Leica SL3-P launches with 44 MP sensor, 8K video and 40 fps shooting

Leica's SL3-P is a 44 MP full-frame mirrorless with 8K video, 40 fps burst shooting, and a new hybrid autofocus system. Available now at $6,690, with two new SL lenses joining the system later in the year.

Leica has launched the SL3-P, a full-frame mirrorless L-Mount camera alongside two new SL lenses: the Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH. and the APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8.

SL3-P

Leica says that the SL3-P is the best-performing camera it has ever made, and on specs alone it is certainly impressive. The camera centers on a 44 MP BSI full-frame sensor with a dynamic range of up to 14 stops and an ISO range of 50 to 200,000. A Multishot mode combines exposures for images of up to 176 MP. The hybrid autofocus system combines three technologies: phase detection (PDAF), depth mapping (object detection AF), and contrast detection AF, across 819 AF points with smart subject recognition. Continuous shooting runs at up to 40 fps with full AF support.

Video spec is equally good. The SL3-P records 8.1K Open Gate in 3:2 format at up to 30p, HDMI RAW 8K Open Gate, and 8K at 30p using the full sensor. It supports 5.9K at up to 60 fps and 4K120 for slow motion. Apple ProRes is available up to 5.8K. Two in-camera LUTs, Leica Pure and Leica Cine, cover the L-Log color space.

The body is made in Germany with a full-metal construction and IP54 dust and splash resistance. The design is deliberately minimal, the camera being released without the red Leica logo. That seems a bit of an odd choice, but the large letters spelling ‘LEICA’ across the top probably give the game away.

The UI separates photo and video modes with a color code (red for photos, yellow for videos) and adapts to camera orientation on a tilting screen. Controls are fully customizable, with firmware updates delivered via the Leica FOTOS App.

Connectivity includes WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB-C for file transfer and full remote control via smartphone or tablet. Native tethering is supported for Lightroom Classic and Capture One. Camera-to-Cloud via Adobe Frame.io enables direct upload to the cloud. The SL3-P also supports Content Credentials via the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), allowing images to be signed with tamper-proof metadata.

Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH.

Leica claims this is the world's most compact AF lens at 50mm and f/1.4. It measures 74 mm in diameter and 75.5 mm in length, with a weight of 584 g. It has 11 aperture blades, two aspherical elements, a minimum focus distance of 50 cm, an E67 filter thread, IP54 weather sealing, an AquaDura coating, and uses the L-Mount.

APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8

Drawing on the APO-Macro-Elmarit-R 100 f/2.8 from 1987, this SL-mount macro lens uses apochromatic correction and reaches a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1 with a minimum focus distance of 30 cm. The body is 137.6 mm long and weighs 862 g including the lens hood. It has an eight-blade aperture, E67 filter thread, AquaDura coating, and L-Mount.

Pricing and availability

Deep breath time. The SL3-P is available now at $6,690 from Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorized dealers. Three launch kits are available: the SL3-P 28–70 Vario Kit with the Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70 f/2.8 ASPH. at $7,790; the SL3-P 24–70 Vario Kit with the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH. at $8,390; and the SL3-P 24–70 & 70–200 Vario Kit with both the 24–70 and 70–200 f/2.8 ASPH. at $10,995.

We only have European pricing for the standalone lenses at the moment. The Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH. is priced at €4,500 and the APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 at €2,450, both available from the end of 2026.