Leica S3

The S3 is Leica's medium format camera, introduced in 2018. It pairs a 64MP CMOS sensor with the Leica S mount and a traditional optical pentaprism viewfinder, which puts the emphasis on high-resolution stills photography.

Those core traits suit photographers who work deliberately. Studio, landscape, portrait and commercial shoots, where resolution and large files matter more than pace, are where this camera makes sense.

Carrying it is a commitment. The body measures 160 x 120 x 80mm and weighs 1260g, so it suits planned sessions rather than casual everyday carry, and a dedicated bag earns its place.

At the heart of the S3 is a 64 megapixel medium format CMOS sensor, with the Maestro II processor handling its output. That resolution supports large prints and generous cropping for studio, landscape and portrait work.

The ISO range spans 100 to 50000. The low base suits bright studio light and tripod work, while the upper settings keep the camera usable as light fades. Treat the extremes as available settings rather than a promise of consistent quality across the whole span.

The pace of the camera fits deliberate shooting. Continuous capture tops out at 3.5fps, autofocus works from a single point, and the maximum shutter speed is 1/1000. Fast action therefore falls outside the camera's strengths.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so at slower shutter speeds camera shake is managed through holding technique or a support such as a tripod. The Leica S mount also defines the lens system you are buying into, since the body takes S-series glass.

The S3 does record video, and its maximum resolution is 4K, which is enough for standard UHD delivery. Shooting occasional clips alongside stills is therefore entirely practical, and video here is best treated as a complement to stills work.

The highest frame rate is 24fps, a traditional cinema pace. Nothing faster appears in the specifications, so there is no slow-motion capture, and footage should be planned around natural motion. Resolution and frame rate are separate maximums, so the frame rate available at 4K is not listed.

Recording uses MPEG-4 or MOV file formats for its video clips. There is no built-in timelapse function, so interval sequences require external control or manual work between frames.

On the back is a 3-inch LCD with 922,000 dots and touch input. It is fixed in place, so overhead and low-angle framing on the screen takes some bending. Live view is available whenever you want to compose away from the optical finder.

Wi-Fi is built in, with no Bluetooth on board, so cable-free options rest on that single wireless connection. Built-in GPS records location data alongside your images, which is handy for cataloguing shoots by place.

The body is weather sealed, which helps in dust and drizzle, though sealing is not waterproofing. No flash is built in, but the camera accepts external flash units for controlled lighting.

The S3 has two card slots, which between them accept SD, SDHC or SDXC media plus CompactFlash Type 1. That mix lets you use cards you may already own and keeps some choice in media.

The SBP PRO battery is rated for 500 shots, though real-world endurance varies with how you shoot and the conditions on the day, so plan longer sessions with usage in mind.

There is no USB charging, so the battery cannot be topped up over a cable while you are shooting or travelling. A charged spare SBP PRO battery is a sensible part of the kit for long or remote days.