Leica
M11 Monochrom
Black-and-white-only Leica M with 60MP monochrome full-frame sensor, ISO 125-200000, and 256GB internal memory.
$9,195
Released Apr 2023
Leica
SL3
60MP L-mount flagship with 8K video and Leica color science.
$6,995
Released Mar 2024
SL3 is 11 months newer.
Wins
M11 Monochrom
Wins
SL3
5 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 lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 125)
- AM11 Monochrom has higher ISO max (native) (200,000 vs 100,000)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
M11 Monochrom
139 × 80 × 39 mm
542 g (1.19 lb / 19.12 oz)
SL3
141 × 108 × 85 mm
769 g (1.70 lb / 27.13 oz)
M11 Monochrom is 2mm narrower, 28mm shorter, and 46mm thinner than SL3.
M11 Monochrom is 227 g lighter than SL3.
Depth (front-to-back): 39mm M11 Monochrom · 85mm SL3
Sensor size, to scale
M11 Monochrom
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
M11 Monochrom: 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
M11 Monochrom
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139, 80, 38.5
ISO max (native)
200,000 vs 100,000 — higher is better
Weight
542 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 min (native)
50 vs 125 — lower 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
- ✓EVF refresh rate — Both 120 Hz
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
M11 Monochrom
Pros
- ✓60MP monochrome sensor
- ✓ISO up to 200000
- ✓256GB internal memory
- ✓Pure black-and-white files
Cons
- –Monochrome only
- –Manual focus only
- –No video
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, M11 Monochrom or SL3?
SL3 scores 9.0/10 versus 2.5/10 for M11 Monochrom — 8K recording for future-proof footage.
What's the resolution difference between the M11 Monochrom and SL3?
Both cameras share the same 60.3 MP resolution.
Do the M11 Monochrom and SL3 have in-body image stabilization?
M11 Monochrom does not have IBIS, while sL3 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M11 Monochrom or the SL3?
M11 Monochrom reaches 4.5 fps electronic. SL3 reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M11 Monochrom and SL3?
M11 Monochrom weighs 542 g and SL3 weighs 769 g, so the M11 Monochrom is 227 g lighter.
Do the M11 Monochrom and SL3 record 4K video?
M11 Monochrom: 4K up to 60p. SL3: 8K / C8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M11 Monochrom and SL3 weather sealed?
M11 Monochrom: No. SL3: Yes.
How much does each cost?
M11 Monochrom launched at $9,195 and SL3 at $6,995. The SL3 is $2,200 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.