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The iconic Leica brand has started shipping its new SL3 full-frame mirrorless camera with a heavy focus on simply delivering high image quality.
The new camera is also durably built, relatively compact and versatile. Internally, it sports a massive 60-megapixel image sensor and phase detection AF.
The most important aspect of the new SL3 is its sensor. It’s a backlit CMOS with Leica’s own Triple Resolution technology that lets it shoot at variable resolutions of 18MP, 36MP, and its full capacity of 60MP.
These aren’t cropped resolutions either. Instead, for each of the lower resolution modes, the whole sensor space is used but the size of individual pixels varies thanks to pixel binning.
This produces different light visual effects and image sizes in terms of memory car use. The SL3 can shoot in each of the three resolutions in either JPEG or DNG RAW.
Leica has also given the SL3 an expanded dynamic range of 15 stops and a broader native ISO range of 50 to 100,000.
The other major development that Leica gave the SL3 is its phase detection autofocus (PDAF). This uses Leica’s depth mapping and contrast recognition technologies to create a more precise and more responsive AF that endures fast-paced field use.
According to the company, the PDAF combines with the camera’s object recognition and contrast detection to deliver extremely sharp photos even with weak lighting.
For certain kinds of photography, the above are further helped by subject recognition in the SL3, which is designed to keep human subjects firmly in focus regardless of motion and other composition variables.
Leica adds that the above sensor and focus specs work to make the SL3 excel at creating extremely detailed images regardless of lighting or scenario.
For storage and general connectivity, the SL3 sports a CFexpress Type B slot, a UHS-II SD slot and a USB port for charging and tethering. It also comes with a full HDMI port and WiFi.
Delicate and complex internal features aside, the Leica SL3 is nonetheless a durable camera. It’s IP54-certified for use in harsh environments and offers robust resistance to both water and dust.
Another likable thing in the SL3 for certain kinds of photographers is its fairly compact size.
This is a personal preference of mine for street and travel photography and the SL3 gets it right compared to many other premium mirrorless cameras. It’s certainly smaller than Leica’s SL2, for example.
There is a slight trade-off to this small size though since the SL3 has an in-body image stabilization that offers half a stop less stabilization than what you’d get in the SL2.
Leica also decreased shutter size in the SL3 giving it a shutter sync speed of 1/200 vs the 1/250 in the SL2. Again, this was done for the sake of keeping this camera compact.
Also worth noting is the impressive viewfinder in the SL3. Leica calls its viewfinder technology EyeRes and describes it as an extremely elaborate system of glass lenses with a 5.76 million-pixel resolution and a refresh rate of up to 120fps.
The rear LCD can also be tilted in the SL3, which is a useful thing to have on hand.
Finally, for video recording the SL3 has reasonably good specs. It can shoot video at up to 8K resolution in H.265 and also offers 4K resolution. However, for both 8K and 4K, video is cropped down to the center of the camera’s sensor.
Also, while the SL3 also offers ProRes shooting, this only works with 1080p video, while the H.265 format only works with 8K resolution. Shooting in 4K with the SL3 got left naked on compression formats, unfortunately.
Despite these modest video recording flaws, the SL3 is one very robust camera that’s fully aimed at delivering comfort and performance to its users.
According to Leica,
“Every optimization is aimed at enhancing user comfort such as ergonomics, tactile feel, and menu navigation. As a result, the grip, button layout, and overall camera design have been refined to further promote intuitive handling,”
Leica mentions that it has also streamlined the SL3’s digital controls for “easier navigation” and has made the separation between video recording and photo shooting very distinct.
Leica did that last thing with a red color code for photo modes and a yellow color code for video modes.
The camera’s multiple function buttons can be customized by touch and the UI can be rapidly oriented for landscape or portrait shots depending on camera orientation.
furthermore, the SL3 is compatible with the battery of its predecessor the SL2, though it has its own distinct battery unit that gives it greater recording and shooting power.
Leica has already started shipping the SL3 to buyers and it retails for $6,995.
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