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Today, Leica has announced the official release of the S3 medium format digital camera. The camera, which was teased back at Photokina 2018, will start shipping immediately for a price of $18,995. Very similar to its predecessor, the outstanding Leica S (Typ 007), the new camera features a brand new 64 megapixel sensor exclusively created for the S3.

Image Quality

With over 15-stops of dynamic range and an ISO range from 50 to 50,000, the Leica S3 now represents the pinnacle in imaging tech for the company. Combined with the 60% larger sensor size, added resolution and incredible dynamic range, a newly designed color filter array (CFA) over the sensor promises the highest color fidelity of any Leica digital camera to date.

And with a dual gain design, the S3's sensor performs exceptionally well at higher ISO, retaining dynamic range and file malleability while offer greater shooting flexibility.

Long Exposure Improvement

The S3 gets a welcome benefit from its new low-noise and low-heat sensor. Instead of being limited to just 60 or 125 second exposures at base ISO on the previous generations, the Leica S3 can now shoot exposures up to eight minutes. This has been one of the most frequently requested updates to the S System since the beginning. Really nice to see that here.

Weather Sealed

Just like the previous S cameras before it, the Leica S3 employs 36 gasketed seals, and is virtually impervious to foul weather. I've personally shot in some of the harshest conditions during my many years of photographing with the S System. Not once has a camera failed on me due to rain, snow, or even the errant wave. The S3 is built like a tank.

Video

Along with the new sensor's still imaging capability is the option to shoot Cine 4K (4096×2160) utilizing the entire 45mm width of the medium format sensor. This is a significant bump from the S (007)'s Super35 crop mode for 4K recording. Recording bit rates up to 430Mbs are available using 422 color sampling in 10-bit. HDMI out is available, but will only support up to Full HD for use with an external monitor, not for 4K recording. This is a little disappointing, but the internal recording does seem to be far improved from the S (Typ 007).

Studio Ready

The Leica S3 is at home in the studio as it is in the field, with high speed USB 3.0 tethering via a secure LEMO cable. Connect directly into Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic, or use Leica Image Shuttle for tethered shooting into Capture One with full camera control and high-res live view on the computer screen.

Leica FOTOS 2.0 Compatible

Instead of a tethered connection, the S3's built-in fast 802.11n Wi-Fi can connect to an iPhone or Android device using the Leica FOTOS 2.0 app. With the Pro version, native full screen viewing on an iPad Pro and direct connection to Lightroom Mobile are possible. This allows for fluid live view composition and remote shooting, or simply reviewing and editing images.

Dual Shutter System

Leica pioneered a dual shutter system to allow photographers the option to use the focal plane shutter up to 1/4,000th of a second for wide-open ambient light shooting without an ND filter on the lens, or to simply flip a switch and enable the lens central shutter for high-speed flash sync up to 1/1000th of a second, extremely valuable for on-location jobs with strobes. This creative flexibility still exists with the S3 and full line of CS (Central Shutter) lenses.

Full Lens Portfolio

Coming into a fully mature ecosystem, the S3 can take advantage of the full range of impressive S lenses. With 10 lenses, six in CS variants, the full range from 24-180mm is covered. From the distortion-free ultra-wide angle 24mm f/3.5 Super-Elmar-S ASPH (18mm equiv.) to the buttery smooth bokeh machine 100mm f/2 Summicron-S, the entire lineup is truly amazing and fully equipped to take full advantage of the new 64MP sensor.

Optical Viewfinder

The S3 remains as a traditional DSLR design, offering the best optical viewfinder that I've ever used. Bright, large and crystal clear, the S3's optical viewfinder is a wonderful experience. While Leica may go mirrorless with future S cameras, there are many who are glad to see the optical viewfinder live on.

Operational Concept

Unlike the SL2, Q2, M10 and CL, the operational concept and user interface remains unchanged. We've still got the four quadrant soft buttons surrounding the rear LCD, which many S users passionately fought for Leica to keep. Some were disappointed that Leica chose to change this on the SL2, as the original SL (Typ 601) matched up to the S.

Built-In GPS

While the GPS was removed from the SL (Typ 601) when designing the SL2, the S3 retains its built-in GPS receiver, concealed under a black plastic cover on the top plate. This is a great feature for landscape and travel photographers alike.

Still Fast

Even with massive jump in resolution, the S3's Maestro II image processor is rated at 320 megapixels per second, and is more than up to the task of chewing through all those pixels. With the rapid readout sensor along with the speedy Maestro processor, the Leica S3 can shoot up to 3 fps at full resolution. Like previous S cameras, images can be recorded to either SD or CF cards.


 

Ordering and Availability

Initial deliveries of the Leica S3 are expected to start immediately with the first units arriving in the US by mid-March. Pricing is set at $18,995 for the body only, which is actually a bit less than previous generations of the Leica S, especially considering the recent price increases due to the new tariff schedule. If you are interested in ordering the Leica S3, you can do so at Leica Store Miami, by clicking the button below, calling 305-921-4433, or by sending an email to info@leicastoremiami.com.


 


 

Sample Images

I had the opportunity to take the Leica S3 on a photo trip to Patagonia and do some landscape work. The results were as expected: outstanding. Detail, color and dynamic range were truly impressive. Working with the camera felt extremely familiar with no learning curve coming from my S (Typ 007). Take a look below for some of the results, and be sure to click on the photos for larger versions.

Leica S3 with 120mm APO-Macro-Summarit-S
0.7 sec @ f/8, ISO 160
Leica S3 with 120mm APO-Macro-Summarit-S
1/500th sec @ f/8, ISO 400
Leica S3 with 24mm Super-Elmar-S ASPH
1/90th sec @ f/9.5, ISO 400
Leica S3 with 30mm Elmarit-S ASPH
1/8th sec @ f/11, ISO 100
Leica S3 with 24mm Super-Elmar-S ASPH
1/125th sec @ f/11, ISO 100
Leica S3 with 45mm Elmarit-S ASPH
1/1500th sec @ f/4, ISO 800
Leica S3 with 45mm Elmarit-S ASPH
1/4000th sec @ f/2.8, ISO 100
Leica S3 with 45mm Elmarit-S ASPH
1/90th sec @ f/9.5, ISO 200
Leica S3 with 24mm Super-Elmar-S ASPH
1/90th sec @ f/11, ISO 200
Leica S3 with 120mm APO-Macro-Summarit-S
1/1000th sec @ f/9.5, ISO 200
Leica S3 with 120mm APO-Macro-Summarit-S
1/1750th sec @ f/3.4, ISO 1600
Leica S3 with 120mm APO-Macro-Summarit-S
1/1500th sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400
Leica S3 with 120mm APO-Macro-Summarit-S
1/500th sec @ f/8, ISO 400
Leica S3 with 45mm Elmarit-S ASPH
1/25th sec @ f/11, ISO 200

 

Timeline of Leica S Cameras

Leica S2

Leica S2

Introduced Sept 23, 2008

37.5MP CCD Sensor

Maestro I Processor

ISO 160- 1250

1.5 fps

(Read the review here)

Leica S (Typ 006)

Leica S (Typ 006)

Introduced Sept 18, 2012

37.5MP CCD Sensor

Maestro I Processor

2GB Buffer

ISO 100- 1600

1.5 fps

Built-in GPS

 

S (Typ 007)

S (Typ 007)

Introduced Sept 16, 2014

37.5MP CMOS Sensor

Maestro II Processor

ISO 100- 12,500

Live View

FHD and 4K Video

3.5 fps

(Read the review here)

Leica S3

Leica S3

Introduced Sept 25, 2018

64MP CMOS Sensor

Maestro II Processor

ISO 100- 50,000

3 fps

Full-frame Cine 4K Video


 

Tech Specs

Camera Type:Digital medium-format single lens reflex camera for use with Leica S-Lenses.
Image Sensor Type:Leica CMOS sensor with micro-lens layer
Size:30 × 45 mm (Leica Pro Format)
Aspect Ratio:2:3
Resolution:64 megapixels
Dynamic Range:Up to 15 stops
White Balance:Presets: Daylight, cloudy, shade, incandescent, fluorescent, HMI,halogen warm, halogen cool, flash, tungsten, gray card, gray card Live View, automatic, color temperature (Kelvin)
Low-pass Filter / IR Filter:No (for maximum detail resolution/sharpness)
 / on sensor
ISO Sensitivity:ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO 6400, ISO 12500, ISO 25000, ISO 50000, auto ISO
FOCUSING
TypePredictive TTL autofocus with central cross sensor and phase detection
AF Modes:AFs (single) = focus priority, AFc (continuous) = predictive focus tracking, MF (manual), manual override possible at any time
AF Lock:Shutter release or five-way joystick
MF:Via lens with electronic focusing aid
EXPOSURE SETTINGS
Exposure Metering:Exposure metering through the lens (TTL)
Metering Modes:Multi-segment (five fields), center-weighted, selective/spot metering (3.5% of image frame)
Exposure Control:Program AE (with manual shift) (P), shutter speed priority (T), aperture priority AE (A),manual exposure control (M)
Exposure Compensation:(± 3 EV in half-EV increments
Exposure Bracketing:Three/five exposures (automatic/manual), half, one, two or three stops
SHUTTER
Shutter:Focal plane shutter, central shutter with Leica CS lenses
Drive Modes:Single, continuous, interval, self-timer 2 s /12 s (with mirror pre-release)
Shutter Speeds:2 minutes (depending on ISO setting) to 1/4000 s, in half-stop increments
Burst Rate:Up to 3 fps 
Self Timer:Two- or 12-second delay with mirror pre-release
Mirror Pre-Release:Yes
Live View Refresh RateUp to 60 fps
Focusing:Manual, AF metering field shift to any part of the viewfinder image
Exposure Control:Multi-segment (five fields), center-weighted, selective/spot (linked to AF metering field)
Exposure Simulation:Yes
Miscellaneous:Histogram with clipping, focus peaking, leveling aid (horizon), exposure information
VIDEO 
Video Recording:4K cinema and full-HD in Leica ProFormat (large format video)
Resolution:Full-HD: 1920 x 1080 p, 4K cinema: 4096 x 2160 p
Frame Rate:Full-HD: 24, 25, 30 fps, 4K cinema: 24 fps
File Format:MOV (motion JPEG)
Color Subsampling:4:2:2
Exposure Control:Manual and automatic
Audio Level:Manual and automatic
Audio (onboard):Integrated stereo microphone. 48 kHz, 16 Bit
Audio (External):Audio-in (3.5 mm stereo jack), Audio-out (3.5 mm stereo jack), with Leica Audio-Adapter-S
Time code:Internal
Miscellaneous:Focus peaking, clean uncompressed full-HD (1080p) 8-Bit, 4:2:2, HDMI video stream for recording on off-camera HDMI recorders
VIEWFINDER
Type:Pentaprism viewfinder with high-eyepoint eyepiece, illuminated LCD bar
Magnification:0.87x (with 70 mm lens at infinity, 0 dpt.)
Viewfinder Coverage:Approx. 98%
Diopter Compensation:–3 to +1 diopters
Focusing Screens:Exchangeable: standard focusing screen with AF cross hairs and spot marking (supplied with the camera), focusing screen with engraved grid, microprism focusing screen
Viewfinder Information:Levelling aid (horizon), shutter speed, exposure control mode, aperture, flash status, exposure compensation scale, flash sync display, focus indicator, exposure compensation, remaining exposures (on storage medium), buffer memory, error messages, ISO settings display
DISPLAY PANELS
Monitor Screen:3-inch TFT LCD display
Resolution:921,600 pixels
Color Space:sRGB, 16 million colors
Oblique viewing Angle:170°
Display Cover Glass:Corning®Gorilla®Glass
Top-Deck Display Panel:Monochrome LCD display
SHOOTING
Drive Modes:Single, continuous, interval, self-timer 2s with mirror pre-release, self-timer 12s with mirror pre-release
DATE RECORDING
Image Data Formats:Lossless compressed DNG, DNG + JPEG
Buffer Memory Capacity:2 GB buffer memory, up to six lossless compressed DNG image files, JPEG no limit (dependent on memory card type, shutter speed and ISO setting)
Storage Media:SD card (SDXC), CF card (UDMA7), external (PC)
FLASH
Connections:Lemo® flash sync socket, hot shoe with center and control contacts
Flash Synchronization with Focal Plane Shutter:1/125 s
Flash Synchronization with Central Shutter (leaf shutter):Up to 1/1000 s
High-Speed Sync HSS Function:up to 1/4000 s (with compatible external flash units)
Flash Triggering Point:Sync on first or second curtain (FPS)
MISCELLANEOUS
Playback Mode:Full image, histogram with clipping, focus peaking, exposure information
GPS:Yes, integrated
WLAN:Integrated in camera body (remote camera control and image assessment by smartphone app), IEEE802.11n
Date/Time:Manual or automatic date/time setting with GPS module
Leveling Aid (horizon):Display sensitivity < 1° (at ambient temperatures from 0–40°C)
INTERFACES
USBLemo® USB 3.0 SuperSpeed
HDMI:HDMI type C socket
Audio:With Audio-Adapter S (audio-in, audio-out)
Flash Synchronization:Lemo® flash sync socket
Remote Release:Lemo® cable remote release
WLAN:Integrated in camera body
BODY
Materials:Magnesium body with non-slip rubber armoring. Magnesium top deck, aluminum baseplate.Stainless steel bayonet and control elements
Dimensions:160 × 80 × 120 mm
Weight:~ 1260 g (without battery)
Dust-proof / Splash-proof Sealing:Yes

 

Press Release

The new flagship medium format DSLR arrives

The much anticipated Leica S3 medium format camera, first announced at photokina, is now shipping. The new flagship from Leica packs a brand new 64 megapixel 30 x 45 mm medium format sensor, expanded 4K video capabilities and some of the most dramatic imaging potential from a camera system – for use both in the studio and out in the field. Capture the world with the storied Leica look in the highest fidelity possible.
Leica S-Lenses are the highest quality optics in the medium format world, and with fast autofocus and burst shooting, the S3 is a system that can excel in just about any application. High-speed lenses such as the Leica Summicron-S 100 f/2 ASPH. encapsulate the benefits of the S-System – the Leica look and falloff from incredible sharpness to beautifully blurred bokeh that is a signature style of S Cameras, now at an even higher resolution with the S3. With 16 lenses to choose from, some equipped with Central Shutters for high-speed flash sync, the Leica S3 is equipped to meet the needs of any pro in need of a workhorse system.

Features & Benefits at a glance:

  • New 64mp medium format sensor for unprecedented image quality from Leica S-Lenses
  • 4K video recording across the full width of the sensor for the signature Leica look in video
  • ISO range of 100 – 50,000 for working in any lighting scenario
  • Dual shutter system with Focal Plane Shutter or Central Shutter lens options
  • Rugged and weather sealed build for use in the field and withstanding the elements
  • Tethered shooting workflow options for use in the professional studio
  • Leica FOTOS connectivity for mobile editing solutions on iPad, iPhone and Android

8 Responses

  1. LeicaPhotos

    Really incredible images, David. Like many Leica products, it is nice to see how even the original S lenses released (30mm and APO 120mm) in 2008, are still relevant with the S3 in color and resolution. Looking forward to seeing more!

    Reply
  2. Nikon fan

    The tech specs section of this article shows 37MP?
    Any comment on the move to 14 bit color?

    Reply
    • David Farkas

      Small copy/paste error. Sorry for that. We fixed it.

      It’s not really a move to 14-bit color. The S (Typ 007) also used 14-bit precision from the D/A stage as well. Both the S3 and the S007 store the resulting 14-bit raw data in a 16-bit DNG container, and both are capable of 15+ stops of dynamic range. For full details, check out the article we published around the launch of the S007, based on a conversation with Dr. Volker Zimmer, the head of R&D for Leica.

      Why Leica is staying at 37.5MP for the S (Typ 007)

      Reply
  3. Aki

    Always helpful to have your early insight to the new S3.
    How do you find the larger megapixels affecting (or not) on the photos in terms of small shakes? Do you need to go higher shutter speed relative to 007? And can you let us know your take on the iso performance also relative to the 007? Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Roger

    Could you comment on the AF system using the OVF . It appears the same as the S 007 . Focus point is only the center ..predictive AF is still suspect . It is still a contrast detection auto focus system ?
    I understand the AF in LV and it was fine for my use but the OVF AF system needed work ?

    Reply
  5. Aki

    David,
    Thank you for the sample photos. What are your take on the iso performance and the sensitivity to the shutter due to higher megapixels relative to the S007? I look forward to your review soon!
    BTW, the tech spec shows the S007 specs. Can you also upload the S3? Thanks!

    Reply
  6. Timothy Gasper

    Uneffin believable photos. Just can’t believe how crisp, pure and sharp these are. Love the camera and will think seriously about getting one. Just don’t know how to keep it a secret from my lovely wife. It’s death to me if she sees me with another camera.

    Reply

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