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-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 1.8 years newer.
Wins
M11 Monochrom
Wins
SL3-S
4 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 lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 125)
- AM11 Monochrom has higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 24.6 MP)
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-S
141 × 108 × 83 mm
768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)
M11 Monochrom is 2mm narrower, 28mm shorter, and 44mm thinner than SL3-S.
M11 Monochrom is 226 g lighter than SL3-S.
Depth (front-to-back): 39mm M11 Monochrom · 83mm SL3-S
Sensor size, to scale
M11 Monochrom
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL3-S
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
M11 Monochrom: 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
M11 Monochrom
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139, 80, 38.5
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 24.6 MP — higher is better
Weight
542 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 min (native)
50 vs 125 — lower is better
Eye AF
Only SL3-S supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 200,000
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓EVF resolution — Both 5,760,000
- ✓EVF refresh rate — Both 120 Hz
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
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-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 video, M11 Monochrom or SL3-S?
SL3-S scores 8.5/10 versus 2.5/10 for M11 Monochrom — 6K video for oversampled 4K.
What's the resolution difference between the M11 Monochrom and SL3-S?
M11 Monochrom is 60.3 MP and SL3-S is 24.6 MP, so the M11 Monochrom captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the M11 Monochrom and SL3-S have in-body image stabilization?
M11 Monochrom does not have IBIS, while sL3-S has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M11 Monochrom or the SL3-S?
M11 Monochrom reaches 4.5 fps electronic. SL3-S reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M11 Monochrom and SL3-S?
M11 Monochrom weighs 542 g and SL3-S weighs 768 g, so the M11 Monochrom is 226 g lighter.
Do the M11 Monochrom and SL3-S record 4K video?
M11 Monochrom: 4K up to 60p. SL3-S: 6K Open Gate (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M11 Monochrom and SL3-S weather sealed?
M11 Monochrom: No. SL3-S: Yes.
How much does each cost?
M11 Monochrom launched at $9,195 and SL3-S at $5,295. The SL3-S is $3,900 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.