Leica has just launched its new mirrorless camera in Malaysia, the Leica SL3. The camera is the successor to the SL2, with some cosmetic updates as well as internal upgrades to differentiate it from the previous model.
Leica SL3 features and functions
At the heart of the camera is the 60MP sensor that is also used in the M11 Rangefinder and the Q3 compact camera. The body looks like a classic SLR body, but with notable touches that scream ‘digital’ and ‘Leica’. For example, the back of the camera has a tiltable 3.2-inch touch screen, a new addition to the line, that comes in at 2.3M dots for the resolution. The viewfinder is an OLED display, similar to many flagships’ smartphone displays, but in a tinier package. The resolution is 5.76M dots, with a magnification of 0.78x.
For storage, Leica opted for CFexpress type B and SD UHS-II memory cards, that can be accessed from a door on the right side of the body. This allows memory swapping without removing the battery. There is also a USB C for charging and a full HDMI 2.1 port on the side for output. Oh, the camera is also IP54 certified, so you can bring it to the pool to take photos of people – no dunking the body in water or using it on the beach though.
Inside, the sensor is the 60MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor with Triple Resolution Technology. This means that the camera can record raw files in DNG or JPEG format with a resolution of either 60, 36 or 18 MP – all using the full sensor surface.
To help capture images, Leica is featuring a new phase-detect autofocus system in the SL3. It combines phase detection, contrast, and object autofocus for improved speed and consistency. For better focusing, Leica also included eye and face detection; for pet lovers, there is a pet detection mode too.
The Leica SL3 is also a video camera as it can internally record in DCI 8K (8192 x 4320 pixels) at 30fps or DCI 4K at up to 60fps with a maximum bitrate of 600Mb/s. You can attach an external recorder via the HDMI port. With this, the SL3 can record CDI 8K and 4K up to 60fps and in 10-bit with L Log Rec. 2020 and HLG Rec.2020. There is support for ProRes recording – but you are limited to 1080p only.
Other technical specs include ISO support of 50 – 100,000. Leica claims the camera can have up to 15 stops of dynamic range and supports up to 15 fps of continuous shooting. Get ready to flex your carrying muscles though, as the camera body alone weighs 769 grams without the battery.
Leica SL3 Malaysia pricing
In Malaysia, Leica sells the SL3 at RM 36,400 for the camera body only. This is higher than the Leica SL2 when it first came out (which was priced at RM28,200). For context, the latest generation Perodua Axia G costs about RM39,000 without insurance.
Leica has a running promotion for purchase with purchase from the official Leica Store in Avenue K, where customers purchasing the SL3 can walk away with either a single or dual lens in a bundle kit. The full price for the bundles was not disclosed officially, but interested parties can check the new Leica SL3 and the bundles at the Leica Store in Kuala Lumpur.
