Leica SL3 vs SL3s review (Excited to upgrade?)
How do the Leica SL3 vs SL3s compare? Time to upgrade? March 2024, Leica announce their new Leica SL3 camera (I was at the official launch!) then in January 2025 Leica released the SL3-S. This Leica SL3 vs SL3s review covers both cameras and how they differ to the previous Leica SL, SL2 and SL2-S. I include Leica SL3 vs M11, SL3 vs Q3, SL3 presets and more from the Leica SL3 launch event.
Time to upgrade?
As a long term user and big fan of the original 2015 Leica SL 601 camera, is now the time to upgrade? If you’re a new reader I use the Leica SL, CL, Q, M262, M10-P + film cameras (see all Leica reviews). I’ve tested most of the latest Leica cameras such as the M11 variants and Leica Q343. Coming up you’ll see me test the new Leica SL3 and I’ll comment on the cheaper Leica SL3s as 24MP option.
Leica SL3 camera release date
For everyone that was impatiently waiting, finally we receive the official announcement for the Leica SL3. Release date, 7th March 2024. As a huge fan of the original Leica SL camera I was excited to see how the new SL3 camera compares.
Invited to the official Leica SL3 launch
I’ve been reviewing Leica cameras since setting up the blog in 2013. Despite devoting my life (quitting my Corporate day job) to review Leica related products (and teaching fellow Leica users), I’m in no way affiliated to Leica. I nearly fell off my seat when Leica reached out to me and invited me to the official Leica SL3 launch in Scotland. It would be me and 9 others for the UK launch, plus the UK Leica team hosting us.
Thanks Leica UK!
A special thanks to the UK Leica team for inviting me. A really nice group of guys (and girls)!
As with all new camera releases, these launch events take place before the official announcement so that product reviews can be shared on the day the camera is released. That means not posting stories or photos from the event and keeping quiet on the topic.
I had no idea what to expect as I’ve never done anything like this before. I arrived and it turned out to be me, 1 all-brand YouTuber and everyone else were familiar faces in the camera review circle/ journalist spaces from all the major photography magazines/ luxury lifestyle publications.
Spot the Leica nut!
We sat around a big fancy boardroom table in one of the top luxury hotels in Scotland and there was me sat at the front with my beaten up Leica SL on the table in front of me. It was soon very clear that I was the only Leica nut at the event and who knew the brand and SL system.
It was funny, when we arrived. Everyone had to make the awkward small talk until we got started. People asked “so what publication do you write for.. etc etc”, and I replied, MrLeica.com. “I see why you got invited” they replied, haha.
OK, onto the useful stuff! (Join 2000+ email subscribers to receive future articles).
Testing the new Leica SL3
The Leica SL3 launch event was held over two days so excluding travel we had that much time with the cameras. Thanks to the Leica UK team we got to try the following types of photography to put the SL3 through its paces. (See the YouTube video embedded at the end of the article for more images and a visual of the event).
- Bird in flight photography – Testing the SL3 autofocus
- Landscape photography – To appreciate the sensor resolution
- Scottish highlands field trip – Testing the IP54 weather sealing
- Evening meal whisky tasting – Low light test
- All with a range of Leica SL lenses + Leica M lenses
New Leica SL3 camera
In 2024 Leica released their new Leica SL3 full frame mirrorless camera. All the images shared in this post were captured with the Leica SL3. I haven’t yet used the Leica SL3-S but I can explain how it compares to previous models and share my thoughts. (I’ll embed the Leica SL3-S camera test once I’ve used the camera).
First impressions of the new SL3?
As a long time user of the Leica SL, what are my first impressions of the new Leica SL3? Some of the new features I really appreciate are –
- Sharp high res easy to read LCD displays (Top and back)
- Smaller camera body (and lighter than SL2-S)
- Fancy new round backlit on/off switch
- Additional ISO dial (top left of camera)
- USB-C charging – Love!
- New improved battery life
- Still similar to early models so felt like an old friend
High res 60MP Leica SL3 sensor
Coming from the usual 24MP sensor found in my Leica SL, CL, Q, M262 and M10P, the 60MP files look very sharp and crisp. You can crop the heck out of them and still have all the detail you want. 60MP is more than I need (and more that I have storage for) but if you like to crop heavily in post you will likely love this feature.
This photo below is 100% crop of the original (unedited) –
Leica SL3 sample photos
You wouldn’t describe me as a ‘petrol head’ (car lover) but when given a new camera to test and there is a pink Porsche and bright orange Lamborghini parked outside you bet I will take some photos! Beautiful cars and excellent models to test the new Leica SL3.
To see the level of details captured with a 60MP sensor, the Leica SL3 file below can be viewed full res (double-click).
Lightroom presets for Leica SL3
After two days of testing the Leica SL3 camera I had lots of photos I needed to edit. As I do with all Leica cameras I buy (or test for a long enough period), I spent a few weeks developing a full MrLeica preset pack for the SL3 camera. 5 presets in total including –
- MrLeica Leica SL3 Preset – BW HC (B&W High Contrast)
- MrLeica Leica SL3 Preset – BW LC (B&W Low Contrast)
- MrLeica Leica SL3 Preset – Col1 (Colour-Warm)
- MrLeica Leica SL3 Preset – Col2 (Colour-Cool)
- MrLeica Leica SL3 Preset – Col3 (Colour-Warm Low Light)
The 5 Leica SL3 presets covered all my needs and work as a great starting point when editing SL3 file images. All the photos shared in this article from the Leica SL3 camera were edited with the MrLeica SL3 preset pack in one click. Apply – done.
I appreciate if you shoot in different conditions or a variety of subjects you might need to micro-adjust images to taste. (I recommend applying a preset to your first image in Lightroom, fine tune to your style, copy and paste over all images, done). The cool tone preset is more stylised and likely somewhat influenced by my film photography.
Leica SL3 presets
Use the sliders below to see the effect with different Leica SL3 presets applied to the RAW files.
Weatherproof Leica SL3 / SL3-S
I would call myself a fair-weather photographer that appreciates dry warm weather. As such my original Leica Q, Leica SL, Leica CL and various Leica M cameras are all fine for me as I rarely shoot in the rain. It’s a good job as these mentioned older Leica cameras are not weather sealed.
Thankfully the Leica SL3 (and Leica SL3-S) come with IP54 weather sealing. Note, this isn’t quite as robust as the fixed lens Leica Q3 which has the IP52 weather sealing. If you are using the Leica SL3 or SL3s you should use a Leica SL lens with rubber o-ring as Leica M lenses are not weather sealed (they have no rubber o-ring seal).
Scottish weather IP54 Leica SL3 rain test
If any camera brand wish to check the weather sealing on their new camera just organise a trip to the Scottish Highlands. You will see from the photos below that we got the SL3 cameras very wet and yet there were no issues whatsoever. Well done Leica! (Photos below are RAW + Preset, 1 click edits).
You can view the Leica SL3 images below in full res (double-click).
Leica SL3 vs Leica SL2 / Leica SL2-S
At first glance you could mistake the Leica SL3 for the Leica SL2. A familiar shape with the proud white “LEICA” logo on the front. The Leica SL3 shares the following common features as the Leica SL2 (and Leica SL2-S).
- Full frame mirrorless camera
- L mount (with option of autofocus L mount lenses)
- Robust design + great ergonomics
- Best in class 5.76M resolution EVF
- Same shape battery (new SL3 battery higher capacity)
- Twin card slots (SL3 + SL3s have CF express B + SD not 2x SD)
- Same square top plate LCD display (now new font)
- IP54 weather sealing (with Leica SL lenses)
Previous Leica SL, SL2 and SL2-S
If you are interested in the older models from the Leica SL series see my previous SL camera article. Here I did side by side testing for YouTube and compare the full spec details for the Leica SL vs Leica SL2 vs Leica SL2-S cameras. How does the new Leica SL3 camera compare? Let’s cover that next.
Leica SL3 vs Leica SL2 benefits
The Leica SL2 was released in November 2019 so it’s been almost 5 years since that camera was announced. We then received the Leica SL2-S at the end of 2020. Should you upgrade to the Leica SL3 vs SL2 or make the most of lower SL2 prices on the used market? Here are some reasons you might want to upgrade. The Leica SL3 offers the following new features –
- 60MP sensor (60/36/18MP) (same as the M11 + Q3)
- Tilt screen LCD display (vs fixed on previous cameras)
- Improved autofocus
Why I would buy the Leica SL2-S vs Leica SL3
Some of you have written to me saying “Matt, will you buy the Leica SL3?” The answer is no as I don’t need most of the new features. I am happy with my original Leica SL but if I had to buy another SL series camera here are reasons why I prefer the Leica SL2-S vs Leica SL3 (for me).
- Less MP: 24MP is enough for me (and my workflow)
- Cheaper: Can be found used for under £2500
- Video capture: Both cameras offer improved video performance over my SL
- Improved autofocus: I rarely use AF (and prefer single spot AF) so the SL2-S is enough
- SL3 tilt screen: Less useful for portrait orientation so I don’t need it
- Weather sealing: Both cameras offer IP54 weather sealing (SL doesn’t)
Leica SL3 vs Leica M11
If you are looking for a digital Leica camera with interchangeable lenses offering a full frame 60MP RGB sensor you have 2 options. You can go the Leica M11 route or get the new Leica SL3. Let’s look at how they compare and cover the basics.
Similarities – Leica M11 vs Leica SL3
- 60MP RGB full frame CMOS sensor
- USB-C charging
- Improved battery life (duration depends on if you use AF etc)
- Option to mount Leica M lenses (via Leica M-L adapter on the SL3)
- Leica build quality
Benefits of the Leica SL3 vs Leica M11
- SL cameras have arguably better ergonomics verses Leica M bodies
- Leica SL cameras have a built in high res EVF (rather than needing to buy separately)
- SL cameras come with a built in hand grip (you need to buy extra for M cameras)
- Twin card slot verses single card slot
- IP54 weather sealing
- Option of autofocus high performance Leica SL lenses
- No rangefinder to knock out of calibration
- Maximum flash sync of 1/250 vs 1/180
- Leica SL3 price is less than a Leica M11
Reasons to consider a Leica M11 vs Leica SL3
- Leica M11 is smaller and lighter (especially the black M11)(aluminium)
- M cameras hold their value better than SL series cameras (historically)
- Leica M cameras give you that perfect analogue-digital experience
- Rangefinder cameras are better for street photography
- Leica M cameras give you that true iconic Leica experience and look
Want a Leica camera that gives you full frame autofocus?
If the answer is yes you have two options. Leica SL cameras and Leica Q cameras. Let’s compare the new Leica SL3 vs Leica Q3.
Leica Q3 or Leica SL3?
If you are happy with the limitation of a fixed lens you can get either the Leica Q3 (fixed 28mm lens) or Leica Q343 (fixed 43mm lens). I own the original Leica Q and the 28mm lens gives a great walk-around field of view setup. When I tested the Leica Q343 during one of my workshops in the US last year I found 43mm often too tight and limiting.
The good news is you can get a Leica SL3 instead. In the past photographers complained that the previous SL cameras were too big and heavy. The new SL3 camera is smaller and lighter and if you pair it with a small Leica M lens it gives a relatively compact combo. (I think everyone pictures a Leica SL with 24-90mm monster zoom lens attached when they think of size!)
Leica Q343, Q3 and SL3
The SL3, Q3 and Q343 all have the same 60MP sensor that’s found in the Leica M11 bodies. For this reason you can ignore the sensor aspect and think about your ideal focal length. If you want to enjoy a range of autofocus lenses (and manual lenses) the SL3 wins.
From my Patreons and students that I teach, even if you buy the Leica Q3 or Q343, eventually you will get a Leica M camera or SL body. It seems to happen in over 90% of cases so you might as well just skip to the SL3 in the first instance (or M11). Smiley face!
What about the new Leica SL3-S?
New for 2025 is the Leica SL3-S. An upgrade and replacement for the existing Leica SL2-S. At first glance both cameras look very similar with the blacked out Leica writing on the front of the cameras. If we compare the Leica SL3s vs Leica SL2s how do they compare and what are the benefits of the new SL3-s?
Leica SL3s vs Leica SL2s benefits?
Comparing the Leica SL3-s and Leica SL2-s, both cameras offer many of the same features including the 24MP sensor and the amazing 5.76M res viewfinder. Improvements and benefits of the new Leica SL3-S include –
- Improved autofocus (Similar to that of the SL3)
- Flip-up screen vs fixed screen on SL2-s
- Improved battery life (new battery will fit SL2s)
- 5.5 stops IBIS vs 5 stops with SL2-s
- Max ISO 200,000 vs 100,000
- Lighter – SL3-S weight is 850g vs 920g for SL2-S
- Improved dynamic range – 14.1 vs 13.4
- Faster – 30FPS vs 25FPS + 8GB vs 4GB buffer
- Improved video – 6K vs 4K
New Leica SL3 vs Leica SL3S?
If you are looking to buy a new Leica SL series camera in 2025 you have the option of the Leica SL3 or Leica SL3S. Both cameras are very similar in many ways but which is best for you? Let’s summarise by comparing the Leica SL3 vs SL3S and the benefits of each.
Reasons to get the Leica SL3
The only good reason I can think of to get the SL3 over the SL3s is if you need 60MP. (The SL3-s only has 24MP).
Benefits of the new Leica SL3-S
As the Leica SL3-S replaces the SL2-S it will likely suit photographers that preferred the Leica SL2-S over the SL2. Benefits of the Leica SL3-S vs SL3 specifically include –
- Smaller 24MP sensor (with 96MP multi-shot option)
- 25% cheaper than Leica SL3
- Stealthy black Leica font (vs white)
- Better high ISO low light performance
- Faster autofocus
- Optimised for both photos and video
New tilt screen on Leica SL3/ SL3s
Like the existing Leica Q3 camera (and cameras like the Hasselblad X2D), the Leica SL3 and SL3s have a tilt screen. The tilt screen is perfect for the following uses –
- Shooting from the hip (camera at waist height)
- Low angle photos (saves the knees!)
- Overhead shots
- Tripod work (in horizontal format)
As the screen is tilt only and not a flippy articulating screen (like on the Lumix S cameras), it isn’t ideal. For anyone that often shoots in portrait orientation such as myself, a horizontal tilt screen offers no benefit.
Leica SL3 and SL3s autofocus
The biggest benefit of the latest Leica SL3 cameras for me is the improved autofocus. If you currently use L mount autofocus lenses on your SL series camera and find the focus too slow, that might be a great reason to upgrade. For everyone else you can save a lot of money by getting one of the older cameras.
Price of Leica SL3 and SL3-S
At the time of writing some stores still have new Leica SL2-S cameras in stock. The price of the Leica SL3-S is almost identical so customers may as well buy the SL3-S in this instance. The Leica SL3 is around 25% more expensive vs the SL3S model. For those that want to be different you can still get the special edition silver Leica SL2 in some shops.
- Leica SL3 price – £5920 / $7000
- Leica SL3-S price – £4500 / $5300
- Silver Leica SL2 price – £6200
If you’re new to Leica or haven’t yet picked up your free Leica welcome pack yet just complete the form below and select your specific camera.
Used Leica SL, SL2, SL2-S prices
If you don’t mind buying used, you can get absolute crazy bargains on used Leica SL, SL2 and SL2-S models. It’s worth noting that the mirrorless Leica SL series cameras don’t hold their value like Leica M cameras do. (If you see my digital Leica M camera buyers guide I cover all M cameras and this topic in more detail).
Leica SL cameras drop in value much faster than other models and I think this because there are too many similar alternatives from other brands. Mirrorless cameras like Lumix S series cameras and Nikon Z. (Multiple Leica fans on Patreon use Leica and Nikon Z for example).
Lumix S1R II vs Leica SL3
Talking of Lumix, Panasonic just released their new Lumix S1R II camera. If you don’t care about the brand on your camera you can get the Lumix S1RII for £3K new and they’ll be much cheaper on the used market in 12 months time.
Regular reader you may know that I own the Lumix S5 camera and the Leica SL and I have shown that both cameras can take great “Leica look” photos when using Leica lenses. I just prefer the viewfinder, feel and simplicity of the SL.
Sweet spot
I bought my Lumix S5 originally as I thought it offered a sweet spot by being smaller and lighter than a Leica SL. In hindsight I wish I’d got something like the Lumix S1R as that has the same high quality viewfinder found in the Leica SL3 camera. The SL3 has a high-resolution 5.76 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder which is better than the 4.4M res Leica SL 601 finder and far superior to the poor Lumix S5 finder (2.36M resolution).
Would you be happy with these photos?
The Lumix S5 can take great photos (especially with Leica glass attached) but the viewfinder isn’t fun to use. Would you be happy with these Lumix S5 example photos (if you didn’t know they were shot with a Lumix!) I keep the S5 as a backup camera for photos but it’s mainly used to record footage for my YouTube videos (with Leica R lenses).
Time to upgrade to a Leica SL3 or SL3s?
So in conclusion, am I tempted to upgrade to a new Leica SL3 or Leica SL3s camera? No not really. I don’t use tilt / flip screens for photography (although they can be useful for tripod work and low angles etc). When my Leica SL finally dies I will likely buy a used Leica SL2s so I can enjoy one camera for both photos and making YouTube videos.
What about you? Will you upgrade? Maybe you have already? I know some Patreons enjoy their Leica SL3 camera and SL series cameras are great for failing eyesight. If you often shoot portraits and or your eyesight is not as good as it once was, Leica SL series cameras make photography easy (and fun again), compared to a classic Leica M body.
As I see it, if you already have the Leica SL2 or SL2-S the main benefits of these new cameras are the tilt screens and faster autofocus.
YouTube video – Leica SL3
Best lens for the Leica SL3?
Regular readers will know I use M mount lenses on my Leica SL camera most of the time but I have tested various L mount lenses. Check out the Sigma lenses for L mount article for example photos and I was really impressed with the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f2 for portraits. The best value L mount lens has to be the Lumix S 50m f1.8 AF (so good Leica rebranded it to sell as a Leica lens).
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