Leica SL3-S Mirrorless Camera Body, Black {24MP} 10643

Leica SL3-S: 24.6MP full-frame speed demon with unlimited 6K Open Gate video.

The SL3-S is Leica's fastest stills camera to date, hitting 30 fps continuous shooting with full AF support across 779 phase-detection points. The hybrid AF system layers contrast detection, phase detection, and depth mapping together, with eye, face, body, and animal subject detection running on top. Native ISO range stretches to 200,000 on a 24.6MP BSI CMOS sensor with no low-pass filter, and 14-bit DNG capture at lower drive speeds gives you full latitude in post.

The video credentials are serious. Unlimited 6K Open Gate recording in the native 3:2 sensor ratio means you're working with the full frame, which matters both for lens character and for reframing in post. Internal ProRes 4:2:2 up to 5.7K, internal H.265 up to 5.9K, and 10-bit RAW output via HDMI up to 5.8K cover every delivery pipeline. L-Log and HLG profiles are available for color grading. The 8GB buffer, dual card slots (CFexpress Type B plus UHS-II SD), and USB-C SSD recording keep long-form shoots moving without interruption.

The IP54-sealed all-metal body houses 5-axis in-body stabilization, a 5.76-million-dot OLED viewfinder running at up to 120 fps, and a tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen. For shooters already in the L-Mount ecosystem, the SL3-S drops into any existing lens kit without compromise.

Who It's For

Photojournalists and documentary photographers working in adverse conditions get 30 fps burst with reliable subject tracking and IP54 protection in a single body. Commercial and editorial cinematographers benefit from unlimited internal ProRes recording and 6K Open Gate framing flexibility, eliminating the need for an external recorder on most jobs. Sports and wildlife shooters gain from the 779 phase-detection AF points and ISO ceiling of 200,000, which keeps focus and exposure workable in low light at distance. Hybrid shooters who split time between stills and video assignments will find the RAW HDMI output and L-Log pipeline handle broadcast and streaming deliverables without a separate cinema camera in the bag.

Key Features

• 24.6MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with no low-pass filter
• 30 fps continuous shooting with full autofocus across 779 phase-detection points
• Hybrid AF system combining contrast, phase detection, and depth mapping
• Unlimited 6K Open Gate internal recording in native 3:2 ratio
• ProRes 4:2:2 up to 5.7K and H.265 up to 5.9K internally
• 5.76-megapixel OLED viewfinder at 120 fps with 5-axis in-body stabilization
• Native ISO 100–200,000 with 14-bit RAW capture at lower drive speeds
• Dual CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SD card slots with USB-C SSD recording

FAQ

What makes the SL3-S faster than the original SL3?

The SL3-S hits 30 fps continuous shooting with full autofocus across all 779 phase-detection points, making it Leica's fastest stills camera. The hybrid AF system (contrast + phase detection + depth mapping) tracks subjects at speed without dropping focus.

Can I record 6K video indefinitely?

Yes. Unlimited 6K Open Gate recording in native 3:2 ratio is internal to CFexpress Type B or to SSD via USB-C. ProRes 4:2:2 up to 5.7K also records unlimited length.

What's the native ISO range, and how clean is 200,000?

Native ISO runs 100–200,000. At ISO 200,000 the Maestro IV processor with L2 technology keeps noise minimal in L-Log, but you're still in 10-bit territory with the full 24.6MP sensor.

Does the SL3-S have a low-pass filter?

No. The BSI CMOS sensor captures full pixel-level detail without an OLPF, so you get maximum sharpness and resolution straight from the sensor.

How many AF points does it really have, and what's the difference between them?

779 phase-detection points layer underneath 315 contrast-detection points. Phase detection is fast and covers most of the frame; contrast detection refines edge precision and handles low-light subjects better.

What video formats work internally, and what needs external recording?

Internally: H.265/H.264 up to 5.9K, ProRes 4:2:2 up to 5.7K, and RAW 10-bit up to 5.8K. For 5.9K 12-bit RAW, you need to send it via HDMI to an external recorder.

Is the body sealed against weather?

IP54 rating means dust and splash protection, but not full waterproofing. You're safe in light rain and dusty environments, not submersion.