhancements include a 3.2" 2.3m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD for flexible viewing, CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II slots for versatile file saving, and a lighter weight of 1.7 pounds.
Notably, the SL3 features a hybrid autofocusing system combining Phase Detection AF, Contrast Detection AF, and Object Detection AF for dependable performance in various shooting conditions. These significant upgrades position the SL3 as a leap forward from its predecessors.
The updated body design offers dual card slots for flexible file saving, a USB-C port for fast transferring and tethering, HDMI and audio jacks for advanced recording, durable weather-resistant construction, high-quality video recording capabilities, compatibility with Leica L-mount lenses, fast mechanical shutter speeds, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, a modern user interface with improved legibility, and menu settings tailored for both photography and video, ensuring clear usability.
snapsy wrote:
I think they could have fit one more Leica logo on the front.
Besides the oversized red logo, I prefer the Leica cameras without the white paint, like what Leica did for the SL2-S body. Perhaps they'll incorporate this style into the SL3-S, similar to what they did with the SL2 series. One aspect I don't like is the protruding LCD screen. I'd rather it sit flush with the body, like many other camera models. The same applies to the Q3.
The weight savings are appreciated, but the body still isn't light at 760 grams. The main improvement will be in AF.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Besides the oversized red logo, I prefer the Leica cameras without the white paint, like what Leica did for the SL2-S body. Perhaps they'll incorporate this style into the SL3-S, similar to what they did with the SL2 series. One aspect I don't like is the protruding LCD screen. I'd rather it sit flush with the body, like many other camera models. The same applies to the Q3.
The weight savings are appreciated, but the body still isn't light at 760 grams. The main improvement will be in AF.
The Leica Logo in white is a bit ridiculous-
Surprised you don't like the LCD though- Is that just aesthetics? In use on the Q3, I have really liked having it be able to flip out and hasn't gotten in the way of daily use.
This looks like a really nice camera though- Would love to try one out.
RustyRus wrote:
The Leica Logo in white is a bit ridiculous-
Surprised you don't like the LCD though- Is that just aesthetics? In use on the Q3, I have really liked having it be able to flip out and hasn't gotten in the way of daily use.
This looks like a really nice camera though- Would love to try one out.
I appreciate the tilt LCD feature, but I'm not a fan of how it doesn't sit flush with the body when it's not in use. It's just a minor aesthetic detail for me.. Both the Q3 and new SL3 have similar look. Hopefully this won't be the case in a future M12 if Leica decides to add a tilt LCD to it.
snapsy wrote:
I think they could have fit one more Leica logo on the front.
haha. The white on the EVF bump is obnoxious. I think they could drop the big red dot logo now that the camera is smaller, make the white text on the bump smaller, and give a nod to the M4 and M6 days with a little red dot on the lens release button. Just sort of make the whole thing a little less... "HEY IM SHOOTING WITH A LEICA!"
Fred Miranda wrote:
Besides the oversized red logo, I prefer the Leica cameras without the white paint, like what Leica did for the SL2-S body. Perhaps they'll incorporate this style into the SL3-S, similar to what they did with the SL2 series. One aspect I don't like is the protruding LCD screen. I'd rather it sit flush with the body, like many other camera models. The same applies to the Q3.
The weight savings are appreciated, but the body still isn't light at 760 grams. The main improvement will be in AF.
They also added a couple of dials. Interesting choice to add one to the viewfinder hump.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Besides the oversized red logo, I prefer the Leica cameras without the white paint, like what Leica did for the SL2-S body. Perhaps they'll incorporate this style into the SL3-S, similar to what they did with the SL2 series. One aspect I don't like is the protruding LCD screen. I'd rather it sit flush with the body, like many other camera models. The same applies to the Q3.
The weight savings are appreciated, but the body still isn't light at 760 grams. The main improvement will be in AF.
One of these days I'm going to build up the courage to do what you did and black-out remove the white paint logo!
Fred Miranda wrote:
Besides the oversized red logo, I prefer the Leica cameras without the white paint, like what Leica did for the SL2-S body. Perhaps they'll incorporate this style into the SL3-S, similar to what they did with the SL2 series. One aspect I don't like is the protruding LCD screen. I'd rather it sit flush with the body, like many other camera models. The same applies to the Q3.
The weight savings are appreciated, but the body still isn't light at 760 grams. The main improvement will be in AF.
No, the SL3 is still not a light weight camera. This weight will not please some on the forum.
Me OTOH, am glad Leica didn't reduce body size too much as I was worried a smaller camera body might result in some balance issue with the SL APO prime lenses. So far looks like SL3 size/weight might be a good compromise for some.
LBJ2 wrote:
No, the SL3 is still not a light weight camera. This weight will not please some on the forum.
Me OTOH, am glad Leica didn't reduce body size too much as I was worried a smaller camera body might result in some balance issue with the SL APO prime lenses. So far looks like SL3 size/weight might be a good compromise for some.
Are you planning to get the SL3? Even though I found the SL2's autofocus to be very accurate, the SL3's phase detect is set to enhance autofocus tracking speed, hopefully eliminating the jiggery image issue when in tracking mode.
Regarding removing the white paint from the logo, it's easy but takes patience.
I guess I’ll have to try one just for fun but I never understood the appeal of the SL cameras. The M and Q cameras each offer a unique combination of attributes.
It’s easy to see why you’d choose one. The SL family (at least to me) not so much unless you like a big heavy camera with outsized branding.
On second thought - the Reporter variant is pretty cool
Fred Miranda wrote:
Are you planning to get the SL3? Even though I found the SL2's autofocus to be very accurate, the SL3's phase detect is set to enhance autofocus tracking speed, hopefully eliminating the jiggery image issue when in tracking mode.
Regarding removing the white paint from the logo, it's easy but takes patience.
The SL3 will be mine... as I really enjoy this system, and no I would not miss the DFD EVF wobble ! To me the head line feature of the SL3 is the sensor. I want to feed my SL APO primes with as many MPs as possible..."Yeah Baby!"
Fred Miranda wrote:
I appreciate the tilt LCD feature, but I'm not a fan of how it doesn't sit flush with the body when it's not in use. It's just a minor aesthetic detail for me.. Both the Q3 and new SL3 have similar look. Hopefully this won't be the case in a future M12 if Leica decides to add a tilt LCD to it.
I 100% agree, I mean, German engineering is legendary aren't they "supposed to be" engineered to perfection? On the Q3 it looks like an afterthought, on the SL3 it just makes it look bigger. Why not tuck it in like a Fuji? Interesting they didn't go to a higher res EVF either.
liggy wrote:
I guess I’ll have to try one just for fun but I never understood the appeal of the SL cameras. The M and Q cameras each offer a unique combination of attributes.
It’s easy to see why you’d choose one. The SL family (at least to me) not so much unless you like a big heavy camera with outsized branding.
On second thought - the Reporter variant is pretty cool
I believe the SL line truly shines when paired with their SL APO lenses. It's a distinct combination of autofocus and image quality. I also love the SL 50/1.4 Lux which is not APO but has extremely great axial CA correction for a fast lens.
Matt Kerby wrote:
I 100% agree, I mean, German engineering is legendary aren't they "supposed to be" engineered to perfection? On the Q3 it looks like an afterthought, on the SL3 it just makes it look bigger. Why not tuck it in like a Fuji? Interesting they didn't go to a higher res EVF either.
Perhaps German engineering influenced the design to prioritize functionality over aesthetics. It appears their goal was to maintain the overall width of the camera as thin as possible, potentially limiting space inside the body. Also, placing the LCD outside the body could be an intentional decision to aid in heat dissipation.
