Leica SL3-S
Moments without limits
Equipped with a 24MP full-frame sensor, a fast, precise PDAF autofocus system that enables continuous shooting at 30 frames per second with full autofocus support, and a state-of-the-art image processor, the Leica SL3-S is a master of performance. With its 3:2 Open Gate Recording feature, unique user experience, L-mount bayonet and numerous interfaces, it offers maximum flexibility and almost limitless possibilities for realizing creative visions in photography and video production. It reliably produces outstanding images and videos in any shooting situation. And thanks to its excellent connectivity, it can be seamlessly integrated into professional workflows.
When developing the Leica SL3-S, Leica focused on the high demands of professional photography and videography. In doing so, the brand prioritized speed, flexibility and versatility. A new BSI CMOS full-frame sensor with 24-megapixe native resolution, 48- and 96-megapixel multi- shot modes, and a new autofocus system form the core of the Leica SL3-S. Securely protected by an IP54-certified solid all-metal body, Leica combines the strengths of three focus technologies here: the latest generation in phase detection AF (PDAF), depth map (object detection AF) and contrast detection AF enable continuous shooting with the Leica SL3-S at up to 30 frames per second with full autofocus support. Together with a high dynamic range and the impressive ISO range of 50 to 200,000, the SL3-S delivers excellent quality photos and videos in all shooting situations.
VIDEO FEATURES
- Unlimited 6K Open Gate Internal Recording: Using the full size of the sensor in the native 3:2 aspect ratio instead of being limited to recording in the cropped 16:9 aspect ratio, new creative opportunities are now possible for postproduction, while showcasing the full characteristics of the chosen full frame lens when capturing video.
- Unlimited 5.8K Internal ProRes 422 HQ recording: With widespread adoption across the video post-production
industry, ProRes 422 HQ offers visually lossless recording, with a high data rate of up to 1,9 Gbps. - 5.9K 12bit RAW External Video Recording: For videographers who need the most flexibility in post-production, RAW video offers incredibly malleable files with the best dynamic range and color grading support for full scale productions.
- Direct to SSD recording via USB-C: Introducing a 4th recording option for video (alongside SD, CF Express & HDMI), creatives may use even larger storage options, perfect for bigger projects.
- Camera to Cloud with Frame.io planned in 2025: The Leica SL3-S will be able to share footage directly to the cloud, for enhanced collaboration among teams.
The Leica SL3-S is also the first camera in the SL-System to be equipped with content credentials technology in accordance with the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) for photos. If desired, each image can be signed with tamper-proof metadata, such as the camera model and author information, as well as creation and editing data. The Leica SL3-S records videos in a resolution of up to 6K and offers 3:2 open-gate recording, a feature that provides flexibility when creating video content for a wide variety of channels. For example, portrait format videos can be recorded in 4K, 9:16 without any loss of quality and the field of view in recorded material can also be determined retrospectively. The Leica SL3-S records HDMI-RAW in 5.9K at 30 fps to external display recorders. What’s more, thanks to the fast CFexpress type B interface, ProRes 4:2:2 HQ in 5.8K at 30 fps or C4K at 60 fps can also be internally recorded without any recording time limits. It is also possible to record directly to an external SSD hard drive via the USB-C interface, which further increases the flexibility of the Leica SL3-S. The Maestro IV processor with L2 technology effortlessly handles enormous amounts of data, resulting in images with superb color rendering, high dynamic range and excellent noise behavior in the L-Log color space. This processor has been lauded internationally for its optimal quality.
In addition, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with MIMO technology enable fast, stable connection to the Leica FOTOS App, with which DNG images can be transferred in full resolution in a matter of seconds. Over the course of 2025, the Camera-to-Cloud function will also become available via Adobe frame.io, which videos and photos can be uploaded directly from the camera to the Adobe frame.io cloud for further processing.The EyeRes® viewfinder of the Leica SL3-S is equipped with a painstakingly produced optical system of glass lenses. It displays the subject crystal clear at all times with up to 120 images per second and a resolution of 5.76 million pixels. Another feature of the SL3-S is the tilting 3.2-inch high-res touchscreen with a high-quality tilting mechanism, which makes it even easier to take photos and videos from different angles. A further highlight is the interface, already familiar to users of the SL3. As with the SL3, the optimizations to the SL3-S include ergonomic and haptic features, as well as the user interface and menu navigation. The Cine mode has been tailored specifically to the needs of professional video production. The SL3-S is noticeably lighter and more compact than its predecessors and feels even better in the hand thanks to its optimized design. In addition, the complete range of accessories already available for the Leica SL3 are also compatible with the SL3-S.
The Essentials:
- Full-frame BSI CMOS Sensor with 24 megapixel sensor and fast PDAF hybrid autofocus system (30
fps, 12 bit, AFc) - Open Gate Video Recording (6K, 30fps / 4K, 60fps) and HDMI-RAW Video (5,9K, 30fps / 4K, 60fps)
- 48MP and 96MP multishot mode
- Unique Leica user experience thanks to intuitive operation and customisable functions
- In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS) and L-Mount bayonet
- 5.76 mio. dots OLED viewfinder and tiltable 3.2" display with 2,3 mio. dots
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (MIMO)
- SD UHS-II, CFexpress Type-B and USB-C SSD-Recording, HDMI 2.1 type A and 3.5mm jack, Timecode
interface - Made in Germany mit IP54 ingress protection
At a glance
- 24MP Full-frame BSI CMOS Sensoer
- 6K Open Gate Internal Recording
- Fast PDAF Hybrid Autofocus System
- In-Body Image Stabilisation
In The Box
- Leica SL3-S
- Battery (BP-SCL6)
- USB-C Cable
- Carrying Strap
- Quick Start Guide
Not included
- Memory Card
- Charger for BP-SCL6
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Camera:
Leica SL3-S
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Camera type:
Mirrorless full-frame system camera
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Type no:
4506
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Buffer memory:
8GB, capacity depends on frame rate and image format, estimated quantity (number of possible images in the buffer memory)
Continuous shooting:
2 fps, 14 bit, AF: 1000 (DNG), 1000 (DNG + JPG), 1000 (JPG)
5 fps, 14 bit, AF: 1000 (DNG), 345 (DNG + JPG), 1000 (JPG)
7 fps, 12 bit, AF: 680 (DNG), 255 (DNG + JPG), 1000 (JPG)
15 fps, 12 bit, AF: 175 (DNG), 175 (DNG + JPG), 175 (JPG)
30 fps, 12 bit, AF: 175 (DNG), 175 (DNG + JPG), 175 (JPG) -
Storage medium:
UHS-II (recommended), UHS-I, SD/SDHC/SDXC card + CFexpress card type B (recommended)
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Material:
Magnesium and aluminum, leatherette covering, splash water protected in accordance with IEC Standard 60529 (protection type IP54)
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Lens mount:
Leica L bayonet with contact strip for communication between lens and camera
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Operating conditions:
−10 to +40°C
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Interfaces:
ISO accessory shoe with additional control contacts, timecode interface, HDMI jack 2.1 Type A, USB 3.1 Gen1 Type C, Audio-Out 3.5mm/Audio-In 3.5mm, communication interface in the bottom cover for multifunction handgrip
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Tripod thread:
A 1⁄4 DIN 4503 (1⁄4”) with stainless steel in the base
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Dimensions (WxHxD):
141.2 x 108.05 x 50 mm
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Weight:
Approx. 768g (without battery, SD card, body cap)
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Sensor size:
CMOS sensor, 25.3 MP/24.6 MP (total/effective)
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Image Stabilization:
5-axis image stabilization up to 5-stops
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Filter:
RGB color filter, UV/IR filter, no low-pass filter
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Processor:
Leica Maestro series (Maestro IV)
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File formats:
Photo:
DNG™ (raw data).
DNG + JPG.
JPG (DCF 2.0, Exif 3.00)
Video:
MP4:
h.265 AAC 48 kHz/16 bit
h.264 AAC 48 kHz/16 bit
MOV:
h.265 LPCM 48 kHz/24 bit
h.264 LPCM 48 kHz/24 bit
ProRes LPCM 48 kHz/24 bit
RAW
LPCM 48 kHz/24 bit -
Image resolution:
35 mm
JPG: 6000 x 4000 24 MP
DNG: 6000 x 4000 24 MP
APS-C
JPG: 3936 x 2624 10.3 MP
DNG: 3936 x 2624 10.3 MP
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Color depth:
DNG™: 14bit (12bit also possible depending on the continuous shooting mode), JPG: 8bit
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Color space:
Photo: sRGB Video: Rec. 709/Rec. 2020 (HLG/L-Log)
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File size:
DNG™: approx. 40 MB, depending on resolution and image content, JPG: depending on resolution and image content Video: max. length depending on ambient temperature and available memory space
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Recording Mode Video:
Video mode: P - A - S - M Cine mode: M
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Video Resolution:
Video Resolution:
6K OG - Resolution: 5952 x 3968 | Aspect Ratio: 3:2
C6K - Resolution: 5952 x 3136 | Aspect Ratio: 17:9
6K - Resolution: 5888 x 3312 (h.265) / 5776 x 3056 (ProRes) | Aspect Ratio: 16:9
C4K - Resolution: 4096 x 2160 (MOV/MP4) | Aspect Ratio: 17:9
Resolution: 4128 x 2176 (RAW)
4K - Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Aspect Ratio: 16:9
3.5K - Resolution: 3536 x 2656 | Aspect Ratio: 4:3 (RAW)(RAW) -
Video frame rate:
MP4 4K 3840 x 2160
59.94 fps 100 Mpbs 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
50.00 fps 100 Mpbs 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
29.97 fps 100 Mpbs 4:2:0 / 8 bit Long GOP h.264
25.00 fps 100 Mpbs 4:2:0 / 8 bit Long GOP h.264
23.98 fps 100 Mpbs 4:2:0 / 8 bit Long GOP h.264
FHD 1920 x 1080
59.94 fps 28 Mpbs 4:2:0 / 8 bit Long GOP h.264
50.00 fps 28 Mpbs 4:2:0 / 8 bit Long GOP h.264
29.97 fps 20 Mpbs 4:2:0 / 8 bit Long GOP h.264
25.00 fps 20 Mpbs 4:2:0 / 8 bit Long GOP h.264
23.98 fps 24 Mpbs 4:2:0 / 8 bit Long GOP h.264
6K OG (3:2) 5952 x 3968
29.97 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
25.00 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
24.00 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
23.98 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
C6K (17:9) 5952 x 3136
29.97 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
25.00 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
24.00 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
23.98 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
6K (16:9) 5888 x 3312
29.97 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
25.00 fps 200 Mpbs 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
24.00 fps 200 Mpbs 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
23.98 fps 200 Mpbs 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
C4K (17:9) 4096 x 2160
59.94 fps 800 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
59.94 fps 600 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
50.00 fps 800 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
50.00 fps 600 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
48.00 fps 800 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
48.00 fps 600 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
47.95 fps 800 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
47.95 fps 600 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
29.97 fps 400 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
25.00 fps 400 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
24.00 fps 400 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
23.98 fps 400 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
4K 3840 x 2160
59.94 fps 800 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
59.94 fps 600 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
50.00 fps 800 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
50.00 fps 600 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
48.00 fps 800 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
48.00 fps 600 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
47.95 fps 800 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
47.95 fps 600 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
29.97 fps 400 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
25.00 fps 400 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
24.00 fps 400 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
23.98 fps 400 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
FHD 1920 x 1080
119.88 fps 400 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
100.00 fps 400 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
59.94 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
50.00 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
48.00 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
47.95 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
29.97 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
25.00 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
24.00 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
23.98 fps 200 Mbps 4:2:2 / 10 bit ALL-I h.264
FHD Slow Motion 1920 x 1080
Sensor: 179.82 fps
Recording: 29.97 fps
100 Mbps 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
Sensor: 150.00 fps
Recording: 25.00 fps
100 Mbps 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
Sensor: 119.88 fps
Recording: 29.97 fps
100 Mbps 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
Sensor: 100.00 fps
Recording: 25.00 fps
100 Mbps 4:2:0 / 10 bit Long GOP h.265
C6K (17:9) 5776 x 3056
29.97 fps 1939 Mbps 422HQ ProRes
25.00 fps 1618 Mbps 422HQ ProRes
24.00 fps 1553 Mbps 422HQ ProRes
23.98 fps 1551 Mbps 422HQ ProRes
C4K (17:9) 4096 x 2160
59.94 fps 1944 Mbps 422HQ ProRes
50.00 fps 1622 Mbps 422HQ ProRes
29.97 fps 972 Mbps 422HQ ProRes
25.00 fps 811 Mbps 422HQ ProRes
24.00 fps 779 Mbps 422HQ ProRes
23.98 fps 778 Mbps 422HQ ProRes
FHD 1920 x 1080
59.94 fps 454 Mbps 422HQ ProRes
50.00 fps 378 Mbps 422HQ ProRes
29.97 fps 227 Mbps 422HQ ProRes
25.00 fps 189 Mbps 422HQ ProRes
24.00 fps 182 Mbps 422HQ ProRes
23.98 fps 181 Mbps 422HQ ProRes -
Video Gamma:
Rec. 709, L-Log Rec. 2020, HLG Rec. 2020 Further information can be found in the "L-Log Reference Manual" for download on the Leica homepage
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Viewfinder (EVF):
Resolution: 5,760,000dots, 60fps or 120fps, magnification: approx. 0.76x at aspect ratio: 3:2 / approx. 0.78x at aspect ratio: 4:3, frame coverage: 100%, exit pupil position: 21mm, setting range –4/+2dpt, with eye sensor for automatic switchover be- tween viewfinder and LCD panel, time delay 0.005s
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LCD panel:
3.2” (backlight LED) with anti-fingerprint and anti-scratch coating, 2,332,800 dots, format 3:2, touch panel
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Top display:
1.28” highly reflective trans-reflective monochrome LCD, 128x128pixels, viewing angle 120°, anti-fingerprint coating
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Shutter type:
Electronically controlled focal plane shutter
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Shutter speeds:
Mech. shutter: 30 min to 1⁄8000 s, electr. shutter function: 60 s to 1⁄16000 s, flash synchronization: up to 1⁄200 s
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Shutter button:
Two-stage (1st stage: Activation of the camera electronics including autofocus and exposure metering, 2nd stage: Taking the picture)
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Self-timer:
Delay time: 2s, 6s, 12s or 30s
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Picture Series:
Single, Continuous Shooting, Interval Shooting, Exposure Bracketing
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Focus Mode:
Automatic or manual With manual setting: optional magnifying glass function (Magnification) and edge marking (Focus Peaking) available as focus assist
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Autofocus system:
Hybrid-AF due to combination of contrast metering, depth mapping, and phase comparison metering with AF metering points in the sensor.
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Autofocus modes:
Intelligent AF (automatically refocuses as soon as something changes in the scene), AFs, AFc, AF setting can be saved, optional Touch AF
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Autofocus Metering Methods:
Multi-field, Spot (can be shifted), Field (can be shifted and scaled), Zone (can be shifted and scaled), Tracking, Eye/Face/Body Detection, Animals (Beta)
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Autofocus Metering Fields:
Contrast-AF: 315/Phase detection-AF: 779
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Exposure metering:
TTL (exposure metering through the lens)
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Exposure Metering Methods:
Spot, Center-Weighted, Highlight-Weighted, Multi-Field
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Exposure modes:
Program AE mode (P), aperture-priority mode (A): manual aperture setting, shutter-priority mode (S): manual shutter speed setting, Manual (M): manual setting for shutter speed and aperture
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Exposure Compensation:
±3 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments or 1⁄2 EV increments
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Automatic bracketing:
3 or 5 frames, graduations between shoots up to 3EV, in 1⁄3EV increments, additional optional exposure compensation: up to ±3EV
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ISO sensitivity range:
Auto: ISO 100– ISO 100000, ISO 200– ISO 100000, ISO 400–ISO 100000.
Manual: ISO 50– ISO 100000, ISO 200– ISO 100000, ISO 400– ISO 100000
Low Basis: ISO: ISO 50– ISO 560, ISO 400– ISO 2200, ISO 400– ISO 2200.
High Basis: ISO 640–ISO 200 000, ISO 2500–ISO 100 000, ISO 2500–ISO 200 000. -
White balance:
Automatic (Auto), default (Daylight, Cloudy, Shadow, Tungsten, HMI, Fluorescent (warm), Fluorescent (cool), Flash), manual metering (Gray Card (pipette), Gray Card), manual color temperature settings (Color Temperature, 2000K to 11500K)
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Flash unit connector:
Via the accessory shoe
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Flash sync time:
1⁄200s, slower shutter speeds available, automatic switchover to TTL linear flash mode with HSS-compatible Leica system flash units if sync time is undercut
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Flash exposure metering:
Using center-weighted TTL pre-flash metering with Leica flash units (SF26, SF40, SF58, SF60, SF64) or with system-compatible flash units, remote controlled flash SFC1
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Flash exposure compensation:
SF 40: ±2 EV in 1⁄2 EV increments, SF 60: ±2 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments
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Microphone:
Stereo internal + microphone input 3.5mm stereo jack
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Speaker:
Mono internal + headphones output 3.5mm stereo jack
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WLAN:
The Leica FOTOS app is required to use the WLAN function. The Leica app is available from the Apple App Store™ or the Google Play Store™. Encryption method: WLAN-compatible WPA2™.
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Bluetooth:
Bluetooth 5.0 LE: Channel 0–39 (2402–2480MHz)
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GPS:
Not available everywhere due to country-specific legislation; can be added via the Leica FOTOS app. Data is written to Exif header of the picture files.
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Menu languages:
English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean
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Rechargeable battery (Leica BP-SCL4):
Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, rated voltage: 7.2V (DC); capacity: 2200mAh (min.), 260 shots (based on CIPA standard), 1350 shots (based on CIPA standard with adapted shooting cycle*) with Displays/AF Auto Off = 5 s); manufacturer: Panasonic Energy (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Made in China *Cycle 1: Switch on, 1st shutter release after 5s, one shot every 3s, after 10 shots the camera is switched off (Auto Power Off) and switched on again after a waiting time of 5min. Cycle 2: Switch on, 1st shutter release after 5s, one shot every 3s, after 50 shots the camera is switched off (Auto Power Off) and switched on again after a waiting time of 5min. These cycles are repeated alternately until the battery is empty.
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USB-C power adapter (Leica ACA-SCL6) (optional):
Input: AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz, 0.25A, automatic switchover; Output: DC 5V/9V, 3A; Manufacturer: Salom Electric (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., Made in China
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Dual Charger (Leica BC-SCL6) (optional):
Input: DC 5V/3A, 9V/3A, automatic switchover; Output: DC 8.4V, 850mA/1000mA; Manufacturer: Salom Electric(Xiamen) Co., Ltd., Made in China
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Charging via USB:
During operation: 9V/3A (min. 27W) With camera switched off: 5V/1500mA (2.5W or greater)
Leica SL3-S, Battery (BP-SCL6) & USB-C cable, Carrying strap, Quick Start Guide
Firmware:
As a Leica benefit you can download the latest released Firmware Updates here.
Limited Warranty:
Leica Camera AG (‘LEICA’) provides a two-year product limited warranty for this LEICA camera valid from the date of purchase from an authorized LEICA dealer, including the accessories contained in the original packaging, which are valid for two years.
