Leica’s SL3 mirrorless camera offers a 60-megapixel sensor and 8K video

Leica’s SL family has always been the most ‘mirrorless’ of its cameras, offering professional photographers a similar performance to rivals such as Canon and Sony. This continues with the launch of the SL3, a 60-megapixel (MP) model that looks nothing like its famous rangefinder cameras, offering a new phase-detection autofocus system, 8K video capability, and more.

The new model has the same sensor as the M11 rangefinder and Q3 compact models, but looks a lot like the SL2 and weighs a hefty 767 grams. It’s also IP54 rated, so you can shoot in weather conditions ranging from 14 to 104°F without worrying about dust, moisture, etc.

The biggest layout change is a new watch face on the top left (all watch faces are blank as you can customize them however you want). On the back, Leica moved the three key buttons (playback, function and menu) to the right and changed the power switch to a button.

The SL3 now has a new 3.2-inch 2.3m-dot LCD display, and unlike previous models, it can tilt (but not swivel). The EVF has also been updated to an OLED version with a higher resolution of 5.76m dots 0.78x. As for storage, it supports both CFexpress type B and SD UHS-II memory cards. It comes with full-sized HDMI and USB-C ports for charging, along with microphone/headphone jacks.

The new sensor increases resolution from the SL2’s 47MP to 60MP, a significant increase. It’s likely similar to the sensor Sony uses on the A7R V, and supports a wide native ISO range of 50-100,000, with a claimed 15 stops of dynamic range.

It can shoot bursts at up to 15 frames per second, but more importantly, it offers a new phase-detection AF system that’s faster and smarter, according to the company. It combines phase detection, contrast and subject autofocus for faster and more consistent results. This includes facial and eye recognition, along with a new animal detection feature. It should also be better at tracking action, Leica says.

As for video, the SL3 can record internally in DCI 8K 8192 x 4320 at 30fps and DCI 4K at up to 60p with a maximum bitrate of 600Mb/s. It can also record externally via the HDMI output, also at DCI 8K and DCI 4K up to 60fps. All of these resolutions are available in 10-bit with a choice of L-Log Rec. 2020 and HLG Rec. 2020. Supports ProRes recording, but only up to 1080p.

As you’d probably expect, the SL3 isn’t cheap at $6,995, though it’s significantly cheaper than the $9,000 M11. It is now available on B&H Photo Video and elsewhere.

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