Following the launch of the SL3 in 2024 and last year’s SL3-S that was optimized for pace and capturing fast-paced topics, Leica introduced the brand new SL3-P right now delivering a few of the greatest options from each of its predecessors. Like Leica’s earlier “P” variants, the brand new SL3-P lacks the model’s iconic and recognizable pink dot badge on the entrance however makes up for it with a bigger 44-megapixel sensor than final yr’s 24-megapixel SL3-S. That’s nonetheless much less decision than the 60-megapixel SL3, however Leica’s new digicam matches the unique’s 8K video capabilities whereas introducing a brand new hybrid autofocus system that can doubtlessly outperform each of its predecessors.
The Leica SL3-P is accessible beginning right now by Leica’s shops and approved sellers for $6,690. That’s cheaper than the original SL3 that launched in 2024 for $6,995 however was recently subjected to a price increase to $7,485 on account of US tariffs. The SL3-P can be barely costlier than the SL3-S that launched early final yr for $5,300 and is now priced at $5,665. Simply remember that value is for the digicam physique solely. For those who don’t have already got L-mount lenses, you’ll need to broaden your finances even additional.
The SL3-P’s full-frame back-side illuminated sensor can seize nonetheless photos with 14 stops of dynamic vary at as much as 40 frames per second with autofocus and topic monitoring. The digicam’s new hybrid autofocus system combines distinction detection and depth mapping with 819 phase-detection autofocus factors for improved topic monitoring. Final yr’s SL3-S featured 779 factors, whereas the unique SL3 solely had 315. For those who want extra decision, the SL3-P presents a Multishot mode that may seize high-res 176-megapixel photos by compositing a number of photographs.
Final yr’s SL3-S was restricted to 6K video captures, however the SL3-P can seize open-gate 8.1K (a decision of 8064 x 5376) footage utilizing the digicam’s complete 3:2 sensor at as much as 24fps, whereas its 8K capabilities max out at 30fps. Dropping the decision to five.9K boosts body charges to as much as 60fps, whereas 120fps slo-mo footage could be captured at 4K or 1080P.
The SL3-P’s full metallic housing is made out of a mixture of magnesium and aluminum wrapped in a textured leatherette materials and comes with an IP54 ranking. It’s going to hold out water splashes and dirt, however you’ll need to keep away from capturing within the rain. On the again of the digicam you’ll discover a 5.7 million dot viewfinder and a 3.2-inch LCD show with an anti-fingerprint and anti-scratch coating. The rear display screen could be angled up and down, however it could’t flip 180-degrees for previewing selfie movies. Leica is carrying ahead the streamlined UI of its earlier SL3 cameras that makes use of a color-coded menu system with pink for photographs and yellow for video. Atop the SL3-P you’ll additionally discover a 1.28-inch reflective monochrome display screen displaying capturing information like shutter pace and f-stop settings.
One different characteristic inherited from the SL3-S is help for the Content Authenticity Initiative’s Content material Credentials so photographers can defend their photographs by optionally signing photos with tamper-proof metadata figuring out their mental property.
