Leica SL3 to be unveiled by March with Leica M11 sensor, 8K video and smaller housing

The Leica SL2 is marketed as a direct competitor to professional system cameras such as the Nikon Z8 or the Sony A9 and, like these cameras, utilizes a high-resolution, stabilized sensor, a fast electronic viewfinder and a diverse range of lenses. According to the latest information from LeicaRumors as well as rumors from Chinese social network Weibo, Leica will announce the next generation, Leica SL, in the first quarter of 2024, i.e. by the end of March at the latest.

The most significant upgrade is the 60 MP full-frame sensor, already known from the Leica M11 and the Leica Q3. This sensor promises not only a higher resolution than the SL2's 46.7 MP sensor, but also a larger dynamic range. The sensor is stabilized, which is intended to enable an exposure time that is 6.5 f-stops longer without a tripod instead of the 5.5 f-stops of the Leica SL2. According to current rumors, the camera can take up to 9 photos per second, whereby this value probably refers to active autofocus and auto exposure, as the Leica SL2 can already record 24 photos per second without these features.

Leica is also preparing video upgrades: the maximum resolution is expected to increase from 5K to 8K, with the frame rate limited to 30 fps and only a section of the sensor being utilized. C4K videos with a resolution of 4096 x 2160 at 60 fps can be recorded over the full sensor area. The housing of the Leica SL3 will also be revised and made somewhat more compact.