Introducing the Leica SL3-S
Everything new with Leica's fastest camera yet
The Leica SL3-S is touted as the fastest Leica ever made. For the past several months, it’s been my primary camera, and for good reason—I was honoured to be selected as the global launch ambassador.
I had the incredible opportunity to create a film for the launch of the camera, and from the start, it was clear that we would shoot the entire project using the SL3-S. Now, I wrote a very special behind-the-scenes piece where I talk about using this camera all over the world. That’ll be dropping at a later date. For now, I’d like to give you an overview of this camera. Let’s start by discussing how the Leica SL3-S differs from the Leica SL3.
Designed For Speed
The Leica SL3-S has a 24MP backside-illuminated full-frame sensor. It’s a new sensor that delivers a massive upgrade to Leica’s autofocus performance. With 2.4x more autofocus points than the SL3 and a more manageable resolution, it’s immediately clear why this is Leica’s fastest camera yet. I tested the SL3-S around the world in a variety of situations, and it consistently tracked subjects with exceptional speed and accuracy—unlike anything I’ve experienced in a Leica body before. And the continuous autofocus performance takes this even further.
The SL3-S allows for 5 FPS shooting in a 14-bit RAW format with the mechanical shutter. Switch to the electronic shutter, and you’ll move to 12-bit format shooting up to 30 FPS with continuous autofocus. This system allowed me to effortlessly track fast-moving subjects—be it athletes, dancers, or wildlife—and continuously shoot for about six seconds before the buffer overflows. That’s impressive.
For those who need more resolution for fine art, architecture, landscapes, or slower portraits, the SL3-S offers a 96MP multi-shot mode. It can be used handheld or on a tripod, and the images are stitched entirely in camera. Personally, I find the 24MP sensor ideal for most work—it hits a sweet spot for modern photography, balancing resolution with manageable file sizes. However, having the option to capture high-resolution images when needed is a fantastic offering for users.
One feature truly stood out during my briefing, and genuinely surprised me—I initially thought it was a mistake. But no, it’s real. The Leica SL3-S is the second Leica camera to include a content authenticity chip. Each camera comes with a unique encryption key that allows users to digitally sign their DNG files. This signature is securely embedded in the image’s metadata and can be verified through the Content Authenticity Initiative website. It’s a powerful feature that will only become more valuable over time.
When it comes to ISO, the SL3-S offers a native range of 100 to 200,000, with an expandable low end of ISO 50. The sensor also features a dual base ISO system. There are benefits to photography here but more so for video. Shooters can expect solid performance at ISO 400 and 2500 when shooting L-Log video. This means that users have a secondary ISO circuit to maximize dynamic range and noise performance without the drawbacks of what you’d get from a linear increase in ISO gain.
The SL3-S leans heavily into its filmmaking capabilities, making it a powerful tool for enthusiasts and ambitious filmmakers alike. It supports 6K recording in an open gate format at 30P, utilizing the entire sensor’s aspect ratio of 3:2—a boon for recomposing shots, stabilization, and anamorphic lenses. It also offers internal recording of C6K or C4K in ProRes, and with an external recorder, you can unlock 6K30P RAW recording. There are no recording time limits in these modes, so your only constraints are power and storage.
For extended shoots, you can supply continuous power to the camera. To address storage limitations, the SL3-S introduces SSD recording—a feature I had personally requested from Leica’s engineers in the past. High-capacity SSDs are more accessible and affordable than CFExpress B cards, making this addition both practical and user-friendly. While it may not be the most talked-about feature, it’s one that I deeply appreciated.
So, there you have it—a detailed look at how the Leica SL3-S distinguishes itself from the SL3 and carves out a unique place in Leica’s lineup. It’s already a lot, but to complete the story, we need to touch on what these cameras share.
Built To Last
The Leica SL3-S is powered by the Maestro IV processor with 8GB of buffer. While already a highly capable processor, it reaches new heights when paired with this sensor. The inclusion of Maestro IV also enables users to download new Leica Looks directly to the camera via the Leica Fotos app. One of the latest looks, called Brass, stands out. Probably because of my frequent work across South Asia, I’d say this Look is my most favourite one yet.
The SL3-S features 5-axis image stabilization, offering up to 5 stops of compensation. This proved especially useful for handheld filming. The camera’s flash sync is set at 1/200, while the mechanical shutter reaches speeds of up to 1/8000. For media, the SL3-S includes both CFExpress B and UHS-II card slots, ensuring versatile and reliable capture options.
In terms of displays, the camera offers a 3.2-inch tilting display with 2.3 million dots of resolution. In my opinion, the two-way tilting mechanism is designed with operators in mind. Additionally, there’s a 1.28-inch monochrome top LCD for quick access to settings. And, of course, there’s the 5.76M-dot electronic viewfinder—with refresh rates of up to 120 FPS—that provides a gorgeous viewing experience in the field.
When it comes to connectivity, the SL3-S is equipped with a USB-C 3.1 port, full-sized HDMI, timecode, mic, and headphone jacks. For wireless, it supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, providing a very stable connection for the Leica Fotos app. The app allows users to download images, remotely control the camera, update firmware, and more. With the SL3-S, image downloads can reach speeds of up to 40MB/sec wirelessly or up to 100MB/sec via a USB-C cable.
The Leica SL3-S brings a wealth of features to the table, all housed in an IP54-rated body—arguably one of its most valuable attributes. As the saying goes, the best ability is availability, and this camera excels at working in the toughest of conditions. Whether it was the blistering heat of India or the icy winds of Antarctica, the SL3-S proved to be a formidable tool in any environment.
With all of this in mind, let’s now dive into the core pillars behind this camera and explore why it deserves a place in the market.
Three Pillars
When you ask why Leica created the SL3-S, I believe the answer boils down to three key pillars: performance, versatility, and durability.
The images I’ve captured with the SL3-S are some of my most favourite to date, and I’m excited to see how far I can push this camera in the years ahead. What impressed me most was how reliably the camera performed in the field. The combination of the processor and sensor deliver incredible shots with remarkable accuracy, setting what I believe is a new benchmark for Leica. When you also consider the video capabilities, the performance gains feel like a substantial upgrade from its predecessor.
As an SL-series camera, the SL3-S also benefits from the versatility of the L-mount alliance. You can use the finest SL lenses crafted in Germany, tap into the legacy of M lenses, or explore unique options from other alliance members. And for even more creative flexibility, you can adapt a wide range of other mounts to craft your story.
Finally, there’s durability. I put my Leica SL2-S through many rigorous, demanding productions over the years—a true torture test. Despite the challenges, it kept performing. The Leica SL3-S now carries that torch. After six months across six countries, it continues to give me the confidence that I can capture the shot, no matter the environment. I had four bodies with me for this project and they were all subjected to extreme temperatures. They’d also be generously exposed to dust, rain, ice, and snow. And you know what? There wasn’t a single situation where the cameras failed because of the conditions.
Who Should Be Excited?
If you’re asking me, the SL3-S is designed for Leica enthusiasts and professionals who demand exceptional performance, versatility, and durability for both photo and video. It’s ideal for those who need a reliable tool that consistently delivers outstanding results across a variety of creative pursuits.
For photographers, the 24MP backside-illuminated sensor strikes this balance between resolution and speed, making it great for everything from weddings and lifestyle to fine art and documentary. The 96MP multi-shot mode caters to those requiring ultra-high resolution, while the fast autofocus system excels in dynamic and low-light environments. Further, its compatibility with the L-mount alliance, as well as adapted options, provide expansive creative flexibility.
For filmmakers, the SL3-S offers advanced video capabilities, including 6K open-gate recording, ProRes support, and 6K30P RAW output. Unlimited recording times, 5-axis image stabilization, and dual base ISO ensure smooth, high-quality footage in almost any setting, making it a strong choice for hybrid creators and ambitious storytellers.
Adventurers will appreciate the SL3-S’s IP54-rated durability that allows it to perform in extreme environments. This camera withstood so much and all while delivering top-tier results. Its advanced connectivity options with Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 and the Leica Fotos app, means that you can seamlessly integrate into modern workflows regardless of what part of the world you’re in.
Whether you’re a photographer, filmmaker, or a hybrid creator working in challenging conditions, the Leica SL3-S is a powerful, adaptable tool built to inspire confidence and creativity wherever your journey takes you. It proved to be a real workhorse for the work I do and I look forward to pushing it even further in the years to come.
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December Contest Winner
Congratulations to the winner of last month’s contest:
Mark F.
You’ll receive an email directly from me on activating your gift card. Enjoy!
January Contest
This month, I’ll be giving away another $300 gift card to the Moment Shop where the winner can save big on their next camera, lens, bag, or courses. Moment has so many creative products to choose from and $300 can absolutely make for a better deal.
How will I pick the winner? Make sure you’re signed up for this newsletter then leave a comment on at least one post from this month. I’ll be randomly picking one person, confirming they meet the requirements and contacting them directly before announcing the winner publicly.
Once again, this contest is void where prohibited by law. Good luck!
My thanks to the team at Moment! Not only for this contest but for being the longest supporter of my work online. They’re a lean team of passionate creators that truly believe in supporting other creatives on their journey. Whether it’s a new camera, lens, workshop, or just some great articles, visit ShopMoment.com today.
What’s Next?
The opportunity to become a global ambassador for the photography brand that I most respect is truly special. I had never seen someone like myself given an opportunity like this before, so I wanted to ensure that my heritage was a part of the journey—and to showcase it in a way that’s never been done before. I’m thankful to the entire Leica team across Germany and the US for trusting me with this opportunity and allowing me to share my story.
As a photographer and director who is a member of the Eelam Tamil diaspora, I hold an immense amount of privilege to do what I do for a living. It’s a privilege that shapes so much of my work on a daily basis. So I look forward to leveraging this milestone to create the best stories I can and continue supporting the next generation of storytellers.
GB
I love the economy of the ui all killer no filler!
Looks like an amazing camera!