Leica’s SL family has always been the most “mirrorless” looking of its cameras, offering professional photographers similar treatment to rivals like Canon and Sony. This continues with the introduction of the SL3, a 60-megapixel (MP) model like no other. popular rangefinder camerasoffers a new phase detection autofocus system, 8K video capability and more.
The new model has the same sensor as the M11 rangefinder and Q3 compact models, but looks very similar to the SL2 and tips the scale at 767 grams. It’s also IP54 rated, so you can protect it from dust, moisture, etc. you can shoot in weather conditions ranging from 14 to 104°F without worrying about
The biggest design change is the new watch face on the top left (all the watch faces are blank as you can customize them however you want). On the back, Leica moved the three main buttons (game, function and menu) to the right and changed the power switch to a button.
The SL3 now has a new 3.2-inch 2.3m-dot LCD screen, and unlike past models, it can be tilted (but not rotated). The EVF has also been upgraded to a higher-resolution 5.76m-dot 0.78x OLED version. As for storage, it supports both CFexpress type B and SD UHS-II memory cards. It comes with full-sized HDMI and USB-C charging ports, and microphone/headphone jacks.
The new sensor increases the resolution from 47 MP on the SL2 to 60 MP, which is a significant bump. It probably looks like a sensor Sony uses it on the A7R Vand supports a wide native ISO range of 50-100,000 with a claimed 15 stops of dynamic range.
It can shoot bursts at up to 15fps, but more importantly, it offers a new phase-detection AF system that’s faster and smarter, according to the company. It combines phase detection, contrast and subject autofocus for faster and more consistent performances. It includes face and eye detection along with a new animal detection feature. Leica says it should also be better at tracking motion.
As for video, the SL3 can record internally in DCI 8K 8192 x 4320 at 30fps and DCI 4K at up to 60p with a maximum bitrate of 600Mbps. It can also record externally in DCI 8K and DCI 4K at up to 60 fps via HDMI output. All of these resolutions are available in 10-bit with the L-Log Rec option. 2020 and HLG Rec. 2020. Supports ProRes recording, but only up to 1080p.
As you’d probably expect, the SL3 isn’t cheap at $6,995, though it’s a lot cheaper than the $9,000 M11. Now available here B&H Photo Video and elsewhere.
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