Leica SL3-S features 6K Open Gate, phase detection, SSD recording and more
[22:13 Thu,16.January 2025 by blip]
As expected, Leica has now introduced the SL3-S system camera, explicitly marketed as a hybrid model for photo and video. It features a new full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with a native resolution of 24 megapixels and records video in up to 6K Open Gate (5952 x 3968, 29.97 fps 4:2:0 / 10-bit). In 4K, it now seems to support 60 fps without APS-C crop. The sensor is, as usual, mounted on a gimbal for in-body image stabilization.
For raw recordings at max 5.9K with 30 fps, an external HDMI recorder is required. Thanks to the newly added CFexpress Type B interface, internal recording of ProRes 4:2:2 HQ in 5.8K at 30 fps or C4K at 60 fps is possible without recording time limits. Additionally, for the first time, direct recording to an external SSD is possible via the USB-C interface. A dedicated timecode interface allows for professional synchronization of image and sound on set.
The autofocus with subject recognition now combines phase detection, object recognition, and contrast detection, as with the SL3. Burst shooting at up to 30 frames per second with full autofocus support is possible. New is also the Maestro IV processor with L2 technology; the SL3-S is said to be the fastest Leica system camera ever built. The ISO range has been increased compared to the SL2-S to 50 to 200,000.
Also new in the SL3-S is a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen with a slightly higher resolution than before (2.33 million pixels). An electronic viewfinder is also integrated. The SL3-S features slots for CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SD memory cards, a USB-C port for fast data transfer, tethering, SSD connection, or power supply, as well as a full-size HDMI 2.1 output for external monitors or recording devices. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with MIMO technology are also available.
It is also the first camera in the SL system equipped with Content Credentials technology according to the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). Each image is signed with metadata such as camera model, author information, creation, and editing data, which is claimed to be tamper-proof. Later this year, the camera-to-cloud function via Adobe frame.io should also be available.
The Leica SL3-S with L-Mount bayonet is available now for 5,190 Euros.
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