Leica SL3

Leica SL3 Initial Review: L-Mount’s Best High-Res Option… For Now

Leica SL3 Initial Review

• Design & Build: Slightly smaller, lighter body. New power button, tilting LCD, redesigned shutter, and IBIS.
• Handling: Intuitive interface with customizable buttons and icons. Improved quick menu.
• Autofocus: Hybrid phase-detect AF. Excellent single AF, effective eye-detect, but continuous AF has issues.
• Image Quality: 60MP sensor, superb optics, excellent detail and tonality.
• Battery Life: Improved but still poor, CIPA rating of 250 shots.
• Storage: CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SD slots.
• Video: 4K 60p and 8K with 1.3x crop, limited by slow sensor and poor battery life.
• Weaknesses: Slow burst rate, subpar continuous AF for action, limited video capabilities.

The Leica SL3 - A Review by Jonathan Slack

Introduction

In his review of the Leica SL3, Jonathan Slack examines the latest camera in Leica's SL series, highlighting its advancements and addressing the complexities of modern camera technology. Slack discusses how incremental improvements in sensor technology have made achieving excellent results more accessible but at the cost of increased complexity, particularly in camera menus.

Body and Design

The Leica SL3 is more compact and lighter than its predecessor, the SL2, making it more manageable for one-handed use. Despite slight dimensional increases in some areas, the deeper grip contributes to its improved ergonomics. Slack notes a significant weight reduction when using certain lenses, such as the comparison between the SL2 with the 24-90 Vario Elmarit lens and the SL3 with the 24-70 Vario Elmarit.

Buttons, Dials, and Interface

The SL3's button and dial layout is similar to the SL2, with minor changes that initially seemed awkward but became more intuitive over time. The addition of a dial on the top left for ISO adjustments is a notable change, providing flexibility for other settings. The new tilting LCD panel is praised for its practical utility, although the SL3 retains the same EVF and top plate LCD as the SL2. The interface and menus have been refined, with a simplified quick menu and the removal of the Favorites menu, reflecting Leica’s commitment to a user-friendly design.

Performance and Features

The SL3 features the new Maestro IV processor and improved buffer memory, enhancing start-up times and overall responsiveness. The camera supports both SD and CF Express card slots, catering to different storage needs. Slack appreciates the new battery, which offers improved capacity and USB-C charging, despite the absence of a charger in the box.

Autofocus and Sensor

The introduction of phase-detect autofocus, combined with contrast detection, marks a significant improvement in the SL3’s focusing capabilities, especially in tracking fast-moving subjects. The new 60MP BSI CMOS sensor provides excellent dynamic range and low light performance but is limited by a slower readout time, which can cause rolling shutter effects and brief blackout periods during single-shot captures.

Conclusion

Slack’s review highlights the Leica SL3’s blend of technological advancements and user-focused design improvements. Despite some minor drawbacks, such as the occasional menu complexity and the learning curve associated with the new autofocus system, the SL3 stands out for its image quality, ergonomic design, and versatile functionality, making it a strong contender in the high-end camera market.

Leica SL3 initial review

Leica SL3 Initial Review

Specifications:

• 60MP BSI CMOS sensor
• 5-axis IBIS (5.0EV)
• ISO 50-100,000
• Hybrid AF (eye/face/body/animal)
• DCI 8K video (H.265), 1080p ProRes
• 5.76M dot OLED EVF (120fps)
• 2.33M dot tilting touchscreen
• 4fps 14-bit shooting, 5fps in 12-bit mode, 15fps locked focus/exposure

Key Features:

• New interface with 3 command dials
• Advanced touch UI, customizable settings
• Dual gain sensor, CFexpress Type B, UHS-II SD
• 8K video, full-sized HDMI, headphone/mic sockets
• Improved body design, IP54 rating
• Higher capacity BP-SCL6 battery, USB-C power option

Highlights:

• Smaller, refined body
• Innovative, user-friendly interface
• Enhanced subject recognition
• Continuous shooting rate low for modern standards

Price:

• $6995, higher than competitors like Sony a7R V

Conclusion:

• Focus on fundamentals, unique operation
• High cost might hinge on lens preference

The Leica SL3

Summary of Leica SL3 Review by Jonathan Slack

Introduction

• The Leica SL3 was launched on March 7, 2024, following the SL2 in 2019 and the original SL in 2015.
• The camera world is seeing incremental rather than revolutionary advancements, but these have notably improved performance under challenging conditions.

Body and Design

• Dimensions and Weight: The SL3 is more compact and lighter (142mm wide, 108mm high, 50mm deep, 762g) compared to its predecessors.
• Handling: The camera feels smaller and lighter, with a deeper grip for easier one-handed use.
• Buttons and Dials: Minimal changes in layout; added a top-left dial for ISO, exposure compensation, or shutter speed.

Features

• LCD Panel: The SL3 includes a tilting LCD with 2.3 million dots, enhancing usability.
• EVF: Retains the SL2’s 5,760,000-dot EVF, still considered excellent despite some competitors offering higher resolution.
• Top Plate LCD: Information display has been slightly modified but remains functional.
• On/Off Button: New button with a light indicator, though the off functionality could be clearer.
• Processor: Upgraded to the Maestro IV with 8GB buffer, offering faster performance and start-up times.
• Card Slots: Includes one SD (UHS II) and one CF Express type B slot, enhancing storage flexibility.
• Battery: Comes with a 2200 mAh battery, which can be charged via USB-C. Older batteries are compatible but with reduced functionality.

Performance

• Sensor: Features a 60MP CMOS BSI sensor with 15 stops of dynamic range, improving noise performance by about a stop.
• Autofocus: Combines Phase Detect and Contrast Detect for faster and more accurate focus. Animal Detect (beta) mode works well for dogs and birds.

Usability

• Interface: Simplified and user-friendly, allowing extensive customization.
• Quick Menu: Reduced to 8 customizable icons for essential functions.
• Menus and Function Buttons: Highly programmable, with an emphasis on user profiles and ease of access.

Image Quality

• Dynamic Range and Noise: Superior dynamic range and noise handling compared to the SL2 and other cameras like the Sony A1.
• Image Stabilization: Maintains the effective 5-stop stabilization from the SL2.
• Shutter: New mechanical shutter, slightly louder but designed to keep the camera compact.

Conclusion

The Leica SL3 represents a significant improvement over its predecessor with better handling, performance, and user interface. While it might not be revolutionary, the incremental updates make it a compelling choice for photographers looking for a high-quality, customizable camera.