Leica SL3-P + Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH kit

Leica SL3-P + Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH kit

Now an extra €400 trade-in credit! For example, if your camera's trade-in value is €1,500, you will receive a total credit of €1,900!

Includes Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens.

Leica's P-series models are generally known for their understated finish and high-quality materials. While the SL3-P follows in this tradition by removing the familiar red Leica logo, this is not just a cosmetic update. This camera is practically a completely new generation of models in terms of internals.

Over the past few generations, the SL series has been divided into high-resolution models (SL2 and SL3) and fast, video-optimized S models (SL2-S and SL3-S). The Leica SL3-P combines these two worlds.

With a new 44.9 megapixel sensor, extremely fast readout speed and a completely redesigned autofocus, the camera offers both the precision needed for demanding photography and the speed required for professional-level video recording. Leica has also mentioned in its communications that it would like to attract more customers interested in action and nature photography, and this is of course easier to achieve when the equipment is of the required level.

• New 44.9-megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor
• Subtle P-series design without the red Leica logo
• Hybrid autofocus (phase detection, contrast and subject detection) with 819 focus points
• Continuous shooting up to 40 frames per second with electronic shutter
• 176-megapixel Multishot mode for high-resolution images
• Support for CAI Content Authenticity Initiative image authenticity recognition
• 5-axis internal IBIS image stabilization
• 8K Open Gate and 4K 120p video recording
• Weatherproof full metal body with IP54 rating
• CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II memory card slots

Two siblings: Leica SL3-P and Lumix S1R II

Leica and Panasonic are known for their deep technical collaboration, and the SL3-P shares a lot of its basic architecture with the Panasonic Lumix S1R II. This is great news, as it ensures top-of-the-line performance on the market. However, the cameras are clearly different devices. The Leica has a different operating logic, its physical weather protection and material choices are in a class of their own, and the SL3-P has a stronger emphasis on pure photography in its user interface.

The color scheme of the image files is also completely Leica's own creation, with the same settings and conditions, the cameras produce slightly different images. While sensor technology is a science, there are many decisions that affect the colors of the image file based on this, and these often also go into the realm of art.

The end result is a device that, despite the technical kinship between the cameras, produces images and workflows that are truly and recognizably Leica.

Focusing and continuous shooting at a new level

The SL3-P is Leica's fastest camera yet. It uses a completely new hybrid autofocus system that combines phase detection, contrast metering and depth sensing with 819 focus points. Advanced artificial intelligence reliably recognizes and tracks people, animals and vehicles.

When combined with the new sensor's fast readout speed, the camera is capable of continuous autofocus burst shooting with an electronic shutter at up to 40 frames per second (continuous autofocus but 12-bit raw images). With the mechanical shutter and full-quality 14-bit raw images, burst shooting is at 7 frames per second.

A video tool to take seriously

Although Leica is known as an icon of photography, the SL3-P makes no compromises when it comes to video. The camera is capable of recording 8K Open Gate (3:2) video from the entire sensor area, giving you exceptional flexibility to crop footage to different aspect ratios in post-production.

Versatile recording formats, such as internal Apple ProRes, H.265 and 4K 120p slow motion, make this camera ready for heavy production. The difference from Panasonic, for example, is the lack of internal Raw video recording and active cooling.

Leica SL3-P and rangefinder camera lenses

If you shoot with Leica M-mount lenses, especially the compact and high-quality wide-angle lenses typical of rangefinder optics, the Leica SL3-P is the number one choice. With rangefinder lenses, the light hits the edges of the sensor at a very oblique angle.

Leica has solved the edge-to-edge softness that often occurs with digital sensors by thinning the coatings on the sensor's protective glass and optimizing the layout of the sensor's microlenses. This allows M lenses to maintain edge-to-edge sharpness in a way that other manufacturers' bodies cannot.

Precision mechanical quality like Leica

Many camera manufacturers advertise the weatherproofing of their devices, but Leica has to make an official promise of IP54-level durability. The SL3-P feels like it was carved from a single piece of metal; its controls are clear and you can feel the quality of the construction when you pick up the camera.

In keeping with Leica's minimalist philosophy, there are no extra texts or symbols on the buttons. The functions are very freely programmable, so the camera adapts completely to the photographer's own habits. From experience, we can also recommend it for demanding professional use.

Specifications:

• Lens mount: L-Mount
• Sensor: 45.8/44.9 megapixel BSI CMOS
• Image processor: Leica Maestro IV
• Image stabilization: 5-axis IBIS, up to 5 stops of power
• Focus: Hybrid AF (PDAF, contrast, object detection), 819 points
• Continuous shooting: Limited with mechanical shutter, up to 40 fps with electronic shutter (with continuous AF)
• Video recording: 8K Open Gate, C8K, 8K, 4K, Full HD (ProRes, H.265, H.264)
• Viewfinder: 5.76 million dot OLED, 0.76x magnification
• Display: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2.33 million dots
• Memory card slots: 1x CFexpress Type B and 1x SDXC UHS-II
• Connections: USB-C (3.1 Gen 2), full-size HDMI 2.1 Type A, 3.5 mm microphone, 3.5 mm headphone
• Wireless connections: Wi-Fi 5GHz/2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 LE
• Weather protection: IP54
• Battery: Leica BP-SCL6, 2200 mAh
• Dimensions: 141.2 x 108.0 x 84.4 mm
• Weight: Approx. 768 g (without battery and memory cards)