Leica
M6
Reissued mechanical M rangefinder for 35mm film — the classic Leica experience returns.
$5,695
Launch priceReleased Oct 2022
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 2.3 years newer.
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Wins
M6
Wins
SL3-S
4 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BSL3-S has higher Resolution (24.6 MP vs 0 MP)
- BSL3-S has higher ISO max (native) (200,000 vs 6,400)
- BSL3-S has higher AF points / zones (779 vs 49)
- AM6 has lower ISO min (native) (6 vs 50)
- BSL3-S has higher EVF resolution (5,760,000 vs 2,360,000)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
M6
138 × 77 × 40 mm
575 g (1.27 lb / 20.28 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
SL3-S
141 × 108 × 83 mm
768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)
M6 is 3mm narrower, 31mm shorter, and 43mm thinner than SL3-S.
M6 is 193 g lighter than SL3-S.
Depth (front-to-back): 40mm M6 · 83mm SL3-S
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
M6
138 × 77 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.
M6
138 × 40 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
SL3-S
141 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
M6
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL3-S
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
M6: 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
M6
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 77, 40
ISO min (native)
6 vs 50 — lower is better
AA filter
Only M6 supports it
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only M6 supports it
Weight
575 g vs 768 g — lower is better
IBIS effectiveness
6 stops vs 5 stops — higher is better
Reasons to choose
SL3-S
Resolution
24.6 MP vs 0 MP — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 141.2, 108, 82.7
ISO max (native)
200,000 vs 6,400 — higher is better
AF points / zones
779 vs 49 — higher is better
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only SL3-S supports it
Weather sealing
Only SL3-S supports it
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
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
- ✓Card slots — Both 2
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
M6
Pros
- ✓Mechanical film M
- ✓Iconic design
- ✓Built to last
- ✓Pure analog workflow
Cons
- –Film only
- –Manual everything
- –Ongoing film/processing costs
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 M6 and SL3-S at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, M6 or SL3-S?
SL3-S scores 8.0/10 versus 5.0/10 for M6 — Full-frame sensor — wider dynamic range.
What's the resolution difference between the M6 and SL3-S?
M6 is 0 MP and SL3-S is 24.6 MP, so the SL3-S captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the M6 and SL3-S have in-body image stabilization?
M6 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while SL3-S has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the M6 or the SL3-S?
M6 reaches 15 fps electronic. SL3-S reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the M6 and SL3-S?
M6 weighs 575 g and SL3-S weighs 768 g, so the M6 is 193 g lighter.
Do the M6 and SL3-S record 4K video?
M6: 4K up to 60p. SL3-S: 6K Open Gate (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the M6 and SL3-S weather sealed?
M6: No. SL3-S: Yes.
How much does each cost?
M6 launched at $5,695 and SL3-S at $5,295. The SL3-S is $400 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way M6 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.