Stepping into Leitz-Park in Wetzlar, Germany is like entering any Leica fan’s ultimate dream world where technology and craftsmanship reigns supreme. Recently, I had the privilege of journeying through the heart of Leica’s heritage at Leitz Park. From seeing the Leica archives to the unveiling of the much-anticipated Leica SL3 Mirrorless Full Frame Camera, every moment was filled with excitement about the past and for the future of innovation.
The Leica Archive Tour
This recent adventure began with a VIP tour of the Leica Archives, where history and nostalgia fill the walls. Here, we walked among vintage cameras, historical documents, and Leica stories, all which showcased the brand’s decades-long commitment to precision and excellence. As we walked through history, we got a peek at what’s to come — the latest marvel from Leica. The Leica Museum is also a very unique experience, where you can see a myriad of captivating exhibits, each offering a glimpse into the brand’s legacy. Seeing all the different experiences was a lot of fun — especially for a photography fan.
The Unveiling of the Leica SL3
The real purpose behind our visit to the Leica headquarters was finally unveiled — the launch of the Leica SL3. Armed with cutting-edge features and a sleek design, the new camera pushes the boundaries of photography and videography. As I ventured into the Leica Park to test its capabilities, we had a chance to test and shoot with the camera at an exclusive location—the National Auto Museum.
Key Features of the Leica SL3 Camera
- 60MP CMOS BSI Sensor with Triple-Resolution Technology
- Maestro IV Processor with L2 Technology with 8GB of buffer memory
- ISO ranges from 50 to 100,000
- New Hybrid AF-System (PDAF + Contrast Detection AF + Object Detection
- Up to 8K Video, HEVC .h265, ProRes (1080p)
- CF Express Type B & SD UHS-II
- New Graphical User Interface
- Tiltable Highres Touchscreen
- IP54 Certification
- New Battery BC-SCL6
Capturing Moments in Motion
Surrounded by a mesmerizing collection of cars spanning generations, I seized the opportunity to put the Leica SL3 to the test. It boasts impressive photo and video features, including up to 8K video recording and a CMOS sensor with triple-resolution technology. This delivered stunning results in various lighting conditions. The new Hybrid AF-System proved itself, effortlessly capturing every moment, even in dimly lit settings. With the combination of contrast recognition, depth mapping, and phase detection, you have autofocusing methods from multi-field, spot, tracking, eye/face, body detection, and animal which is still in beta.
Leica Innovation Meets Design
Beyond its technical features, the Leica SL3 is captivating with its thoughtful design and user-friendly interface. As a designer myself, I was particularly excited by the redesigned graphic user interface. It prioritizes readability and ease of use, making it easy to navigate through the menus on the SL3. The seamless touchscreen and intuitive menu system enhance the user experience.
Leica SL3 Studio Session
Finally, there was a studio session with a talented model that provided the perfect opportunity to showcase the SL3’s versatility. Whether capturing fleeting moments or accurately freezing time, the SL3 exceeded all my expectations.
Comparable Leica Cameras
Leica SL2
The predecessor, the Leica SL2, boasts plenty of features for both photo and video shooters. It has a whopping 47 full-frame CMOS sensor, and up to 20 fps of continuous shooting, all alongside five-axis stabilization for visuals and a rapid Maestro III processor. For those interested in its video features, it has 5K video at 30 fps and DCI 4K60 capture with 10-bit color sampling and a built-in cine mode for filmmakers.
Leica SL2-S
If you are in the market for a Leica camera that is highly versatile, the Leica SL2-S is a gem. It features the same sturdy build and compact design with an IP54 rating, using the same CMOS sensor, 5-axis body image stabilization up to 5.5 stops, and a 5.76M dot viewfinder with a 120 refresh rate. Also, it has two UHS-II SD card slots and a 2.1M dot rear touchscreen.
Leica SL2 vs SL3: What’s the Difference?
| Specifications & Features | Leica SL2 | Leica SL3 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 47 MP | 60 MP |
| Dynamic range | 14 f-stops | 15 f-stops |
| Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS BSI |
| In-body image stabilization | 5-axis up to 5.5 stops | 5-axis up to 5-stops |
| Processor | Maestro III with 4GB of buffer memory | Maestro IV with 8GB of buffer memory |
| ISO | 50 to 50,000 | 50 to 100,000 |
| Video recording | FHD, 4k, C4k, MP4 + MOV | 8K, FHD, 4k, C4K, MP4 + MOV, h265, ProRes (1080р) |
| Display | 3.2-inch backlit LED with touch | 3.2-inch backlit LED, tilt-screen with touch |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth v4.2 | Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth v5.1 |
| Apple MFi | No | Yes |
| Memory media | SD UHS-II | CFExpress Type B, SD UHS-II |
| LCD Monitor | 3.2” touchscreen (2.1M dots) | 3.2″ backlight tiltable touchscreen (2.3M dots) |
| Weight | 835g | 769.7g |
Conclusion
As my journey through Leitz Park drew to a close, I sadly had to return the Leica SL3, but I thankfully was left with many memories of the standout camera and a new appreciation for the art of photography. From the archival treasures to the cutting-edge innovations, every aspect of the experience showcased Leica’s status as a leader in the world of photography.
