Leica SL3: Full Review

[@TungstenOvergaard]

Chris is a gem for photographers. Every new review is better than the last.

[@sickheadache9903]

I would truly recommend..if you are going to spend this type of Funds…Buy the Fuji GFX 100 Part 2. It is about the same price and it uses The Sony 102 MP Medium Format Sensor…Plus I believe OP here…Chris Frost gave the Fuji GFX 100 ll a better rating. I have used the Fuji Camera from time to time..and truly impressed with the results.

[@streetsmart3466]

I'll look into it.

[@Jeremy_Akes]

Man, Chris feels a lot more comfortable leaving the sensor open than I do! I’m always rushing to put another lens on or a cap to prevent dust from getting on the sensor.

[@philipsutton2316]

Well of course he can - it aint his camera!!

[@cy9nvs]

Those are a lot of compromises for such an expensive camera.

[@waveland]

Definitely not on my shopping list. In particular I was shocked by the extremely poor autofocus performance out of the box. These days that’s inexcusable for cameras less than half the price.

[@igorrutsch]

no doubt that Leica's greatest achievement is the "Leica" engraving, which is larger than the camera itself.

[@GioJonnhyK]

😂❤

[@dell-tone6472]

That's clever, no one has ever said that on any forum before!

[@ditruter]

Leica fanboys hate it because they think buying that 7000 USD camera instantly makes them better photographers so the price is justified. Who is wrong?

[@GioJonnhyK]

@@ditruter Universe has Logic. So LeicaLickers are wrong.

[@kenmonahan9924]

Yes, I hate it. When I received mine I immediately taped it over.

[@andgainingspeed]

This is one of my favorite lens review channels, but camera reviews are always welcome. This one was pretty good but I was a little disappointed that it didn't include a description of the price as "eye watering" "gut churning" or "forehead slapping". 😅 I've always liked the emphasis on the channel with regard to value. Leica may be an experiential value, but at $7K, for most people, cheaper thrills are calling. Still, a tip of the cap and thumbs up to Leica for sending the camera, and multiple lenses. Looking forward to more in the future.

[@johnmarsland3442]

I don’t understand people whinging about the price. if you can’t afford one, get something you can afford. Like a used SL2 or even the first one. The SL (601) and the M10 are two of my favorite cameras, they do everything I need them to for work. Not sure anyone really needs 60mp especially when most of everyone’s work these days is viewed on phones.

[@bionic4368]

Probably because the features are pretty poor so it's safe to assume it's aimed at those who value it more as a fashion item than a tool.

[@grandrapids57]

People with less money will never understand people with more money. This camera is indeed an excellent tool and the corporate support is amazing. My D-Lux 7's main board failed far, far out of warranty and they replaced it free. Kodak and Sony aren't going to do that. Funny thing, and this goes for cameras as well as stereos, for people who cannot or will not afford Bang & Olufsen or Leica, they invariably employ reverse snobbery. .

[@philipvernon_photography]

I have owned this camera for a couple of months now. My previous camera was the Canon R5 and hated the RAW files as it really slows workflow. The SL3 is so much easier to use and also a premium price the lenses are sublime 👌 I’m happy you have pointed some frailty in high ISO but with modern faster lenses it’s not really a deal breaker. A great post but a little tough

[@goldfinch2283]

I always like comments from people who have never used this camera; they seem to know it all 😂. I use the SL3, besides the Canon R5 and the Nikon Z8, and the SL3 is my absolute favourite. Try to use this camera for a while and you will understand what I mean.

[@crissignori7482]

One question if you don't mind please .... I can only seem to get black and white through the viewfinder and on the LCD screen when using the photo mode on mine. I do really like B&W images but I do not want to compose, vew and see my pictures reviewed on the LCD screen always in black and white. There must be a fix for this, correct?

[@goldfinch2283]

@@crissignori7482 the review of images, on the viewfinder or screen, is a jpg image. So when choosing B&W you will always see the B&W image. I don’t think you can change that, but I am not 100% sure.

[@crissignori7482]

@@goldfinch2283 Thanks ….. I have done a complete reset in order to have a rear screen and viewfinder in color. I did not think I had selected to shoot in B&W.

[@streetsmart3466]

I just went on Flickr to look at some photos taken with this camera, and I am sold. The photos I saw make me want to smash my A7S III. Gorgeous colors, impeccable resolution.

[@Tedwill-home]

Great review. I took mine to Patagonia on a photo workshop and it’s the best SL camera ever. Easy to use and great image quality.

[@GioJonnhyK]

condolences, hope you bought also Apple telephone 😂 so the bricks are both in your bag

[@Drpftnst]

I’m very sorry for your loss

[@janfrosty3392]

As a in the past user of original SL and now SL-2S and Leica M, and SL 24-90mm zoom as well as Sigma primes, I am planning to get a SL3, mainly for landscape and nature photography. Other addition I am considering is Hasselblad. I am use to stupid comments from people that never use or owned Leica.

[@janfrosty3392]

@@GioJonnhyK FYI, Us Leica and Apple users call it iPhone in my case iPhone 15 Pro Max.

[@Drpftnst]

@@janfrosty3392 I have 3 leica rangefinders. Been shooting with Leica for a while now. This camera is a scam. The only cameras that are worth “Leica money” is their m series cameras. Yes I would surely take a Hasselblad X series camera over this. Hasselblad actually brings something to the table that not really any other camera manufacturer other than Fuji can do. While I haven’t used a Hasselblad X series camera since 2016, I’m sure the newer iterations are fantastic. I was able to try one out way back when Hasselblad was trying to market their first mirrorless camera and would lend them out to people to try for a few days.

[@Thehackerguy2000]

Can’t wait for the lumix S5R next year with that sensor at a $2000 discount.

[@astrobotnautics5291]

If I'm driving over a humpbacck bridge and sneezing I think I'm also going to loose about as much money as this Leica costs 😂 Great review, looking forward to more L mount content

[@tangosix5779]

very creative. love the wine glasses at 12:46 as I am in food / restaurant production. Your explanation is well done. I produce with a SL2S now. Please keep up the fine work.

[@noscopesallowed8128]

Really enjoy your camera reviews.

[@dell-tone6472]

For speed and low light, the Leica SL2-S is the better choice. Did you mention the triple-resolution sensor on the SL3? I would've been interested in the relative noise levels of the 60, 36, or 18 megapixel settings. I was also left wondering what lens was used in the resolution test.

[@janfrosty3392]

+1

[@aartb2836]

Thanks Chris. How would you rate low light performance SL3 vs SL2-S?

[@BrightShinyShadow]

I hope they eventually do an SL3-S as I love my SL2-S that i got used but can't really see myself justifying the full SL3 price.

[@manoftheroad55]

For proffesional commercal requierments Leica is the choice .. It is a tool designed to deliver what is needed in a commercial enviroment .. Its not just build quality its tolarance Buying SL3 ..far superior to SL2 .. image transfer speed to computer.. image sharpness .. images edited in RAW are best available in an ergonomic 35 mm style camera.. a true professional tool .. excellent review

[@imohammad]

Not for proffesional commercal requierments, What about Leica M11, if you compare it with SL3, which one will you go to? Thank you!

[@jalilchaouite]

Oh my god. Doing carspotting with a Leica and finding a Diablo GT 🤤🤤 Fantastic review Chris, as always!

[@hhaeska]

amazing review. I really enjoyed it and was wondering if there could possibly any detailed lens reviews from leica (m or l mount). I feel like your Lens reviews are always so on point and talk about things other reviewers dont talk about. If something like that would be possible I would really enjoy it. Keep it up :)

[@hedydd2]

If people hurry, the related L-Mount Panasonic S5 [original] is selling today on their web site, complete with 20-60 lens, for only £900 including a 10% first order discount on the site. This is no bigger than a M4/3 G9 or the featured Leica. The S5 is not guaranteed freeze proof but is water resistant. When introduced about three years ago, complete with lens, this kit sold for £2100 and is no worse a camera today. This Leica is undoubtedly uniquely a Leica and deserves a premium, but just how much? Price up a spare battery, but you had better be sitting down at the time. LOL

[@Brando90198]

Not sure what the conversion rate is. But in US dollars and the body only is S5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Body SKU: DC-S5BODY Sale price$1,799.99 Where as the mkii is S5M2 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera + 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens + 50mm F1.8 Lens SKU: DC-S5M2WK Sale price $2,149

[@tom_k_d]

You are comparing the price of a new 60MP sensor camera with the price of an outdated 24MP sensor camera - Sony A7RV would be a better comparison...

[@hedydd2]

@@tom_k_d I know what I’m comparing with and the pictures and video will compare well regardless of MP’s. Indeed the S5 will wipe the floor with this Leica in low light, high iso situations.

[@hedydd2]

@@Brando90198 Well all I can say is that the UK Pound works out something like £5 = $6.30. However the UK price of £900 including the lens, not only the body, includes 20% sales tax. UK£900 = US$1150. That’s exclusively on Panasonic UK website with introductory discount. Normal retail on several UK sites which have bricks and mortar stores is UK£999.

[@tom_k_d]

@@hedydd2 That's exactly my point: there's no reason to buy this Leica (or Sony A7RV) unless you are in for this high MP resolution - but if you are, you'll also know about the downsides of having a 60MP camera (less low light capability, massive file size), and a 24MP body is not an alternative.

[@user-rh5fw2bq4t]

The battery is bp-scl6 not scl4

[@Laight4work]

how does the lowlight compare to the sl2-s?

[@dunnymonster]

I guess this is giving us a preview of what to expect from an upcoming Panasonic Lumix S1R mkII which is to say it'll be effectively the same camera in a Lumix badged body. I'd like to say thats a good thing but if the Phase Detect AF and sensor readout speed are as bad as this Leica then Lumix could find themselves loosing more market share which is a shame after the successful S5II/XII.

[@Wildridefilms]

The S5IIX's AF is significantly better than this camera though.

[@Carthodon]

If I was in the market for going into a new camera system, I would actually be interested as long as the price was right. The S1R is supposed to be high resolution and predominantly a photo camera, that sensor would serve the purpose well. If you want faster readout I'd go with the s5ii or one of the other s1's.

[@Drpftnst]

This would be a really good camera if this was 2012

[@JS-shim]

Lightroom makes the high ISO images look good, with their noise reduction software. Those ISOs are very useable for stills.

[@Aneliuse]

SL3? That reminds me of canons SLR3 huehuehue

[@ShootingAndReloading]

Thanks for the review :) My takeaway is it's a beautifully built, but functionally somewhat below average especially at the price. Somehow still strangely highly desirable....

[@janfrosty3392]

Leica is always generation behind in some aspects to the currant top offering from other top camera offering in some features, but the IQ is one of the best.

[@BrandonTalbot]

Probably the most accurate summation of the camera I’ve seen

[@idkanymore3382]

7 thousand for a generic photo camera. No

[@Resh1477]

Just a warning. I lost images from my SL3 during a wedding. They simply disappeared. After lots of discussions with Leica, they released a letter to me stating that they are experiencing this issue with many other customers, and are working on a firmware update to resolve this. They state that... "Unfortunately, with the current firmware of the Leica SL3, the camera malfunctioned in individual cases, which can lead to images that have already been saved being overwritten unnoticed. We deeply regret this. Our highest priority is to restore the perfect functionality and usual reliability of your Leica SL3 as quickly as possible. To this end, we are working intensely with our development team to provide you with a firmware update to fix the error as soon as possible." Please be careful!! Apparently it happens when changing batteries out. The camera goes back and records over your images using the same file numbers, so there's no way to recover them. It's insane!

[@GungKrisna12]

Is it due to Leica cameras are mostly used for street photography?

[@endlichbilder]

Thank you! What about silent - shooting?

[@Amphibax]

With the ISO settings I don't understand why any manufacturer includes the really high setting I've never seen any camera where the highest levels where anything but unusable.

[@TheLordinio]

no clue, but the sony sensor used in this is basically iso invariant between its dual native ISOs anyway, so you could just shoot at ISO 320 in low light and adjust the exposure however you want in post. every setting other than 100 and 320 does effectively nothing

[@dopravnivideacz]

When doing some kind of reporting work, you might get into situation when your option is to shoot with very high ISO and get at least something (you maybe fix a bit in post) or you have no material at all. It's always better to have more options and not to need them, than miss options you don't have. (And also bigger number looks better in marketing, no matter if it's usable.)

[@aussie8114]

For taking photos of UFOs 👽

[@Drpftnst]

There’s a lot of scenarios where 50k or 100k are necessary

[@manoftheroad55]

Slow focus ..Q was lens updated to latest firmware ... Another vid Panasonic/ Leica micro 2/3 .. noticeable improvement before after updated firmware

[@bionic4368]

It makes my old 5ds look the bargain of the century.

[@Onghaeya-il1kz]

On... my shopping list .. built quality and longevity if... I have money lol thx for vid lov it !

[@seokinchung]

ohhh are we going to see how some of their SL APO lenses perform?

[@FeRoOOo71]

Mr. Frost, where is your Nikon z6iii review😢

[@adamcarter6649]

Hi Chris, looking at the tilting screen - does it have scratches along the bottom (on the black part)? Is the paint worn off already?

[@healinginfluence]

Superb review. Thank you.

[@Robin_Polarstern]

Thanks 🙏 ❤

[@cedric3379]

great work as always， looking for review of the new fuji kit 16-50 on 40mp

[@yew108]

Hi Chris, thank you for the review! I can't find online, but are those high contrast monochrome?

[@Laight4work]

thanks Chris

[@wakeywarrior]

I’m not sure how £6k can be justified when it’s very similar to a LUMIX.

[@jimb2500]

I need to photograph gymnastics what af setting would you use?

[@Bananasauruss_Rex]

for 6.8k i rather buy a canon

[@SMGJohn]

Canon is a joke versus medium format Fuji GFX100M2

[@GurmeetSingh-fr8uo]

How does it compare with Sony A7RV?

[@sickheadache9903]

I have been told that since this is also the new Panasonic SR1 ll ..With Sony’s 60 MP Sensor..That The AutoFocus and Other what nots will perform better in the SR1 ll much better. What is not known is The ISO rate for the Panasonic…50 would be 100% Smart of Panasonic. The Leica does look very cool. But its price tag coming from a Panasonic Camera is truly over priced and given its wobbly performance…doesn’t even justify its high price. Frost, Kai, Jordon and others have confirmed and consistently ragged on high end performances from this Leica. As with The SL2 and SR1 …The Panasonic performed a better job than the way over priced SL1. Can’t Wait to test drive the Panasonic SR1 ll. With The Tack Sharp Sigma Lenses!

[@dominiclogue5924]

Very good. Thanks.

[@Mowikan]

Panasonic Lumix has created a nice piece of hardware.

[@robinbollens2276]

so a mediocre camera for a massive price.. I'll never understand Leica, rented one once. Was not very impressed. (excep for their black and white shots)

[@tbrown2892]

If I were a Leica shooter, I'm sure I would be very excided, but as a Sony fan-boy, I'm very underwhelmed. That's just the way it is. Nice review though!

[@rogerhampton2844]

No matter how good the camera is, there are equally good cameras, that handle as well, feel as good and handle low light and sports photography at a third of the price, so no thank you.

[@saltyshackles5227]

I'll stick to my Canon 250D & Lightroom presets 😂

[@Varosphotographs]

Panasonic internals.

[@janfrosty3392]

can you give us more information regarding your claim

[@shaocaholica]

TBH im surprised a Leica has autofocus at all

[@chadrobison12334]

Wow. My $3000 Canon blows this thing away! 😂 All that money and they couldn’t even get the auto focus down

[@edwardkurek5355]

For Leica doesn’t sound like a good camera at its price!

[@trulsdirio]

Meh autofocus, meh rolling shutter, meh burst shooting, meh button layout, meh battery, very meh price. The good image quality and great lenses really don't outweigh the negatives. It is a statement piece and something you can fabulously compensate with, but man would I like a camera in this category that actually does perform how the price would suggest.

[@LuciusVulpes]

Very beautiful camera

[@karlnotyourbusiness4429]

Feels like a rebadged a7rv

[@nicedward7544]

It is but with way worse AF

[@jdpattok4357]

So, the camera is worth about 1500. If the Leica badge is worth 4500, then this is the camera for you!

[@timo3798]

Great, now I want one (but won't be able to afford one)

[@janfrosty3392]

This is a horrible reply to your comment that I have read somewhere “Stop being so poor”.

[@JoelRiveraMD]

Who in the world uses a Leica for action sport photography? Not sure why he keeps mentioning that

[@Mattross52]

I just don’t get it. A7rv seems superior in every way except menu

[@manoftheroad55]

24..70mm f2.8 lenses shootout Sigma ..Leica this is an anoraks topic .. my thought is why buy SL3 and not buy the Leica . . Anyone who recognises Amunson epic fete is rightly quilified to cast their opinion .. thumbs up or down ..recomend Teddy Evans South With Scott..

[@ourtvchannel]

Wow that's an expensive Panasonic with all the usual Panasonic autofocus issues. Just think of the other stunning cameras you could buy with that money.

[@pauldavidbarikder1546]

Leica stands for "Low"...

[@alexanderholmfjeld232]

That power button looks cheap af

[@jesuschrist2284]

On a raggae trip

[@Mamo878]

Medium format shits all over Leica all day every day. So there is that.

[@janfrosty3392]

and all the other full frame cameras

[@rafaelprotacio1048]

Can you do a review of what's the best phone camera?

[@heppoify49]

Please don't!!!!

[@corktail7900]

honestly im quite interested in how phones like the newest samsung galaxy s and iphone do on the test charts since i dont see anyone reviewing phones testing the cameras on a test chart

[@jesuschrist2284]

The one you have is fine

[@Robin_Polarstern]

Noooo

[@fernandolezama3325]

seriously, what in the world is all that money you spen for this camera going to?

[@janfrosty3392]

luxury and prestage

[@grandrapids57]

If the guys complaining about the price vs features ratio applied the same philosophy to their cars and the women they chase, they'd all be driving used, older, and sturdy ones of both categories.

[@jan-martinulvag1953]

8:29 the jpeg is sharper. Look at the boy with the backpack

[@chefjaap1]

Leica SLowwwwwwwww😂

[@ZappaBlues]

I doubt that dentists and lawyers are going to used this for sports photography ... 😏

[@hedydd2]

"Nice enough to ‘lend’ me". You ‘loan’ inwards, they ‘lend’ outwards. A bit of advice on something that bugs me in many of your videos. From a Welsh first language speaker from Aberaeron.

[@Gynra]

Technically, "loan" is a noun, though it is sometimes used as a verb when associated with money, e.g., "I loaned him five pounds". It's not really correct to use "loan" as a verb in other contexts, but I think it's widely accepted as a synonym of "lend". In formal writing, "loan" should be used as a noun only.

[@hedydd2]

@@Gynra Indeed. It would be “I lent him five pounds”. You are correct that the ‘loan’ is the actual product itself, a noun. Why is it that the English and English first language speakers are the least able to speak or write it correctly? Not saying I’m perfect, far from it, but possibly because it is not my first language, I do try at least.

[@christopherfrost]

I believe you are in error - every dictionary I can find defines the verb form of 'loan' as "To give to another for temporary use with the understanding that it or a like thing will be returned", "To grant the loan of", or some such, including the Oxford English Dictionary. In the past some have tried to claim that 'loan' should exist in noun form only due to its early etymology but the verb form has long since been in common usage and is presented in dictionaries worldwide.

[@hedydd2]

@@christopherfrost I believe it is you that is mistaken and that you may be consulting American dictionaries and they do not speak the same English as we do in general. 'Never a borrower or lender be’. Otherwise ’to lend’ becomes redundant. What they did is give you a loan but lent you the product. You are borrowing it. They are lending it. Not “loaning it”.

[@christopherfrost]

@@hedydd2 Well, take a quick look online at every British dictionary available. As I mentioned, the OED lists 'loan' in verb form as 'To grant the loan of; to lend'; Cambridge defines it 'To lend', citing the example: 'This library loans books and CDs.'; Collins says "If you loan something to someone, you lend it to them", citing the example "He had kindly offered to loan us all the plants required for the exhibit". Those are all British dictionaries, if you don't like American ones, and I'm very happy to go with their definition as they probably know a lot more than you and I.

[@raygamma8739]

I like Canon R1 ，

[@GioJonnhyK]

I like same model, but manufactured by Yamaha