Leica SL3 | A User Review

Leica introduced the Leica SL3 in March 2024. The third generation of the mirrorless SL camera range, the 60 Megapixel SL3 builds upon the success of its predecessors in a remarkable way. We received our demo model here at Leica Store Manchester on launch day and since then I have taken it out at every possible opportunity!

I have primarily been testing the camera with the 35mm f/2 APO Summicron-SL lens. Alongside this, I have tested the 'standard' 35mm and 50mm Summicron-SL lenses and some of my M Lenses using the M-Adapter L. 

The SL3 is an absolute joy to use and the following are some of my key takeaways on the improvements from the SL2/SL2-S and general thoughts on using the SL3 in the field. 

The Leica SL3 follows the success of the 47 Megapixel Leica SL2 and 24 Megapixel Leica SL2-S. The SL3 builds upon this with a 60 Megapixel Triple Resolution Sensor along with an improved, impressive autofocus system.

The full details of the SL3 are as follows:-

• 60 Megapixel Full-Frame Sensor with Triple Resolution (60/36/18 MP)
• Hybrid Autofocus, with Phase Detection, Object Detection and Contrast Detection
• ISO 50 - 100,000 (Extended)
• 5 Axis Image Stabilisation (IBIS)
• 5.76 Megapixel OLED Viewfinder 
• Up to 15 fps continuous shooting (5 fps with C-AF)
• 8K 30 fps video shooting
• 3.2 Inch Tiltable Display

The SL3 has a 60 Megapixel sensor with Triple Resolution technology- the same as the Q3 and M11. You can choose between a resolution of either 60, 36 or 18 Megapixels. Leica states that technically the low-res 18 MP DNG files are produced by a process of demosaicing, resizing and re-mosaicing, which means that there is no loss in detail or quality, no matter what resolution is chosen. 

These significant improvements not only align the camera spec wise with other professional mirrorless models, but also allow the user a much more impressive operating experience. 

ISO sensitivity on the SL3 ranges from 50 - 100,000 and continuous shooting is available at up to 15 fps with the silent electronic shutter, and 5 fps with continuous autofocus. The fastest shutter speeds available are an incredible 1/16000 second with the electronic shutter and 1/8000 with the mechanical shutter, with slow timed speeds going as low as 60 minutes. Image stabilisation (IBIS) of 5 stops of shake suppression allow for sharp images even with the handheld low shutter speeds of over half a second. 

There have been significant autofocus performance improvements in the SL3. The SL3 has adopted the phase autofocus detection technology, which transforms the camera's ability to detect, follow and track moving objects. 

Animal detection is also available, although at present this is only in 'Beta' form. When the camera recognises a subject it is outlined by a green rectangle, with alternative options outlined in yellow- you can select between these using the joystick. The PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) works in conjunction with both Object Detection and Contrast Detection Autofocus to achieve the fastest focus in any given situation.  

One of the biggest changes on the SL3 is the new tiltable screen. The User Interface of the touchscreen has significantly improved, making it clearer and easier to user. Touch points are more spaced out, with the icons and font being clearer and much easier to read.

Now on SL3 if you press and hold any of the screen icons you can change the settings that it represents, allowing for a quick and convenient layout to be personalised to your own shooting style. The new UI separates 'Photo' and 'Video' modes into two separate optimised interfaces, employing different colours to distinguish between modes- red meaning Photo and yellow for Cine, with the differentiation allowing users to identify the active mode quickly and easily. 

The SL3 body is as robust and sturdy as its predecessor, only this time the SL3 has been slimmed down in both size and weight when compared to the SL2, making it lighter and more comfortable to hold. Weather proofing is the same, with an IP54 rating, which offers protection against dust and water spray from any direction, allowing the camera to be operated in much harsher environments without fear of damage. 

Although similar in appearance, the SL3 features some significant design updates. The addition of the tiltable 3.2 inch touch screen allowing the user more comfort and creativity when taking photos at angles. By adding a large dial on the top left of the body, one can change the ISO with your left hand whilst still holding the camera to one's eye. The other two dials on the right of the SL3 remain the same, where with one's thumb and forefinger you adjust settings for shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation. 

The three buttons (Play, Fn and Menu) have also moved from the left to the right of the tilt screen, making them more convenient for control from your right thumb, and the power switch is now a push control button with a glowing ring around its edge. This powers up to white by pushing on, to green during charging and red to indicate error. The AF joystick remains in the same position and its use is the same as on the SL2. 

The excellent electronic viewfinder is a 5.76 million dot resolution, with exposure information overlaid above and below the preview image. This information now rotates 90 degrees when you turn the camera from landscape to portrait shooting- a feature that I really like. 

The EVF allows previews of colour and white balance, along with +/- exposure compensation of 3 EV. Although whilst in default set up there is no depth of field preview, one can assign this to a custom button. With a second press of the same button one can usefully preview any blurring effect of the shutter speed- great for long exposures. To aid composition and exposure there are a number of features which can be added to the preview screen including a live histogram, gridlines, electronic levels, focus peaking and blinking highlights/shadows to warn of possible clipping. 

Video can be recorded at 8K and 30fps, at 4K and 60fps, or Full HD at 120fps, with videographers having the option of a Cinema Mode which offers the T-stops and shutter angles that experienced videographers often prefer, rather than the f-stops and shutter speeds that a photographer is used to. 

You can set up 5 different video profiles, with 4 already past, and a Timecode Interface below the hotshoe allow connection of Timecode devices for syncing sound to motion. Microphone, headphone sockets and a full-size HDMI video output are provided, with USB-C provided for charging. 

From the moment one picks up the SL3, it becomes immediately apparent that Leica has thoroughly thought through the process of a professional photographer. With one firm press of the new On/Off button the camera instantly starts up and is ready to use.

If you are already familiar to other Leica cameras (Q3 and M11) you will feel immediately at home. Even if you have never held a Leica SL before, once you get used to how the controls and interface work, they will never get in the way of the shooting experience. The image preview is bright and clear whether composing by looking through the EVF or by using the rear screen. A half press of the shutter gives an exact image preview, allowing for required adjustments, and a full press of the shutter gives an instant and satisfying click of the shutter It responds quickly with a solid yet pleasing shutter sound.

I found myself making frequent use of the new tilt-screen, far more than I previously thought I would. The screen particularly comes into its own for composition of landscape and creative street photography. I also found it helpful when mounting the camera onto a tripod for landscape shots- I usually like to mount the camera higher than eye level or really low and close to the ground. In both of these situations being able to move the tilt screen up or down to view the preview really aided my composition, especially in bright lit situations.

As for outdoor usage, having the IP54 weatherproofing protecting against dust and rain for the camera. As the 35mm APO Summicron-SL Lens is also protected against dust and water spray (the exterior glass is protected with an Aquadura water-resistant coating), you can have confidence shooting even in the harshest of conditions.

For anyone coming from using the Leica SL2 range of cameras, the new autofocus is literally a revelation. Focus is achieved much quicker, with a direct, far snappier response - with none of the focus hunting that was apparent in the earlier generations. Not only is focus improved within the camera, the actual focus speed of the APO and Summilux-SL lenses seem to have improved with the SL3. There is a lot of glass to shift internally in these high quality lenses, yet their ability to lock on and find focus definitely seems improved from previous generation cameras. Focus speeds are even improved with the excellent but huge 50mm Summilux-SL lens when mounted upon the SL3.

For the duration of testing I predominantly used the APO Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 lens, which pairs brilliantly with the new high resolution sensor. Although one has the ability to shoot in the lower resolution of 36 MegaPixel and 18 MegaPixel, I always kept the sensor at it's maximum setting of 60 MegaPixel. This was partly because I wanted the full resolution experience whilst using the APO lens and secondly, I just felt no need during my limited time with the camera to shoot at lower megapixels.

I briefly tested the SL3 with my M lenses- namely the 50mm Summilux-M and 24mm Summilux-M lenses. When paired with the SL3 they worked exceptionally well, with the focus peaking and focus magnification allowing for quick and accurate focus. In fact, everything seems to work together so well when using M lenses with the M-L Adapter on the SL3. One can easily reach the point where you may consider using the M lenses exclusively with an SL3- an option I am now seriously considering myself! Indeed, for someone who wears glasses all the time for photography, the SL3 made focusing and the use of M lenses an absolute pleasure.

In a similar move to the Q series camera, Leica has made the SL3 available with 'Leica Looks' film simulation modes, which allow users to select different looks to the JPEG files. Although I imagine that many SL3 users will choose to shoot with DNG files, I did find myself experimenting with some of the looks, in particular the high contrast black and white mode which gave a really punchy image for street photography. 

Shot at f/2

I feel that Leica has raised the bar yet again with the SL3, producing a flagship camera that builds on its predecessor, combining superior image quality and a leading specification within a useable, intuitive package, worthy of the brands reputation and heritage.