I attended a special Leica SL Family preview showing of the new Leica SL3-P at Leica Singapore recently, and today will share the specifications and my experience with the new camera as embargo has just lifted. With some portraits I took during the event.
Press release details with my hands-on commentary in italics.
New: Leica SL3-P with two new SL lenses with sample photographs
Leica prepared several of the new SL3-P bodies during the evening event for touch and feel and for the participants to try out. While the macro lens and the new 50/1.4 was announced to us, there were no samples available. I did not take photographs of the cameras in attendance, and show the press release images of the cameras. I do have some sample photographs below.
Release details
When it launched the SL-System in 2015, Leica set a new standard for creative photography and video production. Based on the L-Mount, the system combines technological innovation with the precision and quality that the company is known for. Developed in close consultation with professional users, the SL-System continues to be refined, drawing on practical experience. The result is an expanding full-frame system that meets the highest photographic and cinematic standards, while also offering non-professional users easy access to high-quality image and video production thanks to its convenient, intuitive operation. Looking to the future, Leica is now significantly strengthening the SL-System by presenting the Leica SL3-P, the brand’s most comprehensive full-frame camera to date, alongside the innovative Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH. and APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 lenses.
Leica SL3-P release with hands-on commentary and sample photographs
The Leica SL3-P retails at EUR 5,990 inclusive of VAT. Singapore retail is SGD 8,800 with GST.
Commentary with hands-on notes
The SL3-P looks and feels almost exactly like my SL3-S. The only difference is the black out Leica logo on the front. The SL3-S has a black out Leica signage on the viewfinder hump (it houses the electronics for the EVF), while the SL3-P has the engraved signage with white infill. The physical size and weight of both, as well as the SL3 are exactly the same. The SL3-P is intended to sit between the flagship SL3 (60Mp), and the base SL3-S (24Mp), with its 44Mp sensor. All sensors are 44×33, and will take all L-Mount lenses without adapters.
Immediately on handling the camera, the user interface is exactly the same, so there is zero learning curve. However, the autofocus feels to be a marked improvement over the SL3-S that I am used to. Focus is achieved faster, and seems to be more accurate. This new body now has an ISO range of 50 to 200,000 (same as SL3-S), but with three autofocus technologies phase detection (PDAF), depth mapping (object detection AF) and contrast detection (contrast detection AF) which appears to be the same as for the SL3-S but now with Contrast AF: 315 / Phase detection AF: 819 points instead of Contrast-AF: 315 / Phase detection-AF: 779. This seems to be a minor specification upgrade, but the speed of the AF can be felt. But of course, more testing needs to be done. And as the system seems to be the same, I wonder (I hope) if a firmware upgrade to the SL3-S will bring the performance to a similar level.
The drive mode is also super fast, achieving 40 frames per second with full autofocus faster than standard 25 fps for video. I did not have time to do video with the SL3-P. The novelty also has the ability to do Multi-shot and produce a final image of 176 MP, as compared to 96MP for the SL3-S.
Image quality is exceptional, as I would expect from a Leica. Here are some portraits taken. Please do note that these samples are from the SL3-P with pre-production firmware. I expect the final delivery firmware to be even better.
Pricing wise, the EUR 5.99k puts it about midpoint between the SL3 (EUR 6.99k) and SL3-S (EUR 5.19k). I have arranged for and waiting for a loan camera so I can test out the camera in full. Stand by for that. Coming soon!
Sample photographs SL3-P
Here are some photographs I took with the SL3-P and the Summicron-SL 70/f2 ASPH. All photographs are taken hand held with available light in the Leica Flagship Store in South Beach Quarter, Singapore.
Release details
At the heart of the SL3-P’s features are a new sensor and a new hybrid autofocus system. The 44-megapixel BSI full-frame sensor provides an ideal balance of high resolution and exceptional image quality. With a dynamic range of up to 14 aperture stops, even the finest tonal gradations are captured.
The Multishot mode delivers extremely high-resolution, detailed images with up to 176 megapixels. The ISO range of 50 to 200,000 ensures high image quality and flexibility, even in challenging lighting conditions. The new hybrid autofocus system combines three focus technologies – phase detection (PDAF), depth mapping (object detection AF) and contrast detection (contrast detection AF) – to achieve quick, precise and reliable focusing. With continuous shooting at up to 40 frames per second with full autofocus support, improved tracking performance with 819 AF points, and smart subject recognition, the SL3-P can handle even the most dynamic of subjects with ease.In terms of video, the latest addition to the SL3 family enables recording at resolutions of up to 8K. This includes 8.1K Open Gate in 3:2 format at up to 30p, HDMI RAW 8K Open Gate and 8K at 30p using the full size of the sensor. For smooth motion rendering, the camera offers 5.9K recording at up to 60 frames per second, as well as detailed slow-motion footage in 4K at 120p. Integration of the Apple ProRes codec at up to 5.8K guarantees outstanding image quality. Together with the two new in-camera LUT s – Leica Pure and Leica Cine – for the L-Log colour space, this provides maximum freedom in professional post-production. This not only makes the SL3-P suitable for demanding film productions but also for high-quality hybrid workflows. It allows footage to be optimised for various channels and formats, and framing to be determined retrospectively without any loss of quality.
Manufactured in Germany, the SL3-P features a deliberately minimalist design with black control elements and without the red Leica logo. Its solid, full-metal body ensures maximum stability and reliability, while IP54 certification provides effective protection against dust and water splashes. The SL3-P also features the L-Mount, offering maximum flexibility for photography and filming with the exceptionally wide range of compatible lenses from L-Mount Alliance partners.
The SL3-P offers a unique combination of outstanding image quality, precision, feel, reliability and speed, as well as an unrivalled Leica user experience. This is based on well-conceived ergonomics, fully customisable controls and a captivatingly clear user interface. The minimalist icon and menu design, which strictly separates photo and video modes, ensures particularly efficient navigation. A special colour code – red for photos and yellow for videos – visually distinguishes between the two modes. In addition, the user interface automatically adapts to the camera’s orientation, displaying all information clearly and legibly on the high-resolution tilting screen in both vertical and horizontal positions. The exceptional Leica user experience is maintained through ongoing, uncompromising development.
Regular firmware updates based on customer feedback are conveniently made available for the SL3-P via the Leica FOTOS App. This means that the camera embodies both modernity and longevity – from the choice of materials and continuous enhancements to the software. It is a future-proof investment that offers a complete Leica experience from the very first use.
The SL3-P’s comprehensive connectivity ensures a seamless professional workflow. The Leica FOTOS App uses fast Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C connections to link the camera directly to mobile devices. This enables fast downloads of DNG, JPG and video files as well as full remote control via a smartphone or tablet.Leica Looks can be applied as soon as the shutter is released, and their intensity can be adjusted either in the camera or later in the Leica FOTOS App. Native tethering support for Lightroom Classic and Capture One provides a stable, direct connection between the camera and computer, facilitating immediate image review in the studio. With Camera-to-Cloud via Adobe Frame.io, photos and videos can be transferred directly from the camera to the cloud, making them available for post-production immediately. In addition, the SL3-P is equipped with pioneering Content Credentials technology, developed in line with the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), which enables images to be signed with tamper-proof metadata if desired, thereby protecting creative professionals’ intellectual property.
Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 release details
The Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 retails at EUR 2,450 inclusive of VAT.
Commentary
This is the first true macro from Leica for the SL system. The only 1:1 macro lens that Leica has made was for the original R system, and many have adapted this for use with the SL, but without autofocus. It can be argued that for macro use, autofocus is superfluous. So is the wide f/2.8 widest open aperture. But the counter argument is that the 100mm lens at f/2.8 with good autofocus is an excellent portrait lens. I have often used my Hasselblad HC 120/4 as a portrait lens.
There are also rumours that the new APO-Macro-Elmarit-R 100 f/2.8 is a Lumix lens. The closest I can find is the S-E100. But a quick look at the specifications quickly confirms that it shares little with the new Leica Macro. The only commonality is the lens’ 9 blade aperture. Both also share the design of 17 elements in 12 groups (3 aspherical lenses, 4 ED lenses, 1 UHR lens). So is it possible that the optical formula is the same for both lenses? I think not, as the Leica achieves maximum magnification of 1X at 0.3m, while the Lumix focuses closer at 0.24m for 1X. This suggests that the two lenses do not share the same optical formula. I suspect that Leica tweaks the basic design and swaps out some of the lens elements with APO ones. The Lumix elements has ED and UHR lenses, but no APO elements. The diagonal angle of view is also different, with the Leica at 22.7° vs 24° for the Lumix.
The Leica is also more robustly constructed. It is not only physically larger (137mm x ø88mm vs 82mm x ø73.6mm) and weighs more than the Lumix ( 801g vs 289g). The Lumix is touted to be the world’s smallest and lightest 1:1 macro lens for full frame. Though the Lumix is specified as splash and dust resistant, the Leica achieves IP57 specifications.
I am really looking forward to trying out this new lens when it becomes available end 2026.
Release details
The Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-R 100 f/2.8 was a milestone in optical craftsmanship when it was released in 1987. T o honour this classic lens, Leica is now introducing the new APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8. Like its predecessor, this SL-System macro lens delivers outstanding imaging performance right to the edges thanks to apochromatic correction. With a close focus distance of just 30 cm and a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1, this lens reveals details that are invisible to the naked eye. It is also ideal for use as a telephoto lens in portrait photography. The nine-blade aperture, in conjunction with the entire optical design, ensures a harmoniously rendered background. The robust, full-metal L-Mount body is 137.6 mm long and weighs 862 g, including the supplied lens hood. The front element is protected from external influences by an AquaDura coating, while the E67 filter thread opens up additional creative possibilities.
Leica Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH release details
The Leica Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH retails at EUR 4,500 inclusive of VAT.
Commentary
This is a small Summilux-SL 50. Market rumours is that this is the Lumix S-X50. The stars actually align more in this case than for the macro lens above. Both lenses share the 11 elements in 6 group design with nearly identical diagonal coverage of about 47° and a close focus of 0.5m. Both apertures are 11 blade designs with an E67 filter thread. But the physical dimensions are not the same. The Leica is 75.5mm x ø74mm) while the Lumix is 130mm x ø90mm. The Leica is also lighter at 584g vs 955g for the Lumix.
50mm is not my favourite non-macro focal length. I do have the Leica Summicron-SL 50/2 ASPH, but I use the Summicron-SL 35/2 ASPH way more often. But 50mm is a very popular focal length, and with this novelty, the SL range now has 3 prime lenses in 50mm, including the superlative APO-Summicron-SL 50/2 ASPH
Release details
The Leica SL-System is renowned not only for its high-performance cameras, but also for its range of lenses offering exceptional optical quality. With the Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH., Leica once again demonstrates its innovative strength in lens manufacturing by presenting the world’s most compact autofocus lens with this focal length and a lens speed of f/1.4. The large aperture lets you capture high-quality images even in challenging lighting conditions, while also producing precise subject isolation and a soft, natural bokeh. Its compact dimensions are the result of state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, ensuring ‘Made in Germany’ finesse. With a diameter of 74 mm, a length of just 75.5 mm and a weight of 584 g, it combines maximum portability with the exceptional image quality for which Leica is renowned. Eleven aperture blades, two aspherical lens elements and perfectly matched, high-quality glass types produce the lens’s distinctive image aesthetics. The fast autofocus enables rapid operation and focuses by means of a particularly quiet mechanism. With a close focus distance of just 50 cm, an E67 filter thread and an L-Mount, the new Summilux-SL is a highly versatile standard focal length lens. The precision-crafted, full-metal lens body forms a unit with SL-Cameras that is protected against dust and water splashes as per the IP54 standard. The AquaDura coating also ensures reliable protection even under demanding conditions.
