Leica today has launched its SL3-S camera in Malaysia, not long after its global unveiling. It is the German cameramaker’s latest hybrid model, which combines both advanced photography and video capabilities in a single package.
Design-wise, the newer model mostly resembles the original SL3 from last year, featuring an IP54-rated all-metal body. The camera is also touted to be lighter than its predecessor, weighing just 768 grams without a battery. On the back is an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 5.76 million dots and up to 120fps refresh rate, while below it is a 3.2-inch tilting LCD screen.
Under the hood of the Leica SL3-S is a 24-megapixel backside-illuminated sensor equipped with phase detection and in-body image stabilisation, supporting multi-shot modes that produce images with resolutions of 48 and 96 megapixels. Also onboard is the brand’s Maestro IV processor, which handles both image and video processing tasks.
The SL3-S also features improvements in autofocus and connectivity. Its hybrid autofocus system incorporates 779 phase-detection points alongside 315 contrast-detection points and object tracking, ensuring subjects remain in focus even in dynamic conditions. With a shooting speed of up to 30 frames per second, the SL3-S is tailored for fast performance, while its 6K 3:2 open-gate video recording further enhances its versatility.
For video professionals, the SL3-S offers 6K 3:2 open-gate recording at up to 30 frames per second and 4K 16:9 recording in 4:2:2 at up to 60 frames per second. Using its upgraded HDMI 2.1 port, the SL3-S can output RAW video at up to 5.9K resolution, with internal ProRes 422 HQ capture also supported. The addition of a dedicated timecode interface enables precise sound synchronisation.
Leica has enhanced storage options with a CFexpress Type B slot and an SD UHS-II slot, alongside direct-to-SSD recording via USB-C. The company also plans to introduce Camera to Cloud functionality with Frame.io support by the end of 2025, further extending the SL3-S’s capabilities. As for battery, the camera comes with an increased capacity of 2,200mAh.
Additionally, the company also included hardware-based support for the Content Authenticity Initiative’s Content Credentials on the SL3-S. This provides tamper-proof metadata for photographs, reinforcing trust in content authenticity.
In Malaysia, the Leica SL3-S is priced at RM26,200 for body only. The camera is available now via the brand’s official online store, its flagship store at Avenue K, as well as authorised resellers across Malaysia.
(Additional source: Leica Malaysia [official website])
