Leica SL3 vs Leica SL3-S
Leica SL3-S has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The SL3 is the better pick for landscapes; the SL3-S is better for sports, astrophotography, vlogging.
Choose the SL3 for
- more resolution (60MP vs 24MP)
- stronger video (8K 30p)
Choose the SL3-S for
- faster bursts (30fps vs 15fps)
- better low-light performance
- a lighter body (768g vs 769g)
- a lower price (from £2,599)
- a newer design (2025)
Specs side by side
| Spec | SL3 | SL3-S |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 60MP | Full frame, 24MP |
| Mount | L-Mount (Lumix S, Leica SL) | L-Mount (Lumix S, Leica SL) |
| Released | 2024 | 2025 |
| Burst | 15 fps | 30 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| Max ISO | 100,000 | 100,000 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 8K 30p | 6K 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 769 g | 768 g |
| Battery | Leica BP-SCL6 | Leica BP-SCL6 |
| Card slots | CFexpress B + SD (UHS-II) | SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | £5,920 | £4,500 |
| Used at MPB | £3,269–4,589 | £2,599 |
| Native lenses in our database | 64 (39 third-party) | 64 (39 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | SL3 |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | SL3-S |
| Astrophotography | SL3-S |
| Vlogging & video | SL3-S |
| 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. They share the same battery (Leica BP-SCL6).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Leica SL3 better than the Leica SL3-S?
It depends on your priorities. The SL3 offers more resolution (60MP vs 24MP), stronger video (8K 30p); the SL3-S offers faster bursts (30fps vs 15fps), better low-light performance, a lighter body (768g vs 769g).
Which is better for video, the SL3 or the SL3-S?
The SL3 is stronger for video: SL3 records 8K 30p, SL3-S records 6K 30p.
Which is cheaper, the SL3 or the SL3-S?
The SL3 costs £5,920 new and from £3,269 used at MPB; the SL3-S costs £4,500 new and from £2,599 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Leica SL3 lenses on the SL3-S?
Yes. Both use the L-Mount mount.