The Leica SL2-S has long held a special place in our hearts at Camera West and Leica Store San Francisco. Its combination of a 24MP back-illuminated sensor and Leica’s legendary optics (be it SL, M, R, or Screw mount Modern or Vintage lenses) has made the “S” version of Leica’s flagship SL camera not just a practical choice but a truly magical one. For the past few years, the SL2-S has been our go-to production camera, earning its reputation as a reliable workhorse. More than that, it’s a camera we genuinely love to use—a tool that inspires creativity and elevates the experience of image-making.
Today, we’re thrilled to introduce the next chapter in this story: the Leica SL3-S!
The SL3-S builds on the legacy of its predecessor with a host of upgrades, placing an even greater focus on motion-picture capabilities while enhancing the overall SL lineup. While we’ll dive deeper into the SL3-S in future videos and articles, today we want to give you an introduction to this remarkable new camera. We’ll explore some of its exciting new features and share a collection of stills and motion images captured with the SL3-S before its official launch.
As always, we’d love to connect with you directly. If you have any questions about the SL3-S or how it fits into your workflow, please don’t hesitate to reach out! For those looking to purchase the Leica SL3-S you can do so via Camera West and Leica Store San Francisco.
To kick things off, here’s something fun: Carlo took the SL3-S out over the holidays, capturing the transition from 2024 to 2025 in San Francisco and the Bay Area. We’ve put together a short “postcard” to showcase some of the camera’s capabilities. For those of you eager to explore its performance firsthand, we’ve included a link to download sample clips directly from the camera (in L-Log format).
Stay tuned for more insights into the Leica SL3-S—this is just the beginning!
Filmed using:
Leica SL3-S
Leica SL 24-90mm f2.8-4 Vario-Elmarit-SL ASPH
Leica M-Adapter-L Adapter
Leica 35mm f1.4 Summilux-M ASPH FLE (Version 1)
Leica 50mm f1.4 Summilux-M ASPH
The SL3-S Highlights
The Leica SL3-S takes the foundation of the SL2-S and enhances it with features borrowed from its higher-resolution sibling, the Leica SL3. Along with familiar ergonomics and wireless connectivity, the SL3-S introduces a cutting-edge autofocus system designed for motion picture creation. With 779 autofocus points and a hybrid Phase Detection and Contrast Detection system, the camera ensures fast and precise focusing for both still photography and video recording. The SL3-S also boasts an impressive ISO range of 50–200,000, making it a versatile performer in various lighting conditions.
All images shared are from the Leica SL3-S by Carlo Velasquez. We have made the raw DNG images available via the link above.
Overview of what is new:
- New 24MP BSI CMOS Sensor: Combined with the Maestro IV processor and 8GB buffer for exceptional performance.
- Advanced Autofocus System: Features 779 autofocus points for precise and reliable focus.
- High-Speed Shooting: Capture at 30 fps in AFc mode for fast-paced action.
- Leica Content Credentials: Ensures tamper-proof metadata for authentic image verification.
- Handheld Multishot Mode: Capture up to 96MP images for ultra-high-resolution results handheld!
- Unlimited 6K Open Gate Recording: Record in full sensor readout for maximum detail and flexibility.
- Unlimited 5.8K ProRes 422 HQ Recording: High-quality internal video recording.
- 5.9K 12-bit RAW Video Output: External recording for professional-grade video production.
- Direct-to-SSD Recording: Supports external storage via USB-C for extended recording sessions.
- Camera-to-Cloud Integration: Frame.io support planned for 2025, enabling seamless cloud workflows.
For Stills
While the SL3-S shines as a video powerhouse, it remains a formidable photography tool. Its 24MP BSI (backside-illuminated) sensor delivers stunning still images, excelling in low-light scenarios. The lightweight files ensure rapid performance, making the SL3-S ideal for sports and action photography.
Hardware-Based Content Credentials
Following in the footsteps of the Leica M11-P, the SL3-S incorporates hardware-based image credentials. Each image can be signed with tamper-proof metadata, ensuring photo authenticity and verifying the image’s origin. This makes the SL3-S the first autofocus camera equipped with Content Credentials—a significant step forward for creators prioritizing integrity and transparency.
The Sensor
The SL3-S features a next-generation 24MP BSI sensor. While we couldn’t perform a direct comparison with the SL2-S sensor, the SL3-S delivers similarly beloved results, with added benefits such as open-gate recording capabilities and a more advanced autofocus system. The new Maestro IV image processor with L2 technology, shared with the SL3, enhances overall performance and processing speed.
Handheld Multi-Shot
The SL3-S redefines resolution possibilities with its handheld multi-shot mode, capturing images up to 96MP. This virtually eliminates any limitations of the 24MP sensor, making it suitable for high-resolution needs. Additionally, the SL3-S is Leica’s fastest camera to date, offering a 30fps burst mode (electronic) and 8fps (mechanical).
For Video
The SL3-S is a dream tool for motion picture creators. Leica has introduced a tailored “Cine” mode and an intuitive menu system designed specifically for video workflows.
Video Recording & Open Gate Technology
The SL3-S leverages open-gate technology, providing a full sensor readout for maximum resolution and post-production flexibility. This allows creators to seamlessly extract vertical videos from horizontal footage without losing image quality, offering enhanced reframing and aspect ratio control.
The SL3-S supports unlimited 6K internal open-gate recording, 5.8K ProRes internal recording, and 5.9K 12-bit RAW output to external recorders. For extended recording sessions, it can output directly to an external SSD, offering more economical and flexible storage solutions.
The Leica SL3-S represents the next evolution in the SL series, delivering a blend of innovation and practicality for both stills and video creators. Whether you’re capturing fleeting moments or producing cinematic masterpieces, the SL3-S is built to inspire creativity without compromise.
Additionally, Leica has said Frame.io integration Coming Soon in future firmware updates this year for uploading and sharing footage directly to the cloud!
In Conclusion
The Leica SL3-S is a worthy and exciting evolution of the SL2-S, quickly establishing itself as one of our favorite cameras—just as the SL2-S has been for a few years. While the SL3-S may not be revolutionary, its thoughtful upgrades make storytelling, image-making, and creative workflows more enjoyable and seamless. The addition of opengate recording, higher resolution video capabilities, and Leica’s next-generation autofocus system, as seen in the SL3 and now the SL3-S, results in a versatile and powerful tool for any production environment.
On the photography side, the SL3-S continues Leica’s tradition of delivering a unique look and feel, producing stunning images even in challenging low-light conditions with its remarkable high-ISO performance. Paired with Leica’s legendary optics and rich history of excellence, this camera offers an unparalleled experience for photographers.
For those looking to step into the Leica SL system, the introduction of the SL3-S also enhances the value of the SL2-S, which now presents an incredible option for those seeking a more budget-friendly entry point. Leica doesn’t produce “stripped-down” versions of their flagship models. Instead, they allow previous generations to serve as accessible entry points into their system. This approach not only streamlines production for Leica but also extends the lifecycle and value of each model, promoting a more sustainable and enduring enjoyment of their cameras over time. If your interested in the Leica SL2-S checkout our listings at Camera West!
The Leica SL3-S is priced at $5,295 and is now available for order at Camera West and Leica Store San Francisco. If you have any questions or would like to explore this camera further, please don’t hesitate to reach out, we’d love to chat with you and hear your thoughts about this incredible addition to the Leica SL family. Most of all, we can’t wait to see the stories you create with the Leica SL3-S!
