Leica SL3 Mirrorless Camera Body Black

Leica SL3 Mirrorless Camera Body Black Summary

Following in the footsteps of the previous popular model, the Leica SL3 Mirrorless Camera Body Black redefines the full-frame hybrid stills and video lineup from Leica. It comes packed with upgrades, including a full-frame Triple Resolution Technology sensor, which delivers superb image quality, especially when utilising legendary Leica L mount lenses.

An innovative hybrid autofocus system combines advanced algorithms with phase detection, object recognition and contrast detection technology, for highly precise autofocus in a range of lighting conditions, which is further enhanced by a wider native ISO range of 50 to 100,000.

Leica has included the state-of-the-art Maestro IV Processor with L² Technology, which optimises noise characteristics, provides rapid signal processing, and the renders unique Leica colour reproduction, for which Leica SL mirrorless cameras are famed.

Additionally, a sophisticated UX design offers intuitive operation through a new menu design, deep customisation and gesture control touchscreen, with separate clearly defined stills and video navigation.

The SL3 is made to the highest standards in Germany, with an IP54 certified full metal housing and signature craftsmanship, which has become synonymous with the Leica brand. It’s marginally smaller and lighter than it’s predecessor too, boasting a 5-axis IBIS that ensures anyone from beginner to professional can shoot handheld and achieve stunning high-resolution stills and up to 8K video with Leica’s most advanced hybrid camera to date.

Key Leica SL3 Features

• Triple Resolution Technology sensor for 60, 36, or 18 megapixel images
• 15 stops dynamic range with 14-bit colour depth
• State-of-the-art Maestro IV Processor
• Hybrid AF-System (PDAF + Contrast Detection + Object Detection)
• 5-axis image stabilisation 
• Full metal housing in magnesium and aluminium with IP54 certification
• New customisable user interface
• Smaller and lighter body design
• 5.76 Million dots OLED-Viewfinder
• New CFexpress Type B and an SD UHS II memory card slot
• Up to 8K Video HEVC (h.265) and ProRes recording
• 8 bit/10 bit for recording on memory card, 10 bit for HDMI output
• Timecode Interface
• High-Speed connectivity with Bluetooth + Wi-Fi 2x2 MIMO
• Updated battery BC-SCL6, optional DC-Coupler and new optional Dual-Charger
• Newly designed optional Handgrip HG-SCL7

Leica SL3 Camera Body in More Detail

Superb image quality

The SL3 body combines a full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology and image stabilisation, in order to deliver the highest possible image quality for hybrid creators. This unique Triple Resolution technology was first seen in recent rangefinder cameras, such as the Leica M11, M11 Monochrom and M11-P.

It provides real-world practical applications for capturing three image resolutions with a choice between the ultimate quality or highest speed through extended burst lengths and smaller file sizes. Images can be captured in three resolutions of 60, 36 and 18 megapixels, in both RAW DNG and JPG formats. The high-resolution CMOS sensor records up to 15 stops of dynamic range, 14-bit colour depth and ultra high definition 8K video resolution.

The camera’s ISO sensitivity range is extended from ISO 50 to ISO 100,000 (up from 50,000), ensuring outstanding results in virtually any lighting conditions. Camera shake is also effectively handled by a 5-axis image stabilisation (IBIS), which allows you to shoot in low light conditions, while still handholding and remaining flexible.

State-of-the-art Maestro IV Processor

Leica’s Maestro IV Processor with L² technology provides faster operation whether capturing stills or video. It offers numerous benefits, which are showcased in the Leica Q3 where the processor first proved its mettle.

Benefits include improved noise handling, rapid signal professing and rendition of desirable Leica colour reproduction. The processor also handles high-speed data transfer using the new CFexpress memory card (Type B) interface, and provides the ability to record 8K video using a range of highly efficient video codecs.

Innovative hybrid AF system

Breakthroughs in autofocus (AF) technology have enabled Leica to introduce a cutting-edge hybrid autofocus system to the third-generation SL3, which combines phase detection (PDAF), depth map (Object Detection AF), and contrast detection (Contrast Detection AF) technologies.

These deliver an exceptionally accurate AF system when complemented by sophisticated algorithms, ensuring razor-sharp results even in challenging lighting conditions. Intelligent subject recognition further enhances the ability to capture dynamic scenes. By seamlessly integrating the strengths of each technology, Leica’s AF system achieves remarkable precision, fulfilling even the most demanding professional photography needs.

Streamlined

Streamlined design and new user interface

The SL3 camera body stands out for its reduced size and weight compared to previous models. Its outstanding Leica UX design also ensures an intuitive and unique personalised user experience. Featuring sleek contours, adaptable user interfaces, and clear differentiation between photo and video modes, the SL3 excels in ergonomic design at every level.

The updated menu design includes sophisticated icons, as well as a touchscreen with gesture control, providing a familiar and extremely easy UX for swiping, pinching and controlling the camera. The SL3’s high-resolution tiltable display contributes to the user-friendly design, which is focused around its ease of use.

Supports a fully customisable workflow

Leica has ensured that the SL3’s interface can be fully customised according to personal preferences, via FN buttons and additional controls. Users can even customise frequently used functions in the control centre on the tiltable 3.2-inch touch display.

The floating design of the display ensures that icons automatically adjust to the camera's orientation for optimal readability in horizontal and vertical shooting modes. Plus, with its energy-saving standby mode, the SL3 is always ready to capture the perfect shot with just a click of the shutter button.

Updated body design

Alongside improvements to useability comes a new lighter and more compact body design, which is easy to handhold. The new design offers perfect balance for Leica L mount lenses, which is essential for demanding creatives who rely on a comfortable and adaptable shooting experience.

A 1.28-inch highly reflective trans-reflective monochrome LCD screen located on the body shoulder offers instant and clear access to view the key camera settings, including aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and EV.

An elegant leather finish, also found on the optional SL3 handgrip, provides optimal grip and a sophisticated feel for discerning creators.

Robust German engineering

Leica cameras are well known for providing many years of service, thanks to utilising durable, high-quality materials, which withstand the challenges of everyday shooting. The SL3 body is made in Wetzlar, Germany to the same meticulous standards, and users can expect reliability for many years to come.

A solid full-metal housing made of magnesium and aluminum is IP54 certified, ensuring extended protection against moisture and dust intrusion. This certification allows the camera to withstand adverse production conditions, making it suitable for both photo and video shoots, regardless of environmental challenges.

Versatile connectivity

Leica worked with content professionals to develop the highest levels of connectivity for the SL3. These include slots for CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II cards, a USB-C port, as well as a full-size HDMI output and a timecode interface. USB-C provides fast data transfer, tethering and charging, while the HDMI Type-A output enables the connection of external monitors and video recording devices.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with MIMO technology offers stable and fast connection to the Leica FOTOS App, allowing a full resolution RAW file to be transferred to your mobile device within around two seconds.

High-Resolution EyeRes Viewfinder

The electronic viewfinder features an impeccably crafted eyepiece with high-quality coated glass lenses. This design provides optimal display of an OLED image with a 5.76 million pixel resolution and a fast refresh rate of up to 120 frames per second (B/s). This allows for reliable assessment of exposure and composition in Live Preview mode.

Additionally, the integrated eye sensor automatically switches between the viewfinder and Live-View display when the camera is not directly held to the eye, enhancing usability and convenience when switching between EVF and LCD screens.

Wide range of accessories

A number of accessories have been developed to complement the next-generation SL camera. Aside from the dedicated handgrip, users benefit from a Leica USB-C Power Set, and a new Carrying Strap for SL and S System Elk leather. If you don’t have an existing cable, Leica also supplies an optional Leica USB-C to USB-C Cable, as well as USB-C AC Adapter ACA-SCL6, and the USB-C DC Coupler DC-SCL6, for uninterrupted power supply.

Comprehensive lens lineup

A huge range of L mount lenses from Sigma and Panasonic, Laowa and TTArtisan complement high-quality zoom and prime lenses developed by Leica. These span every possible focal width and subject type, from the Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm super telephoto, to classics like the Summicron-SL 50mm F/2 ASPH Lens.

Recent innovations from Sigma has lead to the release of unique lenses such as the 15mm F/1.4 DG DN Diagonal Fisheye and 500mm F/5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens. These open up new opportunities for creators to capture incredible content, with powerful Leica technology at its heart.

What’s in the box

• Leica SL3 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera Body Black
• Battery (BP-SCL6)
• USB-C Cable
• Standard Strap
• Quick Start Guide

(NOTE: USB-C AC-Adapter and USB-C Dual Charger are not included)