Leica has never been the company to chase spec sheets for the sake of it. It would much rather let the images do the talking. Having said that, if you are the sort who enjoys reading camera specifications like bedtime stories, the new Leica SL3-P has plenty to keep you awake.
Leica’s Most Advanced SL Camera Yet
The SL3-P is Leica’s new flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, built around a new 44 MP BSI full-frame sensor with up to 14 stops of dynamic range and an ISO range stretching from 50 to 200,000. If 44 megapixels somehow are not enough, the camera’s Multishot mode stitches together images of up to 176 MP. That is enough resolution to spot dust you did not know existed.
Autofocus also gets a serious overhaul. Leica combines phase detection, object detection, and contrast detection into a new hybrid autofocus system with 819 AF points, improved subject tracking, and burst shooting at up to 40 fps with continuous autofocus. In other words, the days of blaming missed shots on Leica’s autofocus may be numbered.
Videographers have not been forgotten either. The SL3-P records up to 8.1K Open Gate, 8K at 30 fps, 5.9K at 60 fps, and 4K at 120 fps for slow-motion footage. It also supports Apple ProRes recording up to 5.8K, HDMI RAW output, plus Leica’s new Pure and Cine LUTs for those who enjoy spending quality time in the editing suite.
The camera itself keeps Leica’s signature understated styling. There is no iconic red dot shouting for attention, just a minimalist black finish wrapped around a weather-resistant IP54-rated full-metal body.
Two New Lenses Join the Party
Leica also introduced two new L-Mount lenses. The Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH. claims the title of the world’s most compact autofocus 50 mm f/1.4 lens, while the APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 offers 1:1 macro reproduction with a close focusing distance of 30 cm (11.8 inches). It also doubles nicely as a portrait lens when you are not busy photographing insects or the tiny print on a warranty card.
Pricing and availability
To mark the launch of the Leica SL3-P, Leica is offering three kit deals that offer significant savings. They are the SL3-P 28–70 Vario Kit with Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70 f/2.8 ASPH. for US$7,790, the SL3-P 24–70 Vario Kit with Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH. for US$ 8,390, and finally the Leica SL3-P Vario Kit with Vario-Elmarit 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. & 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. for US$10,995. Leica said you’d be saving up to US$2,450 when compared to buying the items separately.
Images: Leica.
