toolkit
Red dot resurrection A major firmware update makes the Leica SL3 worthy of a second look What? Leica SL3 How much? £5900/$7485 More info? leica-camera.com
f you’re new to image making, there’s a chance Leica may not be on your radar despite the German
Cinema 4K and 4K up to 60fps, plus Full HD at 120fps for slow motion. Internal recording supports 10-bit 4:2:2 capture, while ProRes recording is available internally in HD only. Leica’s L-Log profile also provides wide dynamic range and a cinematic colour response that somehow looks organic and filmic rather than aggressively digital. The new firmware added 3:2 open gate recording, anamorphic support with in-camera de-squeeze monitoring, direct Adobe Frame.io Camera to Cloud integration and autofocus improvements. But there is a sensor crop in many modes, rolling shutter raises its head in high-resolution formats and the demands on the battery are high. Dynamic range is outstanding, with highlights rolling off naturally and shadows retaining impressive detail. In good light, files feel almost medium format in their character – not just resolution, but the way tones transition smoothly across the frame. Leica’s footage feels natural and nuanced rather than overly processed. Skin tones are particularly strong too, and the image stabilisation is excellent. In low light, there is some noise if you crank the ISO up but nothing that can’t be fixed in editing. As the camera’s sensor is also used in several other cameras, such as the Leica M11, Sony A7R V and A7C R, we are used to fixing the high-ISO noise performance and still loving the images. For hybrid shooters, it’s a useful tool as it also shoots incredible stills as well as video. But for dedicated video work
brand inventing 35mm photography. Its precision-engineered cameras, from the original film rangefinders to today’s digital models, set standards for build quality and image character. Renowned for its minimalist designs and exceptional lenses, Leica represents craftsmanship, heritage and a distinctive visual look. Its Leitz lenses are revered among hardcore cinematographers. So with its 60.3-megapixel sensor, a beautifully engineered body and the weight of the red dot behind it, Leica’s SL3 was launched to be a true hybrid to compete with the best from Sony, Canon, Panasonic and Nikon. Four-midable changes The image quality is exceptional, the build is unmistakably Leica and it’s even lighter than the SL2 it replaced. But in a market where rivals had pushed subject tracking and AI detection to astonishing levels, the SL3 felt just a step behind in its autofocus. Fast-forward from that launch two years ago to now, and with the release of firmware version 4.0, Leica has changed the experience for stills and video users. And with so many L-Mount lenses now available, it’s worth a second look as the SL3 has evolved into a capable cinema- orientated tool aimed at serious creators. Its non-stacked, full-frame sensor can record up to 8K video at 30fps, alongside
What it is: A solid and minimalist hybrid full-frame mirrorless with a BSI CMOS 60.3-megapixel sensor shooting up to 8K/30p, 4K/60p and HD/120p Autofocus: Phase, object and contrast detection, 315 points Image stabilisation: Five-axis sensor-shift Lens mount: Leica L Screen: Tilting 3.2in touchscreen, 2.33m dots Memory: 1x CFexpress Type B, 1x SD Weight: 769g/1.7lb body only
Leica virgin Even if you’ve never used one of these German-made cameras before, the menus are easy to understand and navigate
86
July/August 2026
Powered by FlippingBook