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Leica has introduced the SL3-S, a new member of the SL System family. Mirrorless full-frame cameras aim to combine the highest image and video quality with working speed and reliability. What catches the eye is the new, stabilized 24-megapixel BSI CMOS full-format sensor with multishot mode up to 96 megapixels and a new PDAF autofocus system. According to Leica, this combines phase detection and contrast detection to create 779 phase detection and 315 contrast AF measuring fields. Continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per second should be possible with full autofocus.
The fastest shutter speed is 1/8000 sec. This makes the Leica SL3-S the fastest system camera ever in a traditional manufacturer’s portfolio. The sensitivity range of the new sensor extends from ISO 50 to ISO 200,000. Image processing is done by the Maestro IV image processor, which was also used in the previous model. The housing is made entirely of metal and is sealed against water and dust splashes according to IP54.
Web Tips: Calculator for every situationThe SL3-S also has a wide range of features when it comes to video formats. The camera records up to 6K and enables flexible video formats for a variety of applications thanks to 3:2 open gate recording, which utilizes the entire sensor surface. For example, vertical 4K videos for social media can be saved directly to the camera. You can output 5.9K RAW to an SSD connected via HDMI. Internally, the camera also saves video in ProRes 4:2:2HQ up to 5.8K at 30fps with no time limits. It also supports common codecs like H.265 and H.264.
For image controls, the SL3-S offers an OLED viewfinder with 5.76 million pixels at 120 frames per second and a tiltable 3.2-inch touchscreen.
Much of this data is already known from the Leica SL3, on which the SL3-S is based. The SL3 comes with a different sensor that has 60 megapixels and is optimized less for speed and more for high resolution. So, for example, the SL3, “only” allows ISO up to 100,000 and continuous shooting up to 15 images per second.
Tamper-proof images
As the first camera in the SL series, the SL3-S also offers Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) content credential technology for photos. The background to this technique is the question of authenticity of photographs. Image AI and image manipulation are increasingly creating uncertainty in the credibility of image content and allowing motifs to appear real, but which have nothing to do with reality.
With CAI and its specification called C2PA, images are signed with tamper-proof metadata such as camera model information and manufacturing dates to ensure their authenticity. These are not in classic Exif data. However, the authenticity of the images can be checked using freely available tools. Its purpose is to prevent fake news, especially in press reporting. As we have already reported, CAI still faces several challenges, such as the lack of user-friendly assessment options. This is still a logical step in the time of AI-generated images.
The SL3-S is not the first Ducati camera to feature this technology. The manufacturer equipped the M11-P rangefinder camera with Content Credential technology in late 2023.
business workflow
The operating concept of the SL3-S is aimed at ensuring a professional workflow, although it is not entirely new and is already familiar from the Leica SL3. According to Leica, the menu design has been simplified compared to previous models, and photo and video functions are strictly separated. Leica wants to make the camera handle, button arrangement and the shape of the entire camera optimized for more ergonomic and intuitive operation. All SL3 accessories are compatible with the SL3-S.
The SL3-S is instantly recognizable as a Leica-SL.
(image: leica)
Multiple connection options power down the device. The camera has slots for CFexpress Type B and SD cards, as well as connectivity via USB-C and HDMI 2.1, WLAN and Bluetooth, and a GPS function via the Leica Photo app. Videos can also be recorded directly onto an external SSD. A special timecode interface allows professional sound synchronization. A direct transfer to the Adobe cloud should be possible later this year.
In honor of the 100th anniversary of the first Leica camera, the 1925 Leica I, LEICA seeks to set new standards in professional photo and video production with the SL3-S. Technical data, such as the fast burst function and the ability to customize video recording very flexibly, certainly look promising. It will be interesting to see how the camera performs in practice. The recommended retail price is an impressive 5,200 euros – a reassuring price at the usual Ducati level.
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