Leica announces its fastest camera yet with in-built content credential authentication

Leica has introduced the SL3-S, a new addition to its lineup of full-frame mirrorless cameras. Celebrating its 100-year anniversary, Leica calls the SL3-S its fastest camera yet, with capabilities that cater to photographers and videographers alike.

A standout feature of the SL3-S is its integration with Content Credentials, which securely embeds metadata such as camera details, authorship, and editing history into each image. This feature aligns with the Content Authenticity Initiative, ensuring transparency and protecting creators’ work. Leica says it’s the first camera to include this type of authentication and could herald the future of cameras with this type of content signature.

Key features of the Leica SL3-S

• 24MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor: Offers sharp image quality with options for 48MP and 96MP multi-shot modes.
• 30 Frames Per Second Continuous Shooting: The fastest in Leica’s history, with full autofocus support.
• 779-Point Autofocus System: Combines phase detection, depth map object detection, and contrast detection technologies.
• 6K Open Gate Video Recording: Supports versatile formats, including 5.9K RAW output via HDMI and 5.8K ProRes 4:2:2 HQ recording.
• ISO Range of 50–200,000: Ensures excellent performance in varying lighting conditions.
• 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization: Provides up to five stops of stabilization.

Designed for professionals

The SL3-S’s solid metal body is weather-sealed to an IP54 standard, ensuring durability in challenging environments. It incorporates Leica’s Maestro IV processor with L2 technology, which enables smooth handling of large data loads, enhanced colour reproduction, and noise control.

For video production, the SL3-S introduces several firsts for Leica. It offers internal 6K recording, unlimited video capture with high-quality codecs, and the option to record directly to an external SSD via its USB-C port. A dedicated timecode interface allows for professional audio-video synchronization.

Streamlined workflow and connectivity

The SL3-S has dual memory card slots (CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SD), a USB-C port, and a full-size HDMI output. The camera is compatible with Leica’s FOTOS App for quick file transfers and offers seamless integration with Apple devices.

Coming later in 2025, Leica plans to roll out a Camera-to-Cloud feature via Adobe Frame.io, enabling direct uploads of photos and videos for immediate post-production.

Enhanced user interface

The SL3-S builds on the design of the SL3, offering a tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen and an EyeRes OLED electronic viewfinder with a 120Hz refresh rate. The interface includes intuitive menus tailored to both photography and videography, with customizable buttons and touch interactions.

Lens compatibility and system expansion

As part of the L-Mount Alliance, the SL3-S is compatible with a wide range of lenses from Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma. Leica M-mount lenses can also be used with an adapter.

Availability and Pricing

The Leica SL3-S is available now for $5,295.