Leica
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Original modern monochrome digital M with 24MP black-and-white sensor and rangefinder focus.
$7,495
Launch priceReleased Apr 2015
Leica
SL3-S
Fast 24.6MP L-mount hybrid with 6K open-gate video, 30fps burst, and 5-axis stabilization.
$5,295
Launch priceReleased Jan 2025
SL3-S is 9.8 years newer.
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Wins
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Wins
SL3-S
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
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 lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- BSL3-S has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- BSL3-S has higher EVF resolution (5,760,000 vs 3,690,000)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
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M Monochrom (Typ 246)
139 × 80 × 42 mm
680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
SL3-S
141 × 108 × 83 mm
768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)
M Monochrom (Typ 246) is 3mm narrower, 28mm shorter, and 41mm thinner than SL3-S.
M Monochrom (Typ 246) is 88 g lighter than SL3-S.
Depth (front-to-back): 42mm M Monochrom (Typ 246) · 83mm SL3-S
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
139 × 80 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
SL3-S
141 × 108 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
139 × 42 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
SL3-S
141 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
35.8 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
856 mm² area
SL3-S
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
M Monochrom (Typ 246): 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 Monochrom (Typ 246)
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138.6, 80, 42
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only M Monochrom (Typ 246) supports it
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 5 stops — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 7 fps — higher is better
Weight
680 g vs 768 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
SL3-S
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 141.2, 108, 82.7
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B, SD UHS-II
AF points / zones
779 vs 49 — higher is better
ISO max (native)
200,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Internal RAW video
Only SL3-S supports it
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only SL3-S supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
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
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓EVF refresh rate — Both 120 Hz
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Pros
- ✓24MP monochrome
- ✓Legendary B&W rendering
- ✓No color filter
- ✓Classic M rangefinder
Cons
- –Monochrome only
- –Older sensor gen
- –Manual focus
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
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and SL3-S at major authorized retailers.
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
Leica SL3-S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, M Monochrom (Typ 246) or SL3-S?
SL3-S scores 8.5/10 versus 5.0/10 for M Monochrom (Typ 246) — 6K video for oversampled 4K.
What's the resolution difference between the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and SL3-S?
M Monochrom (Typ 246) is 24 MP and SL3-S is 24.6 MP, so the SL3-S captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and SL3-S have in-body image stabilization?
M Monochrom (Typ 246) does not have IBIS, while SL3-S has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M Monochrom (Typ 246) or the SL3-S?
M Monochrom (Typ 246) reaches 20 fps electronic. SL3-S reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and SL3-S?
M Monochrom (Typ 246) weighs 680 g and SL3-S weighs 768 g, so the M Monochrom (Typ 246) is 88 g lighter.
Do the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and SL3-S record 4K video?
M Monochrom (Typ 246): 4K up to 60p. SL3-S: 6K Open Gate (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M Monochrom (Typ 246) and SL3-S weather sealed?
M Monochrom (Typ 246): Yes. SL3-S: Yes.
How much does each cost?
M Monochrom (Typ 246) launched at $7,495 and SL3-S at $5,295. The SL3-S is $2,200 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way M Monochrom (Typ 246) vs SL3-S vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica press materials.