Leica
M EV1
Digital Leica M with integrated 5.76M-dot EVF, 60MP full-frame sensor, and manual M-mount focusing.
$8,995
Released Oct 2025
Leica
SL3
60MP L-mount flagship with 8K video and Leica color science.
$6,995
Released Mar 2024
M EV1 is 1.6 years newer.
Wins
M EV1
Wins
SL3
4 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BSL3 has higher AF points / zones (779 vs 0)
- BSL3 has higher IBIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BSL3 has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 4.5 fps)
- BSL3 has higher ISO max (native) (100,000 vs 50,000)
- BSL3 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
M EV1
139 × 80 × 39 mm
495 g (1.09 lb / 17.46 oz)
SL3
141 × 108 × 85 mm
769 g (1.70 lb / 27.13 oz)
M EV1 is 2mm narrower, 28mm shorter, and 46mm thinner than SL3.
M EV1 is 274 g lighter than SL3.
Depth (front-to-back): 39mm M EV1 · 85mm SL3
Sensor size, to scale
M EV1
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
M EV1: mount data unavailable
SL3
✓ 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
M EV1
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139, 80, 38.5
Weight
495 g vs 769 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
SL3
AF points / zones
779 vs 0 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264, Apple ProRes
IBIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 141.2, 108, 84.6
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 4.5 fps — higher is better
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 50,000 — higher is better
Eye AF
Only SL3 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 60.3 MP
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
- ✓EVF resolution — Both 5,760,000
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
M EV1
Pros
- ✓Integrated EVF
- ✓60MP full-frame sensor
- ✓Leica M mount
- ✓64GB internal memory
Cons
- –Manual focus only
- –No video
- –Very expensive
SL3
Pros
- ✓60MP
- ✓8K video
- ✓Leica build
- ✓L-mount
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Heavy
- –Large files
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, M EV1 or SL3?
SL3 scores 9.0/10 versus 2.5/10 for M EV1 — 8K recording for future-proof footage.
What's the resolution difference between the M EV1 and SL3?
Both cameras share the same 60.3 MP resolution.
Do the M EV1 and SL3 have in-body image stabilization?
M EV1 does not have IBIS, while sL3 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M EV1 or the SL3?
M EV1 reaches 4.5 fps electronic. SL3 reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M EV1 and SL3?
M EV1 weighs 495 g and SL3 weighs 769 g, so the M EV1 is 274 g lighter.
Do the M EV1 and SL3 record 4K video?
M EV1: 4K up to 60p. SL3: 8K / C8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M EV1 and SL3 weather sealed?
M EV1: No. SL3: Yes.
How much does each cost?
M EV1 launched at $8,995 and SL3 at $6,995. The SL3 is $2,000 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.