Leica SL3 Hands On Overview

Leica just released their third generation SL-system camera, the SL3. We've got one in the studio. We'll go over what's new, how it compares to the current SL2 and see if it's worth the upgrade.

[michaelascher]

By far the best source of information for leica cameras ❤

[jpcalamaro]

David what an outstanding summary review. You guys are the reference forum for Leicas.

[NickToumpelis]

Great video! One correction: the EU isn’t forcing manufacturer to remove chargers from the box, but to allow for such option to exist. So, ideally, there should be two options for the SL3, one with the charger included in the box, and the other without.

[boostedgixxer]

I was really looking forward to this camera. I was never expecting it to be a Sony A7R5 or Nikon Z8 but this seems like a really unfinished camera. I honestly expected a more complete camera, not one that does everything but one that excels at its niche. Hopefully they release firmware before its start shipping to make it a better performer. For 7K the launch firmware should be better.

[karljacobson]

Thanks David, great video as usual. The SL3 improvements are impressive, but I still love my SL2 and SL2S. It will be awhile before I upgrade.

[speresec]

Thanks David! Can't wait to watch the deep-dive tonight! And love ordering from the Miami store, highly recommend!

[StephenGershberg]

Excellent intro to the SL3. You are so knowledgeable and helpful! Thank you.

[manilamartin]

looks great. I also saw the Leica YouTuber Ramsey Spencer talk about this camera. Both of you are fantastic.

[ericwickfield]

Excellent overview, David. Best one out there this morning!

[albertknapp]

Excellent review!
Looking forward to upgrading!
Albert and Ruth

[CharlesTay]

I be jumping into SL system w sl3. Great video

[jklphoto]

Once again, I commend you for this set David. Far too many YouTubers have busy sets with light sabers and other such nonsense distracting from the talking head. Makes. Me. Crazy. BTW, is the camera getting smaller or is Leica's branding getting bigger? Reminds me of my M4-P from the 80s! 🙂

[crissignori]

I am sure it is awesome which is why I was first in line at my local dealer to put in a deposit on March 7. The only problem is that none of these cameras seem to be coming to Canada so far.

[saurabhbhardwaj]

Thanks for this, still love ML SL2, I would like to keep that extra muscle for a while :)

[chrisalberti]

Can the SL3 be set up so that the shutter closes when the camera turns off, protecting the sensor? My M10-R does this, but my SL2 does not, so I have had problems with dust on the sensor when changing lenses in the field.

[michaelhaimburger]

Amazing performance as always ;) Thank you!

[gerardturnley]

And when will we see a SL Monochrome? For left eyed photographers the SL is a winner.

[jkdrake]

thanks for this! Does it crop exturnal video such as BRAW?

[astraeusone]

Nice camera, however, I would've favored a flush design for the LCD, akin to what's found in the SL series. Additionally, the eyepiece could benefit from a redesign for enhanced robustness. I find switches more appealing than power buttons, and brass outperforms aluminum in durability, which is crucial for extensive use. There have been several instances reported where the camera fails to eject the battery properly after being dropped, suggesting the need for a more sturdy mechanism. Moreover, comparing the native image outputs from the SL, SL2, and SL3 would be fascinating. Overall, the aesthetics of the 601 are more to my liking.

[itssoaztek]

Thanks for a very good overview! Congratulations to Leica for some very nice and necessary upgrades (AF, tilt screen) and some good amount of innovation. The triplet of wheels for exposure settings is really nice!! However, the handgrip is as terrible as it's always been and almost a deal breaker for me. I wish they would learn from Panasonic in that regard. (I know, there is no one size fits all and never will be. But still it's pretty obvious to me that Leice prioritized looks over function here, which is so against what made Leica successful in the past)