Tag: Leica SL3-S

January 20, 2025

Leica SL3-S: 96MP Photos, 6K Recording, and Content Credentials

Leica Camera AG has introduced the Leica SL3-S, the newest member of its SL-System family. This is the first camera in the SL-System to incorporate Content Credentials technology, which is in line with the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) aimed at ensuring photo authenticity and transparency.

Impressive Specifications

The SL3-S boasts a 24 MP BSI-CMOS full-frame sensor that enables Multi-Shot resolutions of 48 MP and 96 MP. With an ISO range from 50 to 200,000, this sensor provides excellent dynamic range and maintains high quality across different lighting situations. It also features a sophisticated phase-detection autofocus system that enables precise tracking and can shoot continuously at up to 30 fps.

Innovative Features

Equipped with Content Credentials technology, the SL3-S integrates secure metadata into images, capturing details like camera specs, author info, and editing history. The camera supports video recording up to 6K in 3:2 Open Gate formats, enhancing its versatility. It also includes ProRes 4:2:2HQ recording, HDMI RAW output, USB-C SSD recording, and a timecode interface, making it suitable for professional workflows. Powered by the Maestro IV processor, the camera excels in delivering accurate colors, a broad dynamic range, and minimal noise in Leica’s L-Log color space.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The SL3-S provides dual card slots for CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SD cards, along with USB-C tethering and full-size HDMI 2.1 output. Its built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi allow for easy integration with the Leica FOTOS app for quick DNG image transfers. Furthermore, it is certified under Apple’s “Made for iPhone® and iPad®” program, enabling direct connections to Apple devices. In 2025, Camera-to-Cloud functionality via Adobe Frame.io will be available for immediate uploads and post-production work.

The SL3-S is compatible with Leica and L-Mount Alliance lenses, and adapters are available for cine lenses, with dedicated video settings to enhance performance. It also features in-body stabilization that offers up to five stops, improving usability with Leica M lenses.

User-Friendly Design

The camera sports a 3.2-inch tiltable touchscreen and a high-resolution EyeRes electronic viewfinder that refreshes at 120 fps. The user interface allows for smooth transitions between photo and video modes. Its compact and lightweight design ensures comfortable handling during extended shooting sessions.

Pricing and Availability

You can now find the Leica SL3-S at Leica Stores, authorized dealers, and the Leica Online Store for €5,190 (VAT included). For further details, check out leica-camera.com/sl3-s.

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Tags: Content Credentials, full-frame camera, Leica SL3-S
January 16, 2025

Leica SL3-S: New Full-Frame Mirrorless with 6K Video & 96MP Photos

Leica has just unveiled its new SL3-S mirrorless camera, marking a significant upgrade to the SL-System series and acting as the successor to the SL2-S. At the heart of the SL3-S is a 24.6MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor paired with the Maestro IV processor. Together, they offer an ISO range from 50 to 200,000 and enable multi-shot modes for creating 48MP or 96MP images.

Enhanced Stability and Autofocus

This camera comes with in-body image stabilization that provides five stops of compensation, which is great for handheld shooting. The autofocus system is quite impressive, boasting a hybrid 779-point setup that combines phase detection, depth map object detection, and contrast detection. With full autofocus support, the SL3-S can shoot continuously at up to 30 frames per second, making it the fastest system camera Leica has ever produced, according to the company.

Outstanding Video Capabilities

The SL3-S is designed for high-quality video recording. It offers Open Gate 6K recording with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 5.9K RAW output at 30fps when using external recorders. For those who want a similar sensor with Open Gate 6K recording without spending too much, the Panasonic S5 II is currently available for $1,597 on Amazon. Internally, the Leica captures ProRes 4:2:2 HQ in 5.8K at 30fps or C4K at 60fps without any time limits. Furthermore, it supports external SSD recording through its USB-C port, making it quite convenient for longer recording sessions. A dedicated timecode interface is also available for precise synchronization in professional workflows. The Maestro IV processor is designed to manage the heavy data requirements while ensuring high dynamic range and color accuracy.

Connectivity and Compatibility

In terms of connectivity, the SL3-S features dual card slots for CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SD cards, a full-size HDMI 2.1 output, and USB-C for various functions like data transfer, tethering, and power delivery. Wireless connectivity options include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with MIMO technology, which provide stable and fast connections to the Leica Fotos app.

One notable feature that makes its debut with the SL3-S is the incorporation of Content Credentials technology. This feature aligns with the Content Authenticity Initiative by embedding secure metadata in recorded media, detailing creation information and editing history to confirm image authenticity. Users can validate these credentials using tools like verify.contentauthenticity.org.

Design and Build Quality

The SL3-S maintains the well-known design of the SL3, as seen in earlier leaks, featuring a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen and a 5.76M-dot EyeRes EVF with a 120fps refresh rate. Its body is made from robust milled aluminum and magnesium, boasting an IP54 rating for dust and moisture resistance. The SL3-S is fully compatible with the L-Mount ecosystem, allowing users to utilize a broad range of lenses from Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma. For Leica M lenses, an optional adapter is available to ensure compatibility.

The SL3-S can be preordered worldwide at a suggested retail price of €5,190, which includes VAT. B&H Photo Video has the camera listed for $5,295. The launch of this camera comes as Leica celebrates its centenary, marking 100 years since the introduction of the original Leica I.

Tags: 6K video recording, Leica SL3-S, mirrorless camera