Great review, Leander. A lot of TH-camrs are losing credibility by hyping the Leica SL models and overlooking the Leica shortcomings. Leica should be marketed as a luxury tool in a similar way luxury handbags are being marketed.
I am currently using SL3 and SL2-S. On SL3, holding the power botton for turning on and off is terribly slow. Sleeping and waking up by one tap is not as fast as expected either. Tons of other caveats are..... 1. AWB will correct anything to white (same as the SL2-S), no ambient light priority. Combine that with magenta bias in certain lighting you are left with cool+magenta on AWB which is a terrible combination. I have to resort to setting "Temperature" on my right dial. (which you can click inwards as usual) 2. AWB is slow to normailize, you will see it adjusting slowly to the scene. 3. EVF on AFC-AF-I will drop down in resolution significantly while AF is engaged down to the point it is almost not usable. 4. Constant preview issue on M mode. This is a classic Lumix issue. When AF is engaged the EVF will either brigten up or dim down when you hold the AF. You will only see your actual exposure if you do not engage the autofocus so if you tracking something you are almost doing it blind in many occasion on M+Constant preview. ***Now, imagine this issue happening at the same time as issue NO.3*** 5. The four way instead of eight way joystick is a pain With all that said I can ofcourse deliver what I have to deilver at work with it just not happily. I have to endure it. These issues are 100% repeatable and not users error, (for your fanboy warrior out there) they are limitation under the underlying technology. (lumix or otherwise) On a side note there is no "speical" Leica colors, S5II and SL2-S share the same exact colors. SL3 is also essentially "adobe color" in lightroom. The new "Leica looks" you can load via Leica fotos app is also terrible. It is as if the developers discovering greenish instagram filters and other equally terrible ones 10 years ago. The "unique experience" I have is with the SL3 is a unique dissapointment and frustration. Almost all of the problems with SL2-S are there but with higher price tag. It is barraged with issues that cause distractions. Chris on PetaPixel and a few others mentioned EVF resoution issue and the joystick briefly and that's it while the rest are just prasing the camera. 🙂Good for them I guess.
Thanks for this honest feedback ! I had the same disappointment with the SL2 few years ago and made several videos on my channel to illustrate the frustration one could have, buying this far too expensive for what it delivers camera
Sounding as thoroughly disappointed with the SL3 as you are, why didn't you return/refund the camera? On the 'Leica colors' allegedly the reason why the Lumix S5ii produces yields the identical colors to the Leica SL2 is due to a new more collaborative agreement in which Leica tuned the colors for the S5ii. But I digress, seriously why didn't you return the SL3? If bought one and my experience matched yours I definitely would have.
@seanbrucemedia5695 From where I am there is no return policy and owning 4 sigma arts and a few other lens is another reason. I am currently using perspective control function (kudos to them on that) and on many occasions the SL2s multishot mode for work, those are quite unique on their own (though you could find multishot in S5II too.) Still on the fence here. Hoping maybe with the release of new rumored Lumix and new SL this year will bring new firmware with it to convince me.
@@DidierMOULINPhotography I'm quite surprised the most issues are glaring and not discussed at all by TH-camrs. Therefore less hope in seeing them resolved.
@@supeejuntranggur4309 I can recommend the lumix S1R if you want to resolve all your issues and play with your Sigma lenses. I really don’t see the interest in buying a Leica camera and Sigma lenses I’ve done the contrary with Lumix cameras and Leica SL lenses, where Leica is at its best value
Yeah, unfortunately it is also not for me. As gorgeous as it is, the performance is not quite there for me. But I had a great time shooting with it nonetheless!
Have had my SL3 for a while now and it easily offers the most consistent and thoughtful shooting experience of any body I've ever owned. I traded my M11 for it (which had consistent issues from the start) and would never go back to an M body at this time. With M lenses attached, the shooting experience is incredibly similar to the M11 and the image quality is as well. Plus it doesn't weigh noticeably more than the brass M11, either. And then there's the massive selection of excellent L mount glass from several manufacturers. I'll never be a one-lens gal, so a Q3 definitely isn't for me. I just honesrly love the crap out of the SL3.
The SL3 sure is nice, but I really love the lighter and much smaller form factor of the M11 - but IBIS is definitely a huge quality of live improvement with the adapted M lenses
I carry and use sl2s and m10r at the same time. Zonefocussing with the M10r with a 28mm Summarit and looking through the viewfinder with focuspeaking on the sl2s for very specific shots
I had an SL2 and was considering an SL3. I recently picked up the Q3 43 and felt like the SL3 would be redundant. I tend to stick to one focal length and figured the video performance would be similar (rolling shutter was awful in regular used case).
FYI, on the SL3 all dials and buttons are individually configurable for a variety of functions. Check the Owner's Manual. I have changed all of them to better fit my shooting style. Also, battery life is clearly displayed on the initial menu screen. Again, check the Owner's Manual and make sure you have the current firmware.
Yes the dials can be remaped but only to exposure settings - what I would like to see are other functions too like white balance, drive mode etc. And the I couldn‘t get the battery to display percentage (like on the M11) did I miss something?
I have the SL3 along with a much smaller bag containing the Q3 and Q3 43. The SL3 sadly collects dust because the others are just easier to have with me daily and produce excellent quality images for 90% of my interests in photography.
nah man, no matter how compact and easy Q is to use, I still have to play around with the high speed unicorn M lenses, 50 75 90 noct, 75 lux are are too good with SL3
As an SL2-S user, I am waiting for the SL3-S to materialise. I hope it has a 32 Mpx sensor, to enable it to cover 8K. It's not that I care a jot about video, it's just that I'd like a 30-ish Mpx sensor. That said, I'd be happy with 24. The SL2-S was the real hybrid one, so I assume the same will be true for the SL3-S.
Yes, I‘m also really looking forward to a potential SL3-S release. Though besides a more video-friendly sensor, Leica really needs to improve the video autofocus, if it‘s supposed to be a true hybrid.
I own an SL2-S, which I love and use solely for photography, no video. I am thinking of adding an SL3 and like most of what I hear. You mention the left wheel -- the new one Leica added to the SL series -- is "awkward" to use; have you also found it to be loose, as a number of reviewers have complained? They say it is easy to inadvertently change a setting.
Hm, not really - can‘t compare the stiffness to the SL2-S because I have never used it. But on the SL3 both dials turn with the same resistance which I found good as it were. The reason why I found the left dial a bit awkward to use is, because my left hand usually rests under the lens and in order to use the left dial you have to take the camera away from your eye and then adjust settings. So that‘s why I think it would be better suited for functions that you change between shots and not for exposure because it interrupts the shooting process.
I carry the Leica SL3 and already used it a lot as a hybrid creator filming highspeed environments like the US Open Tennis and Formula One and have to agree, the AF is mediocre. Often went to filming manual AF. Lets see what the SL3s brings and how Updates get the SL3 faster.
Nice review. I’ve had mine since launch and while it’s a great camera I am one who is experiencing lag and horrible playback performance. It’s pretty wild how bad it is. I have basically continued shooting with my SL2-S which has left a very bad taste in my mouth. I spent $7000 on an upgrade that has turned out to be a downgrade in many respects. When you compare the daily performance of the SL3 to the SL2-S it is night and day. The SL3 needs the firmware updated by year’s end for me to keep it. I’ve been embarrassed more times than I can count attempting to show a client a photo I just took. It pauses for sometimes four+ seconds before displaying the photo. What’s worse is sometimes it displays crazy green and red lines, reminiscent of an old computer crashing. It’s a horrible look and it has me pretty down on Leica as a brand.
That sounds really bad, sorry that your experience is that bad. Have you reported the issues to Leica, definitely sounds like this shouldn‘t be normal, especially that color shift
I am very happy with the Sony A7RV which have the same sensor as the Leica SL3, the Sony is half the price, but Sony have better dynamic range, better EVF, better IBIS, better battery life, better autofocus and Sony are more compact and light weight, win, win, win for Sony, pay less and have more ! Also there are so many high end Lenses for Sony, so it is a gret joy.
The Sony definitely wins for price/performance and especially the autofocus is far superior. But as I said, Leica is not solely about the specs but also about the experience, which is simply an overlooked aspect with cameras imo. And I also used the a7R V for some time and would say the IBIS in the SL3 is actually a bit better (even though it has a worse rating). As for dynamic range they are pretty much the same, since it is probably the same sensor. Lens eco system is another win for Sony, but don‘t forget that you can use all Sigma lenses on the SL3 aswell!
@@leanderhoefler You cannot talk me into Leica, I have done photography for 45 years, both as a professional and as an allround hobby photographer, I have used many kinds of cameras, Leica included, A Camera is only a TOOL, and IMO and many of my professional friends (of who some used to have Leica) Sony Cameras are better tools !
Don‘t want to talk you into Leica - by all means use what works best for you, we are all different after all. Simply wanted to say that the tool you get the best results with is not necessarily the most efficient one. Sometimes it‘s all about speed and sometimes a little quirkiness can elevate your experience leading to better photos :)
You sound like an ad for Sony and bring nothing interesting... Sony is amazing. Comparing the A series to the SL series does not make sense. Different users. Leica core shooters aren't whiners 😂
A good viewfinder should enable you to ditch the glasses. I put a piece of black tape over the Leica name on mine; get rid of the elitist moneybags please rob me effect.
Great review, Leander. A lot of TH-camrs are losing credibility by hyping the Leica SL models and overlooking the Leica shortcomings.
Leica should be marketed as a luxury tool in a similar way luxury handbags are being marketed.
I am currently using SL3 and SL2-S. On SL3, holding the power botton for turning on and off is terribly slow. Sleeping and waking up by one tap is not as fast as expected either.
Tons of other caveats are.....
1. AWB will correct anything to white (same as the SL2-S), no ambient light priority. Combine that with magenta bias in certain lighting you are left with cool+magenta on AWB which is a terrible combination. I have to resort to setting "Temperature" on my right dial. (which you can click inwards as usual)
2. AWB is slow to normailize, you will see it adjusting slowly to the scene.
3. EVF on AFC-AF-I will drop down in resolution significantly while AF is engaged down to the point it is almost not usable.
4. Constant preview issue on M mode. This is a classic Lumix issue. When AF is engaged the EVF will either brigten up or dim down when you hold the AF. You will only see your actual exposure if you do not engage the autofocus so if you tracking something you are almost doing it blind in many occasion on M+Constant preview.
***Now, imagine this issue happening at the same time as issue NO.3***
5. The four way instead of eight way joystick is a pain
With all that said I can ofcourse deliver what I have to deilver at work with it just not happily. I have to endure it.
These issues are 100% repeatable and not users error, (for your fanboy warrior out there) they are limitation under the underlying technology. (lumix or otherwise)
On a side note there is no "speical" Leica colors, S5II and SL2-S share the same exact colors. SL3 is also essentially "adobe color" in lightroom.
The new "Leica looks" you can load via Leica fotos app is also terrible. It is as if the developers discovering greenish instagram filters and other equally terrible ones 10 years ago.
The "unique experience" I have is with the SL3 is a unique dissapointment and frustration. Almost all of the problems with SL2-S are there but with higher price tag. It is barraged with issues that cause distractions.
Chris on PetaPixel and a few others mentioned EVF resoution issue and the joystick briefly and that's it while the rest are just prasing the camera. 🙂Good for them I guess.
Thanks for this honest feedback !
I had the same disappointment with the SL2 few years ago and made several videos on my channel to illustrate the frustration one could have, buying this far too expensive for what it delivers camera
Sounding as thoroughly disappointed with the SL3 as you are, why didn't you return/refund the camera? On the 'Leica colors' allegedly the reason why the Lumix S5ii produces yields the identical colors to the Leica SL2 is due to a new more collaborative agreement in which Leica tuned the colors for the S5ii. But I digress, seriously why didn't you return the SL3? If bought one and my experience matched yours I definitely would have.
@seanbrucemedia5695 From where I am there is no return policy and owning 4 sigma arts and a few other lens is another reason. I am currently using perspective control function (kudos to them on that) and on many occasions the SL2s multishot mode for work, those are quite unique on their own (though you could find multishot in S5II too.)
Still on the fence here. Hoping maybe with the release of new rumored Lumix and new SL this year will bring new firmware with it to convince me.
@@DidierMOULINPhotography I'm quite surprised the most issues are glaring and not discussed at all by TH-camrs.
Therefore less hope in seeing them resolved.
@@supeejuntranggur4309 I can recommend the lumix S1R if you want to resolve all your issues and play with your Sigma lenses. I really don’t see the interest in buying a Leica camera and Sigma lenses
I’ve done the contrary with Lumix cameras and Leica SL lenses, where Leica is at its best value
Very informative thank you
Most welcome, thanks for watching!
Thank you for this review , I currently have the SL2 (and also M10R) and I won’t be upgrading either cameras.
That‘s a good setup - guess if you don‘t have the need for the phase detect autofocus there is little reason to upgrade
good idea
i tried upgrading to the SL3 and it went horribly...
@@contactstreet What happened?
SL2 is awesome, I regret selling mine, I still have my M10-R and love it.
long story short: 1 week old sl3 died during a huge wedding i was shooting
m10r saved the day
Thank you for a fair and balanced review. It's not a camera I would buy, but it and the pictures it takes look gorgeous.
Yeah, unfortunately it is also not for me. As gorgeous as it is, the performance is not quite there for me. But I had a great time shooting with it nonetheless!
Have had my SL3 for a while now and it easily offers the most consistent and thoughtful shooting experience of any body I've ever owned. I traded my M11 for it (which had consistent issues from the start) and would never go back to an M body at this time. With M lenses attached, the shooting experience is incredibly similar to the M11 and the image quality is as well. Plus it doesn't weigh noticeably more than the brass M11, either. And then there's the massive selection of excellent L mount glass from several manufacturers. I'll never be a one-lens gal, so a Q3 definitely isn't for me. I just honesrly love the crap out of the SL3.
The SL3 sure is nice, but I really love the lighter and much smaller form factor of the M11 - but IBIS is definitely a huge quality of live improvement with the adapted M lenses
I carry and use sl2s and m10r at the same time. Zonefocussing with the M10r with a 28mm Summarit and looking through the viewfinder with focuspeaking on the sl2s for very specific shots
A nice combo - I tried the adapter by now and it is really nice to use M glass on the SL
I had an SL2 and was considering an SL3. I recently picked up the Q3 43 and felt like the SL3 would be redundant. I tend to stick to one focal length and figured the video performance would be similar (rolling shutter was awful in regular used case).
Yeah, the sensor really isn‘t ideal for video unfortunately, maybe there will be a Leica SL3-S with a more video oriented sensor in the future
FYI, on the SL3 all dials and buttons are individually configurable for a variety of functions. Check the Owner's Manual. I have changed all of them to better fit my shooting style. Also, battery life is clearly displayed on the initial menu screen. Again, check the Owner's Manual and make sure you have the current firmware.
Yes the dials can be remaped but only to exposure settings - what I would like to see are other functions too like white balance, drive mode etc.
And the I couldn‘t get the battery to display percentage (like on the M11) did I miss something?
I have the SL3 along with a much smaller bag containing the Q3 and Q3 43. The SL3 sadly collects dust because the others are just easier to have with me daily and produce excellent quality images for 90% of my interests in photography.
The Q3s a perfect combo indeed. But I would miss the option to shoot at longer focal lengths from time to time
@ that’s what Nikon is for 😂
hahahaha: The SL3 sadly collects dust
😢😢 🎉 @@wolfgangdunkler7508
nah man, no matter how compact and easy Q is to use, I still have to play around with the high speed unicorn M lenses, 50 75 90 noct, 75 lux are are too good with SL3
As an SL2-S user, I am waiting for the SL3-S to materialise. I hope it has a 32 Mpx sensor, to enable it to cover 8K. It's not that I care a jot about video, it's just that I'd like a 30-ish Mpx sensor. That said, I'd be happy with 24. The SL2-S was the real hybrid one, so I assume the same will be true for the SL3-S.
Yes, I‘m also really looking forward to a potential SL3-S release.
Though besides a more video-friendly sensor, Leica really needs to improve the video autofocus, if it‘s supposed to be a true hybrid.
I own an SL2-S, which I love and use solely for photography, no video. I am thinking of adding an SL3 and like most of what I hear. You mention the left wheel -- the new one Leica added to the SL series -- is "awkward" to use; have you also found it to be loose, as a number of reviewers have complained? They say it is easy to inadvertently change a setting.
Hm, not really - can‘t compare the stiffness to the SL2-S because I have never used it. But on the SL3 both dials turn with the same resistance which I found good as it were.
The reason why I found the left dial a bit awkward to use is, because my left hand usually rests under the lens and in order to use the left dial you have to take the camera away from your eye and then adjust settings. So that‘s why I think it would be better suited for functions that you change between shots and not for exposure because it interrupts the shooting process.
@@leanderhoefler Thank you for your response and insight. Best of luck with your channel. Look forward to more videos.
SL3 all day. Q2 monochrome is a delight on the go.
The monochrome sure is fun to shoot, especially at night!
What happened with the designers of leica on this one?
What do you mean?
@@leanderhoefler Let's say that the design is between not very inspiring to quite terrible
@ I agree that the design follows a bit of a „in your face“ approach, but out of all the mirrorless systems I think it is still quite nice.
You have no sense of good design.
I carry the Leica SL3 and already used it a lot as a hybrid creator filming highspeed environments like the US Open Tennis and Formula One and have to agree, the AF is mediocre. Often went to filming manual AF. Lets see what the SL3s brings and how Updates get the SL3 faster.
Yeah, also looking forward to the SL3-S. Really curious what it bings to the table for videographers
Nice review. I’ve had mine since launch and while it’s a great camera I am one who is experiencing lag and horrible playback performance. It’s pretty wild how bad it is. I have basically continued shooting with my SL2-S which has left a very bad taste in my mouth. I spent $7000 on an upgrade that has turned out to be a downgrade in many respects. When you compare the daily performance of the SL3 to the SL2-S it is night and day. The SL3 needs the firmware updated by year’s end for me to keep it. I’ve been embarrassed more times than I can count attempting to show a client a photo I just took. It pauses for sometimes four+ seconds before displaying the photo. What’s worse is sometimes it displays crazy green and red lines, reminiscent of an old computer crashing. It’s a horrible look and it has me pretty down on Leica as a brand.
That sounds really bad, sorry that your experience is that bad. Have you reported the issues to Leica, definitely sounds like this shouldn‘t be normal, especially that color shift
I am very happy with the Sony A7RV which have the same sensor as the Leica SL3, the Sony is half the price, but Sony have better dynamic range, better EVF, better IBIS, better battery life, better autofocus and Sony are more compact and light weight, win, win, win for Sony, pay less and have more ! Also there are so many high end Lenses for Sony, so it is a gret joy.
The Sony definitely wins for price/performance and especially the autofocus is far superior.
But as I said, Leica is not solely about the specs but also about the experience, which is simply an overlooked aspect with cameras imo.
And I also used the a7R V for some time and would say the IBIS in the SL3 is actually a bit better (even though it has a worse rating). As for dynamic range they are pretty much the same, since it is probably the same sensor.
Lens eco system is another win for Sony, but don‘t forget that you can use all Sigma lenses on the SL3 aswell!
@@leanderhoefler You cannot talk me into Leica, I have done photography for 45 years, both as a professional and as an allround hobby photographer, I have used many kinds of cameras, Leica included, A Camera is only a TOOL, and IMO and many of my professional friends (of who some used to have Leica) Sony Cameras are better tools !
Don‘t want to talk you into Leica - by all means use what works best for you, we are all different after all.
Simply wanted to say that the tool you get the best results with is not necessarily the most efficient one. Sometimes it‘s all about speed and sometimes a little quirkiness can elevate your experience leading to better photos :)
@@leanderhoefler I just think it is stupid to pay double price for less.
You sound like an ad for Sony and bring nothing interesting... Sony is amazing. Comparing the A series to the SL series does not make sense. Different users. Leica core shooters aren't whiners 😂
Great video!
@@constantinephotography5287 Cheers, thanks for watching!
Cannot justify the price. The m11 is very compact which is amazing, the SL 3 is big and the performance doesn't meet the expectations..
Agree, I‘m also more an M shooter
Gotta wait for new high res Lumix😂
Fair option - would love Leica to also include the custom LUT support. This would be a game changer for me!
@ Real time Luts are great for photography. Quite often it saves my editing.
The AF truly sucks but I do love the images.
Yeah, unfortunately it lacks a bit compared to the other mirrorless offerings..
I will get a Fujifilm GFX 100ii instead of this camera
Good choice!
A good viewfinder should enable you to ditch the glasses. I put a piece of black tape over the Leica name on mine; get rid of the elitist moneybags please rob me effect.
Yeah, or hope for the S3-S to come with a black logo again haha