The Leica SL3 is the latest in the firm’s line of pro-spec full-frame mirrorless models, which started with the original 24MP SL back in 2015. This was a camera built unashamedly for professionals, with an extremely robust body supported by superb optics. Four years later, the SL2 appeared with a 47MP sensor and more streamlined operation. Now its successor maintains the same philosophy, but gains many of the updates that we saw last year in the Q3 full-frame compact.
Key updates include a 60MP sensor, 8K video recording, and a tilting rear screen. Autofocus is improved by the addition of both subject recognition and on-sensor phase detection. This brings the SL3 much closer into line with other top-end full-frame models, in terms of headline features.
However, at £5,920 body-only, the Leica SL3 is much more expensive than its mainstream competitors. Most obviously, the Sony Alpha A7R V is also built around a 60MP sensor and offers a very similar feature set. Other alternatives include the Canon EOS R5 and Nikon Z 8; all three cameras can be bought for two-thirds of the price. So why might you consider paying such a premium for the Leica?
Features
Let’s take a tour through the Leica SL3’s key features. Like the Q3, it’s built around a 60MP full-frame sensor which includes phase detection for autofocus – the first time we’ve seen this on a Leica mirrorless camera. It provides a standard sensitivity range covering ISO 100-100,000, with ISO 50 also available at the expense of highlight range. You don’t have to shoot 60MP files all the time, though, as you can also record both JPEGs and DNG raw files at either 36MP or 18MP.
Esta historia es de la edición April 30, 2024 de Amateur Photographer.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 30, 2024 de Amateur Photographer.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
140 years of change
AP has become the world’s oldest surviving consumer photo magazine because we have moved with the times, says Nigel Atherton
Preserving history in platinum
A deep dive into the meticulous art of platinum printing, and the collaboration between the Royal Geographical Society and Salto Ulbeek. Mike Crawford explores how they brought historical photographs to life with enduring beauty and precision
Life in the past lane
What was life like for an amateur photographer in 1884? John Wade takes a trip back in time
Choice cuts
How many trillions of photographs must have been taken in the past 140 years? Amy Davies asked some of our regular contributors for their favourites....a difficult task, to say the least
How good a camera can you buy for just £140?
Three members of the AP team see what they can find for the money
Round Five: The Best of the Rest
The APOY judges choose their favourite images that didn’t make the top ten of our Landscapes category
Amateur Photographer of the Year
Here are the top ten images uploaded to Photocrowd from Round Five, Landscapes, with comments by the AP team and our guest judge
FILM STARS A lifetime of landmarks
Cameras that hit the headlines between then and now. John Wade is your guide
140 years of Amateur Photographer
As AP celebrates its 140th birthday next month, Nigel Atherton looks back at its glorious past
John Wade considers...World War II: Home Front 1940, by A.J O'Brien
Say the word 'Wall's' to those of a certain age and two things spring to mind: sausages and ice cream.