Leica has released a firmware update for its SL3 mirrorless camera. The headline feature of firmware update 3.1.1 is the addition of high-resolution internal recording in ProRes 422 HQ.
Cinema DCI resolutions
Firmware update 3.1.1 for the Leica SL3 adds internal recording in both Cinema 6K (5776 x 3056 pixels) and Cinema 4K (4096 x 2160). These 17:9 aspect ratio formats are DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) standards, as opposed to 16:9, which is the aspect ratio for HDTV. You can record at 23.98, 24.00, 25.00, and 29.97 fps in both resolutions. With Cinema 4K, you can also record at 50.00 and 59.94 fps. Also, the new video formats are recorded in the ProRes 422 HQ codec.
ProRes 422 HQ
ProRes 422 HQ is a higher data rate version of Apple ProRes 422. As a result, it preserves visual quality at the same high level as Apple ProRes 4444, but for 4:2:2 image sources. Apple also says that the codec supports full-width, 4:2:2 video sources at 10-bit pixel depths.
In addition, it remains visually lossless through many generations of decoding and re-encoding. The data rates quoted by Leica range from 778 Mbps for Cinema 4K at 23.98 fps to 1939 Mbps for Cinema 6K at 29.97 fps.
Other updates
Firmware update 3.1.1 also adds a number of improvements to your SL3. You can access the Headphone Volume function via the Audio menu in the Video section and the FN button. Also, the Film Style and Video Style menus have been integrated into the Leica Looks menu. Their menu items will now be accessible via the Main Menu.
Additionally, the electronic shutter speed of 1/16000 is in P/A mode. After the update, the SL3 supports European Union regulations on standby power consumption as well.
What we think
With the SL3-S, Leica has been keen to push the camera’s video credentials to the forefront. Now, with the addition of Cinema 6K and Cinema 4K internal recording in ProRes 422 HQ, the SL3 is also a very powerful video camera. Previously, the SL3 could only record 4K and 8K with a 1.3x crop factor applied to the sensor. However, after the update, you can use the full width of the sensor when recording in Cinema 4K and 4K. If you use an SL3, you should update your camera straight away to get the new video features. Just check to make sure your memory cards meet the data rate requirements for ProRes 422 HQ before your first shoot.
Pricing and availability
Firmware update 3.1.1 for the Leica SL3 and SL3-S mirrorless cameras is available for download now. It is free of charge.
