Leica SL3-S Launched: New 24MP, faster autofocus, content credentials, better video capabilities

The long-awaited Leica SL3-S is announced today. It follows the success of the earlier SL2-S, the lower-resolution version of the SL2. The new camera is finished in the same all-black stealthy coating and sticks with the same 24MP resolution as its predecessor. There are, though, many improvements. The camera body will sell for £4,500 or €5,190, both including tax. The US price, before tax, is $5,295.

Photo and video

The SL3-S meets the demands of both photographers and videographers, by prioritising speed, flexibility, and versatility. The new back-lit CMOS sensor has 24MP native resolution.

It is joined by the latest hybrid autofocus system which similar to that on the SL3 but offers more phase detection AF points than the SL3 and is faster in operation (when used with later SL lenses). It combines phase detection, depth map (object detection) and contrast detection AF. This enables continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per second with full autofocus support. 

The SL3-S is designed to deliver excellent quality photos and videos in all situations. It offers high dynamic capabilities and an ISO range from 50 to 200,000.

The SL3-S is the first camera in the SL System to be equipped with content credentials technology. Each image can be signed with tamper-proof metadata such as the camera model and author information. Creation and editing data can also be included. This is in accordance with the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) for photos.

The camera features a handheld multi-shot mode of up to 96 megapixels, allowing for high-resolution RAW file output without the need for a tripod. 

Video recording

The Leica SL3-S records videos in a resolution of up to 6K and offers 3:2 open-gate recording, a feature that provides flexibility when creating video content for a wide variety of channels. For example, portrait format videos can be recorded in 4K, 9:16 without any loss of quality. Field view in recorded material can also be determined retrospectively. 

The Leica SL3-S records HDMI-RAW in 5.9K at 30 fps to external display recorders. And, thanks to the fast CFexpress type B interface, ProRes 4:2:2 HQ in 5.9K at 30 fps or C4K at 60 fps can also be internally recorded without any time limits. It is also possible to record directly to an external SSD hard drive via the USB-C interface. 

New processor

The Maestro IV processor with L2 technology handles enormous amounts of data, resulting in images with superb colour rendering, high dynamic range and excellent noise behaviour in the L-Log colour space. 

Additionally, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with MIMO technology enables fast, stable connection to the Leica FOTOS app. DNG images can be transferred in full resolution in seconds. In the course of 2025, the Camera-to-Cloud feature will also become available via Adobe frame.io, with which videos and photos can be uploaded directly from the camera to the Adobe frame.io cloud for further processing. 

Professional viewfinder

The Eye-Res® viewfinder of the Leica SL3-S is equipped with an optical system of glass lenses. It displays a crystal clear view at all times, with up to 120 images per second and a resolution of 5.76 million pixels. Another feature of the SL3-S is the tilting 3.2-in high-resolution touchscreen with the now-familiar Leica tilting mechanism, which helps when taking photographs from different angles. 

Leica SL3 interface

A further improvement on the Leica SL3-S is the Leica interface, which is already familiar to users of the SL3. It includes ergonomic and haptic features, as well as new menus and menu navigation. The Cine mode has been tailored specifically to the needs of professional video production. 

In common with the SL3, the SL3-S is slightly lighter and smaller than the SL2-S. It accepts all SL3 accessories. It is supplied with a USB-C cable and a carrying strap. But, in common with other models in the range, there is no charger pod. The battery is charged inside the camera via the cable and user-supplied charger.

Specification


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Press release

Wetzlar, 16 January 2025. 

Leica Camera AG launched the SL-System in 2015, uniquely combining photography and videography right from the off. With the full-frame system based on the L-Mount standard, Leica has firmly established itself in the world of professional audiovisual production. Launched in March 2024, the latest version in the range of SL-System cameras is the Leica SL3, and, like all Leica products, it fulfils the highest standards of image and production quality, setting new benchmarks for ease of use with its unique user interface. These values are now embodied in a new SL-System camera: the Leica SL3-S.

When developing this camera, the process centred on the high demands of professional photography and videography. In doing so, the key focus was on speed, flexibility and versatility. The result is a camera that combines the highest image quality for both photography and videography with optimum working speed and reliability. The Leica SL3-S integrates state-of-the-art technology into an outstanding design. It also offers numerous new functions that ensure a professional workflow for producing audiovisual content.

A new BSI CMOS full-frame sensor with 24-megapixel native resolution, 48- and 96-megapixel multi-shot modes, and a new autofocus system form the core of the SL3-S. Securely protected by an IP54-certified solid all-metal body, this is where Leica combine the strengths of three focus technologies: the latest generation in phase detection AF (PDAF), depth map (object detection AF) and contrast detection AF enable continuous shooting with the Leica SL3-S at up to 30 frames per second with full autofocus support. This makes the SL3-S the fastest Leica system camera ever built. Together with a high dynamic range and the impressive ISO range of 50 to 200,000, the SL3-S delivers excellent-quality photos and videos in all shooting situations.

The SL3-S is also the first camera in the SL-System to be equipped with content credentials technology in accordance with the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) for photos. If desired, each image can be signed with tamper-proof metadata, such as the camera model and author information, as well as creation and editing data. In order to prove authenticity with verifiable image content and to make edits transparent, the content credentials can be checked using freely available verification tools (verify.contentauthenticity.org).

The SL3-S records videos in a resolution of up to 6K and offers 3:2 open-gate recording, a feature that provides flexibility when creating video content for a wide variety of channels. For example, portrait format videos can be recorded in 4K, 9:16 without any loss of quality and the field of view in recorded material can also be determined retrospectively. The SL3-S records HDMI-RAW in 5.9K at 30 fps to external display recorders. What’s more, thanks to the fast CFexpress type B interface, ProRes 4:2:2 HQ in 5.8K at 30 fps or C4K at 60 fps can also be internally recorded without any recording time limits. It is also possible to record directly to an external SSD hard drive via the USB-C interface, which further increases the flexibility of the SL3-S. A dedicated timecode interface enables professional synchronisation of image and sound on set. The Maestro IV processor with L2 technology effortlessly handles enormous amounts of data, resulting in images with superb colour rendering, high dynamic range and excellent noise behaviour in the L-Log colour space. This processor has been lauded internationally for its optimal quality.

The versatile interfaces and powerful connectivity of the SL3-S ensure a seamless professional workflow. It has slots for CFexpress type B and UHS-II SD memory cards, a USB-C port for fast data transfer, tethering, SSD connection or power supply, and a full-size HDMI 2.1 output for external LCD panels or recording devices. Additionally, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with MIMO technology enable fast, stable connection to the Leica FOTOS App, with which DNG images can be transferred in full resolution in a matter of seconds. As a certified Apple “Made for iPhone® and iPad®” accessory, the Leica SL3-S can be connected directly to Apple products using the supplied USB-C cable. Over the course of 2025, the Camera-to-Cloud function will also become available via Adobe frame.io, using which videos and photos can be uploaded directly from the camera to the Adobe frame.io cloud for further processing.

Thanks to the L-Mount, the SL3-S can be combined with the outstanding lenses for all Leica camera systems, as well as the broad range from super wide-angle lenses to super telephoto zoom lenses from the L-Mount alliance partners. Various Cine lenses can also be used via adapters, the special scales for which can be found in the video menu of the SL3-S. The lens bayonet mount ensures that the Leica SL3-S offers comprehensive system compatibility. In addition, the legendary Leica M-Lenses’ full potential can be harnessed thanks to the special design of the image sensor and an external light sensor. Photographers and videographers benefit from the unrivalled imaging performance and compact design of the Leica M-Lenses together with the incredible features of the SL3-S. Image stabilisation of up to 5 stops integrated into the camera body further extends the range of applications for M-Lenses.

The EyeRes® viewfinder of the Leica SL3-S is equipped with a painstakingly produced optical system of glass lenses. It displays the subject crystal clear at all times with up to 120 images per second and a resolution of 5.76 million pixels. Thanks to the live preview, it offers full control over the exposure and composition of shots even before the shutter is released. Another new feature of the SL3-S is the tilting 3.2-inch high-res touchscreen with a high-quality tilting mechanism, which makes it even easier to take photos and videos from different angles.

A further highlight is the interface, already familiar to users of the SL3. As with the SL3, the optimisations to the SL3-S include ergonomic and haptic features, as well as the user interface and menu navigation. The handle, button layout and overall camera design have been improved for even more intuitive handling. The clearly structured icon and menu design makes navigation even easier, with distinct sections for photo and video functions. The Cine mode has been tailored specifically to the needs of professional video production.

Freely assignable FN buttons and optimised touch interaction throughout the camera menu allow for intuitive and convenient operation. When taking photos and filming, the entire user interface of the SL3-S aligns itself in landscape or portrait format according to the camera position. The SL3-S is noticeably lighter and more compact than its predecessors and feels even better in the hand thanks to its optimised design. In addition, the complete range of accessories already available for the Leica SL3 are also compatible with the SL3-S.

The Leica SL3-S is now available worldwide in all Leica Stores, in the Leica Online Store and from specialised dealers. The recommended retail price is £4,500.00 / €5,190.00 / $5,295.00, including VAT1.

All information about the new Leica SL3-S can be found at: leica-camera.com/sl3-s




  1. VAT is included in European and UK prices. The US price is net, with local sales tax added as appropriate ↩︎

6 COMMENTS

  1. May I say that as a keen user of the previous generations I am more than underwhelmed? It’s a Panasonic S5 II X wearing a tuxedo selling for more than twice the price. At least that shows that the folks in Wetzlar having a good sense of humor.

    I can´t comment on the video capabilities of the camera fully as I am mainly a stills shooter but for that it’s no improvement over the previous camera offering the same sensor coupled to a faster processor. So why should I dump my hard earned cash at this?
    Action camera with faster AF? If I would need that I´d rather buy the latest Sony or Canon. Faster and cheaper.

    I was expecting a larger sensor with better low light abilities. So in that sense at least the regular SL3 brings an improvement and is the one to go.

  2. 768 grams without battery, waiting for a day when they can release an essentials camera below 700 grams… I refuse to carry heavy cameras…

  3. This will be an amazing camera. I used to own the prior version and loved it. I would be on the waitlist but I have right sized to M43. I forecast a brilliant Jono review is about to appear.

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