Leica S3: New Medium Format DSLR Finally Arrives

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The long-awaited Leica S3 medium format flagship DSLR camera is finally available in the market featuring all-new Leica ProFormat 64 MP 30 x 45mm sensor. Now, Leica S3 can shoot full-width DCI 4k videos at a frame rate of 24 fps supporting 8 bit 4:2:2 color depth. Along with a new higher resolution sensor and 4k video support, Leica S3 also features a higher dynamic range, ISO sensitivity, and better autofocus performance than the predecessor while maintaining the same image processor.

Just like Leica S (Type 007), S3 offers the same burst frame rates of 3 fps. And again, this is not a great selling point for wildlife, sports, or action photographers. Anyways, the main focus of this camera is to provide that classic medium format look with gorgeous bokeh.

Supporting Leica S mount, the new S3 medium format DSLR accepts Leica’s high quality S mount lenses such as Leica Summicron-S 100 f/2 ASPH. As of now, up to 16 lens choices are available for this camera.

New Features of Leica S3 Medium Format DSLR

New High-Resolution Image Sensor

While the image sensor size remains the same in Leica S3 as the predecessor Leica S (Typ 007), the same is not true for the sensor resolution. With almost double the resolution, the flagship S3 boasts incomparable image results with a new 64 MP Leica ProFormat Sensor.

Higher Dynamic Range and ISO than Leica S (Typ 007) Medium Format DSLR

Apart from higher resolution, the new image sensor allows this camera to capture up to 15 f-stops of dynamic range. Additionally, it also increases ISO sensitivity in Leica S3 up to ISO 50000 instead of ISO 12500.

Autofocus

According to Leica, S3 comes with an improved phase detection predictive autofocus system. However, it still uses a single central cross-type point AF point as the predecessor.

Full-Width DCI 4k Video Recording

Leica S3 is now capable of recording DCI 4k videos across the full width of the medium format sensor. Even the predecessor supported the same resolution but it was not capable of utilizing the full width of the sensor.

Pricing and Availability

The new Leica S3 medium format flagship DSLR is available to preorder at a price of $18,995 USD.

Leica S3 Medium Format DSLR Specifications

Leica S3
Camera TypeMedium Format DSLR
Lens MountLeica S
Image Sensor Size30 x 45 mm (Leica ProFormat)
Sensor TypeLeica CMOS-Sensor with microlenses
Image ProcessorMaestro II
Aspect Ratio3:2
Image Resolution64 MP
Pixel Pitch6 µm
Dynamic Range15 f-stops
ISOAuto, 100 to 50000
ShutterFocal Plane Shutter, Leaf Shutter
Shutter Speed8 min (depending on ISO)
up to 1/4000 in half steps
Burst Frame Rate3 fps
Video ResolutionFull HD: 1920 x 1080p up to 30 fps
DCI 4K: 4096 x 2160p up to 24 fps
Color Sampling4:2:2, 8 bit color depth
AF Points1
Internal Audio48 kHz, 16 bit
Display Size3″
Monitor TypeTFT LCD
Monitor Resolution921,600 pixels
Flash Speed1/125 Second (Focal Plane Shutter)
1/1000 Second (Leaf Shutter)
Flash InterfaceLemo Flash Sync
Memory CardsSlot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Slot 2: CompactFlash (UDMA 7)
ConnectivityLemo USB 3.0 SuperSpeed
HDMI Type C
3.5mm Microphone
Weather SealedYes
BatteryLeica Battery S BP-PRO1
Lithium-ion battery 7.3 V, 2300 mAh
Dimensions6.3 x 3.15 x 4.72 in
Weight1.260g / 40.51oz (without battery)

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Ishaan Sarna
Ishaan Sarna

Founder of AUDEMPIRE (Pro Audio Equipment Store), SOUNDELICIT (Music Industry & Pro Audio Blog), TECHNOISER (Tech blog), and ISOLAPSE (Motion Industry & Photography Gear Blog). Music Producer by profession and also a Tech Enthusiast.