The Leica SL3 is L-Mount’s BEST High-Res Option… For Now
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2024
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Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake were lucky enough to be invited to Wetzlar, Germany for the launch of the new Leica SL3 professional mirrorless camera! Learn what’s new with this beautiful but pricey camera and find out if Chris can endure his jet lag.
Read Chris's full initial review and see his photos on PetaPixel: petapixel.com/2024/03/07/leic...
The SL3 is available to order for $6,995:
B&H Photo: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
Adorama: adorama.rfvk.net/baJKbg
Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store:
www.thecamerastore.com
0:00 - Intro
2:12- Body and handling
4:26 - Sensor
6:53 - Steps back
7:56 - Sample Images
9:30 - Battery
10:45 - Autofocus
12:06 - Interface
13:49 - Video Performance
17:14 - Portrait Shoot
17:44 - Who is it for?
#leicasl3 #leica - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Kai dealing with that brutal 1-hour time zone difference between the UK and Germany.
Thats right 😂😂😂
Best regards from germany.
😂
I watched every single release video and this was by FAR the most unbiased. You guys really have integrity.
That's what we aim for! Thanks for the appreciation.
Love it when other TH-camrs drop in. Especially Kai and Lok
Same :) I just finished watching Kai's video.
They're the best!
I miss the old DigitalRevTV
Mr @bigheadtaco as well
16:43 the irony of Jordan complaining about features as it loses autofocus on his face
The camera got upset when Jordan complained I guess
It’s part of the storytelling, really immersive filmmaking.
The guy slapping chris’s hand was GOLD
The closing comments, the honesty, made this video. I just want to say thank you. Make more content with this less filtered feel - it really works for you. It felt like the mask fell, just for a minute.
They were like "Red dot isn't enough, we have to put the biggest L E I C A we can fit right next to it"
Red Dot, Leica Script inside Red Dot. Bold All Caps Leica on Prism, Leica SL3 on the Hot Shoe, Leica on the Bottom Registration Plate, Leica on strap....
It's just too many things I will have to cover with black gaffers tape.
when you’re spending $7000 for a camera that’s barely worth $3000 and not even half the camera of the A7RV, it’s important for everyone around you to know that you overspent your money so that they all know that you have money to waste and they don’t 😂
“maestro processor” typical Leica pretentious douchebaggery 😂
hey, did you see my Leica logo? Can you please validate me by looking at it?? Well, if you missed it, here’s another big logo next to it.
Reminds me of the new BMW grills😂
I know right!
And a lot of people buy Leicas because of how discrete it usually is, which is the complete opposite here.
Same reason Nikon, Canon, and Sony have their logo in white in the place on their cameras.
One of the best reviews by far and very detailed and sincere with what to expect, what to want and all. Just loved it!!
Appreciate your review…not gushing over the camera…balanced…made me happy I bought the Z8
Fair and balanced review. Chris looks great despite no sleep! Well done Jordan and Chris.
Was funny seeing Chris and Jordan visiting my home town, I hope you had a great time :-)
Just waiting for the Lumix version really
lol no reason to buy this once that comes out haha
I had an S1R and I just can't see 5 years of development over that here.
@@obscurelines I’m a hobbyist so a lot of the specs don’t matter to me much., I have the og S5 and it’s a great hybrid setup. Other than autofocus and 60mp no one really needs the SL3, or any L mount Leica. Just get a lumix lol
@@obscurelinesYeah without speed improvements I don't really see the benefit of an extra 15MP but for 4k more than a used S1R. Panasonic's new version will need to be more impressive - just adding phase detect won't be enough when the sensor is too slow to make a desirable video camera anyway, it'll need to be a more useful photography camera for things other than landscapes or portraits. I'm kinda hoping they don't go down the 60MP route, but rather go for something more like the stacked 45MP of the Z9 and offer a great all-rounder.
The s1r is like $1500 used right now. Hell I want one and I already have an s5ii. Such an under appreciated camera.
Your unbiased review made me subscribe to your channel.
Keep up the good work !
Thank you Jordan for the great video footage and editing. It looked so natural. Of course Chris presents well to camera, so you have a lot to work with. But still, you made it all look effortlessly put together. Chris, thanks for your closing sit-down "Who is it for?" segment. We needed that. Leica SL3. A new story begins.
The sax gag was fantastic. Great review!
I think these may be Chris's best photos of any review so far.
Hey Jordan! Welcome back in front of the camera, good to see you!😊
I think this was the most unbiased review. I appreciate your integrity. Keep up the great work.
Love the Kai cameo.
Dude is such a funny beast.
I found Chris’s summation on-point, especially keeping in mind that these are pre-production cameras. SL system users will, I think, receive the SL3 as checking the main boxes: the newer, higher resolution sensor; phase and contrast based autofocus; CF Express card slot; and articulated screen. As Chris noted, many Leica enthusiasts value the quality and heritage of these precision built products and often have multiple Leica platforms as well as other photo gear for specific applications. It’s not about “beating” the specs of, for example, high-speed sports and wildlife cameras, or cramming in ultra-high resolution sensors. The SL3 will beautifully complement a Q system or an M system, and video shooters will likely either wait for an SL3s (or order this and trade later) or wait to see what firmware updates appear. The price is in line with the general trend for Leica and is actually unchanged, and the old argument about “too high” prices simply misses the point.
The SL series bodies have always excluded build quality as well as exquisite design, and offered a great photographic experience. As usual, this YT channel was my first stop upon hearing the news of the SL3. Wonderful video!
As a previously long suffering camera store drone... Leica SL customers were the worst. Almost always difficult old men, maybe dentists or business people... an expensive camera wasn't enough, a Leica wasn't enough, they just had to have a better camera and overwhelmingly they had the accompanying personality. Never mind they could have bought a better camera for a 1/3 of the cost with Sony Nikon or Canon. As far as I'm concerned being a SL owner (like being a S2/S3 or Hasselblad owner) is a red flag, they attract entitled pushy people.
@@stuntmonkey00 This is just total nonsense what you are describing here. I know a lot of photographers owning Leica Systems, either the M or Q or SL, none of them is a doctor or dentist or alike. Just normal people, having saved some money and enjoying to use this gear. Yes, we might not find a lot of sports or wildlife photographers with a Leica, but for street, landscape, portrait and studio work, this brand is as good as any other on the market today,. At the end it is the feeling and enthusiasm you have for your gear and your passion. In my camera bag is the SL2-S and the Q2, where I have no intent to change or upgrade to the 3 series. And for Video I use the Lumix S5IIx, where I can also get the benefit of the new AF system with all the L-Mount lenses.
And for the review, great job as always from Chris and Jordan, honestly, reviews almost never had a big influence what I am buying. And yes, I had Canon, and a few Sony cameras as well.
I'm living only 40 mins away of Wetzlar.
I should put a tent up there and wait for all my favourite youtubers to come visit Leica 😀
Here's tip for the next time: go visit Weilburg!
It's a beautiful medieval city only 20 minutes away from Wetzlar.
I'd love to explore more! i've been to Marburg in the area which is very beautiful.
Gruß aus Braunfels 🙂
@@niccollsvideoMarburg is also a nice city. Weilburg's historic city is very compact and uncrowded yet packed with nice sceneries. The castle and the surrounding area with the large gardens are very well suited for your style of videos.
I was here at the Leica Campus last December! Beautiful all-in-one place with a hotel, Leica museum, and shops.
Happy to hear about your positive experience at the Leica headquarters.
Love this video, very professional and unbiased. I am a current SL2S user and I was eager as hell for the specs and reviews on the SL3 to come out but I think I'm going to wait even longer for the SL3S or whatever they decide to call it. There are a ton of great upgrades on the photo side but at this price and to truly call it an upgrade, I would like the entire package to be an upgrade. The video side needs some work, the PRORES comment was spot on. Still, this is very tempting since my work is more photography than video. Great video as always guys!!
I'm excited for the sl3-s, hope they come through with one of them
Of the four or five reviews I have seen, I think this one is the best I have seen: balanced, fair, and a forthright assessment.
Gorgeous colours. That's probably all I need.
I'm a big fan of yours! I'm from nearby and would have been delighted if I'd had the chance to meet you in Wetzlar. Great review as always!
The news ticker is so stupid, I love it! Shout out to Kai too!
They put a CFExpress B slot in it, but limited the ProRes to 1080p?
What share of the geriatric userbase do you think has even heard of ProRes?
Of all the camera companies, I find it very strange that Leica has one of best touch screen interface 😂
Was thinking the same thing I don't get it, is it that much more expensive to add a good screen?
I hear Canon R5 ii will have a OLED screen...
Great review, unbiased, thanks guys
It's nice you guys are honest.
Thanks guys! The right amount of sleep deprivation facilitates honest reviews 🙂🙃😜
Kai!!
He was one of the first TH-camrs I subbed to, love his humour!
Luv ya too Chris!
As always, GREAT video!
Been using an SL2S with M lenses for my fashion editorial work in the last 5 months and quite like it. It's more than enough for me personally. I use it along with my film cameras on shoots (Nikon F5 and Mamiya RB). I don't know why anyone would use a Leica for midlevel or professional video work, however. It's not designed for that. There are much better options out there. I do like the weight that the SL2 offers. Lighter, smaller cameras as problematic for me, as I have long fingers that get in the way. I've had to sell all my Fuji X cameras for that reason.
Thank you for the honest review. None of the others are even giving their opinions about this camera so far, let alone review it. It's all "features" for now from the others. Subscribed.
OMG the ad placement for KEH at 1:25 is the best of all time! Jordan you just hit me at the right moment with that joke. I was beginning to question my sanity seeing all the youtube heros preening themselves with this new Leica. Thanks for putting all this back in perspective for me.
I will say, the tonality, colors, and richness of this video are better than almost any I've seen on this channel. Made me think the SL3 might be showing some game in the video department. Look at that last shot of Chris by the window, the gorgeous out of focus background and pleasing bokeh. It was very cinematic.
Couldn’t agree more. Thought the last segment of Chris in the lobby looked fantastic.
I had no problem sleeping in the Leica Hotel and the breakfast buffet was overwhelming. Regarding the SL3, I guess I was hoping for a Q3 that could use interchangeable lenses (M&R). Traded my SL2 outfit for a Hasselblad X2D system. The Hassy system is lighter, and the images are better. Thank you both for your sacrifices to bring us interesting and useful content.
I just picked up my SL3 this afternoon and am now on a flight to Paris... Looking forward to working this new system. I have my SL2 as a back up - great video.
Colors are amazing on the video!
Kai 🎉🎉🎉 This was a great video and a nice mixup from your usual style.
Also, as an S5IIX owner, I'll be waiting for the Lumix one 😂
Very good video and honest comments. Not enough improvement and a bit too many quirks for me to upgrade from my SL2, I’ll wait for the SL4
I don't blame you because the battery life of the new SL-3 is worse.
Great video, as always, guys! And Chris, photography brother.. Thanks so much for recommending the wotancraft Pilot 10l! I finally got one, and it's quickly become my favorite all-rounder bag :)
YES!!!!!!!!
Outstanding review.
I never understand why someone would buy a Leica full-frame body when you have Panasonic. I mean there is nothing (including image quality) the Panasonic S series can't do compare to the SL series, while the reverse is not true.
awesome review. That Leica bldg looks really cool too.
8:05 love this shot. Even the light reflection is in the shape of an S
Chris you are a beast! You're the man.
Love the color profile on videos
The power button is the most wild choice to my. I'm not even upset about the button itself. Do something different. But taking the on/off function of a camera away from the exposure capture area is perplexing to me. Maybe I shoot, or at least initiate the shooting capture, one handed more-so than the average bloke. But having the switch around the shutter button will always be my preferred placement.
I have an Olympus E-M1 mk 1 and it's a fun, lovely, little device. The one thing that always throws me off though is the left side power toggle. If my left hand is busy I commonly end up putting the camera down or holding it awkwardly, turning it on with my right hand, then regrasping it properly to shoot with. It just doesn't seem intuitive to me.
Guys you're just amazing ❤
Is the EVF resolution drop tied to EVF refresh rate in continuous AF? That's the cause of that problem in the S5II - having it set to 120 FPS 🤔
Overall seems like quite a weird set of compromises in this camera, considering the price. Makes the Sony A7RV look like a bit of a bargain. It'll be interesting to see what Panasonic's variant of this opts to change - getting 15 FPS with mechanical shutter and C-AF would be a nice improvement.
There are something with imagery in this video, it’s both crisp and soft with some very nice falloff in the background. I don’t know exactly what it is but it’s something in the imagery esthetics.
Welcome back again to my home country :)
I took one home, right after the introduction here in Switzerland, last Thu. Have been using it in the studio for two days, since. Fashion and beauty shoots. Right after, I ordered one more, to replace both SL2s. It’s that good. Just hanging in to my SL2-S for video for now. Even more, my colleague, after trying mine, also ordered one to replace her combo of A7RIV and V. The new 60MP sensor and the APOs and the Lux-SL 50 is so sweet….
Just wonder why Content Credentials isn’t in this camera. Could there be…an SL3-P on the way?
Nice to see such a beautiful portrait of my home town. I would have loved to cross their path.
So sad I will never get invited to a Leica event although I could (with a little effort) literally walk there.
It's a long walk, but a lovely one. I try to do it every visit.
@@niccollsvideo About 7 or 8 Miles for me, through lovely forrest, beautiful Wetzlar and up the hill.
I was really looking forward to this camera. I was never expecting it to be a Sony A7R5 or Nikon Z8 but this seems like a really unfinished camera. I honestly expected a more complete camera, not one that does everything but one that excels at its niche. Hopefully they release firmware before its start shipping to make it a better performer. For 7K the launch firmware should be better.
Looks like a great camera, though the few gripes like weaker battery life, the EVF not being better, and the other quirks here and there are too bad. I am interested to see if an SL3-S uses a stacked sensor though, that would be really exciting.
Thanks for the excellent review guys! Hope you were eventually able to get some sleep.
I agree with the screen point
Chris and Jordan I have always loved your reviews, a wonderful combination information and feeling. It's such an interesting camera the body weather sealing and light weight are very tempting for modern news gathering lighter than the Z8.. but that battery drain, omg. Jordan were you punching in and out on Chris's unbelievably coherent closer at the end or reframing? Did you use FCP on your m2 while in Europe (We used to drive around with two Studio SP betacams in the back of a Volvo!)
for all the cameras drawbacks, I have to take my hat off to Jordan here: this might be one of if not the most beautiful looking video you’ve shot, watching it again on my computer monitor it looks really gorgeous (already looked great on my phone this morning.) Say what you will about this sensor’s video chops…clearly someone with technical experience and a good eye can get some rich images from this camera.
Great job guys! Team no sleep!
I agree too with the switch point
Beautiful colors here. Jordan I'd love to know how far you pushed an edit on this.
Hi Chris
Regarding the size and the downgrading performance of IBIS and Sync Shutter speed sorry but check the size of your S5iiX… is it downgrading any performance of this amazing little camera ?
I'm sure it makes great photos (like all modern prosumer to pro level cameras), but other than a bit of a different look and feel to the images (if you like it) and the name, I'm not sure why I'd want to buy one, given all the disadvantages (battery, high cost, etc). You kinda have to really want one just to have one to buy this over any of the other competitors that would perform better overall and be less expensive. That being said, I'm glad it exists. I like that there are options/variety in the market.
The Modern Times reference was great 😊
I'm glad to see this review being very critical of Leica. Charging $7k for a camera with this much limitation is borderline robbery, no matter how luxurious your brand is.
Well put. My Fujifilm X-T series cameras have similar features and others that the SL3 lack. The colours and sensors of Fujifilm take some beating. As you say, the price of the camera is difficult to justify.
Basically inferior to the A7RV in every way aside from the ability to use the Leica lenses.
@@tonygarrett7214 I won't insult your intelligence by saying "less is more" or some rubbish like that. There are undoubtedly cameras with more features, but many of those are not necessary for a lot of photography. What I will say is that in half a century of using cameras of almost every brand (including Fuji X-T cameras), I have found the experience of using M series cameras and an SL-2S to be more enjoyable than any of them. I'm not a doctor, dentist nor a particularly rich man, but I found no problem in justifying the purchase to myself. Your mileage may (and probably will) vary, of course, but I would ask whether you have used a Leica of any ilk for any period of time? I'm not sure if I will buy the SL3 as I'm happy with the cameras I have, but I may jump for an SL-3S should Leica make one.
Then don't buy it, nobody forces you.
@@hansgaber6038
That’s not the point. I could buy it if I wanted to, but there’s no point if the equipment I have yield results equal to this over-priced style statement. I agree that it is an attractive camera, but technically it does not exceed the functionality of other high-end brands. Its lenses are superb but the camera is not equal to others in terms of performance. It’s possible to fit Leica glass to other better performing cameras. Do you have a problem with this?
Great review 👏...period.
Very good job! 🙂
Thanks for the overview. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this announcement. Do you know whether the SL3 will include content authentication? I’d seen that feature in the rumors and was really looking forward to it. I think Leica has implemented that via a dedicated chip (but could be mistaken) and I’d love to know if the chip is on the SL3 awaiting later activation via firmware. If not, I may wait for an SL3P, assuming they’ll want to include that in the SL3. Thanks.j
The Connery reference was brutal. 😂
It was so subtle, I missed it. Thanks for pointing it out.
I’m glad you caught the reference!
THANKS for a candid well thought-out review. I want one, but I don't, still a lot of small gaps that collectively shouldn't be there at this price-point. BUT, Chris's images are drop dead Leica-beautiful.
Thank you so much! I mean no matter what you can say about the SL3, it does take great pictures.
Great video Chris yes I’m on the fence as I have a z8 ,had a sl2s beautiful but like you say lot of money and there’s better tools for the job , I get one tomorrow as I fell in love with the sl2s but did find it heavy and not good for macro fungi etc ,but I feel the cost it a bit steep 😊
I always value Chris' takes on Leica whether or not I agree
I always wanted a Leica and used the SL2 for a good 3 years as my main camera to make a living, and I can say that the design, the menus, the viewfinder, and the amazing grip make it so much more comfortable and fun to use than the big brands. The picture quality is absolutely insane, but in the end, the autofocus is not reliable, the batteries are meh, and most software tools won't have it on their compatibility list. So eventually, you will want to go back to a camera brand that just works. (If you can afford to buy it for fun, then go for it)
If you think the battery life of the SL-2 is bad, you're in for a shock when you discover that the battery life on the new SL-3 is WORSE.
Next time you are around, just let me know! :-) Thanks for this great video! 🙂
As intriguing as this camera is, I am more interested in what the Panasonic S1R ii turns out to be.
I understand why Leica charges a premium for the M cameras (they are a truly unique product), but the SL line is just your everyday average mirrorless camera.
Not so sure about the "your everyday average mirrorless camera." part. If this was any other brand with this many quirks and negatives, the reviewers would absolutely trash it. And I'm a dentist!😷
Unfortunately reduced flash sync speed is a total deal breaker for me. It’s wild they would do this. I have Sl1 & 2, love both and wanted to love this, just can’t justify going backward on these capabilities. Q3 is a complete win in all directions though, so there’s that.
omg, thanks so much I laughed so hard and watched the intro 50 times.
Would be curious how the readout speeds and video lag are...
Missing 4k prores is weird.
Hope Panasonic will use the same sensor and does it right...
Great review. Thank you! Great camera, though a flush LCD design akin to that of the SL series would have been my preference. The eyepiece, too, seems like it could use a redesign to improve its durability. I prefer switches over power buttons, and in terms of materials, brass definitely has the edge over aluminum for heavy use. It's been noted on more than a few occasions that the camera may struggle to eject the battery correctly after a fall, which points to the need for a sturdier mechanism. Additionally, it would be intriguing to see how the native image outputs of the SL, SL2, and SL3 stack up against each other. In general, the design of the 601 appeals to me more.
That power button is something that I know would drive me insane. Also the video AF was definitely hunting throughout this video, so it does not look like it improves on the S5IIx's implementation. Also disappointed it still drops viewfinder resolution in continuous autofocus. Will be sticking with my SL2 and Panasonic S5IIx instead of upgrading. Maybe the next Panasonic or Leica will hit the mark.
Canadians must be tough. Sitting short sleeved outside in this weather. Brrrr...
Besides that: Thanks for an honest opinion. 😊
Great job delivering the perspective. Makes me want a Leica. :-)
You can't ignore that Leica at this price point is looking like a higher end Lumix.
Well it actually is. Panasonic electronics in a German-made Leica body.
Great review Chris. I just got mine (traded up from an SL2-S) and looking forward to use it for my main hobby genres landscape/street/travel/macro. Bought it for the higher res and upgrades in autofocus and heavily invested in L and M mount lenses. Even with all the downsides you mention this camera is a creative photographers dream camera and coupled with the right glass, the images are stunning nd the files are very flexible once exposed correctly. I’m too old to want to have to remember all the various menu systems of a Canon (just sold my R5 and all the glass) and Fuji (my son’s weapon of choice medium format and apsc for video) and never been a fan of the Sonys colour science and menu system so a Q3 and an SL3 (with Ricoh gr3 as my EDC) is the final combo for me. Unlike you I hate the big LEICA on the front and have immediately taped it up! Best Ken
Great, fun, and balanced review! Does the shutter come down to protect the sensor when changing lenses?
Sadly no. This might be changed in future.
Sensor is probably hardier than the shutter. Sensor is covered with hard glass. Shutter is very fragile.
@@MLodge That misses the point of this feature- not talking about protecting the sensor from physical damage, it's about keeping dust off the sensor when changing lenses.
14:38 I wonder how the APS-H crop in video plays with the sigma APS-C L mount lenses?
0:24 A Wild Kai Appears!
Nice to see Kai there 😊
is this body compatible with tethered shooting with capture one pro ? that's my problem with panasonic...
Yes it absolutely tethers nicely. In the studio scenes you might see that there is a setup with capture one running and the ambassadors had it setup for tethering.
Comments by people that have never even touched a Leica before or even if they did they'd had no clue how to appreciate anything past their mediocrity, is the only reason I even bother to glance at these videos. Predictable passableness is just a guaranteed kind of freak show that soothes stress like nothing else. Wish Leica would release a new camera every day so we'd have daily videos like this with endless stream of inspiring, motivational and wisdom-full comments 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
Would you say that that Panasonic S is the alternative to Leica SL? I love the UI Leica uses however until it becomes affordable for me....a pipedream.
Lol @ sax in the brain while trying to sleep 😂
I can't sleep on journeys either. I once took an 18 hour coach ride across Turkey to Goreme ion Cappadocia. I was almost hallucinating by the time I got there...the place looks like the set of the Flinstones movie but for real which probably added to the effect.
Thank you for the sobering review on this camera. Some people have been so giddy about it... 4FPS is SLOW. 1/200, even in the studio, is a bit slow. Though, I would only use it for portraits and fashion work. So it should be okay... But....
Yes, the S1R II you are alluding to... I hope it circumvents many of these issues. Including tethering support in Capture One. That's one thing Leica has over Panasonic. And that's kind of a big one.