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Leica SL3-P Review: The First Leica Camera Without a Big But

Captured Light Creative

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The Leica SL3-P might be the first Leica camera I’ve reviewed where I don’t have to say, “It’s a great camera… BUT.”

For years, that “but” has been part of the Leica conversation. The cameras could be beautifully designed, wonderfully simple to use, and capable of producing incredible images—but there was usually something the competition did better.

Autofocus. Resolution. Video. Speed. Features. Sometimes several of those things.

With the Leica SL3-P, I think that changes.

In this real-world review, I take a close look at Leica’s SL3-P, including its image quality, autofocus, performance, handling, design, video capabilities, and overall shooting experience—and explain why I believe this may be the most complete digital camera Leica has ever produced.

The SL3-P combines the simplicity and build quality Leica shooters expect with the modern technology and performance needed to compete with today’s best full-frame mirrorless cameras.

There are still reasons you might choose Sony, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, or another Leica instead. And, of course, there’s the price.

But those are choices—not necessarily compromises.

And that distinction is important.

The Leica SL3-P may finally be the Leica camera without a big “but.”

In this review:

Leica SL3-P specifications and key features
Real-world shooting experience
Image quality and performance
Autofocus performance
Video capabilities
Where the SL3-P improves on previous Leica SL cameras
How it compares with other premium full-frame mirrorless cameras
Who should—and shouldn’t—buy the Leica SL3-P
Why I think this is one of Leica’s most important cameras

If you enjoy real-world camera reviews, Leica photography, photography gear, and discussions about what actually matters when you’re out taking pictures, subscribe to Captured Light Creative.

#LeicaSL3P #LeicaSL3 #LeicaCamera #LeicaPhotography #Leica #CameraReview #MirrorlessCamera #Photography

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9 Comments

@CapturedLightCreative Creator 1 month ago

Always love the different perspectives. Thanks for commenting….and throwing in another BUT. 😂

@kenandcamera 1 month ago

Appreciate the thoughts.

@mjblack5555 1 month ago

Appreciate the comparison. I have been toying with getting one of these cameras or the Panasonic. The one photo feature I enjoy playing with on my Panasonic s9 is using the xpan crop mode in camera and disappointed that Leica does not include that but Panasonic does. I don’t need 44 megapixels and having the built in crop mode in camera is enjoyable for me. Maybe Leica will look at adding it in the future

@JackieSemple 1 month ago

I'm impressed with this camera's spec and build quality as reported, weighing 768 gms. Made to last it seems unless you decide to move on. I've not yet gotten my hands on a copy. I sense from your video that it is for Leica lovers. But it costs a load of money ($7161) and if you want to move on then the depreciation/resale value might be unfavourable.

At a glance there seems to be a strong resemblance between Leica SL3-P and the Panasonic Lumix S1RII (UK cost today $3754), a camera that I sense you appreciate and that weighs 795 gms. Either one seems likely to provide a similar level of service but the cost difference and resale value (the camera we buy is often the camera we sell) seems likely to favour choosing the Panasonic LUMIX S1RII but obviously not if you must have a Leica , a view I respect.

@ChrisSaunders 1 month ago

Great coverage of all the main features and capabilities of the SL3-P! Do you think the slower readout speeds of this camera and it's Lumix cousin could be something you'd have to work around for sports or wildlife?

@buyiphilip 4 weeks ago (edited)

BUTTTT thank you for sharing.

@andrewcook9977 1 month ago

but...it doesn't have pre-capture. I might be the only Leica enthusiast who cares.

@DZ-cm5xw 1 month ago (edited)

BUT! It costs close to $8000.
Besides the beautiful craftsmanship that makes this camera an object of desire, it is still a Panasonic in terms of electronics. The specs are geared towards professional photographers or social media influencers, but, another but, it is not the best hybrid camera on the market and a true professional will not use this for day to day works.

If someone want a camera to worship, get a vintage mechanical film Leica, those are 100% Leica.

@jacquesmathurin8389 1 month ago (edited)

As a Leica owner, the only reason to own a Leica is the pride of ownership. No, they do not hold their value very well. A Leica SL-2, which originally sold for over $10,000 Canadian including taxes, can now be bought for $3150 . in mint condition. There is a class of people who prides itself in owning the most recent and most expensive model of anything they buy. They cannot get rid of the discontinued model fast enough, when a new one comes out. The camera has seen very little use as their main concern was to impress instead of taking pictures. It is usually an excellent buy at roughly one third of the original price. The iconic retro style Leica M holds its value a little better, as it makes you feel that you are standing somewhere between Henri Cartier Bresson and the invisible man. There are many cameras that will perform just as well for less money, bearing in mind that in the end, it is the photographer who creates the picture.