TechRadar Verdict
The SL3 is Leica’s best full-frame mirrorless all-rounder so far.
It combines incredible build quality, a refreshingly minimalist interface, and a 60MP sensor with phase-detect autofocus.
Is this the best L-mount camera yet?
The SL3’s resolution is impressive. This is a full-width 60MP image with two tiny figures in the distance – but magnified to 200% using Capture One’s loupe you can see every detail.
Yes, and by a mile.
But since the original Leica SL arrived in 2015, the full-frame mirrorless camera space has become fiercely competitive.
And like most cameras, it’s quite a bit higher than the SL2’s price in 2019.
But then this is a much more sophisticated camera.
For a start, it’s shaved off some weight the SL3 is 69g lighter than its predecessor.
The biggest departure from the SL2 is the arrival of a tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen.
In the hand, the SL3 is still a satisfyingly solid hunk of metal.
Beyond its new screen and lighter weight, the only other design changes are more minor future-proofing tweaks.
Round the front of the camera there’s arguably the most important design feature of all the L-mount bayonet.
There are a couple of especially smart features to call out.
The first is the single Menu button for activating both the Quick menu screen and the main menu system.
The top and back of the SL3 look almost impossibly bare.
It’s also ideal if you want to use an SL3 with Leica M glass using the M-L adapter.
However, the SL3’s IBIS is not always effective.
These are made worse by heavy rolling shutter effects.
The SL3’s resolution is impressive. This is a full-width 60MP image with two tiny figures in the distance – but magnified to 200% using Capture One’s loupe you can see every detail.
One serious disappointment with the SL3 is its battery life.
But prepare to carry around a USB-C power bank or charger, or some spare batteries.
But Leica did add that for “future cameras it’s our aim to integrate” the AI-combatting tech.
For later tests we used the APO-Summicron-SL 28mm f/2 ASPH lens.
If you’re looking for a distinct Leica ‘look’, though, you might be disappointed.
The level of detail captured is impressive.
(Image credit: Future)
The SL3 is capable of high-quality, professional video capture but needs to be used in the right way.
There is also a maze of options for video prefs (Leica calls them video ‘profiles’).
The SL3 can shootAppleProRes, for instance, but this locks the resolution at FHD.
(Image credit: Future)
Leica SL3: Test scorecard
Should I buy the Leica SL3?
It’s also the best L-mount camera on the market.
On value alone, the SL3 is a non-starter.
(Image credit: Future)
You’re looking for a classic Leica experienceThe Leica SL3 is a thoroughly modern mirrorless camera.
Each of these makers can match it with models of their own.
One of the key qualities of the SL3 is its physical design and its digital interface.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The SL3’s color rendering is very much like that of other full frame mirrorless cameras, which is probably what you would look for in a professional camera used for commercial work.
This was captured with the SL3’s Monochrome High Contrast look. There’s no particular ‘Leica magic’ that we can see, at least not in the same way the Leica M cameras have it.
The default Multi-field metering showed a bit too much bias towards the shadows in this backlit shot.
The dynamic range and tonality in this image is impressive.
