Key Takeaways
1. The Leica S3 was a top medium-format camera introduced in 2018, featuring a ProFormat sensor measuring 45 x 30 mm.
2. Leica discontinued the S3 in 2023, following the trend of other brands moving away from DSLRs.
3. The company is developing a new medium-format camera, confirmed by Dr. Andreas Kaufmann in a July 2025 interview.
4. A potential release for the new camera is expected in 2026, with speculation about it being a mirrorless model.
5. The design and form factor of the upcoming camera remain uncertain, with possibilities ranging from compact to larger professional models.
The Leica S3, a medium-format camera, was the top model for the brand when it was first revealed in 2018. Unlike the Leica M and SL lines, which use full-frame sensors, the S series came with Leica’s ProFormat medium-format sensors that measure 45 x 30 mm.
Changes in Design
The Leica S was made as a DSLR system. After Canon, Nikon, and Sony stopped making DSLRs, Leica too decided to end the Leica S3 in 2023, without launching a new model. The company has stated multiple times that they are working on a new medium-format camera. In a July 2025 interview with ThePhoblographer, Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, who owns most of Leica, confirmed that this medium-format camera is in the works, but he did not give any more information.
Future Expectations
According to LeicaRumors, the new medium-format camera from Leica might be released as soon as 2026, though no date has been set yet. The reliable leak site also mentioned that this new camera could be a mirrorless model. If true, this would mean the camera is the start of a new line rather than just an update like the Leica S4. At this point, Leica’s plans are still uncertain. It’s not clear whether this new camera will be a compact option similar to the Hasselblad X2D II 100C (which is priced around $5,024 on Amazon) or a larger professional model like the Leica SL3.
LeicaRumors | ThePhoblographer
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