Kit check | toolkit
when paired with a fast lens like the new £3890⁄$4950 Summilux-SL 50mm f⁄1.4 ASPH we used it with, it locks onto subjects and tracks well for stills and video. The rendering is sublime, especially when combined with Leica’s colours. That alone could make someone a fan, despite the prices. The camera is rapid for photography, too, shooting 40fps in 12-bit mode with continuous AF, or 25fps in full 14-bit quality using the electronic shutter. Mechanical shooting tops out at 7fps. For video creators, Leica has produced its most complete hybrid yet. There is 8K open gate recording at 24fps, 7.2K open gate at 30fps, full-width 8K up to 30fps, plus 4K at up to 120fps for smooth slow motion. Apple ProRes recording is built in, LUT support comes pre-installed and footage can be recorded internally to CFexpress Type B or onto external SSDs via USB-C. Modern workflows are equally well served. Camera-to-cloud support
through Adobe Frame.io, Leica Fotos app connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C all make the SL3-P feel up to date. It even supports Content Credentials, embedding secure authenticity data into image files – something likely to become increasingly important in an AI-driven world. Yet none of those specifications explain why people spend the extra on Leica. That’s because Leica doesn’t sell just cameras but a whole experience, backed up by its stunning lenses. The moment you pick up the SL3-P, it’s obvious this isn’t trying to be another feature-packed hybrid with buttons covering every available surface. The beautifully machined all-metal body feels reassuringly solid without becoming cumbersome, while the clean, uncluttered design reflects Leica’s long-standing philosophy that less is often more. It’s also one of the most confidence- inspiring mirrorless cameras we’ve used. The IP54 weather sealing, beautifully
damped controls and tactile build quality suggest this is a camera designed to last for years rather than product cycles. You don’t simply use the SL3-P but actually enjoy using it. It slows you down – in a good way. But Leica’s minimalist approach won’t suit everyone. The control layout relies heavily on the touchscreen interface, with fewer physical controls than rivals from Canon, Sony or Panasonic. Important settings such as ISO or shutter speed sometimes require menu navigation rather than dedicated buttons, although custom controls can be configured to suit your own workflow. Initially that feels frustrating, but eventually you get the hang of it. The superb 5.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder is bright, detailed and beautifully natural, making composing your images a true pleasure. Rather than encouraging frantic spray-and-pray shooting, the Leica promotes a slower, more considered style of working. That won’t appeal to sports photographers chasing every split- Screen star A small top screen (top) displays key settings, while the rear screen is used to navigate menus and for monitoring
The rendering is sublime, especially when combined with Leica’s colours
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