Leica SL3: Vast Upgrade From Leica SL2, But... | Review |

Leica SL3 Unfiltered. Just got my hands on the Leica SL3, In this video My review with Image and Sample video. This camera has truly blown my mind with what it can do for your photos and videos. In this video, I'm walking you through my real, down-to-earth first impressions after spending a couple of weeks with the Leica SL3. And trust me, it’s been an awesome ride so far. Keep an eye out, as I’ll be dropping a full-blown, detailed review after I’ve really put this baby through its paces.

First off, the heart of the Leica SL3 is its beastly 60MP BSI CMOS sensor – yeah, the same one you’ll find in the Leica M11 and Q3. This sensor is a true powerhouse, offering up to 15 stops of dynamic range. I could instantly see the difference in my shots compared to the Leica M11, and let me tell you, the Leica SL3 doesn’t just keep up; it sets the pace.

But it’s not just about the sensor. The Leica SL3 rocks a brand-new processor, the Maestro IV. This thing is like putting a turbo in your car – it supercharges the camera's responsiveness and kicks the autofocus (AF) system up several notches. With the Leica SL3, you get to enjoy phase detection AF and a smorgasbord of subject detection options. It’s fast. It’s reliable. It’s a game-changer.

And for the video buffs out there, the Leica SL3 isn’t messing around. From crisp 4K to jaw-dropping 8K in 10 Bit, the Leica SL3 is all in on the hybrid shooting game. Plus, with a dedicated time code port for syncing up multiple cameras, the Leica SL3 is ready for any professional setup.

Now, on to IBIS. The Leica SL3 brings a solid 5 stops of image stabilization to the table. And while some might get hung up on the SL2's 5.5 stops, in real-life use, the Leica SL3 holds its own beautifully.

Size-wise, the Leica SL3 has slimmed down a bit, which is a huge plus in my book. The SL2 was a tad bulky for my taste, but the Leica SL3 hits that sweet spot of being just right – not to mention it’s lighter, too.

Leica has really listened to feedback and filled in the gaps with the Leica SL3. They might take their time with updates, but when they drop something like the Leica SL3, it’s clear they’ve been paying attention. The dual CFexpress and SD card slots are a nice touch, offering flexibility for all your storage needs.

For many Leica enthusiasts, the tilt screen on the Leica SL3 is a standout feature. Depending on your photography style, this could be a major win. Personally, I’m loving it for video and street photography – it’s made the Leica SL3 even more appealing.

If you’re a die-hard Leica fan, especially if you’ve got a collection of M lenses, the Leica SL3 is speaking your language. The EVF on the Leica SL3 is top-notch, making those fast M primes shine even brighter. And with the new On/Off button and additional dial, shooting with the Leica SL3 feels smoother than ever.

Just a heads-up, this is only the beginning of my journey with the Leica SL3. I’ve snapped a few thousand pics and can’t wait to dive deeper. So, make sure you hit that subscribe button for my deep-dive review coming soon. Got any specific features of the Leica SL3 you’re curious about? Drop your questions in the comments! Liked what you saw? A like and a comment go a long way, and I’d really appreciate it.

#LeicaSL3 #LeicaSL3review #Leicasl3settings

[GastonShutters]

Seriously...What do you think of the Leica SL3 features?

[constantinephotography]

Picked this bad you up and been using it on a couple of jobs already… I love it. No lockups and absolutely stunning images with a 75 apo SL lens.

[petereprice]

Had it since the day after launch day and it’s my favorite camera right now! Check marks all my boxes right now! Considering ditching my Sony kit and buying a second body for my professional work.

[damienphotographe]

I never turn off my Leica, after some time it goes to sleep, a half-press of the shutter release brings it back to life faster than it takes me to frame the shoot. Unless I am critical on battery level It works like a charm. If you want to save battery turn off screen and refrain your picture review, use the EVF

[MarcEstrella]

Photograph weddings Professionally and just picked up the SL3 last week. After testing the camera vs my Sonys and even better doing side by side tests I definitely like the image straight out of the SL3 better :) focus is definitely not as fast as the Sony but it is fast enough for most applications.

[rolandrickphotography]

Had it already to test it myself, waiting for my copy. - To 12:56, had also the M11-P, the colours are unfortunately a catastrophe, retuned it, despite of the M system being my preferred system since ever and forever. It has a purple/magenta tint, snow e.g. results purple-ish, it causes also the darker blues in the sky. My M10 didn’t have that issue, I traded it for a SL2-S which has also perfect colours, specially if it comes to skin tones for portrait.

[laurapodrasky]

I am loving my SL3. The battery life has not been a problem for the way I work. I usually get a full day now vs half a day with my SL2. I only use the screen when shooting with models so they can see what it looks like to help them understand what I am going for. I prefer the power button now after using it. I prefer the larger body of the SL2, however this is not bad. I do not shoot video and would love a SL3 monochrom with out any of the video functions. SL3 Monochrom P version.

[MarcosLopez-oyzp]

Wow.. excellent review of the SL3. really enjoyed the comparison. Thank You !!!

[chrisprince]

Thanks for sharing. As a SL2/2-S and M11 user I’m looking forward to picking up the SL3. I love the colors out of the SL line way more than the M11 and the comparison image you showed blew me away. Why can’t the M have the more natural SL colors!! Thanks again for the review! Really well done 👍

[umaproductionsumaproductio]

Thanks Gaston. Lot of useful comments. I have a SLS2 and am thinking of getting also the SL3. I shoot sports, so the autofocus is one of the main concerns for me.

[robertwayne]

Please post the AF profile modifications you made to increase the accuracy of eye focus.

[betterthanathousand]

Thanks for the video! 😊 What about the video af? Is it usable?

[baraaamir]

Can u please do a video comparing the sl3 vs m11, and showing in detail the difference in color science in addition to your opnion on both

[ronbackal]

Thank you! That is very informative. I like the 8k video option, as I want to create some documentary, and I don't mind to buy a CFExpress card if I already spend so much(ahah and the lenses are not cheap too). The only problem is that I can't find a place to rent this camera. I wanted to rent the Nikon Z8 and Canon R5C, but this is not available where I live now

[Lowdownblues]

I’ve been looking for comparisons between this system and the M11 and since you made one I’ll watch it next but also I was looking for one to a Sony a7rv which you briefly talked about.
Very good review btw !!
I have a Q3 and a a7riii and the difference is worlds apart that’s why I’m ready to make a move to another system and I’m feeling the SL3 could be the one but since I already have some good Sony glass I was wondering if the a7rv could be a good option to the Q3 system instead of the way more expensive Leica one.
Thank you again for the review !!

[LeicaMD]

How is the SL3 with Leica M - eg Leica APo M35? Does it make sense ? (if we forget the emotions and look at the size and quality of images) I'm thinking if I should buy an SL3 instead of an M11. I already have MD which I can use if I feel like it.

[sc]

They should have invited YOU to Germany for the unveiling event. I sold my SL2-S. Awesome photo quality and colors, but It was too big and heavy, especially with the SL lenses. Didn’t end up taking it with me on any trips. I could have used my M lenses, but that defeats the purpose of autofocus. Video control options are too complicated for me. SL3 doesn’t offer any compelling reasons to upgrade for me. I’ll just stick with the Q3 for autofocus and video, M11 for digital photo, and MP for film. (I’m not a professional)

[ZenoWatson]

Best review I have seen so far. Can I ask what is the shutter angle option used for?

[Lehmannbeat]

I would love you to do a review about the famous' Leica colours', which seem to be vastly different between cameras (RAW straight out of the camera), also taking onto account different software options like Lightroom and Capture Pro especially. Is there really a thing like Leica colours if there are such differences (as I have discovered myself with various Leica cameras)? I still think so, because with WB adjustments in post I can still achieve a look with various Leica cameras that I can't imitate with my Fuji and other camera gear. Would be great to have your side-by-side take on it with all the newest Leica cameras you tested recently.

[nelsonclub]

I have heard the the SL3 has the same 'Leica Magic' found in the 'M11' something to do with the sensor so it is engineered for M lenses - anyone know more about this? - I currently use 'M' lenses on an SL2 - thanks for help