Leica launches new SL3-S full-frame camera

Leica has launched the latest camera in its L-mount SL series. The Leica SL-3-S has a 24 MP full-frame sensor and offers 3:2 open gate video recording in 6K.

Full-frame sensor

The Leica SL-3-S features a new BSI CMOS full-frame sensor with 24-megapixel native resolution. It also supports 48- and 96-megapixel multi-shot modes for still imaging. Leica says the sensor has a dynamic range of up to 15 stops and an ISO range of 50 to 200,000. Also, the SL-3-S is powered by the Maestro IV processor with L2 technology. This delivers images with superb color rendering, high dynamic range, and excellent noise behavior in the L-Log color space.

Leica SL-3-S
Image courtesy: Leica

6K open gate

For video shooting, The Leica SL-3-S offers open gate video recording up to 30 fps in 6K (5,952 x 3,968) resolution. This gives you the option to crop to a 4K portrait image in post production without any loss of quality. The camera also supports 17:9 Cinema 6K and 4K video, as well as regular 16:9 in 6K, 4K and full HD. You can record all resolutions internally in either h.264 or h.265.

In addition, you can capture Cinema 6K at 30 fps and Cinema 4K at 60 fps in ProRes 4:2:2 HQ to the camera’s CFexpress type B interface.

Recording media

The camera supports recording HDMI-RAW in 5.9K at 30 fps to external display recorders. Internally, you can use CFexpress type B and UHS-II SD memory cards. You can also record directly to an external SSD hard drive via the USB-C interface. In addition, the USB-C port supports data transfer, tethering, or power supply. The camera has a dedicated timecode interface as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with MIMO technology.

Autofocus

Image courtesy: Leica

Lecia’s SL-3-S combines the strengths of three focus technologies. It features the latest generation in phase detection AF (PDAF), as well as depth map (object detection AF). The camera also uses contrast detection AF. This means that the SL-3-S supports continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per second with full autofocus support. Additionally, the SL-3-S has In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) which offers up to five stops of stabilization.

Other features

The camera has an EyeRes electronic viewfinder that can show up to 120 images per second at a resolution of 5.76 million pixels. Leica says it also features a “painstakingly produced optical system of glass lenses”. The camera also has a tilting 3.2-inch high-resolution touchscreen which makes it easy to take photos and videos from different angles. In addition, the SL-3-S offers IP54-certified weather resistance in a solid all-metal body.

What we think

Ultimately, the Leica SL-3-S has a lot of great features for video shooters. 6K open gate means you can shoot high-resolution video that you can adapt to vertical formats for social media without losing quality. Internal ProRes HQ recording is also going to ensure you capture every detail the camera’s sensor can offer. There’s so much to like about the SL-3-S, but it comes at a very premium price. For around 10% more you could pick up Sony’s FX6 Cinema Camera to put the price in context. Leica fans will love the SL-3-S, but for others a less expensive camera may be the better option.

Pricing and availability

The Leica SL-3-S is available now and costs $5,295 for the body only.

Pete Tomkies
Pete Tomkies
Pete Tomkies is a freelance cinematographer and camera operator from Manchester, UK. He also produces and directs short films as Duck66 Films. Pete's latest short Once Bitten... won 15 awards and was selected for 105 film festivals around the world.

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