Leica is expanding its SL-System for performance-oriented photography and videography with the release of its most advanced full frame camera to date, accompanied by two new SL lenses, offering greater creative freedom.
Leica maintains that when it launched the SL-System in 2015, it set a new standard for creative photography and video production: “Based on the L-Mount, the system combines technological innovation with the precision and quality that the company is known for”.
Intuitive operation
Leica says that the SL-System, developed in close consultation with professional users, continues to be refined, drawing on practical experience:
“The result is an expanding full-frame system that meets high photographic and cinematic standards, while also offering non-professional users easy access to high-quality image and video production thanks to its convenient, intuitive operation.
“Looking to the future, Leica is now significantly strengthening the SL-System by presenting the Leica SL3-P, the brand’s most comprehensive full-frame camera to date, alongside the innovative Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH, and APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 lenses.”
The new Leica SL3-P
At the heart of the SL3-P’s features are a new sensor and a new hybrid autofocus system. The 44-megapixel BSI full-frame sensor is claimed to provide a good balance of high-resolution and excellent image quality.
The SL3-P has a dynamic range of up to 14 stops. The Multishot mode delivers extremely high-resolution, detailed images with up to 176 megapixels, while the ISO range of 50 to 200,000 ensures high image quality and flexibility, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Hybrid AF system
The new hybrid autofocus system combines three focus technologies — phase detection (PDAF), depth mapping (object detection AF) and contrast detection (contrast detection AF) — to achieve quick, precise and reliable focusing.
Leica says that with continuous shooting at up to 40 frames per second with full autofocus support, improved tracking performance with 819 AF points, and smart subject recognition, the SL3-P can handle even the most dynamic of subjects with ease.
Video
In terms of video, the latest addition to the SL3 family enables recording at resolutions of up to 8K. This includes 8.1K Open Gate in 3:2 format at up to 24p, HDMI RAW 8K Open Gate and 8K at 30p using the full size of the sensor. For smooth motion rendering, the camera offers 5.9K recording at up to 60 frames per second, as well as detailed slow-motion footage in 4K at 120p.
Integration of the Apple ProRes codec at up to 5.8K guarantees outstanding image quality, and together with the two new in-camera LUTs – Leica Pure and Leica Cine – for the L-Log colour space, this provides maximum freedom in professional post-production.
The company says that this not only makes the SL3-P suitable for demanding film productions but also for high-quality hybrid workflows. It allows footage to be optimised for various channels and formats, and framing to be determined retrospectively without any loss of quality.
Minimalist design
Manufactured in Germany, the SL3-P features a deliberately minimalist design with black control elements and without the red Leica logo.
Its full-metal body is designed for maximum stability and reliability, while IP54 certification provides effective protection against dust and water splashes.
Leica says that the SL3-P offers “a unique combination of outstanding image quality, precision, feel, reliability and speed, as well as an unrivalled Leica user experience.
“This is based on well-conceived ergonomics, fully customisable controls and a captivatingly clear user interface. The minimalist icon and menu design, which strictly separates photo and video modes, ensures particularly efficient navigation.”
Professional workflow
A special colour code — red for photos and yellow for videos — visually distinguishes between the two modes. In addition, the user interface automatically adapts to the camera’s orientation, displaying all information clearly and legibly on the tilting screen in both vertical and horizontal positions.
The Leica user experience is maintained in the SL3-P. Regular firmware updates based on customer feedback are made available for the SL3-P via the Leica FOTOS App.
The SL3-P’s comprehensive connectivity ensures a seamless professional workflow. The Leica FOTOS App uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB-C connections to link the camera directly to mobile devices. This enables fast downloads of DNG, JPG and video files as well as full remote control via a smartphone or tablet.
Leica Looks
Leica Looks can be applied as soon as the shutter is released, and they can be adjusted either in the camera or later in the Leica FOTOS App. Native tethering support for Lightroom Classic and Capture One provides a stable, direct connection between the camera and computer, facilitating immediate image review in the studio.
With Camera-to-Cloud via Adobe Frame.io, photos and videos can be transferred directly from the camera to the cloud, making them available for post-production immediately.
In addition, the SL3-P is equipped with Content Credentials technology, developed in line with the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), which enables images to be signed with tamper-proof metadata if desired, thereby protecting photographers’ intellectual property.
Two new lenses
Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH.
The new Leica the Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH is the world’s most compact autofocus lens with this focal length and a lens speed of f/1.4, according to Leica.
Says Leica, “The large aperture lets you capture high-quality images even in challenging lighting conditions, while also producing precise subject isolation and a soft, natural bokeh.
“Its compact dimensions are the result of state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, ensuring ‘Made in Germany’ finesse. With a diameter of 74 mm, a length of just 75.5 mm and a weight of 584 g, it combines maximum portability with the exceptional image quality for which Leica is renowned.
“The lens comprises eleven aperture blades, two aspherical lens elements and high-quality glass types to produce the distinctive image aesthetics.
“The fast autofocus enables rapid operation and focuses by means of a particularly quiet mechanism. With a close focus distance of just 50 cm, an E67 filter thread and an L-Mount, the new Summilux-SL is a highly versatile standard focal length lens.
“The precision-crafted, full-metal lens body forms a unit with SL-Cameras that is protected against dust and water splashes as per the IP54 standard. The AquaDura coating also ensures reliable protection even under demanding conditions.”
APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8
The Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-R 100 f/2.8 was a milestone in optical craftsmanship when it was released in 1987. To honour this classic lens, Leica is now introducing the new APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8.
In common with its predecessor, this SL-System macro lens aims to deliver outstanding imaging performance right to the edges thanks to apochromatic correction.
With a close focus distance of just 30 cm and a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1, this lens reveals details that are invisible to the naked eye. It is also ideal for use as a telephoto lens in portrait photography.
Leica says that the nine-blade aperture, in conjunction with the entire optical design, ensures a harmoniously rendered background. The full-metal L Mount body is 137.6 mm long and weighs 862g, including the supplied lens hood.
The front element is protected from external influences by an AquaDura coating, while the E67 filter thread opens up additional creative possibilities.
Starting on the 25 June 2026, the Leica SL3-P will be available worldwide from Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and authorised dealers.
The recommended retail price is £5,150 | €5,990 including Value Added Tax, and $6,690 excluding tax in the USA.
Leica is also offering three kit deals for the SL3-P to mark the launch:
SL3-P kits
SL3-P 28–70 Vario kit
Featuring the Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70 f/2.8 ASPH priced at £6,100 | €6,990 including VAT | $7,790 excluding tax in the USA.
SL3-P 24–70 Vario kit
Including the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH, priced at £6,480 | €7,490 including VAT | $8,390 excluding tax in the USA.
SL3-P 24–70 & 70–200 Vario kit
Including both the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH and the Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 f/2.8 ASPH, priced at £8,560 | €9,790 including VAT | $10,995 excluding tax in the USA.
Lens delivery
The Leica Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH and the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 will be available worldwide from Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and authorised dealers from the end of 2026.
The recommended retail prices are £3,890 | €4,500 including VAT for the Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH, and £2,110 | €2,450 including VAT for the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8.
Specification
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