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Daran Wu
Taiwan / Toronto
The seed of photography was sown in the aftermath of a heartbreak, but it found its direction in wedding and bridal photography. Over time, I discovered that photography is like a magical journey, filled with wonder and adventure. It’s not just about pressing the shutter; it's a form of wisdom and learning in life.
前言
I was fortunate to get my hands on the Leica SL3 shortly after its release. Initially, I didn't want to rush into writing a review; there’s already so much information available online. I wanted to take my time using the camera and compare it with my previous Leica SL2s before sharing my genuine thoughts.
To start with my conclusion:
"This camera is amazing! It represents the latest step in the evolution of modern Leica cameras."
Specifications
I would like to first provide everyone with a detailed overview of the Leica SL3's basic specifications and its highlights.
。60 million pixel full-frame CMOS sensor
。Three file options: 60 million / 36 million / 18 million pixels
。5-axis in-body stabilization with 5 stops
。5 stops dynamic range
。14-bit color depth
。315 points contrast (Phase-detect AF) autofocus detection
。C8K video recording
。5.76 million pixel EVF
I believe the most important aspects of the specifications are the ability to choose different file sizes and the long-awaited inclusion of phase detection autofocus. The other specifications continue from previous models with some enhancements, but for someone like me who values still photography, the experience remains consistent.
All the photos below are not straight-out-of-camera colors from the Leica SL3; they have all undergone personal stylized post-processing by Daran.
Leica SL3 + SL 50mm F2 APO + Sigma 45mm F2.8 + Thypoch 28mm F1.4
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Why I Chose Leica
Since I started learning photography, my love and fascination for Leica cameras have remained unwavering. It’s not their constant promotion of exceptional performance that captivates me; rather, it’s the rich brand history behind Leica and the deeply moving stories captured through its lenses that allow me to experience a simple yet focused beauty in the world of photography. As I admire the countless works created by predecessors, Leica awakens a faint yet passionate desire within me to express myself through photography, inspiring me to plan my next adventure.
Thus, I want to express this:
When holding the Leica, this exquisite piece of craftsmanship, while savoring its aesthetics, thoughts naturally arise in my mind:
"Poetry and the distant horizon..."
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After long-term use, my genuine feelings are:
As a travel photographer, I've taken the Leica SL3 on journeys to many places, including New York, Toronto, San Francisco, Barcelona, and finally Kyoto in Japan. Throughout this trip, I faced several interesting challenges and put the camera to the test. To be honest, this camera isn't perfect; there are still many areas for improvement. Next, I'd like to share some of my insights and experiences.
What I Like
。Focus
Compared to the previous generation Leica SL2s, the third-generation camera introduces phase detection technology in its autofocus system, significantly improving focus stability and success rates. In typical usage, the failure rate for focusing has decreased by more than half. However, when compared to Japanese brand Sony's autofocus performance, the Leica SL3's focusing capability is around 70% to 80%. I sincerely hope that Leica can learn from Sony's approach and combine tracking autofocus with face recognition features, as this would greatly enhance focusing efficiency.
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。Brand New Vertical UI
For photographers who love vertical compositions, the relevant information displayed during shooting can be switched to a portrait orientation. Although this is a small change, it significantly enhances the user experience.
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。Flippable LCD Screen
The absence of a flip screen in mirrorless cameras has been quite frustrating, but the addition of this feature in the Leica SL3 is a welcome change. Its LCD screen already excels in color and brightness, making low-angle shooting effortless. Additionally, when capturing candid moments on the streets, I can lower my gaze to avoid direct eye contact with subjects, allowing me to capture more intriguing images.
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。Color and Dynamic Range
I particularly love the warm and rich color tones of the SL3. With Leica's files, I can easily adjust to achieve satisfying colors, and the 15 stops of dynamic range effectively showcase the highlights and shadows in my images.
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。Leica App and Wireless Transfer
In terms of connecting and transferring between the camera and smartphone, I believe the Leica SL3 paired with Leica Fotos is the best combination I've used, offering simple operation and extremely fast speeds. The second place goes to Hasselblad's X2D with Phocus Mobile. However, a point to note is that when using dual card mode in Leica Fotos, you will see photos from both cards. Unfortunately, the app does not allow you to specify which memory card to browse, so when there are many photos taken, the time to establish previews can become quite slow.
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What I don't like :
。Storage
Although the Leica SL3 uses high-speed CF Express cards, inserting an SD card (even a high-performance professional one) often causes the camera to freeze during immediate playback after taking photos, clearly due to the writing process. There are two possible solutions: one is to avoid immediate playback and wait a while before viewing (which sounds amusing), and the other is to use only the CF Express main card without inserting an SD card, thus avoiding this issue. However, such situations shouldn't occur in the first place, right?
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。Power Switch
For me, the touch power switch is a disastrous experience. While I appreciate the newly added standby mode, the feedback during long-pressing to turn off and lightly pressing to turn on can easily lead to errors. Sometimes, I accidentally shut down while trying to wake it from sleep, requiring a restart; or I unintentionally turn it off when attempting to enter standby after a slight touch. This has happened several times. Although it's not an extremely serious issue, I still prefer the previous physical buttons—simple and intuitive.
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。Battery Life
Although the battery life of the Leica SL3 feels superior to that of the SL2s, it still drains relatively quickly overall. Therefore, it's advisable to carry two to three spare batteries when heading out. Fortunately, the SL3 supports Type-C charging, which adds a level of convenience and peace of mind by allowing me to bring a charging cable along.
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。Shooting Delay
Firstly, when pressing the shutter button on the Leica SL3, there is a slight shutter lag compared to Sony cameras. This issue can be adapted to with practice or by pre-pressing the shutter. However, in situations requiring quick moment capture, this delay can indeed affect shooting accuracy. As a result, we often have to rely on high-speed continuous shooting mode to maximize our chances of getting the ideal shot, which also leads to a rapid increase in file sizes. In continuous shooting modes set above 4 FPS, pressing the shutter almost always results in two or more shots being taken, highlighting a gap compared to Sony's shutter experience. Even in Sony's high-speed continuous shooting modes (like A9II/A7 IV), I can easily perform single-shot releases or continuous shutter presses without issues.
Additionally, in video recording mode, there is approximately a 0.5-second delay after pressing the record button before actual recording starts. According to feedback from other friends (wedding videographers), they have encountered delays of 1 to 2 seconds, although I personally have not experienced this issue.
Typically, Leica cameras receive ongoing firmware updates after their market release to address technical issues and enhance overall performance. I hope that in the future, these updates can help improve the aforementioned problems.
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Leica SL3 with M Lens Adapter
I really enjoy the experience of using M lenses with the Leica SL3. The default button settings are quite reasonable, allowing me to easily magnify focus with the large dial on the right side. Additionally, the long-focus button can be customized for quick toggling of focus peaking display. This setup encourages me to frequently pair M lenses with the SL3, enhancing my shooting experience and bringing unexpected joy to my photography.
Recently, I've been frequently adapting the Thypoch 28mm F1.4 lens. Although it lacks autofocus, the advantages of the SL3's adaptation capabilities allow me to enjoy using the Leica SL3 as if it were a Q3, which is quite satisfying.
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Can the Leica SL3 be used for commercial work?
With the addition of phase detection autofocus, the overall focusing capability of the Leica SL3 has significantly improved. In outdoor conditions with ample and uncomplicated lighting, the SL3 is generally more than capable of handling photography tasks effectively.
However, when transitioning to indoor artificial lighting and with many people in the frame, the efficiency of face detection and focus stability noticeably declines. I believe that the focusing algorithm plays a significant role in this issue.
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Is the color of the Leica SL3 special?
In the past, some users claimed that the SL2s and M11 had a tendency for a reddish white balance. Based on my experience with the SL2s (I don't have the M11), the SL3 has addressed this issue, indicating that Leica's color calibration in the new generation has become more stable.
As I mentioned earlier, the Leica SL3 features warm and rich color tones. The colors are saturated but not overly so, and I particularly appreciate its representation of reds and skin tones, which appear both elegant and true to their original ambiance. Similar to the Hasselblad X2D, it produces files that are very amenable to post-processing.
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Leica SL3's black and white
The Leica SL3, with its 60-megapixel sensor, excels in capturing light details. With a dynamic range of 15 stops, it offers significant flexibility during post-processing for black-and-white conversions, particularly in handling highlights. For casual users like me who don’t have a strong need for black-and-white photography, the SL3 meets all my requirements, making the appeal of a dedicated Monochrom model less compelling.
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Final
Many people ask me whether Leica is a worthwhile choice for purchasing a camera. My perspective is that it depends on your needs and priorities.
If you are particularly focused on performance and features, then Sony or other Japanese brands would undoubtedly be more ideal options. These cameras excel in technical aspects and are generally more affordable. Additionally, it's important to understand and accept the drawbacks of Leica; for photography enthusiasts seeking value for money, Leica may not be the first choice.
Despite some shortcomings, the advantages of Leica cannot be overlooked. If you prioritize taste, classic aesthetics, and brand philosophy when choosing a camera, and seek ultimate image quality, then the Leica SL3 is undoubtedly a perfect all-around solution. It not only delivers exceptional image performance and handling but also symbolizes a pursuit of lifestyle and art.
As one user aptly put it, "The SL is just a more user-friendly M!"
I hope everyone finds their favorite camera. Thank you!
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