Leica SL3 | The Good and The Bad after 3 months

[@erikgrossman]

I own the Q3, but for the SL system, I ended up going with the SL2-S over the SL3 for a number of reasons: 1) The SL2-S is significantly cheaper at $3K used vs $7K new for the SL3 2) Snappy overall performance (including image review) at the expense of a lower 24MP vs 60MP (this has never been a real world issue for me) 3) Amazing low light performance 4) Class-leading dynamic range. With no way to fix the dial changing ISO on the fly, perhaps Leica will offer some sort of software solution; until then, I'll just use auto-ISO.

[@fotoworkshop_stuttgart]

Thank you for your review! You said you could provide sample images. Can't find them.

[@KristianDowling]

Hey Alex I could eleven get my ISO dial to move interestingly. However there is an option to custom set a button to lock/unlock all dials. That would solve that problem 😅

[@GastonShutters]

Amen with all the thoughts. The lagging playback is a bummer. Battery life gets way better if you setup a button to deactivate ibis on/ off During bright days high shutter speed is high so ibis is just draining battery for no reason. Eye AF is wonky too. AIM it to a tree and it’s going to think it’s a person. 😂 great one Alex

[@jurgenstorch4130]

Hi Alex, First, thank you for your objectively Reviews. I agree with you, my worst, disadvantage is the „Sleeptime“ when using the playmode. I hope Leica will fix this very very very fast. kind regards Jürgen

[@user-ll7cv1ii8m]

Great review. One thing I would really like to see more is the experience of using the M lenses on the SL3. How is adapting M lenses different on the SL from say a Sony camera? Is it still contrast driven? TIA

[@Resh1477]

Hi Alex, 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!

[@marcphotogsmith]

Yes same thing happened to me - the camera overwritten 50 mins of stills - over 300 photos. It is catastrophic! Do not use below 1 bar of battery

[@dorjon6121]

Very poor isn’t it! They have now released firmware v.1.1.9 to fix this but pretty poor show for a camera costing this much !

[@dlovisuals]

What a beautiful camera 🤩. Great video as always Alex. Recently demoed the SL3 at the Leica Store here in LA. I was so astonished by how much smaller it is when compared to my SL2-S.

[@HN-sk2lr]

I bought it 2 days ago , battery is horrible😢

[@KonstantinKokoris]

After the three months how do you feel about the addition of the tilt screen?

[@ABarrera]

I really like it! It makes shooting a lot easier from lower or higher angles.

[@KonstantinKokoris]

@@ABarreranice it’s the main reason I want to upgrade to the SL3.

[@AllDay3004]

Damn bro you ripped lol

[@Dkouki97]

Funny you say that about the playback . I think it might have the same processor as the S5IIX and it's a good 4 second delay also . There was just an update on the S5IIX and still not fixed .

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

Thank you for sharing. There is a set up for you to see the photo immediately not a fraction of a waiting time. Read your manual properly.

[@jaekim5397]

Try Hasselblad X2D 100C..

[@ABarrera]

That cameras has been living in my mind rent free….I want to

[@bobmcadams3951]

"Your points are valid but at the same time, you don’t buy Leica for any of those." So are the points simultaneously valid and not valid? Leica has the Q and M lines. Those are understandably different cameras and it is acceptable that those would be less capable than the SL line. However, the S line is compared with other flagship workhorses. Leica should deliver more for the price, and for Leica's claim, or that of others, that Leica's Q, M, and SL lines are often considered luxury products. The SL3 is too expensive to be so deficient. Leica's recent efforts are lethargic.

[@thanyawong]

Currently price of brand new Leica SL2 and SL2S with full warranty is reduced to $3,300 for both models. It is the best buy ever. I don't see much significant advantages to pay double $6,995 for SL3. I know the Leica Dealer here and he accepts that Leica SL3 sale is pretty slow.

[@Eddie32791]

Strange playback issue, when I'm scrolling through mine it was instant for both jpeg and DNG. Perhaps it has something to do with different brands of memory cards? I'm assuming you are running the latest firmware

[@boostedgixxer]

New city, no more wife, and new truck. A lot of life changes, wish you all the best

[@randallbrander8157]

I have been on a waiting list from B&H for this camera and deciding not to get it, because I held a different camera and decided to get that instead without waiting that long for it. Could it be the 61mp files that might be the slowdown in viewing the pics? I do have the Q3 but turning off the viewing pics after taking a shot because it slowed down my shooting. I do own the SL2-S and Q3 they take the same battery and I do have the Dummy Battery for both connecting to a power delivery bank which solves the problem with changing them constantly. I rather use the Dummy Batteries in my cameras instead of charging and recharging batteries over time they seem not last very long. This way I use them as backup and they can last for years. Cheers!

[@bobmcadams3951]

Leica did not do enough on this camera. I expected at a minimum the following: (1) competitive autofocus, (2) internal storage, (3) faster processor, (4) better battery life, (5) content-aware technology, (6) sensor protection, like in the M11, (7) multishot, (8) manual focus assist, like the Nikon Zf, (9) biometric security, (10) larger rear screen, and (11) higher resolution viewfinder. I tried to get excited about this camera, but it does not deliver appropriate value for its price of $7,000, plus sales tax, which puts it close to $8,000. Please also know that the Leica SL cameras depreciate faster than a used car.

[@justinavila1320]

Yep totally agree.

[@ivanichtanuel1681]

Agree with that, leica yes the beauty of picture yes no doubt and can’t compare the other cameras but today all of the brand want to simplify, easy to use without reduction or minimize the functionality however leica over price, without water and dust proof, stability while vlog. Overall good with the price over budget we can get more such as hasselblad, nikon or even canon, yes the quality of the picture that true one of the best.

[@iKIMshuffle]

Your points are valid but at the same time, you don’t buy Leica for any of those. I’ve had my SL2-s for a while now and one thing I know, this is just for personal art. If I want that, I would buy a Sony a7ii with kit lens and a Sony 70-200 and still get a fantastic result. I’m a photographer and learning how to use the video capability of my camera. I do shoot with Lumix G9 as well and it’s my workhorse for portraits

[@SamMakesMoviesTV]

@@iKIMshufflenah, that applies to the M-Line. You buy an SL, cause you want the Leica Colors and you are probably in their eco system due to M-Lenses, but you still want reliable AF experience at least. The Tracking is sadly disappointing.

[@andreaperuzzi5182]

I still prefer the SL2-S

[@TheMrKonov]

There is no way I am using this professionally

[@artistwithcameras]

I’m pretty sure if the second card is shooting in JPG it pulls the images fast from there. Double check that.

[@picturemaker]

The thing that bothers me with all mirrorless cameras is the amount of clutter overlayed on the image when shooting. Boxes on eyes and over people and all the icons around the border. I've never heard anyone talk about this but I feel it creates a disconnect from the photographer and subject. The digital screen doesn't help for that either. A clear and crisp optical viewfinder wins out for me every time for a pure experience. Plus my battery lasts a week so there is that too.

[@joeensley3912]

It’s a $7,000 S5ii without the IBIS

[@RichardSilvius]

It’s interesting about the slow playback, I have the same issue with the Q3. We’re several firmware updates deep already and it’s gotten a little better, but it’s still horrifically slow.

[@albertosanchez8899]

Do you recommend it for wildlife ?

[@BrandonTalbot]

Not if you need quick reliable AF with Burst shooting.

[@LA.Black.]

The battery is the reason I got out of the SL system.

[@ettansthlm]

Why? Just buy a few extra batteries and you are good to go.

[@LA.Black.]

@@ettansthlm I need a system I can trust whenever I need it. I can not trust the SL system; the lenses are too heavy. I still have my M11 and MP. But for autofocus, it's Nikon for me.

[@iKIMshuffle]

From my SL2-s, the SL3 is an upgrade! You don’t buy Leica to compete with cameras like LUMIX, Sony, Canon, and Nikon. Anyway, I still keep my SL2-s because it’s easier with videos. Now, my input, it isn’t a camera for what people expecting it to be with a price point. Also, you’re using Sigma. Equip that with a Leica optics and there’s a magic of a difference in colors. Another thing, if you’re shooting with Leica, it’s useless to shoot RAW if you’re using Lightroom. So, if you can’t buy Capture One, don’t shoot Leica. Completely my opinion, and also there’s just a difference between a Leica DNG using Capture One Pro to just Lightroom Classic. So, yeah, it isn’t for everyone. Right now, my body is rigged up and overall, I spent over 10k

[@madtom67]

No worries with playback, it's snappy! Battery life is also totally manageable. No issues with the dial neither. Using Firmware 1.1.0. The eye focus in MF might be implemented in the future, perhaps.

. I noticed the other day that Ai focus worked for me with my 50 summilux- obviously it does nothing for focus accuracy if you are off, but it will seemingly punch in focus peaking and exposure to the spot when tapped.

Agreed about the green eye or subject focus confirmation! That would be amazing for manual!!!

[@jeffreytotaro7051]

Great video Alex! I'm still waiting on mine. Battery life isn't an issue for me. We have so much gear, that some more batteries is no big deal. What's on the wrist?

[@peterivarsson9267]

I agree with everything you say. I havn’t had a problem with the ISO dial, but the rear dial keeps changing the aperture. I miss exposure lock, without press and hold. Image quality, bokeh, dynamic range is fabulous. Great video

[@gurugamer8632]

I consider the Hasselblad X2D better and bigger monster compared to SL3

[@brettmorrison1]

Does anyone know how legacy m lenses work with this camera? I have some great lenses from my old film M6.

[@A1000Truths]

Hey Alex are you using the SL3 w/ Lightroom ? My understanding is that camera matching profile isn't supported w/ the SL3

[@ABarrera]

I am and it’s supported! You should be able to select it in the color profiles.

[@A1000Truths]

@@ABarrera so odd I’m not seeing it and Adobe support is staying it’s not supported

[@A1000Truths]

@@ABarrera Just got off the phone with Adobe when they look in the camera matching profile under their Lightroom they see the folders for the other Leica cameras but the SL3 is not listed for some reason.

[@alainmonnens]

Hi Alex on the Nikon Zf the eye detection works with manual focus lenses and it gives the confirmation you would like. And if you would like it you can even go further, Techart makes an adapter, so your Leica M lenses become autofocus lenses on the Nikon Z cameras.

[@janromo9753]

Camera is awesome, your suggestions would be great…

[@nickditoro]

Had looked forward to your ideo, Alex, so thank you for putting it out there. My SL3 has been on order since launch. I've also ordered an adapter for my M lenses, so appreciate your comments on that area. Since I'm coming from Canon, I have some EF lenses that I plan to adapt with an EF-to SL AF adapter. Should I expectt ok AF or do you think it'll be really sub-par?

[@ABarrera]

I haven’t adapter EF glass so I am not sure. I’ll see if I can get my hands on some and make a video.

[@nickditoro]

@@ABarrera Thanks,.

[@Aluchogc]

Hey Alex! Nice video! I have a question… What do you think about the color rendition on the SL3? I loooove the colors from the original SL, which I am glad I kept just for fun and personal use. Because the colors on the SL2 are not the same in my opinion. Also, nothing related with the topic but I love your watch. It’s a Cartier … Solarbeat maybe? I love the look.

[@ABarrera]

I am a big fan of the colors on the SL3. They almost match up perfectly with the Q3 and M11. Good eye, I am wearing a Solar Beat Tank 💪🏼

[@burnpegasis123]

Well, guess I’m a bit early

[@patricklonguechaud4253]

Thanks Alex for this very clear and "to the point" video. A question for you how would you assess the ability of the SL3 to keep focus when at burst mode?

[@ABarrera]

The fastest frame rate with AF is 4 fps, the camera does fine at this speed. I would not recommend the SL3 if burst shooting is a priority.

[@1Firstdivision]

Amazing and honest review. Couldn't resist asking, what watch do you wear? Like the size and shape

[@ABarrera]

In this video, I was wearing my Cartier Solar Tank! 😃

[@1Firstdivision]

@@ABarrera thank you!

[@jklphoto]

Good discussion Alex. Agree about Leica S-series batts. Even at $200, they are double the price of the Hasselblad X-series batts. Your complaint about the ISO-assigned top dial makes me believe you are manually exposing. I get it. Exposure triangle and all. But it gives me a flashback to my early Nikon pro DSLRs. Babysitting your WB and ISO is SO early-2000s. As you state in the positives, high ISO is no longer a problem. Neither is AWB. Start using aperture priority and forget ISO. Be creative. Reassign that top dial to something else and enjoy the shoot. BTW, great images.

[@cameraprepper7938]

I think the SL3 is a stupid expensive Camera, nearly double the price of a Sony A7RV, the SL3 have not as good EVF and not as good IBIS, the SL3 is also bigger and heavier. The Sony A7RV is more like a Leica R4, R6 Camera in size !

[@HeathHolden]

Gooder gooder more better best more more bigger numbas.

[@arshotsphotography]

BRO!! did you say you are in San Antonio?? Hit me up , I'm in the 210 as well and also a Leica shooter. Gonna shoot you a DM on insta.

[@mjztx]

Wow! I was thinking same thing. I’m in Houston!