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Leica SL3-S
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Leica · Mirrorless · 24 MP · Full Frame · 6K video

Leica SL3-S

From $4,996.28 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandLeica
Announcement dateJan 2025
Released2025
Camera typeMirrorless
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

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
Read our notes on general
The 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.

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