Leica, known for its high-quality cameras made in Germany, is preparing to launch a new model: the Leica SL3-S full-frame camera. This camera marks a more affordable alternative to the Leica SL3, but offers some exciting unique features such as a new sensor, Leica’s best autofocus to date and a 96-megapixel multi-shot mode. We have summarized all the information.
The most important new features of the Leica SL3-S:
- New 24-megapixel sensor with ISO 50 to 200,000
- Multi-shot mode for images with 48 MP or 96 MP
- Fast autofocus with up to 30 frames per second
- Advanced video functions such as 6K Open Gate
Leica SL3-S: High-resolution images thanks to Multi-Shot mode
The new Leica SL3-S is equipped with a revised 24-megapixel full-frame sensor (the Maestro IV), which offers impressive light sensitivity from ISO 50 to 200,000. This enables incredible shots that hardly suffer from image noise, even in difficult lighting conditions.
For photographers who require higher resolutions, the camera offers an innovative multi-shot mode. This mode combines several shots into one image with either 48 or 96 megapixels – even freehand.
Another exciting new feature of the SL3-S is the autofocus, which the manufacturer describes as the best autofocus ever installed. This is a hybrid system consisting of contrast and object detection, which is extremely precise and fast. Continuous shooting is possible at a whopping 30 frames per second with continuous autofocus.
By comparison, the SL3 introduced last year only manages five images per second with refocusing and 15 images per second without. This makes the SL3-S particularly attractive for sports and action photographers.
As an L-mount camera, the SL3-S has access to a broad portfolio of lenses. In addition to Leica lenses, other lenses from the Alliance can also be used, for example from Panasonic or Sigma. Leica M lenses can also be used thanks to an integrated light sensor.
Powerful video functions, secure data
But the Leica SL3-S not only has a lot to offer in the field of photography. Videographers will also be delighted with its exciting features. For example, the camera records videos in Open Gate format in 6K resolution, allowing easy adjustment to the desired format such as 16:9 or 9:16 after recording.
ProRes recordings are possible in 5.8K resolution with up to 30 frames per second, offering a wide range of options for post-production.
The SL3-S is also the first camera from the Wetzlar-based manufacturer to feature encrypted metadata in accordance with CAI. This means that the information stored in the photo files is encrypted. This includes, for example, the location where the photo was taken, the time and additional details.
If the photos are downloaded from the internet by third parties and edited, for example to be used for fake news, changes and edits to the metadata are immediately visible. The metadata is synchronized via a server, while the signatures in the source code cannot be removed or overwritten. However, this only works for normal photos, but not for images in multi-shot mode or videos. Images can also be signed and provided with Leica Content Credentials.
Modern connections, robust housing
The Leica SL3-S also has a tilting touchscreen and relies on the intuitive, clear operation that characterizes the manufacturer’s cameras. In terms of connections, HDMI 2.1 A (full size) and USB-C are available. The camera works wirelessly via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
A “Direct to SSD” connection is also offered, which allows connected SSDs to be handled like a memory card so that photos and videos can be saved directly to them. This naturally simplifies the workflow immensely. In terms of memory cards, the SL3-S accepts SD cards in the UHS-II standard as well as CF Express cards.
Of course, the SL3-S is also manufactured at the factory in Wetzlar and is “Made in Germany”. It has a high-quality, robust housing and is splash-proof in accordance with IP54 certification, while dust and dirt cannot harm it either.
Price and availability
The new Leica SL3-S will be available in stores from January 16, 2025. It will be available at a recommended retail price of €5,190, making it around €1,600 cheaper than the Leica SL3 released in 2024. Further details can be found on the official Leica product website.
