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-S
Fast 24.6MP L-mount hybrid with 6K open-gate video, 30fps burst, and 5-axis stabilization.
$5,295
Released Jan 2025
M EV1 is 9 months newer.
Wins
M EV1
Wins
SL3-S
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BSL3-S has higher AF points / zones (779 vs 0)
- BSL3-S has higher IBIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BSL3-S has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 4.5 fps)
- BSL3-S has higher ISO max (native) (200,000 vs 50,000)
- AM EV1 has higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 24.6 MP)
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-S
141 × 108 × 83 mm
768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)
M EV1 is 2mm narrower, 28mm shorter, and 44mm thinner than SL3-S.
M EV1 is 273 g lighter than SL3-S.
Depth (front-to-back): 39mm M EV1 · 83mm SL3-S
Sensor size, to scale
M EV1
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL3-S
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
M EV1: mount data unavailable
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
M EV1
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139, 80, 38.5
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 24.6 MP — higher is better
Weight
495 g vs 768 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
SL3-S
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, 82.7
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 4.5 fps — higher is better
ISO max (native)
200,000 vs 50,000 — higher is better
Eye AF
Only SL3-S supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓EVF resolution — Both 5,760,000
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
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-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 wildlife, M EV1 or SL3-S?
SL3-S scores 6.5/10 versus 0.0/10 for M EV1 — 30fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the M EV1 and SL3-S?
M EV1 is 60.3 MP and SL3-S is 24.6 MP, so the M EV1 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the M EV1 and SL3-S have in-body image stabilization?
M EV1 does not have IBIS, while sL3-S has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M EV1 or the SL3-S?
M EV1 reaches 4.5 fps electronic. SL3-S reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M EV1 and SL3-S?
M EV1 weighs 495 g and SL3-S weighs 768 g, so the M EV1 is 273 g lighter.
Do the M EV1 and SL3-S record 4K video?
M EV1: 4K up to 60p. SL3-S: 6K Open Gate (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M EV1 and SL3-S weather sealed?
M EV1: No. SL3-S: Yes.
How much does each cost?
M EV1 launched at $8,995 and SL3-S at $5,295. The SL3-S is $3,700 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.