Hard to sift through the propaganda out there - I've scoured the internet for real world experience for this and there's slim pickings out there. Anyone with both who can comment?
Really having a hard time deciding. I'm attracted to the performance benefits of the -S model, and know that I rarely print huge. But it's hard to resist the pull of high resolution...
Headed to Iceland soon. Seems a no-brainer to get the resolution for the landscapes?!
But looking to have a camera that I can really connect with so that it's like part of my body.. and will use it for a lot more than a 6-day trip. And feel that the -S version will be more useful all around as I do a lot of street work in NYC and love low light photos.
Also love the idea of using older manual M lenses... especially a noctilux... thinking that the 24 megapixels might be ideal for that.
I think it is an entirely use case based decision. For what I want the high resolution sensor and my set of APO primes provide the image quality I am after. But this is not the best street shooter's setup. To big and heavy.
From a size, weight, performance, and workflow perspective I don't see an advantage for either the SL3 or the SL3-s. You will just get higher IQ from the SL3 unless light is low. Then the SL3-S may have a slight edge. Neither is likely significat unless printing very large, or shooting at the extremes of action and light.
if you don't normally crop your landscape photos, my guess is that the resolution of the S will be fine. You'll just use lens focal lengths that suit your needs.
Any thoughts on adapting M lenses and differences between the two? Any reason to think that if you're after some of the non-perfect (not APO) M lenses for their character (such as noctilux or older summilux) that it's a waste to have the resolution of the SL3 (or even detrimental? more noise/artifact than the SL3-S?) because these lenses don't resolve that much? Not sure if that's superstition or real.
Sl3-S has the multi-shot mode handheld that gives 96MP for landscape shots... I just got one to try... You can check Jono's review with a crop from multi-shot mode: https://www.slack.co.uk/articles/the-leica-sl3-s.html
degminsec wrote:
Any thoughts on adapting M lenses and differences between the two? Any reason to think that if you're after some of the non-perfect (not APO) M lenses for their character (such as noctilux or older summilux) that it's a waste to have the resolution of the SL3 (or even detrimental? more noise/artifact than the SL3-S?) because these lenses don't resolve that much? Not sure if that's superstition or real.
You can shoot the SL3 in 60MP, 36MP or 18MP mode (both DNG/JPEG).
For example you might decide on these scenarios:
-60MP for landscape and/or using Leica's highest resolving SL APO primes for maximum image resolution
-18MP for older M lenses
-36MP for M-lenses or non Leica SL APO primes such as the many non Leica L-mount lenses available for this system
*No hard and fast rules, just some scenarios to consider if considering the higher resolution sensor
**OTOH, I've read/heard on Youtube that some feel the SL3-S PDAF AF-C mode is a bit better on the SL3-S vs the SL3.
degminsec wrote:
Any thoughts on adapting M lenses and differences between the two? Any reason to think that if you're after some of the non-perfect (not APO) M lenses for their character (such as noctilux or older summilux) that it's a waste to have the resolution of the SL3 (or even detrimental? more noise/artifact than the SL3-S?) because these lenses don't resolve that much? Not sure if that's superstition or real.
I shoot Older/newer Noctilux and Summilux lenses on the M11-
Same sensor in it.
Unless you need speed for video or are going to shoot sports (wrong system for that anyway) I would pick the Sl3-
Nothing you have said you shoot sounds like you need any speed at all.
Truthfully either of the SL3 generation versions is probably a better M lens platform than any of the M cameras once you are below 28mm or above 50mm. The SL3 EVF is a stunning work of art. Combined with the customizations and focus aids you will have a better focusing experience.
degminsec wrote:
Any thoughts on adapting M lenses and differences between the two? Any reason to think that if you're after some of the non-perfect (not APO) M lenses for their character (such as noctilux or older summilux) that it's a waste to have the resolution of the SL3 (or even detrimental? more noise/artifact than the SL3-S?) because these lenses don't resolve that much? Not sure if that's superstition or real.
Vintage/character lenses work well at 60mp or else no one would own the 60mp M11 They may not resolve as much detail as a more modern, higher performing M lens, but they still resolve more detail than they do on a lower resolution sensor.
But if you go down the ultimate IQ road, you'll end up with full-size L-mount lenses anyway (SL APOs or recent Sigma 50 1.2, 28-45 1.8, or 70-200).
I sold the SL3 because I was not happy with the magnified live view EVF feed for focusing M lenses. At maximum magnification, live view looks pixelated and lower resolution compared to the SL2-S I had. The SL2/3-S live view also has an advantage in low light when magnifying to focus M lenses. But if you don't use high magnification for focusing your M lenses, then that might not matter to you.
Good point on the magnified live view EVF for focusing M lenses. I didn't see that mentioned before.
highdesertmesa wrote:
I sold the SL3 because I was not happy with the magnified live view EVF feed for focusing M lenses. At maximum magnification, live view looks pixelated and lower resolution compared to the SL2-S I had. The SL2/3-S live view also has an advantage in low light when magnifying to focus M lenses. But if you don't use high magnification for focusing your M lenses, then that might not matter to you.
I have both models. 24MP for me is a somewhat of a sweet spot especially with low light performance.
When I made a trip to Iceland in the Highlands we got like 3 hours of sleep since in August sunset almost coincided with sunrise as far as travel to each location was concerned.
Today with Topaz one can up-rez anything. So I only wish I had had Topaz and an SL3S when I was there.
Sure 60MP is nice but not necessary. All this said it is a benefit to have both cameras so that lens changes are not being made in nasty conditions.
The Panasonic 24MP or 44MP L mount camera could be a cheaper alternative (US3.2k) for a backup camera.
I very much enjoy using M mount lenses and for me no trouble focusing even with magnification on an SL3. The large/clear EVF certainly is nice to have.
IMHO, do not get the SLx because you will be mostly using M lenses. After trying some SL APO lenses I prefer those lenses. Sure I use M and R lenses on my SL's and enjoy the rendering at times. That said some Panasonic lenses are very capable. I have the 70-200/4.0 (smaller at the time than other 70-200 choices with internal focusing), 14-28-terrific super wide and good for astronomy photography too, and the 28-200 which I fell into the CO river with last August while on an 8 day raft trip. Dried out SL3 and the lens and they still perform without trouble today. That body/lens seal came in handy.
They may not resolve as much detail as a more modern, higher performing M lens, but they still resolve more detail than they do on a lower resolution sensor.