Leica SL3-S Review
We've aggregated 14 high-signal reviews and 1 live retailer price below.
Our editorial take on the Leica SL3-S
The Leica SL3-S occupies an interesting position as the more affordable, video-focused sibling to the 60-megapixel SL3. It trades resolution for speed and hybrid capability, delivering 24.6 megapixels paired with blistering 30 fps continuous shooting, 6K Open Gate video, and ProRes internal recording at eye-watering bitrates. Reviewers consistently praise its build quality, IP54-rated weather sealing, and genuinely intuitive user interface. The design is classic Leica, robust and refined, though some note it leans heavily on Panasonic's latest autofocus tech with predictable results. Performance is strong for hybrid work, with animal detection in beta and solid phase-detect coverage, but autofocus doesn't quite match the cutting edge of Sony or Canon systems.
Where the SL3-S shines is in flexibility and speed. The faster readout sensor reduces rolling shutter noticeably compared to the SL3, and unlimited recording time plus the full suite of log profiles make it a serious video tool. Reviewers describe it as quietly brilliant and one of the most complete hybrid cameras available, though the red dot alone doesn't justify the price for everyone. At over $5,000, it's a significant investment that demands buyers value Leica's design philosophy, build, and user experience as much as raw specs.
- Exceptional build quality with IP54 weather sealing and premium materials
- 30 fps continuous shooting and fast sensor readout reduce rolling shutter
- Comprehensive video specs: 6K Open Gate, internal ProRes, unlimited recording
- Intuitive user interface praised across reviews
- 5-axis IBIS with 5 stops of stabilization
- Autofocus performance trails Sony and Canon despite hybrid system
- Price premium demands you value Leica design and experience over specs alone
Synthesized by Geared editors from aggregated expert reviews.
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Editorial reviews
The SL3-S is a beautifully-built camera with a genuinely compelling user interface. Our impressions of its autofocus are that, as with Panasonic ...
The Leica SL3-S is a more affordable version of the SL3, swapping its 60 Megapixel sensor for one with 24. The lower res sensor has better video capabilities.
The Leica SL3-S offers a good combination of photo and video features in an extremely robust body. Its user interface is excellent and Leica Looks provide some ...
The SL3-S is not just the fastest Leica ever made. It's one of the most complete hybrid cameras on the market. It blends speed, image quality, ...
The Readout speed of the SL3-S is half that of the SL3, reducing rolling shutter considerably and increasing the AFC speed to 30 frames per ...
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Specs
- Battery
- Leica BP-SCL6 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2200 mAh, Approx. 315 Shots (CIPA)
- Weight Grams
- 768 g (Body Only), 900 g (With Battery)
- Dimensions Mm
- 141.2 x 108 x 82.7 mm
- Build Material
- Aluminum, Magnesium Alloy
- Weather Sealing
- IP54-certified
- Bit Depth
- 10-Bit (internal) / 10 bit (HDMI output)
- Raw Video
- External / 5.9K Raw
- Log Profiles
- L-Log Rec. 2020, HLG Rec. 2020, Rec. 709
- Internal Codecs
- H.265 Long GOP, MOV, Raw, ProRes, MP4, H.264 ALL-Intra
- Max Frame Rate 4k
- UHD 4K at 59.94 fps
- Max Frame Rate Hd
- 1080PsF at 100 fps
- Max Video Bitrate
- 1944 Mb/s (ProRes 5792 x 3056)
- Max Recording Time
- Unlimited
- Max Video Resolution
- 6K Open Gate
- Top Display
- 1.28" monochrome LCD
- Image File Format
- DNG, JPEG
- Timecode Interface
- Yes
- Operating Conditions
- 14 to 104°F / -10 to 40°C
- Still Image Bit Depth
- 14-Bit
- Content Authenticity Initiative Support
- Yes
- Sensor Size
- Full-Frame
- Sensor Type
- BSI CMOS
- Image Processor
- Maestro IV
- Low Pass Filter
- No
- Effective Megapixels
- 24.6 Megapixel
- Launch Price Usd
- 5665.00
- Iso Range Stills
- Native: 100 to 200,000
- Continuous Shooting
- Up to 30 fps at Maximum Resolution
- Shutter Speed Electronic
- 60 s to 1/16000 s
- Shutter Speed Mechanical
- 30 min to 1/8000 s
- Viewfinder
- Electronic (OLED), 5,760,000 Dot, 0.76x
- Rear Screen
- Tilting 3.2" backlit LED, 2,332,800 dots
- Touchscreen
- Yes
- Lens Mount
- L-Mount
- Crop Factor
- 1x
- Usb
- 1x USB-C 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 (Data) Output (Shared with Power Input)
- Hdmi
- 1x HDMI 2.1 Type A Output
- Audio Io
- 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS Headphone/Microphone Input/Output
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 LE
- Card Slots
- Slot 1: CFexpress Type B, Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
- Ibis
- 5-axis sensor-shift, 5 stops
- Af Points
- Contrast Detection: 315, Phase Detection: 779
- Af System
- Hybrid AF System with 779 Points
- Subject Detection
- Eye/Face/Body Detection, Animal Detection (Beta)
Where to buy
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- Adoramanew● In stockBest price$5,665Buy
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