NEW Leica SL3 versus Leica SL2 | Detailed Comparison

This is my detailed comparison of the new Leica SL3 versus the Leica SL2. I will discuss all differences including
- Design and built
- Specifications like new sensor, new GUI, higher video resolutions and quality etc.
- Autofocus system and object recognition
and many more differences you find when comparing the SL3 versus the SL2 side-by-side.

See also my introductory video on the Leica SL3:

NEW Leica SL3 | Comprehensive Introduction | All you need to know:

And here is the link to my review of the new Leica Super-Apo-Summicron-SL 21mm:

The NEW LEICA SUPER-APO-SUMMICRON-SL 21mm f/2 is THE BEST !!!

See also the Leica SL3 videos from other Swiss YouTubers:

Rafael Zeier:

Cris with no H:

Music (if applicable):

#Leica #LeicaSL3

[calvinchiu]

Thanks Math, you never disappoint with your reviews. Straightforward and honest. ❤👍

[photoeducationbydaniel]

@21:31 I have to step in and comment: You say that Leica is about image quality but of what use is an out-of-focus or missed-focus image because the autofocus is too slow? I would imagine that as a premium brand, autofocusing would be an important part of the image quality standards. Leica has got everything right in my books but it's all pretty much thrown away because of the ailing autofocus system. I had the SL2 and I have to say the AF was the worst I've ever used out of all the cameras I've ever owned, even an old Nikon D70s from 2005 has a faster af system. I would easily pick up a Leica again but I have to see a massive jump in af speed and accuracy...Come on Leica, you're a premium brand, give me premium performance

[VynZography]

19:23 They have removed the grey background from the information on screen when shooting. I think this is a big step backwards as it makes the information very difficult to read when taking bright pictures. Is there a way to bring the background back?

[goldfinch]

Good video. I am really looking forward to see real life tests on the autofocus and tracking capabilities of the SL3. I have some doubts about the performance, since there was really no setup for testing it at the Wetzlar event last week. Thanks for providing us with your take on this camera.

[lanycera]

You say that AF is not a key element of Leica, but at this point it should definitely be able to keep up with eg. a Canon R5. It's 2024. While I love Leica - It's a lot of money to spend on a mirrorless camera, and the competition is very strong. I tried the SL2 as a commercial / editorial + wedding photographer and in the event space it simply was horrendous. Worse than the Nikon Z7II which also was bad. I'm really hoping the SL3 is a significant improvement in this regard, because it was the whole reason I didn't swap to that Leica ecosystem. I think they could attract a much larger crowd with more competitive AF/AI and it's going hopefully in the right direction.

[stuartfeen]

Dear Math, one important point. The SL2 is said to have top ISO of 50, 000. The 3 is claimed to have top ISO of 100, 000, however, after my experience of a few nights ago, I suspect the 3’s top useable ISO is really 50, 000. I shot a few nights ago at 100, 000 and the noise and “fringing” at F2 were terrible, especially the “fringing”. Red on outside going to green in the middle. I have since changed my 3 max auto ISO to 50, 000.

Further, I now understand why the M11 claims only 50, 000 top ISO.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[sunil]

Excellent video, thanks! If you had to choose between SL3 and Hasselblad X2D - which one would you choose if money was not an issue?

[dakaleido]

Where did you get the matt screen protector from? It looks great on the silver sl2, but I just can’t find it anywhere.

[thierry]

I cannot wait a detailed video on the menu and all functionalities

[danialeros]

As always, an excellent video! I really like the way you do your youtube videos and tutorials. I have learned so much. A sincere thank you!

[salvatoreventura]

Can you comment on whether the Contrast and Phase detection improvement for autofocus in the SL3 also improves the accuracy of focus-assist in the SL3 when used with manual focus?

[Peter-dfbr]

Thanks for the video. I used to have the SL2 but switched to the SL2-S for its better high ISO performance with its 24MP sensor (which was fine for my needs). I'll be curious to see low light ISO/Noise comparisons between the SL3 & SL2-S. On a side note, do you think the SL3 could eliminate the possibly of a SL3-S?

[gsp]

Thorough and well thought out. Easy to follow—-even for a non-SL owner. Thanks!

[murnau]

Thanks for the great review @mathphotographer! Does the old 24-90mm lens resolve the new 60 MP sensor sufficiently?

[mikelyon]

Is any of the L-mount third-party glass worthy of a 60 MP sensor?

[christofferbersau]

Thanks Matt, you do the best camera reviews 👍

[damienphotographe]

The leatherette on the Silver SL2 looks much better than the one of the SL3 IMHO, very important for nicer pictures ;)

[RS-Amsterdam]

Excellent video 🎉
Well and complete explained.
Swiss quality review as we are used to get from you.
Thanks for sharing. 😊

[paulbenoit]

Excellent video. Now that you had the SL3 for a few weeks, I would be very curious to get your point of view regarding this latest iteration vs. the X2D. I had them both in my hands, found the gap closing in somewhat on resolution, but Hassy still being superior in overall image rendering (color depth, smoothness, color rendering, ...), while the SL3 provides an overall better handling experience.

[Ron-jm]

Very complete easy to understand comparison
Many thanks