Leica SL3-S, body, black

Leica SL3-S 

The new full-frame system camera with a 24 megapixel sensor, fast 
autofocus and enhanced video functions.

A new BSI CMOS full-frame sensor with 24-megapixel native resolution, 48- and 96-megapixel multi
shot modes, and a new autofocus system form the core of the SL3-S. Securely protected by an IP54
certified solid all-metal body, Leica combines the strengths of three focus technologies here: the latest 
generation in phase detection AF (PDAF), depth map (object detection AF) and contrast detection AF 
enable continuous shooting with the Leica SL3-S at up to 30 frames per second with full autofocus 
support. This makes the SL3-S the fastest Leica system camera ever built. Together with a high 
dynamic range and the impressive ISO range of 50 to 200,000, the SL3-S delivers excellent-quality 
photos and videos in all shooting situations.  
The SL3-S is also the first camera in the SL-System to be equipped with content credentials technology 
in accordance with the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) for photos. If desired, each image can be 
signed with tamper-proof metadata, such as the camera model and author information, as well as 
creation and editing data. In order to prove authenticity with verifiable image content and to make
edits transparent, the content credentials can be checked using freely available verification tools 
(verify.contentauthenticity.org).  
The SL3-S records videos in a resolution of up to 6K and offers 3:2 open-gate recording, a feature 
that provides flexibility when creating video content for a wide variety of channels.
The SL3-S records videos in a resolution of up to 6K and offers 3:2 open-gate recording, a feature 
that provides flexibility when creating video content for a wide variety of channels. For example, 
portrait format videos can be recorded in 4K, 9:16 without any loss of quality and the field of view in 
recorded material can also be determined retrospectively. The SL3-S records HDMI-RAW in 5.9K at 
30 fps to external display recorders. What’s more, thanks to the fast CFexpress type B interface, 
ProRes 4:2:2 HQ in 5.8K at 30 fps or C4K at 60 fps can also be internally recorded without any 
recording time limits. It is also possible to record directly to an external SSD hard drive via the USB-C 
interface, which further increases the flexibility of the SL3-S. A dedicated timecode interface enables 
professional synchronisation of image and sound on set. The Maestro IV processor with L2 technology 
effortlessly handles enormous amounts of data, resulting in images with superb colour rendering, high 
dynamic range and excellent noise behaviour in the L-Log colour space. This processor has been 
lauded internationally for its optimal quality.     
The versatile interfaces and powerful connectivity of the SL3-S ensure a seamless professional 
workflow. It has slots for CFexpress type B and UHS-II SD memory cards, a USB-C port for fast data 
transfer, tethering, SSD connection or power supply, and a full-size HDMI 2.1 output for external LCD 
panels or recording devices. In addition, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with MIMO technology enable fast, stable 
connection to the Leica FOTOS App, with which DNG images can be transferred in full resolution in a 
matter of seconds. As a certified Apple “Made for iPhone® and iPad®” accessory, the Leica SL3-S can 
be connected directly to Apple products using the supplied USB-C cable. Over the course of 2025, the 
Camera-to-Cloud function will also become available via Adobe frame.io, using which videos and 
photos can be uploaded directly from the camera to the Adobe frame.io cloud for further processing.  
Thanks to the L-Mount, the SL3-S can be combined with the outstanding lenses for all Leica camera 
systems, as well as the broad range from super wide-angle lenses to super telephoto zoom lenses from 
the L-Mount alliance partners. Various Cine lenses can also be used via adapters, the special scales for 
which can be found in the video menu of the SL3-S. The lens bayonet mount ensures that the Leica 
SL3-S offers comprehensive system compatibility. In addition, the legendary Leica M-Lenses’ full 
potential can be harnessed thanks to the special design of the image sensor and an external light 
sensor. Photographers and videographers benefit from the unrivalled imaging performance and 
compact design of the Leica M-Lenses together with the incredible features of the SL3-S. Image 
stabilisation of up to 5 stops integrated into the camera body further extends the range of 
applications for M-Lenses.  
The EyeRes® viewfinder of the Leica SL3-S is equipped with a painstakingly produced optical system of glass lenses. It displays the subject crystal clear at all times with up to 120 images per second and a resolution of 5.76 million pixels. Thanks to the live preview, it offers full control over the exposure and composition of shots even before the shutter is released. Another new feature of the SL3-S is the tilting 3.2-inch high-res touchscreen with a high-quality tilting mechanism, which makes it even easier to take photos and videos from different angles. A further highlight is the interface, already familiar to users of the SL3. As with the SL3, the optimisations to the SL3-S include ergonomic and haptic features, as well as the user interface and menu navigation. The handle, button layout and overall camera design have been improved for even more intuitive handling. The clearly structured icon and menu design makes navigation even easier, with distinct sections for photo and video functions. The Cine mode has been tailored specifically to the needs of professional video production. Freely assignable FN buttons and optimised touch interaction throughout the camera menu allow for intuitive and convenient operation. When taking photos and filming, the entire user interface of the SL3-S aligns itself in landscape or portrait format according to the camera position. The SL3-S is noticeably lighter and more compact than its predecessors and feels even better in the hand thanks to its optimised design.
In addition, the complete range of accessories already available for the Leica SL3 are also compatible with the SL3-S.