Leica SL3-S
Leica · Mirrorless · 24 MP · Full Frame · 6K video
Score Breakdown
This product does not have an overall score yet.
—
UNSCORED
What We Like
+Exceptional hybrid performance with 30 fps burst shooting and advanced autofocus for both stills and video
+Professional-grade 6K unlimited internal recording with Open Gate aspect ratio offers exceptional creative flexibility
+Robust IP54-weather sealed all-metal build designed for demanding field use and long-term reliability
+Premium Leica optics and image processing deliver distinctive color science with excellent low-light performance up to ISO 200,000
+Intuitive clean interface and ergonomic design refined from SL3, with tilting touchscreen and 5.76M-dot EVF
+Versatile L-mount ecosystem with support for Leica, Sigma, and Panasonic glass, plus Leica M-mount via adapter
Worth Knowing
−High price point relative to competitors with similar sensors; Panasonic S5 II offers comparable specs at significantly lower cost
−24MP resolution may feel modest for studio professionals or those requiring ultra-fine detail work and heavy cropping
−Autofocus, while improved, still trails Sony and Canon in extreme sports and fast wildlife scenarios
−Non-stacked sensor lacks advantages of newer full-frame stacked sensors found in flagship competitors
General | |
|---|---|
About This CameraThe Leica SL3-S is a mirrorless camera aimed at hybrid shooters who equally value photo and video, announced in January 2025 with a 24MP full-frame sensor and L-mount. Equipped with a 24MP full-frame sensor, fast PDAF autofocus enabling continuous shooting at 30 fps with full autofocus, and a state-of-the-art Maestro IV processor, the SL3-S is a master of performance. More than the sensor alone, Leica couples it with their own Maestro IV image processor and packages it in a unique body made in Germany and stamped with their aspirational branding. The SL3-S is a very different camera and experience, coupling that sensor with Leica's image processing and packing it into one of the best built full-frame bodies around with a refreshingly clean and simple user interface. | |
| Brand | Leica |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | Jan 2025 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2025 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
Sensor | |
| Type | 24MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24 megapixels (native), 48 and 96MP in handheld multishot mode |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis IBIS (5.5 stops CIPA) |
| ISO Range | 50 to 200,000 |
| No Low Pass Filter | Yes |
Autofocus | |
| Type | Hybrid: Phase Detection (779 points), Object Detection, Contrast Detection |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 30 fps with AF-C (12-bit RAW) |
| Mechanical Shutter | 9 fps |
| Subject Detection | People, faces, eyes, animals |
Video | |
| 6K Recording | 6K Open Gate at 30 fps in 3:2 aspect ratio (internal) |
| 4K Recording | 4K at 60 fps (full-width, no crop) |
| Full HD | 120 fps |
| RAW Recording | 5.9K RAW via HDMI (4K/6K options) |
| ProRes | 5.8K ProRes 422 HQ at 30 fps |
| Color Space | L-Log |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  6K |
Build | |
| Material | All-metal magnesium-alloy construction |
| Weather Sealing | IP54-certified |
| Viewfinder | EyeRes OLED EVF, 5.76 million pixels, 120 fps refresh |
| Battery | BP-SCL6 Lithium-Ion, 15.8Wh (2200mAh) |
| Battery Life | 315 shots per CIPA standard |
Processor | |
| Image Processor | Maestro IV |
Connectivity | |
| Memory Cards | CFexpress Type B, SD UHS-II |
| USB | USB-C (10 Gbps) |
| Video Output | HDMI 2.1 Type A |
| Audio | 3.5mm audio in/out |
| Timecode | Timecode interface for sync |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi with MIMO, Bluetooth |
| Software | Leica FOTOS App, Content Authenticity Credentials (CAI) |
Optics | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24 MP050 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
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. | Electronic |
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 L |
Features | |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3.2" |
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. |  Yes |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |