Leica’s SL household has at all times been probably the most “mirrorless” trying of its cameras, providing professional photographers dealing with that is much like rivals like Canon and Sony. That continues with the launch of the SL3, a 60-megapixel (MP) mannequin that appears nothing like its well-known rangefinder cameras, providing a brand new phase-detect autofocus system, 8K video functionality and extra.
The brand new mannequin has the identical sensor because the M11 rangefinder and Q3 compact fashions, however very a lot resembles the SL2 and ideas the size at a hefty 767 grams. It is also IP54-rated so you’ll be able to shoot in climate situations starting from 14 to 104°F with out worrying about mud, moisture and so forth.
The most important change within the format is a brand new dial on the left prime (all of the dials are clean as you’ll be able to customise them any approach you need). On the again, Leica moved the three key buttons (play, perform and menu) to the proper, and altered the facility change to a button.
The SL3 now has a brand new 3.2″ 2.3m-dot LCD, and in contrast to previous fashions, it might probably tilt (however not swivel). The EVF has additionally been up to date to a higher-resolution 5.76m-dot 0.78x OLED model. As for storage, it helps each CFexpress sort B and SD UHS-II reminiscence playing cards. It comes with a full-sized HDMI and USB-C charging ports, together with mic/headphone jacks.
The brand new sensor will increase decision from 47 MP on the SL2 as much as 60 MP, a major bump. It is doubtless much like the sensor Sony makes use of on the A7R V, and helps a large native ISO vary from 50-100,000, with a claimed 15 stops of dynamic vary.
It will probably shoot bursts as much as 15fps, however extra importantly, gives a brand new phase-detect AF system that is quicker and extra clever, based on the corporate. It combines section detection, distinction and object autofocus for quicker and extra constant performances. That features face and eye detection, together with a brand new animal detection characteristic. It is also purported to be higher at monitoring motion, Leica says.
As for video, the SL3 can document internally in DCI 8K 8192 x 4320 at 30 fps and DCI 4K at as much as 60p with a most bitrate of 600Mb/s. It will probably additionally document externally by way of the HDMI output, additionally at DCI 8K and DCI 4K as much as 60fps. These resolutions are all out there in 10-bit with the selection of L-Log Rec. 2020 and HLG Rec. 2020. It helps ProRes recording, however solely as much as 1080p.
As you are most likely anticipating, the SL3 is not low-cost at $6,995, although it’s considerably cheaper than the $9,000 M11. It is now out there at B&H Photograph Video and elsewhere.
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