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 Type | Medium Format DSLR |
Lens Mount | Leica S |
Image Sensor Size | 30 x 45 mm (Leica ProFormat) |
Sensor Type | Leica CMOS-Sensor with microlenses |
Image Processor | Maestro II |
Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
Image Resolution | 64 MP |
Pixel Pitch | 6 µm |
Dynamic Range | 15 f-stops |
ISO | Auto, 100 to 50000 |
Shutter | Focal Plane Shutter, Leaf Shutter |
Shutter Speed | 8 min (depending on ISO) up to 1/4000 in half steps |
Burst Frame Rate | 3 fps |
Video Resolution | Full HD: 1920 x 1080p up to 30 fps DCI 4K: 4096 x 2160p up to 24 fps |
Color Sampling | 4:2:2, 8 bit color depth |
AF Points | 1 |
Internal Audio | 48 kHz, 16 bit |
Display Size | 3″ |
Monitor Type | TFT LCD |
Monitor Resolution | 921,600 pixels |
Flash Speed | 1/125 Second (Focal Plane Shutter) 1/1000 Second (Leaf Shutter) |
Flash Interface | Lemo Flash Sync |
Memory Cards | Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC Slot 2: CompactFlash (UDMA 7) |
Connectivity | Lemo USB 3.0 SuperSpeed HDMI Type C 3.5mm Microphone |
Weather Sealed | Yes |
Battery | Leica Battery S BP-PRO1 Lithium-ion battery 7.3 V, 2300 mAh |
Dimensions | 6.3 x 3.15 x 4.72 in |
Weight | 1.260g / 40.51oz (without battery) |
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