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Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!

  
 
1bwana1
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p.4 #1 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!



pingflood wrote:
We have a bit of a similar discussion going on in another thread here: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1887453

I can say that when it comes to particularly older m43 cameras I personally think the images out of them are lovely but they have noticeably worse DR than newer cameras and the highlight blowouts can be a bit harsh and unpleasant. But the colors and overall “feel” out of a GX1 or something similar are great.


For sure there are benefits to better sensors. But they are mostly secondary and tertiary to resolution. Better sensors provide more latitude in exposure because of higher dynamic range. More resolution provides more ability to crop improving composition and story telling impact. Higher bit rates provide benefits as well. We can go on, with examples in crafting better images. But at the point of printing as long as we have the resolution required for the medium being printed we are fine. It is a very rare case that 24mpx is not sufficient.



Jan 19, 2025 at 08:09 AM
DEpointfive0
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p.4 #2 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


1bwana1:
Agree to some extent, but a PERFECT lens let’s say, can ONLY do so much, and the next limiting factor is the sensor.

Regarding printing and that video… man… this is something that is 100000% subjective, not objective. (And I’ve died many a times on this hill)

Yes, at a distance, the optimal distance, you don’t need resolution, or you can print with larger dots, or smooth your image. This is where people say “most billboards are printed with 3mp!) that’s fine and dandy.

But we want tack sharp optics, therefore we want tack sharp images, right? Well. Tack sharp IS tack sharp, because I cannot tell at 10 feet, does not mean I won’t walk closer and see, “oh, this isn’t sharp” this is the argument I feel gets lost.
When you print something, especially large artwork. Don’t you WANT to get up close and personal to it? To see the fine detail? I do. I hate museums, but when I get dragged to one, I get within 3 inches of some of the art to see the fine brush strokes. It’s incredible to see that detail.
This guy brags about printing large art with low mp, great. I would look at a distance and think nice, then because it’s something physical, walk closer, and go “awww” when there’s lack of clarity.

Again, I think we’ve all lost the physical medium since most of us are digital and view images digitally. But I print a lot, and large scale, I love being able to read the street sign in an image.



Jan 19, 2025 at 08:10 AM
stgrove
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p.4 #3 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


Never go look at a HCB print. It probably won't be sharp. I for one say who cares if it's sharp because to me it's mainly about the image and its composition.

Manual pixel peeping has its place for some, just not for me.



Jan 19, 2025 at 08:53 AM
1bwana1
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p.4 #4 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


DEpointfive0 wrote:
1bwana1:
Agree to some extent, but a PERFECT lens let’s say, can ONLY do so much, and the next limiting factor is the sensor.

Regarding printing and that video… man… this is something that is 100000% subjective, not objective. (And I’ve died many a times on this hill)

Yes, at a distance, the optimal distance, you don’t need resolution, or you can print with larger dots, or smooth your image. This is where people say “most billboards are printed with 3mp!) that’s fine and dandy.

But we want tack sharp optics, therefore we want tack sharp images, right? Well. Tack sharp IS tack sharp,
...Show more

He is going one step further and saying printers will not print at higher resolutions than what he is talking about. I do not know if that is true. Last month I sent out to have a print of one of my images done at 61" on the long side. A big print. It was a full frame 60 mpx file from a Leica M11, shot using a Leica 35mm Summilux at f/5.6 to limit diffraction and ISO 64 for max DR. I sized it to that size in a 16bit 300 dpi TIFF file file and set it to the printer. I sized it myself so the printer would not need to resize or scale my image. When the print came back it shows no grain, amazing detail, and superb color. I honestly don't know what dpi he printed at, or which ink set he used. I did select the Canson Baryta paper for the print.



Jan 19, 2025 at 10:03 AM
RustyBug
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p.4 #5 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


Hmmm, I thought this was about the SL3-S ... but apparently, the thread needs to be moved to the Printing Forum.

Anyway, my take on it is that while there are features / functions of interest (tilt screen, authentication, etc.) ... the "new 24MP" ... is that really a new sensor? Or, is that just a "new software algorithm" tossed at the same sensor? And, if it is the latter ... how is that different from using PS / LR / ACR and the updates or C1 / Topaz / software of choice for higher ISO NR.

OR ... is there something in the 24MP that has changed, such as the readout speed, # of bands per, or something else that is inherent to the engineering of the sensor / toppings / programming that is "different" to make a viable difference in IQ. You know SL2-S 24MP vs. SL3-S 24MP, kind of thing. Discussions about medium format film vs. m43 are fun, and all ... but, they have no value (for me) regarding what my money spend from SL2-S > SL3-S will get in terms of IQ (specific). Features have some value, to be sure ... but, I also want to know how much (some, little, none, high iso, long exposure, LENR / non-LENR, etc., base ISO) difference / value (and where) in IQ there might be.

Performance gains for AF, etc.

Right now, my take on the -S is it makes for a good "Swiss Army Knife" ... you know, the one that Jack and Goldilocks carry their L & M glass on.

The list of what it is "not" may be the telling tale of what it is, based on just how close / distant it is from the "not". I reckon it'll be one of those "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts", in the end. For those who are video oriented, it seem like the improvements are more video oriented than stills oriented. I'm stills only ... so, the value of the hybrid / video is pretty low / insignificant for me in many regards.

Kinda wondering too, if the nominal difference in 24MP sensors >>> yields a point of diminishing returns on sensor development (vs. smaller sensor MP increments).

Time will tell ... reviews and comps to the SL2-S IQ TBD.



Jan 19, 2025 at 01:03 PM
1bwana1
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p.4 #6 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


They guys on the Red Dot Forum talk yesterday evening were adamant that is is a new sensor.


Jan 19, 2025 at 04:27 PM
DEpointfive0
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p.4 #7 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


1bwana1:

He said something to that effect, but not exactly THOSE words.
That said, printers, home, professional, etc, definitely have the ability to print 300dpi+. I use 300 or 600dpi for all the prints I make at home or send out. (I believe most print shops will print at 300DPI unless you tell them not to.) And a reason why you’d WANT to choose 150dpi over 300 is for the reason the guy argues. At 150, at 10 feet away, you “won’t” see any differences. AND the secondary benefit is that if you get closer, you won’t notice PIXELATION, you will just notice that it’s not tack sharp. (I don’t know how to explain/portray this properly in words, hahahaha)
But the guy also goes on to say that he uses upscaling… and I’m like… wait, resolution matters? Or not? And IMO, why upscale, even with AI being pretty damn good, when you can just HAVE that detail already?

60MP is pretty damn good for a 61x45~ print! Again, over 3~ feet away, I’m sure you won’t/can’t notice anything.

My main point is that, let’s say you took a photo of a wolf, all the hairs are DEFINED, tack sharp image, if you sent that same image to get printed, but curbed to 24MP, I can all but guarantee you will notice when you look at the print up close 👍🏽



Jan 19, 2025 at 04:34 PM
flash
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p.4 #8 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


I have been a commercial photographic printer for 35 years. Inkjet now and Cibachromes and custom b&w printing before that.

1. Printers print at the dpi of the print head or ratios of it. That’s 300dpi for Canon and 360 dpi for Epson. Fuji flex printers have some weird in between number. I use Epson so my output is set to 360 dpi for proofs and 1440 for final prints.

2. Print resolution (dpi) has little to do with photographic resolution (ppi). Modern photographic printers dither the ink dots (blend them). This has a few effects. A big one is noise is *reduced*, visually and sharpness falls off a bit. Hence print sharpening which a good printer will specifically for his printer and the print size.

This a significant rabbit hole. If you choose to enter you will get lost before you find your way.

Gordon



Jan 19, 2025 at 05:13 PM
flash
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p.4 #9 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


Which new sensor exactly? Sony SC certainly don’t have one listed.

Likely the claim of a new sensor is the usual one. Same base silicon (as the S5ii). Different toppings (CFA, IR stack or micro lenses etc). You could argue either way if that makes it a new sensor or a modified one.

Gordon



Jan 19, 2025 at 05:17 PM
tzhang4284
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p.4 #10 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!




RustyBug wrote:
Hmmm, I thought this was about the SL3-S ... but apparently, the thread needs to be moved to the Printing Forum.

Anyway, my take on it is that while there are features / functions of interest (tilt screen, authentication, etc.) ... the "new 24MP" ... is that really a new sensor? Or, is that just a "new software algorithm" tossed at the same sensor? And, if it is the latter ... how is that different from using PS / LR / ACR and the updates or C1 / Topaz / software of choice for higher ISO NR.

OR ... is there
...Show more

This is probably the same sensor as the s5 ii so newer generation than the sl2-s one but quite old in general since it’s shown up in a lot of other cameras over the years. There’s real silicon differences for phase detect af and not just software differences.

I don’t see why anyone would buy the sl3-s over all the other 24mp camera options out there but I do wish Leica offered this in a q3-s with the 28mm lens. Could be an interesting hybrid video camera.



Jan 19, 2025 at 06:09 PM
 


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stgrove
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p.4 #11 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


Your opinion. For myself I traded my SL2S for the SL3S because I could tell a big difference in my hand when handling the SL3 and SL2s plus the with difference. Now let's get to the UI improvements, (customizable UI main screen a big deal to me) longer battery life makes sense especially when one can set to auto off to 30sec and with the tap of the shutter it comes on in a nanosecond, common size to SL3 and much better AF capabilities and all focus factors. not to mention dramatic improvement in AF points etc. CFe card and on and on.

If you do not own or have not spent time with an SL3 oe SL3S you do not know what you are missing. I speak from hands on exerpeince instead of just looking at online spec sheets.

Edited on Jan 20, 2025 at 09:35 AM · View previous versions



Jan 19, 2025 at 06:51 PM
flash
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p.4 #12 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


stgrove wrote:
Your opinion. For myself I traded my SL2S for the SL3S because I could tell a bitg difference in my hand when handling the SL3 and SL2s [lus the with difference. Now let's get to the UI improvements, (customizable UI main screen a big deal to me) longer battery life makes sense especially when one can set to auto off to 30sec and with the tap of the shutter it comes on in a nanosecond, common size to SL3 and much better AF capabilities and all focus factors. not to mention dramatic improvement in AF points etc. CFe card and
...Show more

Absolutely! 100% agreed.

When Leica released the SL3 they said that IQ has basically plateaued and what they wanted to do was make concentrate on build, UI and menus. That's what the SL3-S has over the competition. At great expense.

I really do prefer my SL3's over my A7R5 and SL2, by some margin.

So if you can afford it, go for it.

Gordon



Jan 19, 2025 at 07:23 PM
tzhang4284
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p.4 #13 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


stgrove wrote:
Your opinion. For myself I traded my SL2S for the SL3S because I could tell a bitg difference in my hand when handling the SL3 and SL2s [lus the with difference. Now let's get to the UI improvements, (customizable UI main screen a big deal to me) longer battery life makes sense especially when one can set to auto off to 30sec and with the tap of the shutter it comes on in a nanosecond, common size to SL3 and much better AF capabilities and all focus factors. not to mention dramatic improvement in AF points etc. CFe card and
...Show more

Glad you like it but everything you laid out is pretty much table stakes in a modern DSLR-style mirrorless camera from Canon, Sony, Nikon and Panasonic. The SL2-S is a low bar to compare against vs literally every other camera at this price point and below. I've also used all the recent Leica cameras outside of the SL line and tried the SL a while back too actually - pretty sure I'm not missing anything.

To me, Leica is at its best when it offers unique value and differentiation for the customer - I don't see it here. Like you said though, my opinion, so if you can afford it and like it, enjoy.



Jan 19, 2025 at 07:42 PM
RustyBug
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p.4 #14 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


tzhang4284 wrote:
Glad you like it but everything you laid out is pretty much table stakes in a modern DSLR-style mirrorless camera from Canon, Sony, Nikon and Panasonic. The SL2-S is a low bar to compare against vs literally every other camera at this price point and below. I've also used all the recent Leica cameras outside of the SL line and tried the SL a while back too actually - pretty sure I'm not missing anything.

To me, Leica is at its best when it offers unique value and differentiation for the customer - I don't see it here. Like you
...Show more

I don't really think the SL3-S is anything to compare vs. the other brands. I think it is to be compared to the SL2-S, to assess the improvements.

The other brands, the spec on their cameras ... means you're foregoing the opportunity to shoot with Leica glass at its optimum. Plenty of glass options out there. But, for folks who prefer Leica glass, that means shooting on a Leica body. Imo, the reason to shoot Leica brand is for their glass and the user experience, the bodies are then, kinda like the groom for the bride.

The mention of the "low bar" ... I think that depends on which bar you are using. For some, the user experience is a highly valued bar. For others, the spec sheet is their highly valued bar.

Case in point (going back a few years) ... I was shooting my Canon's (pre-Leica) and the Sony A7 series was all the rage. But, every time I picked it up to use ... I hated it in my hand. I even went so far as to buy a grip for it, so I could demo with a grip (local stores didn't stock the grip). Still hated it.

So, since you have mentioned you have no experience with the SL line (recent models) ... your statement of "pretty sure I'm not missing anything" ... kinda leaves the user experience off the table, for being able to assess what it is like to use the SL2-S or the SL3-S. Going off your memory of the original SL (how long did you use that), likely isn't fully relative to the current user experience with the SL2-S or SL3-S.

Just sayin' ...



Jan 20, 2025 at 09:29 AM
SlowDriver
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p.4 #15 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


flash wrote:
When Leica released the SL3 they said that IQ has basically plateaued and what they wanted to do was make concentrate on build, UI and menus.


How many new users will that attract to the platform though? Most people who appreciate these characteristics and want a mirrorless FF camera are probably already shooting the Leica SL.

A smaller L-mount body ideally accompanied with a 2nd generation (smaller and lighter) Summicrons would go a lot further in my opnion.



Jan 20, 2025 at 09:42 AM
stgrove
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p.4 #16 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


SlowDriver wrote:
How many new users will that attract to the platform though? Most people who appreciate these characteristics and want a mirrorless FF camera are probably already shooting the Leica SL.

A smaller L-mount body ideally accompanied with a 2nd generation (smaller and lighter) Summicrons would go a lot further in my opnion.


Understand and don't necessarily disagree, but for the time being Leica has the new Q343 they can point towards even though not an interchangeable lens camera system. Though it can shoot out to 150mm FL hardly useable IMHO, BUT 60mm still gets you 30MP. And on the Q3 28 30MP gets you a 35mm FL.

I do hope Leica can someday offer other options, but for a small company they punch above their weight. I know a few non-Leica users who are currrently seriously considering an SL camera.

Time will tell. One thing about the last few releases are that Leica has been producing many more bodies than in the past so that first wave is getting more cameras into those wanting to purchase.



Jan 20, 2025 at 10:35 AM
tzhang4284
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p.4 #17 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


RustyBug wrote:
I don't really think the SL3-S is anything to compare vs. the other brands. I think it is to be compared to the SL2-S, to assess the improvements.

The other brands, the spec on their cameras ... means you're foregoing the opportunity to shoot with Leica glass at its optimum. Plenty of glass options out there. But, for folks who prefer Leica glass, that means shooting on a Leica body. Imo, the reason to shoot Leica brand is for their glass and the user experience, the bodies are then, kinda like the groom for the bride.

The mention of the
...Show more

I'll address two points:

1. "you're foregoing the opportunity to shoot with Leica glass at its optimum."

This is true only if you're planning on shooting the SL APO primes and makes sense in my mind for the SL3 but not the SL3-S - why buy a 24mp to shoot prime lenses designed for 100mp? The rest of the collection are mostly re-housed Sigma and Panasonic lenses that have no difference on any L-mount body and you can buy them cheaper from Sigma and Panasonic. In fact, I noticed over the years Sigma lenses tend to render a bit warmer and some of the reviews of the Sigma rebadges mentioned that the "new leica zooms" render warmer than traditional leica lenses so there's nothing new there too beyond a re-housing.


2. "So, since you have mentioned you have no experience with the SL line (recent models) ... your statement of "pretty sure I'm not missing anything" ... kinda leaves the user experience off the table, for being able to assess what it is like to use the SL2-S or the SL3-S. Going off your memory of the original SL (how long did you use that), likely isn't fully relative to the current user experience with the SL2-S or SL3-S. "

The UI value proposition from Leica is that it's supposed to be consistent across all their products. What does Leica offer on the SL3 or SL3-S that's different than the Q3 aside from the L-mount and DSLR style ergonomics? I have yet to see any convincing arguments that shows it's uniquely different enough to warrant trying it out.

The you have to try it to understand it argument is a poor one when it's obvious there's nothing new here. But like I said, if you can afford it and want it, go for it - I'm just stating the obvious in response to your original question on what's new here.



Jan 20, 2025 at 10:51 AM
RustyBug
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p.4 #18 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


tzhang4284 wrote:
I'll address two points:

1. "you're foregoing the opportunity to shoot with Leica glass at its optimum."

This is true only if you're planning on shooting the SL APO primes and makes sense in my mind for the SL3 but not the SL3-S - why buy a 24mp to shoot prime lenses designed for 100mp? The rest of the collection are mostly re-housed Sigma and Panasonic lenses that have no difference on any L-mount body and you can buy them cheaper from Sigma and Panasonic. In fact, I noticed over the years Sigma lenses tend to render a bit warmer
...Show more

I understand ... I just was pointing out that the comparison to other options isn't the most salient point of comparison. (imo) The MOST salient point of comparison is SL2-S > SL3-S. Well, at least for those who are already shooting the SL2-S. For folks who are looking to the SL3-S as their entry point into the Leica ethos ... I'm sure they'll find alternatives that may be compelling on paper vs. $$$.

I can't speak for others, but I don't think a lot of folks jump into the SL directly from other systems. I know I transitioned from Canon > Leica over time. One of those things where the more I used it, the more I liked it. And, ultimately ... it is a matter of using what you like to use. If a person doesn't like it better, then yeah ... there are alternatives. I think everyone already knows that.

As to the APO glass being "designed for 100MP" (that's a bit of a misnomer though), there's also the matter of the M glass on the SL platform, and the cover glass thickness, etc. that makes the SL platform an alternative to the Sigma / Panny bodies (in the L Alliance). That, and by design ... the Alliance rounds out the options from Panny / Siggy to co-exist with the APO levels, providing such choices for the consumer. So, where there may be some folks who prefer their M glass, even if it isn't SL APO level (vast size difference as well), M glass performs well on the SL2-S (hence, the question of where a 24MP sensor could make sense), and subsequently still will on the SL3-S ... if the SL APO isn't in someone's goals.

Personally, I haven't yet entered the SL APO range, but the fact that I'm "only" on 24MP wouldn't deter me from using the SL APO on 24MP. the MP is just how many little slices you can dissect the optical projection. The quality of the optical projection (contrast, distortion, vignetting, transition rates, flare, etc.) remains, no matter what you project it onto (i.e. 24MP vs. 60MP). How small you can deconstruct that projection is largely, what the extra MP's are doing. That, and making the processor work harder for more data points to be generated.

I think to appreciate things, one has to take a systemic look at how the pieces fit together vs. the spec sheet alone. Certainly, more than one way to skin the cat, but you can't just toss the baby out with the bathwater either, on spec vs. $$$ alone. Been there, done that ... only to later learn some different stuff.





Edited on Jan 20, 2025 at 03:02 PM · View previous versions



Jan 20, 2025 at 01:45 PM
flash
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p.4 #19 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


SlowDriver wrote:
How many new users will that attract to the platform though? Most people who appreciate these characteristics and want a mirrorless FF camera are probably already shooting the Leica SL.

A smaller L-mount body ideally accompanied with a 2nd generation (smaller and lighter) Summicrons would go a lot further in my opnion.


No idea. But Leica had another record year last year and are actuallly one of the most profitable camera companies, except Instax. So I guess it’s Leica’s call.

I do think that the M and Q are the gateway drugs to the brand. The SL cameras are more a nod to the faithful. There’s been plenty of noise about a SL3-S for SL owners. This is for them.

Gordon



Jan 20, 2025 at 02:56 PM
RustyBug
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p.4 #20 · Official: Leica SL3-S Mirrorless camera announced!


flash wrote:
I do think that the M and Q are the gateway drugs to the brand. The SL cameras are more a nod to the faithful. There’s been plenty of noise about a SL3-S for SL owners. This is for them.

Gordon


Yup. ^



Jan 20, 2025 at 03:03 PM
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