Leica has always been a statement of luxury and an embodiment of photographic history. From the iconic Leica M series to the groundbreaking Leica Q, each model has set new standards in the industry. One of their latest cameras, the Leica SL3, fully embodies this same trend of evolution, with improvements in every aspect from its predecessor.

While using the Leica SL3, I’ve gotten a lot of joy from the camera while testing various forms of photography with it. At the same time, no camera is perfect, and the SL3 also has its own set of challenges. Let’s take a look at what it offers.

Build Quality and Handling

They say you know a Leica when you see one; the same can be said for the SL3. Decked in all black, it has prominent ‘LEICA’ branding at the front and the familiar red logo next to it, which gives it a look of sleekness and sophistication—the perfect blend of classic and contemporary aesthetics.

Not only does it look good, but it also feels good to use. The SL3’s design is thoughtfully executed, using durable magnesium alloy for the chassis to ensure robustness. That being said, the material does add to its weightiness. The camera body, without the battery, weighs around 769.7 grams, and combining it with a lens can get pretty hefty, especially if the lens is a big one like Leica’s 24–90 mm f/2.8–4 ASPH.

Leica has also considered this. They have designed the grip to be ergonomic, making the camera more comfortable to hold for prolonged periods despite its substantial weight. You can’t do much about it being heavy, but at the very least, Leica has mitigated it being too tiresome during use.

Other neat design implementations include the physical controls. They are satisfyingly tactile and feel great to handle whenever any setting needs to be changed; every turn of the knob feels like it should feature on Reddit’s r/OddlySatisfying page. Photography is as much about feeling as it is snapping a great shot, so I’m glad that the Leica SL3 also provides a positive user interaction.

The software side of the camera also deserves a mention. I’ve been a long-time user of Canon cameras and am a fan of its simple-to-navigate menu system and customisable UI, which lets photographers display specific icons that suit their needs. The Leica SL3 is like a more polished version of the Canon cameras, which I’m glad to see.

Navigation through the menu system is easy and intuitive, with features like a responsive touch screen. This allows me to make quick adjustments and access settings easily during dynamic shooting scenarios like street photography. Another welcome feature is auto-rotation, which helps to reorient the screen whenever you turn the camera. It’s extra bits like these that give it an edge over Canon.

Performance and Features

Taking the camera out onto the streets for street photography, the Leica SL3 demonstrated its prowess in capturing everyday moments with precision and depth. It produces exceptionally sharp and high-quality images, with its deep depth of field standing out as we shot the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the street scenes. The included 60-megapixel sensor also allows details to be kept when opting to crop in to focus on a particular subject.

However, aside from being incredibly detailed, the SL3 also has excellent colour accuracy. Images have a very pleasing colour reproduction, and the dynamic range is impressive, allowing significant recovery of details in highlights and shadow details post-processing, which can be exceptionally useful for photos shot in challenging lighting conditions. 

The Leica SL3 also excels in studio photography, offering exceptional detail, colour fidelity and dynamic range; it captures all the intricate details in shoots with models and high-contrast fashion editorials. The high resolution and precise autofocus, along with the creamy bokeh, make it excellent for product photography as well. Its ability to capture the nitty gritty and high colour accuracy is essential, particularly for advertising where colour representation can influence a consumer’s decision. 

On that note, let’s talk about its low-light capabilities. I’ve taken the SL3 out on a run at Night Safari, and the camera presents a mix of strengths and challenges. Performance was pushed to its limits, but notably, noise management for RAW files is incredible. Even at high ISO levels, like 8,000 ISO, images don’t look as grainy as they would on other cameras. It gives a ton of flexibility during post-processing without loss of detail or texture. 

At the same time, it was a real struggle trying to capture shots at Night Safari’s low-light conditions. While its in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) allowed for remarkably stable long exposures that gave clear images, the autofocus system struggled significantly. Focusing was slow, and there were regular occasions for focus hunting. Compared to other brands, there was a noticeable difference in speed.

Simply put, it isn’t the most adaptable device, and that hurts its feasibility as an all-in-one camera. Considering that photography can often be dynamic and require quick reactions, the slow autofocus could be problematic, especially for things like wildlife photography, where animals can move unpredictably at the drop of a hat. 

As hinted previously, the bulk and weight of the camera setup, particularly for street photography, also proved to be a considerable challenge. Its weight puts a lot of stress onto the shoulders, making it more uncomfortable to carry around during the day. Potential users might need to weigh the benefits of image quality against the hefty setup.

Beyond its photo-taking capabilities, the Leica SL3 has another quality-of-life feature that users can take advantage of — the Leica FOTOS app. Dedicated apps for cameras aren’t new, but they can be hit or miss. Fujifilm’s first mobile app was famously disastrous before the company finally developed a better, revamped version. I’m happy to say that Leica’s iteration falls on the good side. 

In terms of linking to the camera, the connection remains typically stable, with the live view function performing well with minimal latency. It’s a great help for remote shooting, especially when the camera is positioned in hard-to-reach places or when shooting from unusual angles. 

Additionally, the app lets users download filters and control settings, providing more creative tools to upgrade their photos. Given that we live in a world where digital enhancements are coveted, particularly for the more casual user base, having the option there is appreciated.

Last but not least, let’s talk about battery life. The Leica SL3 has a larger battery capacity than its predecessor (2200mAh compared to the 1860mAh in the SL2). However, this does not translate into more shooting time since it only has a CIPA standard rating of 260 shots.

During real-world testing, we found that a fully charged battery lasts up to 3 hours of constant shooting on the streets—which isn’t that great. Be prepared to constantly pack spare batteries or even a USB-C power bank or charger to charge the camera on the go if you are going for a long day of shoots, because you’re going to need them.

Verdict

Compared to other high-end cameras, such as the Sony A1 or the Canon R5, the Leica SL3 distinguishes itself through its focus on quality and brand legacy. It is a device that signifies status and expertise, and there’s no doubt that the camera is built well with its premium craftsmanship and can produce the goods for photography when the situation is perfect. However, regarding technical ability, other cameras perform better and more consistently in different scenarios.

It’s a luxury tool that will appeal to enthusiasts who value high-quality image output and a premium build quality, with an overall package that makes it incredibly fun to use. Professional photographers, especially those who do various forms of photography, may need to consider whether the camera is suitable for their workflow — the Leica SL3 isn’t a workhorse. When you also consider the high cost of a Leica camera, is that investment justified when you can find other models that produce a similar performance at a lower price?

For more information about the Leica SL3 and to purchase it, you can visit Leica’s official website.

Photos by Leo Chia of the DANAMIC Team.