Leica S3 Review
In this comprehensive Leica S3 review, we will cover the most important aspects of company's newest Pro SLR, including key features, body and handling, performance and image quality. You can also find the additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the S3.
The Leica S3 is a camera designed for enthusiast photographers that was revealed to the public on 2020-03-06 and is equipped with an Medium format sensor. When it comes to the price(buy Leica S3 from Amazon), the Leica S3 costs for body-only and joins company’s Medium format camera line up with a 64.0MP CMOS sensor.
The combination of 64.0-MP sensor and latest image processing engine in a compact and affordable body is bound to be a tempting prospect for both new and existing users. Before going into the details of the Leica S3 view, let's take a quick look at a summary of the features list. Then we can look deeper to the main features such as build quality, handling, ergonomics, performance and image quality.
| Introduction and Key Features | Body and Handling | Performance and Image Quality | Conclusions | Questions and Answers (FAQ) |
Leica S3 - Key Features
Let's take a look at the features of this Pro SLR at a glance before going into the Leica S3 review. In this way, you get a preliminary idea. Check it out!
Sensor
64.0-megapixel Medium format CMOS
ISO
Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12500, 25000, 50000
AF System
Phase-detect TTL with central cross-hair sensor: Choice of AFs (single) = Sharpness priority, AFc (continuous) = Shutter release priority, MF (manual), Manual override of automatic setting possible at any time; Contrast detect AF during live view at any point in image
Video
8K up to 4096x2160 (24p)
Shutter speed
1/4000 - 125 sec
Continuous Shooting Speed
3.0 frames per second
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
GPS
Dimensions
6.3 x 4.7 x 3.1 in. (160 x 120 x 80 mm)
Weight
44.4 oz (1,260 g) includes batteries
Leica S3 - Body and Handling
Compared with the predecessors, The Leica S3 has a deeper grip, as well as an improved texture. You can certainly notice the larger area for your hand between the lens and grip, and this makes the camera more comfortable to hold. The dimensions of the S3 are 6.3 x 4.7 x 3.1 in. (160 x 120 x 80 mm) and the camera weighs 44.4 oz (1,260 g) includes batteries for body-only.
Leica S3 - Viewfinder
The S3 has a Optical / LCD viewfinder. The viewfinder has 0.87x magnification, which is a 35mm equivalent of 1.09x magnification. The 3.0-inch 921,600 dots LCD screen feels solid and looks good with good colour and clear text. The LCD doesn't have a screen.
Leica S3 - Battery
The camera uses the Proprietary 7.4V, 2850mAh battery. It is backward compatible and offers per charge according to CIPA ratings. As usual with CIPA ratings, you may get many more than this with better use of LCD and OVF combination.
Leica S3 - Memory Card Slot
By default, the Leica S3 doesn't come with a memory card. Some retailers put together bundles that do include one, but chances are that you'll need to pick up an SD card separately.
Leica S3 supports dual card slots. You can use CF1 / SD / SDHC / SDXC type memory cards. The technical difference between those two specifications are in the filesystem they're formatted with, but the practical difference is that cards 32GB and smaller will be labeled SDHC and cards 64GB and larger will be labeled SDXC.
Leica S3 - Connectivity
On the side, you'll find Mini HDMI Type C, X-sync, 7-pin LEMO socket for remote accessories, contact strip for multi-function hand grip, audio in (3.5 mm jack) and audio out (3.5 mm jack) with audio adapter S (supplied with the camera). The camera can output clean HDMI, in case you want to record video to an external recorder. For sending captured images the camera offers Wi-Fi and . When it comes to GPS we have to say the camera has not built-in support.
Leica S3 - Performance and Image Quality
Leica S3 - AF System
The AF system of the Leica S3 is Phase-detect TTL with central cross-hair sensor: Choice of AFs (single) = Sharpness priority, AFc (continuous) = Shutter release priority, MF (manual), Manual override of automatic setting possible at any time; Contrast detect AF during live view at any point in image. This is ideal for working with long lenses and teleconverters. The low-light working range of the autofocus system is rated for +/- 3.0EV in 0.5EV steps.
Autofocus system of the S3 includes metering modes like Multi-segment (5 fields), Center-weighted, Spot (3.5% of image frame).
Leica S3 - ISO Sensitivity
Native ISO sensitivity range of Leica S3 starts from 100 to 50000. The camera’s full ISO rates are as follows Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12500, 25000, 50000.
Leica S3 - Video Features
The Leica S3 can record 8K video at up to 4096x2160 (24p). However, since it’s captured from a 3840 x 2160 pixel area at the centre of the sensor, it a provides a detailed footage. The camera is also capable of Full HD video (1920 x 1080) capture at up to 60 fps. The S3 can create movies right in the camera.
Leica S3 - Conclusions
The Leica S3 is a great all round performer, which is well-suited to a range of photography subjects that the average enthusiast is likely to tackle. The camera is also smaller and lighter, arguably making it a better option for traveling.
If you regularly shoot in low light environments or high ISO speeds, and want to be able to record 4K UHD video, then the Leica S3 will not be a good choice.
Overall, the Leica S3 is a great all-round enthusiast camera for those looking for their next step up Dslr with excellent image quality, and reliable performance.
What is the sensor technology found in the S3?
The camera comes with an Medium format image sensor and is a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor).
What is the native ISO sensitivity range of the S3?
The camera has a native ISO sensitivity from 100 to 50000.
What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with flash?
The S3's flash sync speed is 1/125 or 1/1000 depending on lens (shutter type).
What is the buffer size for RAW and JPEG shooting?
Buffer size for RAW is approximately 6, while the JPEG shooting is Unlimited.
What battery does Leica S3 use?
The camera uses the Proprietary 7.4V, 2850mAh, which is a Lithium-ion rechargeable.
What is the battery life of Leica S3?
Shoot all day and well into the night with up to approximately per charge (CIPA standard).
Notes About Leica S3 Review
Specific assessments of the cameras should be instructive in revealing the technical characteristics of the cameras. For example, in practice, the Leica S3 review should convey various details about usage, response, and overall viewing quality to the user. User comments, such as those found on Amazon, can sometimes give information about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.
As users, you should pay attention to the reviews made by experts. That's why we find it important to include the correct and expert opinions on the Leica S3 review.