Leica
SL2-S
24MP L-mount low-light specialist with exceptional build.
$4,895
Released Dec 2020
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 4.1 years newer.
Wins
SL2-S
Wins
SL3-S
6 categories tied
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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 EVF resolution (5,760,000 vs 3,690,000)
- BSL3-S has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 20 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
SL2-S
138 × 98 × 88 mm
720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz)
SL3-S
141 × 108 × 83 mm
768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)
SL2-S is 3mm narrower and 10mm shorter than SL3-S but it is also 5mm thicker.
SL2-S is 48 g lighter than SL3-S.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm SL2-S · 83mm SL3-S
Sensor size, to scale
SL2-S
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL3-S
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
SL2-S
✓ more lensesLeica L
80+
native lenses available
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
SL2-S
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
AA filter
Only SL2-S supports it
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only SL2-S supports it
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 5 stops — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 7 fps — higher is better
Weight
720 g vs 768 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
SL3-S
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 141.2, 108, 82.7
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
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 3,690,000 — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 20 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 24.6 MP
- ✓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 — Both support in-body stabilization
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
SL2-S
Pros
- ✓Excellent low light
- ✓L-mount
- ✓Pro build
Cons
- –24MP
- –Heavy
- –Price
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 SL2-S and SL3-S at major authorized retailers.
Leica SL2-S
Leica SL3-S
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for travel, SL2-S or SL3-S?
SL2-S scores 7.5/10 versus 4.5/10 for SL3-S — 720g — manageable for travel.
What's the resolution difference between the SL2-S and SL3-S?
Both cameras share the same 24.6 MP resolution.
Do the SL2-S and SL3-S have in-body image stabilization?
SL2-S has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while sL3-S has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the SL2-S or the SL3-S?
SL2-S reaches 20 fps electronic. SL3-S reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the SL2-S and SL3-S?
SL2-S weighs 720 g and SL3-S weighs 768 g, so the SL2-S is 48 g lighter.
Do the SL2-S and SL3-S record 4K video?
SL2-S: 4K up to 60p. SL3-S: 6K Open Gate (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the SL2-S and SL3-S weather sealed?
SL2-S: Yes. SL3-S: Yes.
How much does each cost?
SL2-S launched at $4,895 and SL3-S at $5,295. The SL2-S is $400 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.