Leica SL System Update: Adobe Frame.io and more on the SL3-S

The Leica SL system was boosted in March this year when the latest 60MP SL3 hit dealers’ shelves. It is proving to be another success for Leica and even persuaded me to alter my views on the system. Previously, I had fretted over the weight and bulk but, surprisingly for me, I thoroughly enjoyed the two-week loan of a press camera.

Let’s just say, I’m a convert, although I have not yet taken the plunge in buying one. For the moment, I’m occupied with putting two later cameras, the Q3 43 and M11-D through their paces. But the SL3’s time will come, and I am keeping an eye on the used market.

The SL3 got off to a good start at the press introduction in Wetzlar last Spring. Chris Niccolls of Peta Pixel said that the Leica SL3 is the L-Mount’s best high-resolution option for now.

Here’s a review of the latest news on the Leica SL system. Occasionally, we will bring you round ups of news and views on all the market sectors we normally cover. These include Leica, Panasonic, Fujifilm, and Ricoh, as well as new and vintage M cameras and lenses.

Adobe Frame.io comes to the SL3

In 2025, Adobe will integrate the Leica SL3 into its Frame.io camera-to-cloud integration. And the rumours are that this will be just the start. The technology being extended eventually to the Q3 and, possibly, to the M family. According to Leica, Frame.io “will enable Leica SL3 users to swiftly and easily transfer assets to Frame.io in seconds. This means that editors and other remote consumers can access images and videos shot on the SL3, edit them as needed, and publish them online or deliver them to clients within minutes”.

Camera-to-cloud functionality was first offered by Fujifilm. More recently, it has been introduced by Panasonic, which has a strong degree of technical collaboration with Leica. The integration of Frame.io will be provided by firmware update via Leica FOTOS, or directly from the Leica corporate website in 2025.

See: DPReview on Leica’s collaboration with Adobe

Robin Sinha’s SL3 tutorials

In our review of the Leica SL3 and its user interface, we linked to Nick Rains’s excellent tutorial. More insight into the latest SL camera comes from nearer home, produced by our friend Robin Sinha of Leica Camera UK. Here are two in-depth summaries of the SL3 imaging sensor and the camera’s ergonomics. Both are recommended for any SL3 owner or potential buyers. You will gain a much clearer impression of the SL3’s capabilities and how it can integrate into your life.

Leica SL3-S update

One of the biggest success stories of the SL model range was the SL2-S. Many photographers actually preferred its 24MP sensor to the 47MP high-resolution sensor of the SL2. In terms of pixel density, this was a return to the original SL sensor size. Photographers preferred it for the smaller files, but also for the better low-light performance and reduced noise available with the lower density. But a significant pulling power of the SL2-S rested in the stealthy all-black design. This stood in direct contrast to the in-your-face white engravings on the SL2.

Now that the SL3, with its 60MP high-density sensor, is well established, thoughts at Leica are turning to a new SL3-S. Presumably, this would sit in relation to the SL3 as did the SL2-S to the SL2. A lower resolution sensor is a given, and I believe Leica would be mad to dispense with that attractive all-black image. It really works, and I, for one, prefer it to the standard livery.

Lower resolution? But how low? Last month, Jason Murray made his predictions for the forthcoming SL3-S. At the time, he predicted that the SL3-S could come within the next six months. We stand by that, and it could even be sooner — early in the first quarter of 2025. But he also intimated that the camera would adopt the 47MP sensor from the SL2. However, we now think this is unlikely. The SL2 sensor, lacking hybrid autofocus and backlighting, is now relatively out of date in comparison with the latest technology in the SL3 and Q3.

The Leica-Lumix connection

It is now likely that the SL3-S will borrow the latest sensor technology from the Lumix S5 II and settle for 24MP instead of 47MP. This creates an even greater gulf in capability between the two models.

For highest density and all the benefits that brings, including cropability, the SL3 is a clear favourite. On the other hand, for improved low-light performance and reduced noise, the latest technology of the 24MP sensor will be attractive, especially for those who worry about storage and actually prefer the smaller file. For the moment, therefore, we are putting our money on a 24MP sensor, the same density as the sensor of the SL2-S but with the latest back-lit and autofocus technology we see in Panasonic’s latest model.

If you are currently in the market for an SL3, ask yourself if you really need the 60MP sensor density. You might be content with a lower resolution and be able to save yourself a few hundred pounds.

Leica SL2 and SL2-S at discounted prices

As the SL3 moves into the mainstream, the older SL2 and SL2-S models are being sold at special prices. Red Dot Cameras in London have the SL2 listed at £4,999 and the SL2-S at an attractive £3,350. Check the full details here. Furthermore, there are some bargain kits, including lenses such as the 35mm Summicron-M, or the 24-70mm Vario-Elmarit-SL.

Leica Store Manchester offers the SL2-S at a similar discounted price while their SL2-S kits range from £4,450 to £4,710, a saving of up to £585. Leica’s own Mayfair store is still listing the SL2 at £5,920, but the SL2-S is down to £4,340. SL2-S kits at Leica range from £5,300 which means that a lens such as the 35mm Summicron SL costs under £1,000. A good saving by any standards. Similar savings are available from most Leica dealers in Europe and the USA, but it is worth checking around for the best deal.

IDSworks modular base for SL2

Following the introduction of the modular base and L-plate attachments for the new SL3S, IDSworks has launched a version for the SL2. Because of the slightly changed dimensions of the SL3, most SL2 attachments, such as hand grips, do not fit the new model. Both versions, SL2 or SL3, are now available at a discounted price of $198, plus shipping, direct from the IDSworks store.

While the changes to the body of the SL3 are welcome, resulting in a slightly smaller and lighter profile, there is no doubt that some established SL2 owners with many accessories have been disappointed. They have to start all over again with new kit. The IDSworks products offer a relatively inexpensive alternative.

More on the SL System

• Jonathan Slack reviews the Leica SL2, SL2-S and SL3
• Mike Evans changes his mind on the SL system
• SL3-S: Odds-on favourite is now a step closer

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