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Leica S3
70
SCORE
Leica · Medium Format · 64 MP · Medium Format · 4K video

Leica S3

General 70Optics 73Video Performance 56Features and Benefits 68Storage and Battery 60
From $12,331.44 — 3 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandLeica
ModelS3
Released2018
Announcement date01/10/2018
Camera typeMedium Format
What We Like
Not yet summarised.
Worth Knowing
−Very expensive
−Super-slow 3 fps max burst rate
−Heavy 2.6 lb (1.2 kg) camera body
−Videos recorded in older MOV file format
−4K video limited to 24-fps frame rate

General 70

Brand
Leica
Model
S3
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2018
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
01/10/2018
Camera type
Medium Format
Camera size
160 x 120 x 80 mm
Camera weight
1260 g

Optics 73

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
64 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
7500 x 5000
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
45 x 30
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Medium Format
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
3.5 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Leica S
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Maestro II
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
500003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
10030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
500003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
360044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
100080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
10300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
No
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics


The Leica S3 receives a score of 70/100 in regard to its general specifications. Launched in 2018, this medium format camera has a hefty price tag of $18,995. With dimensions of 160 x 120 x 80mm and a weight of 1260g (2.78lbs), the Leica S3 is a substantial piece of equipment.

In today’s market, the Leica S3’s specifications are still competitive, offering a solid choice for photographers seeking a high-quality medium format camera. With its score and specifications, the Leica S3 proves to be a strong contender in the world of photography.

Leica S3 Overview and Optics

The Leica S3 receives a score of 73/100 for its optics. With 64 megapixels and a shooting speed of 24, this camera boasts a high-resolution and fast performance. Its CMOS sensor and Maestro II processor work together to produce sharp and detailed images. The DXOMARK score for the sensor is 78, which is competitive in today’s market.

The medium format sensor size allows for larger photosites, leading to improved image quality. The Leica S lens mount offers a range of high-quality lenses, ensuring versatility and adaptability. However, the camera lacks image stabilization, which may cause issues for some photographers. The 3:2 aspect ratio is standard, providing consistency with other cameras.

When considering the optics of the Leica S3, the camera has strong specifications that can compete in the current market. Despite the lack of image stabilization, the camera’s high-resolution sensor, fast shooting speed, and quality lens options make it a solid choice for many photographers.

Leica S3 Video Performance 56

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
4096 x 2160
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
24 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MPEG-4, MOV
Read our notes on leica s3 video performance

The Leica S3 has a video score of 56/100. This camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 4096 x 2160 pixels. The highest frame rate attainable is 24fps. However, the camera lacks built-in time-lapse functionality.

In the current market, the Leica S3’s video capabilities are not the most competitive. Many cameras now offer higher frame rates, allowing for smoother video playback and slow-motion effects. Additionally, the absence of time-lapse functionality may be a drawback for some users who seek this popular feature.

While the Leica S3 boasts impressive optics and general specifications, its video capabilities fall short of expectations in today’s market. Potential buyers should consider these factors when evaluating the camera as a whole.

Leica S3 Features and Benefits 68

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Yes
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen type
LCDE
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Yes
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
9220001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
No
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on leica s3 features and benefits

The Leica S3 features score stands at 68/100, reflecting its performance in various aspects. The camera is equipped with a 3-inch screen that has a resolution of 922,000 dots, providing clear and sharp image previews. Additionally, the touchscreen enables easy navigation and control for users.

In terms of connectivity, the Leica S3 offers GPS and WIFI capabilities, allowing photographers to geotag their images and share them seamlessly. However, it lacks Bluetooth connectivity, which may be a disadvantage for some users.

When comparing the Leica S3’s features to other cameras in today’s market, it delivers reliable performance and connectivity options. The absence of a flip screen and Bluetooth might limit its versatility for certain users. Despite these limitations, the Leica S3 remains a robust camera choice for those who prioritize image quality and traditional design.

Leica S3 Storage and Battery 60

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Compact Flash (Type 1)
Dual memory card slots
Yes
Battery type
SBP PRO
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
500 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on leica s3 storage and battery

The Leica S3 scores 60/100 in storage and battery. This camera provides two memory card slots that accept SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Compact Flash (Type 1) cards, allowing for ample storage options. However, with a battery life of 500 shots and an SBP PRO battery type, the Leica S3 falls short in terms of battery performance. The camera also lacks USB charging, which may cause inconvenience in certain situations.

In the competitive market, the Leica S3’s storage and battery specifications may not meet the expectations of some users. Despite its decent storage options, the battery life and lack of USB charging could deter potential customers.