Leica SL3 Hands on Preview - it's sooooo good

This is the new Leica SL3. For the first time on an SL camera we now have phase detection autofocus as well as many other amazing new features. The camera has a slightly different form factor than the previous SL cameras that is more ergonomic. You can now tilt the screen for both high angle and low angle shooting capabilities. The screen also features more touch comparabilities including gestures which make navigating the menus much easier. We have a 60 megapixel tri-resolution sensor paired with the latest Maestro IV processor. This enables up to 8k video and h.265 recording formats as well as the speed of using a CFExpress card. The USB-C connectivity of the camera allows transfer speeds to your mobile device that are something I’ve not seen on any mobile app before - this might be my favorite feature of the SL3. Of course image quality is exceptional as you would expect from Leica. Low light performance at high ISO’s retains not only excellent color rendition but contrast and dynamic range are excellent as well. This camera is the future moving forward for Leica and they’ve delivered an excellent option in the full frame mirrorless space.

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Ted Forbes
The Art of Photography
2830 S. Hulen, Studio 133
Fort Worth, TX 76109
US of A

[FrankRomerophoto]

How time changes everything. I remember when camera companies wouldn't invite you for an event. You have done a great job all these years. Congrats.

[Scoober]

To your point, Leica needs to copy what Nikon ZF did with their manual focus system. Nikon allows for eye detect in manual focus so when you punch in it's already at the subjects eye, with the box turning green as well to give focus indication. They also allow for trap focus so the camera automatically triggers the shutter when your manual focus hits focus. I feel like Leica and every other company need to adopt this, makes too much sense.

[RuzalRon]

Absolute dream of a camera. Looking forward to the full review. I'm currently shooting on a Q2 and absolutely love it.

[thomaschamberlin]

Thanks for the great review. The Nikon Zf does give you manual focus features such as eye detection. I use it all of the time and love it.

[ianthomas]

Hello Ted. I think one of the big advanteges of the SL-system is that you can use the older Leica-R-lenses with the ROM-mount and the dedicated adapter with full funktionality excluding autofokus. But these lenses are mechanicly so well made that it is a joy to use in manual fokusing. And they are, although covering the full frame not that bulky as the new lens line up. I am using the Leica M system and the reflex Leicas for ages and I am quite happy that Leica provides this continuity in the use of equipment.
The most exciting thing is for me when I go out with having an analoge Leica M and the digital one in my camerabag with only one set of lenses that fits to both. Great stuff.
Best regards and cheers from Germany,
Greg from „analoginsights“

[stuntmonkey]

I'm one of those people who wants a built-in EVF with the M cameras. The SL isn't it. People think they want a classic rangefinder until the reality of how small the range finder patch is. (The viewfidner magnifers are some of the more consistent selling accesories.) I worked at a Leica boutique and the M really fell off as film-era shooters aged out and their eyes got worse. A big bulk of the people who just wanted a simple M body and one-lens system went with the Q system, SL is a very thin slice of the pie. The M system isn't just about the rangefinder, its about having quality lenses in a very compact un-obtrusive form.

[johnvr]

If this had the Nikon Zf MF aid, I’d pick it up.

[DidierMOULINPhotography]

For manual focus features check Nikon Zf! Eye detection and tracking in MF mode ! Amazing and unique

[LeicaMD]

You are absolutely right. The SL3 could get (even better) functions with Leica M lenses. For M users, it would make the jump to ALSO buying eb SL much easier. I look forward to a video if you can come up with good ideas for improvements. Maybe you could reveal a few here?

[Mowikan]

The best auto museum is in France, Mullhouse. The National Automobile Museum houses the most beautiful automobile collection in the world with more than 450 exceptional cars. In 1957, the Schlumpf brothers bought a former woolen mill where they installed their entire collection a few years later.

[marknathan]

Its just a Panasonic under the bonnet! which is a good thing now they have finaly developed phase detect af about 6 years to late.

[Resh]

Thanks. Waiting for mine from Leica LA. They said they have no idea when they're getting any, but they don't anticipate the same wait that occured with the M11. That took 4 months to get.

[stevemphoto]

I just posted a comment on Gajan's review asking about manual focus aides. That would be a killer feature of the SL cameras for me. I have a Zf, and with the Z mount Voigtlander lenses you get focus confirmation with a green square. Also if you use the TT Artisans 6bit adapter you get the focus confirmation with M lenses AND any other lens you adapt to M mount. This has been incredible for me as an M11 owner. I'd switch to the SL system if this was a feature they had! I believe Canon also has focus confirmation for manual focusing...

[davidroth]

Poked around the SL3 at the Leica Store. I dig it. But think I’ll keep my SL2 just the same. M11 or a Q3 someday. BTW Ted did a great job reviewing the Sony 12-24 F2.8 GM but I’m finding the Leica (Sigma) 14-24 F2.8 works fantastic on the SL system. And the Leica FOTOS app is great, sooo much better than Sony or Fuji. Another thing about the SL that no one seems to talk about is how great the Diopter is; I love it for when I forget to put in my contacts! 🎉

[kanho]

Nikon Zf + Leica M lens is a very good combo and got most if not all the modern manual focus features. The downside is a 24 MP sensor (therefore, more like a SL2S with modern features).

[DanniPortillo]

Finally an app that works smoothly. GREAT pReview an incredible camera

[louis]

Happy to finally have the 60MP sensor in all 3 Leica cameras. The new UI in the SL3 is very nice too have.

[DaveQuickRocks]

since you already need an M mount adapter I'd love to see an AFenablement for the manual lenses - I can shoot on my Z9 with M mounts and use AF as a result of the PRONTO adapter - would love to see that capability within the leica system. I'd love the convenience of small lenses with the speed and surety of eye detect AF.

[flgrove]

I have one coming to me via UPS. The UI looks marvelous. Now all my Leicas have a 60MP sensor. Yeah!

[Bodywern]

Excellent presentation. It was good to see you in Leigh’s presentation. It looked like Justin Mott at the table, too, and I know Hugh was around. It has been great comparing all your ideas. Leica UK arranged a “do” at Gleneagles for about 10 people, some of whom I regularly watch. But they clearly have an excellent product to present, and I’m so glad they found a way to invite you all to these presentation events. For the moment, I’ll stick with my SL2-S = which suits me really well. Having said that, I’m very grateful for the judgements you’ve shared here!