Leica SL2 vs Leica SL3
Leica SL3 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. the SL3 is better for beginners, travel, portraits, landscapes, wildlife, vlogging.
Choose the SL2 for
- faster bursts (20fps vs 15fps)
- a lower price (from £1,649)
Choose the SL3 for
- more resolution (60MP vs 47.3MP)
- a lighter body (769g vs 928g)
- stronger video (8K 30p)
- a newer design (2024)
Specs side by side
| Spec | SL2 | SL3 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 47.3MP | Full frame, 60MP |
| Mount | L-Mount (Lumix S, Leica SL) | L-Mount (Lumix S, Leica SL) |
| Released | 2019 | 2024 |
| Burst | 20 fps | 15 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| Max ISO | 50,000 | 100,000 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 5K 30p / 4K 60p | 8K 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 928 g | 769 g |
| Battery | Leica BP-SCL4 | Leica BP-SCL6 |
| Card slots | 2× SD (UHS-II) | CFexpress B + SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | No longer sold new | £5,920 |
| Used at MPB | £1,649 | £3,269–4,589 |
| Native lenses in our database | 64 (39 third-party) | 64 (39 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | SL3 |
| Everyday & travel | SL3 |
| Portraits | SL3 |
| Landscape | SL3 |
| Wildlife & animals | SL3 |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | SL3 |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
Both cameras use the L-Mount mount, so lenses move between them. Batteries: Leica BP-SCL4 vs Leica BP-SCL6 (about £150).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Leica SL2 better than the Leica SL3?
It depends on your priorities. The SL2 offers faster bursts (20fps vs 15fps), a lower price (from £1,649); the SL3 offers more resolution (60MP vs 47.3MP), a lighter body (769g vs 928g), stronger video (8K 30p).
Which is better for video, the SL2 or the SL3?
The SL3 is stronger for video: SL2 records 5K 30p / 4K 60p, SL3 records 8K 30p.
Which is cheaper, the SL2 or the SL3?
The SL2 costs No longer sold new new and from £1,649 used at MPB; the SL3 costs £5,920 new and from £3,269 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Leica SL2 lenses on the SL3?
Yes. Both use the L-Mount mount.