BRAND NEW Leica SL3 - Hands-On at Leitz-Park in Wetzlar, Germany! Initial Review

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Hi! We're Leigh and Raymond - the team behind "TheSnapChick." Our channel is about photography as an art form and as a lifestyle, with a healthy dose of technology thrown in. Here’s what you’ll see… adventures, techniques, creativity, the photography process, photo shoots from concept to finished product, photography gear reviews, gadget reviews, art topics, photography basics, modeling and general fun! We post new videos every month so subscribe here on YouTube, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter, and join in on the conversation!

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[arpinkus]

My last Leica was a IIIf in the 70's. Looks like Leica is evolving into my Z8.

[DidierMOULINPhotography]

Hi there
Sorry but you can’t say AF works on the SL2 as of today’s level of performance any other brands offer. I own both SL, SL2, LUMIX S5iiX and none of them reaches the performance of my D6 when it comes to AFC.

[aviatorman]

Off track, the scene at 3:31 is just beautiful! How was it shot, the type/strength of glow filter, and colors?
The SL3 is truly a masterpiece of art and tech. I hope to be able to buy one someday. A wonderful experience to be invited to the launch. Thank you for the review.

[gentleman]

I owned and used the Leica sl2 and sl2s, 90-280, 24-90, 16-35, 35 apo and the 50mm sl summilux. Absolutely phenomenal lenses. Autofocus was fine for still subjects, but when subjects were erratic and I needed confident continuous autofocus, the cameras could not hold up. I sold them all and picked up the Nikon z9 and the Hasselblad x2d-100. The z9’s a autofocus was an eye opening experience. I highly suggest renting one before committing to the sl2, sl2s or sl3. If you don't need blazing fast autofocus, look no further, the leica will work well.

[bassangler]

If i owned the SL2 I would keep it, but if i were buying new i would get the SL3...I have seen you shoot incredible images with the 2, so I would not be in a hurry to uograde...Good video and thanks!

[moritzberger]

11:32 "Leica's [M to L] adapter passes through lens and aperture data": M lenses do not provide aperture information per image, irrespective of using them on an M (e.g. M11, ...) or L mount camera. The EXIF aperture data is always an estimate performed by software in the camera.
11:50 "lenses are future proof": Perhaps somewhat true regarding optical resolution. Not so much accurate for the autofocus speed and motors - e.g. my SL-Summilux 50mm f/1.4 is the slowest autofocus lens I have ever used.

[Ron-jm]

Unfortunately I don’t believe any lens system is future proof as you mentioned.
I personally found out the expensive way with Nikon and Hasselblad where just after I bought the full compliment of lenses I wanted, my investment plummeted in value after the new series were rolled out.
Thanks for the great review as always!

[chrishb]

The third iteration of lots of things becomes the classic of the type, it’s what the designers really wanted. Version one was the barely adequate prototype, version two gets the bugs out and version three responds to user feedback and has more mature technologies inside.

[Bodywern]

The side-plot with “Darling”, your spotted friend, makes this video good. Then there’s the info on your trip - and let’s not forget the SL3. I’m happy with my SL2-S, but this turned my head

[IsaacNYC]

I was looking forward to your reaction to the new SL3. I can’t wait for your review.
I plan to sell all my Sony gear and transition to the SL3. I currently have the Q3, primarily for travel and BTS at events. The SL3 will become my new workhorse. I love the Leica system. It has a cleaner interface, which allows me to focus on creating and less on the technical aspects of the camera.

[manilamartin]

Looks like Leica is killing it. Loved the sl2 and this looks like a smoothening out of the wrinkles.

[gvz]

Your review is the best I have seen!! You touch on all the keep attributes of the experience and what makes Leica special (they are thinking decades ahead, etc.). Thank you for sharing your amazing insights; I just need to come up with an acquisition plan. Two last things:
1) Loved the video clips with the stuffed panther (I think it is a panther)
2) Hopefully the plane flight from PHX to DEU and back wasn't too hard on your back

[grahamtricker]

That was a very good review. No messing about. Well done and thanks.

[GamachePhoto]

Nice review on the new SL3, it looks awesome for sure! I will stay with my SL2 for now, but keep an eye on the SL3. Love my SL2 and it does everything I need it to do.

[gsp]

Dammit. I wonder which equipment I can scuttle in order to snag an SL3? My a9II is looking a little vulnerable right about now. Thanks for your usual informative and enthusiastic review.

[alexisbrodowsky]

thanks for that very detailed review! which camera lens would you recommend for that one, for a beginner? :-)

[malcolmaliktraining]

Greeting. That was a excellent review. I like the way you get right to the point in your videos.

[ericcutler]

Thanks to you I have too now safe up and buy this camera system. Thank you for another awesome video.

[OpenDGuitar]

Leica cameras are exquisite, but even a used Q series is a stretch for me. I’m just glad they’re there for when I can get one.

[tonysfun]

I was looking for ETZ21 PRO Megadap Autofocus Adapter for older Nikkor lenses to my new Nikon Z 6 II, but on Amazon there aren't any. Do you sell them yourself? Thanks.