Leica places all its finest options into the brand new $6,995 SL3

Right this moment, Leica introduced the brand new SL3, the newest model of its full-frame mirrorless digicam system that replaces the SL2 from 2019. Inside its all-metal physique is the facility of the Leica Q3 that launched final spring. This features a 60-megapixel sensor, higher autofocus, and the flexibility to shoot video in 8K. However what units the SL3 aside is {hardware} that's higher fitted to professionals, together with a a lot bigger hand grip for prolonged use and IP54 water resistance for peace of thoughts within the components.

Other than the specs, what differentiates the SL3 from the SL2 is its barely smaller measurement, though it’s nonetheless a lot bigger and charged, and the {hardware} has been tuned for a extra user-friendly and environment friendly expertise. Adjustments embrace an extra programmable dial on the highest of the digicam for fast controls, shifting all rear menu buttons to the fitting for higher use with a thumb and the facility button with an LED indicator round it for energy and battery. It includes swapping out the facility swap. Data at a look. It has a full-size HDMI 2.1 port, a tilting 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen, a CFExpress Kind B slot along with SD, and even a timecode interface.

Internally, Leica has additionally tried to make the software program simpler to navigate and faster to grasp. The icons are easier with extra distinction, and the video menu is distinguished from the picture menu via shade (pink for picture, yellow for video). However most significantly, Leica has taken a web page out of Nikon's e-book by encouraging customization of buttons and dials. There are infinite choices for personalization of the three exterior dials and a number of buttons, together with the flexibility to maneuver and customise the interior menu icons. So if you wish to remap your complete digicam system, the SL3 will present limitless quantities of leisure and hopefully extra environment friendly capturing too.

Nonetheless, one thing that hasn't modified is the Lenovo price ticket. The value for the physique alone is $6,995, which is dearer than top-tier cameras from Nikon or Sony. But when clear, minimalist German design is extra your factor, the SL3 packs all the finest options from Leica in a full-frame physique constructed for professionals.