Leica
SL3
60MP L-mount flagship with 8K video and Leica color science.
$6,995
Released Mar 2024
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 10 months newer.
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Wins
SL3
Wins
SL3-S
11 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ASL3 has higher Resolution (60.3 MP vs 24.6 MP)
- BSL3-S has higher ISO max (native) (200,000 vs 100,000)
- BSL3-S has higher Max video bit rate (200 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- BSL3-S has lower Weight (768 g vs 769 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
SL3
141 × 108 × 85 mm
769 g (1.70 lb / 27.13 oz)
SL3-S
141 × 108 × 83 mm
768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)
SL3 is 2mm thicker than SL3-S.
SL3 is 1 g heavier than SL3-S.
Depth (front-to-back): 85mm SL3 · 83mm SL3-S
Sensor size, to scale
SL3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL3-S
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
SL3
✓ 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
SL3
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 24.6 MP — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 84.6
Reasons to choose
SL3-S
ISO max (native)
200,000 vs 100,000 — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 82.7
Max video bit rate
200 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
Weight
768 g vs 769 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 50
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 779
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 7 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
SL3
Pros
- ✓60MP
- ✓8K video
- ✓Leica build
- ✓L-mount
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Heavy
- –Large files
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 SL3 and SL3-S at major authorized retailers.
Leica SL3-S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, SL3 or SL3-S?
SL3 scores 10.0/10 versus 8.0/10 for SL3-S — 60.3MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the SL3 and SL3-S?
SL3 is 60.3 MP and SL3-S is 24.6 MP, so the SL3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the SL3 and SL3-S have in-body image stabilization?
SL3 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while sL3-S has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the SL3 or the SL3-S?
SL3 reaches 30 fps electronic. SL3-S reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the SL3 and SL3-S?
SL3 weighs 769 g and SL3-S weighs 768 g, so the SL3-S is 1 g lighter.
Do the SL3 and SL3-S record 4K video?
SL3: 8K / C8K (max), 4K up to 60p. SL3-S: 6K Open Gate (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the SL3 and SL3-S weather sealed?
SL3: Yes. SL3-S: Yes.
How much does each cost?
SL3 launched at $6,995 and SL3-S at $5,295. The SL3-S is $1,700 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.