Leica
SL3-S
Fast 24.6MP L-mount hybrid with 6K open-gate video, 30fps burst, and 5-axis stabilization.
$5,295
Released Jan 2025
SL3-S is 7.2 years newer.
Wins
CL
Wins
SL3-S
5 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BSL3-S has higher AF points / zones (779 vs 49)
- BSL3-S has higher ISO max (native) (200,000 vs 25,600)
- BSL3-S has higher EVF resolution (5,760,000 vs 2,360,000)
- BSL3-S has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- BSL3-S has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 15 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
CL
138 × 98 × 88 mm
520 g (1.15 lb / 18.34 oz)
SL3-S
141 × 108 × 83 mm
768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)
CL is 3mm narrower and 10mm shorter than SL3-S but it is also 5mm thicker.
CL is 248 g lighter than SL3-S.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm CL · 83mm SL3-S
Sensor size, to scale
CL
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
SL3-S
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
2.4× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
CL
✓ more lensesLeica L
80+
native lenses available
SL3-S
✓ more lensesLeica L
80+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
CL
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only CL supports it
Weight
520 g vs 768 g — lower is better
IBIS effectiveness
6 stops vs 5 stops — higher is better
Reasons to choose
SL3-S
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 141.2, 108, 82.7
AF points / zones
779 vs 49 — higher is better
ISO max (native)
200,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only SL3-S supports it
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B
Both cameras share
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓In-body stabilization — Both support in-body stabilization
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
CL
Pros
- ✓Beautiful design
- ✓Compact
- ✓L-mount
Cons
- –Older
- –24MP APS-C
- –Limited lens selection
SL3-S
Pros
- ✓6K open-gate video
- ✓30fps electronic burst
- ✓24.6MP full-frame
- ✓CFexpress plus SD
Cons
- –Lower resolution than SL3
- –Large body
- –Premium price
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for travel, CL or SL3-S?
CL scores 8.5/10 versus 4.5/10 for SL3-S — 520g — compact and travel-friendly.
What's the resolution difference between the CL and SL3-S?
CL is 24.2 MP and SL3-S is 24.6 MP, so the SL3-S captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the CL and SL3-S have in-body image stabilization?
CL has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while sL3-S has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the CL or the SL3-S?
CL reaches 15 fps electronic. SL3-S reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the CL and SL3-S?
CL weighs 520 g and SL3-S weighs 768 g, so the CL is 248 g lighter.
Do the CL and SL3-S record 4K video?
CL: 4K up to 60p. SL3-S: 6K Open Gate (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the CL and SL3-S weather sealed?
CL: Yes. SL3-S: Yes.
How much does each cost?
CL launched at $2,795 and SL3-S at $5,295. The CL is $2,500 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.