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Leica S3 Review | 108 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£16,370
  • Avg. price in US: ~$19,000
  • Sensor size: medium format
  • Lens mount: Leica S
  • Main camera pixel size: 4.6 µm
  • Weight: 1260 g
  • Battery life (CIPA): ?

Leica S3 review. Compare 108 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among cameras and if it is worth buying.

6.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best cameras on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

6.4

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
6.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, autofocus, video features, stabilization, lens compatibility, connectivity, battery, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

28.0%

7.9

Sensor & Image

25.0%

5.0

Photo Features

18.0%

6.1

Video & Audio

14.0%

4.5

Display & Design

8.0%

8.5

Battery & Power

7.0%

7.1

Connectivity & Storage

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 8.6
    Professional photography

    Score components:

    25.0%

    10

    Sensor size

    20.0%

    9.8

    Main camera megapixels

    20.0%

    10

    Dual card slots

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of focus points

    10.0%

    10

    RAW photo capture

    10.0%

    10

    Phase-detection autofocus (photos)

  • 4.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    35.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    30.0%

    ?

    Battery life (CIPA)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Sensor-shift stabilization

    15.0%

    10

    GPS

  • 4.2
    Beginners

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    Price

    20.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    20.0%

    10

    AF tracking

    20.0%

    ?

    Battery life (CIPA)

    10.0%

    1.0

    Touchscreen

  • 8.4
    Landscape photography

    Score components:

    30.0%

    9.8

    Main camera megapixels

    25.0%

    10

    Sensor size

    20.0%

    8.8

    Main camera pixel size

    15.0%

    1.0

    Sensor-shift stabilization

    10.0%

    10

    RAW photo capture

  • 3.1
    Street photography

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    25.0%

    4.0

    Thickness

    20.0%

    ?

    AF low-light sensitivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Sensor-shift stabilization

    10.0%

    1.0

    Eye detection AF (human)

  • 7.0
    Portraits

    Score components:

    30.0%

    10

    Sensor size

    25.0%

    8.8

    Main camera pixel size

    20.0%

    1.0

    Eye detection AF (human)

    15.0%

    9.8

    Main camera megapixels

    10.0%

    1.0

    Sensor-shift stabilization

  • 4.0
    Hiking

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    25.0%

    ?

    Battery life (CIPA)

    20.0%

    2.8

    Min operating temperature

    15.0%

    1.0

    Sensor-shift stabilization

    10.0%

    10

    GPS

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £16,370

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Leica S3 is a professional medium-format DSLR featuring a high-resolution 64-megapixel CMOS sensor (30 x 45 mm) that delivers 15 stops of dynamic range and a sensitivity range from ISO 100 to 50,000. Key characteristics include the Maestro II image processor enabling 3 fps continuous shooting, Cine 4K video using the full sensor width, and a dual shutter system supporting high-speed flash sync up to 1/1000s with CS lenses. Its main pros are the exceptional medium-format image quality, a bright optical viewfinder with 0.87x magnification, and a rugged, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body suitable for field use. However, notable cons include its high price point, a relatively basic single-point autofocus system compared to modern mirrorless standards, and the significant weight of the body and lenses which often necessitates a tripod for maximum sharpness.

Technical Specifications of Leica S3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, autofocus, video features, stabilization, lens compatibility, connectivity, battery, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

28.0%

?

Sensor & Image

25.0%

?

Photo Features

18.0%

?

Video & Audio

14.0%

?

Display & Design

8.0%

?

Battery & Power

7.0%

?

Connectivity & Storage

6.4
Leica S3 has a technical score of 6.38 points, which is higher than 79.1% of cameras.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters: When you want to see which cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
1.0
Leica S3 has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.4

Overall score

40.0%

1.0

Price

4.8
Leica S3 has a quality-to-price ratio of 4.8 points, which is lower than 95.4% of products in this category.
Sensor size
What it is: The sensor format value describes the physical light-collecting area.
When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Full frame or larger

medium format
Leica S3 uses a sensor classified as medium format; it is larger than the sensor in 97.9% of cameras and the same size as the sensor in 2.1% of cameras.
Main camera megapixels
What it is: The effective resolution of the camera sensor, measured in megapixels (MP). Higher megapixels can capture more detail.
When it matters: When you want high-resolution photos that allow more cropping or larger prints.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 20 MP

64 MP
Leica S3 has a main camera resolution of 64 MP, which is higher than that of 99.2% of cameras.
Main camera pixel size
What it is: The physical size of individual pixels on the camera sensor, measured in micrometers. Larger pixels typically capture more light for better low-light performance.
When it matters: When you shoot in low light and want reduced noise in your photos.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 3.5 µm

4.6 µm
Leica S3 has a main camera pixel size of 4.6 µm which is larger than in 76.5% of cameras.
Base ISO
What it is: The native ISO setting that delivers the sensor’s standard balance of image quality and dynamic range.
When it matters: When you want the best native image quality and compare cameras at their most optimal sensitivity setting.

Importance: LOW

100
Leica S3 has a base ISO of 100 which is higher than that of 20.3% of cameras and equal to that of 52% of cameras.
Max ISO
What it is: The ISO ceiling shows the highest sensor sensitivity available for darker scenes.
When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least ISO 25,600

50,000
Leica S3 reaches a maximum sensitivity of ISO 50,000, which is higher than that of 90.4% of cameras and equal to that of 1.5% of cameras.
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Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which interchangeable lenses the camera can use.
When it matters: When lens availability, upgrade options, and long-term system compatibility are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Leica S
Built-in focus motor
What it is: Indicates whether the camera body includes an internal autofocus motor for driving compatible lenses.
When it matters: When you plan to use older or budget lenses that depend on the camera body for autofocus drive.

Importance: LOW

no
Leica S3 does not have a built-in focus motor. 11% of cameras have a built-in focus motor.
N. of focus points
What it is: The total number of selectable autofocus points available for positioning and tracking focus.
When it matters: When you want more flexibility in placing focus precisely or tracking subjects across the frame.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 200 points

1
Leica S3 has 1 focus points, fewer than the number offered by 95.4% of cameras and equal to the number offered by 4.6% of cameras.
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
What it is: Autofocus technology that measures phase differences to lock focus quickly and accurately for still photography.
When it matters: When you want faster and more reliable autofocus for still photos, especially with moving subjects.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Leica S3 supports phase-detection autofocus for photos. 37.3% of cameras support phase-detection autofocus for photos.
AF tracking
What it is: An autofocus mode that continuously follows a moving subject to keep it sharp during shooting.
When it matters: When your subjects move unpredictably and you need the camera to keep focus on them automatically.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Leica S3 supports AF tracking. This feature is available on 88% of cameras.
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Max video resolution
What it is: The highest video resolution the camera can record, defining the maximum level of captured image detail.
When it matters: When you care about recording the highest level of detail for cropping, editing, or future-proof video work.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 3840 px

3,840 px
Leica S3 supports 3,840 px video recording which is higher quality than that of 76% of cameras and equal to that of 19.2% of cameras.
DCI 4K
Video bitrate
What it is: The amount of video data recorded per second, which affects file size and potential recording quality.
When it matters: When you compare potential video quality and want fewer compression artifacts in demanding scenes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 200 Mbps

430 Mbps
Leica S3 has a video bitrate of 430 Mbps which is higher than that of 93.5% of cameras and equal to that of 0.1% of cameras.
Video bit depth
What it is: The number of bits used per color channel in recorded video, affecting gradation smoothness and editing flexibility.
When it matters: When you color grade video and want smoother gradients with fewer banding issues.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 10-bit

8 bit
Leica S3 supports video at 8 bit, a bit depth higher than that of 7.8% of cameras and equal to that of 80.6% of cameras.
Video chroma subsampling
What it is: The color sampling format used in video recording, indicating how much color detail is retained relative to brightness detail.
When it matters: When color grading, keying, or serious post-production work is important in your video workflow.

Importance: LOW

4:2:2
Leica S3 supports 4:2:2 video chroma subsampling which is more advanced than that of 77.9% of cameras and equal to that of 22.1% of cameras.
Video codecs
What it is: The video compression formats the camera can use when recording, affecting compatibility, efficiency, and workflow.
When it matters: When compatibility, editing performance, and file efficiency matter in the way you handle video.

Importance: LOW

Motion JPEG
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Type
What it is: The camera type identifies the overall design, such as mirrorless, DSLR, compact, or bridge.
When it matters: When you want a camera style that matches how you shoot, carry, and swap lenses.

Importance: LOW

dslr
Weight
What it is: The total weight of the camera body, which affects comfort while carrying and shooting.
When it matters: When you carry the camera all day, travel often, or prefer a lighter setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 500 g or less

1,260 g
Leica S3 weighs 1,260 g which is heavier than 97.3% of cameras and equal to the weight of 0.1% of cameras.
Width
What it is: The width of the camera body, measured from side to side.
When it matters: When compact packing, grip comfort, or bag fit matters to you.

Importance: LOW

160 mm
Leica S3 has a width of 160 mm which is wider than 98.7% of cameras and equal to that of 0.6% of cameras.
Height
What it is: The height of the camera body, measured from top to bottom.
When it matters: When you care about how compact the camera feels in a bag or in hand.

Importance: LOW

120 mm
Leica S3 has a height of 120 mm which is taller than 96.2% of cameras and equal to that of 0.1% of cameras.
Thickness
What it is: The depth of the device profile, excluding the camera bump unless specified.
When it matters: When you prefer a sleek, slim profile that slides easily into tight pockets.

Importance: LOW

80 mm
Leica S3 has a thickness of 80 mm which is thicker than 77.3% of cameras and equal to that of 0.3% of cameras.
Show more
Battery life (CIPA)
What it is: The official battery endurance estimate measured under CIPA test methodology, usually expressed in shots per charge.
When it matters: When you need realistic expectations for how many shots you can take before carrying a spare battery.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 400 shots

?
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electric charge the battery can hold, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).
When it matters: When you want a general idea of how large the battery is physically.

Importance: LOW

Good value: At least 1,500 mAh

2,300 mAh
Leica S3 has a battery capacity of 2,300 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 96.1% of cameras and equal to those in 0.3% of cameras.
Removable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the flight battery can be removed and swapped by the user.
When it matters: When you want to swap batteries quickly between flights.

Importance: LOW

yes
Leica S3 has a removable battery, and 98.7% of cameras include one.
USB Power Delivery (PD)
What it is: Support for the USB Power Delivery standard for higher-power charging or external power supply over USB-C.
When it matters: When you want faster USB-C charging or the ability to power the camera externally for longer sessions.

Importance: LOW

no
Leica S3 does not support USB Power Delivery. 10.1% of cameras support USB Power Delivery.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the camera has built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer, remote control, or network features.
When it matters: When you want to transfer photos wirelessly, control the camera from a phone, or use supported network workflows.

Importance: LOW

yes
Leica S3 supports Wi-Fi. This feature is available on 47.8% of cameras.
802.11n
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The specific generation of Wi-Fi standards supported (e.g., Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7), determining maximum speed and efficiency.
When it matters: When you have a high-speed router and want faster downloads with less congestion.

Importance: LOW

Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Leica S3 uses Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) which is newer than that of 54.2% of cameras and equal to that of 35.6% of cameras.
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the camera supports Bluetooth for pairing, remote control, or file transfer.
When it matters: When you want quick wireless pairing with a phone, remote control, or location syncing.

Importance: LOW

no
Leica S3 does not have Bluetooth. 22.7% of cameras support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The Bluetooth version supported by the camera for wireless pairing and low-power connections.
When it matters: When you want more efficient wireless pairing, better range, or newer Bluetooth features.

Importance: LOW

N/A
USB Type-C
What it is: A modern, reversible connector used for charging, data transfer, and sometimes audio or video output.
When it matters: When you want a reversible cable that handles charging, data, and accessories universally.

Importance: LOW

no
Leica S3 does not include USB Type-C. 14.6% of cameras use USB-C.
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Leica S3 vs the average camera

  • 47.8 MP higher resolution on the main camera
    Leica S3 has a higher main camera resolution than the average camera (64 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a main camera resolution of 16.2 MP.
    What it is: The effective resolution of the camera sensor, measured in megapixels (MP). Higher megapixels can capture more detail.
    When it matters: When you want high-resolution photos that allow more cropping or larger prints.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 20 MP

    Leica S3 has a higher main camera resolution than the average camera (64 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a main camera resolution of 16.2 MP.64 MP vs 16.2 MP
  • Phase-detect AF for photos
    Leica S3 supports phase-detection autofocus for photos, the average camera does not.
    What it is: Autofocus technology that measures phase differences to lock focus quickly and accurately for still photography.
    When it matters: When you want faster and more reliable autofocus for still photos, especially with moving subjects.

    Importance: HIGH

    Leica S3 supports phase-detection autofocus for photos, the average camera does not.
  • 43,600 higher max ISO
    Leica S3 has a higher max ISO than the average camera (50,000 vs 6,400). The average camera reaches a max ISO of 6,400.
    What it is: The ISO ceiling shows the highest sensor sensitivity available for darker scenes.
    When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: At least ISO 25,600

    Leica S3 has a higher max ISO than the average camera (50,000 vs 6,400). The average camera reaches a max ISO of 6,400.50,000 vs 6,400
  • 14.33x higher video bitrate
    Leica S3 has a higher video bitrate than the average camera (430 Mbps vs 30 Mbps). The average camera records at 30 Mbps.
    What it is: The amount of video data recorded per second, which affects file size and potential recording quality.
    When it matters: When you compare potential video quality and want fewer compression artifacts in demanding scenes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: At least 200 Mbps

    Leica S3 has a higher video bitrate than the average camera (430 Mbps vs 30 Mbps). The average camera records at 30 Mbps.430 Mbps vs 30 Mbps
  • Larger sensor
    Leica S3 has a larger sensor than the average camera (medium format vs APS-C).
    What it is: The sensor format value describes the physical light-collecting area.
    When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Full frame or larger

    Leica S3 has a larger sensor than the average camera (medium format vs APS-C).medium format vs APS-C
  • Dual card slots
    Leica S3 offers dual card slots, the average camera does not. 13.3% of cameras offer them.
    1x SD, 1x CF
    What it is: Indicates whether the camera offers two memory card slots for backup, overflow, or file separation.
    When it matters: When you want backup recording, overflow capacity, or separate file handling for more demanding shoots.

    Importance: LOW

    Leica S3 offers dual card slots, the average camera does not. 13.3% of cameras offer them.
  • Has microphone input
    Leica S3 has microphone input, the average camera does not.
    LEMO port via Audio-Adapter S.
    What it is: Indicates whether the camera has a microphone input for connecting an external mic.
    When it matters: When you record video and want better audio than the built-in microphones can provide.

    Importance: LOW

    Leica S3 has microphone input, the average camera does not.
  • 1,180 mAh larger battery capacity
    Leica S3 has a higher battery capacity than the average camera (2,300 mAh vs 1,120 mAh). The average camera has a battery capacity of 1,120 mAh.
    What it is: The amount of electric charge the battery can hold, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).
    When it matters: When you want a general idea of how large the battery is physically.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: At least 1,500 mAh

    Leica S3 has a higher battery capacity than the average camera (2,300 mAh vs 1,120 mAh). The average camera has a battery capacity of 1,120 mAh.2300 mAh vs 1120 mAh
  • Better viewfinder type
    Leica S3 uses a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (optical vs none).
  • 4 more customizable buttons
    Leica S3 has more customizable buttons than the average camera (4 vs 0). The average camera offers 0 customizable buttons.
  • 11.5% higher magnification
    Leica S3 has a higher viewfinder magnification than the average camera (0.9x vs 0.78x). The average camera has a viewfinder magnification of 0.78x.
  • 47.8 MP higher resolution on the main camera
    Leica S3 has a higher main camera resolution than the average camera (64 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a main camera resolution of 16.2 MP.
  • 43,600 higher max ISO
    Leica S3 has a higher max ISO than the average camera (50,000 vs 6,400). The average camera reaches a max ISO of 6,400.
  • Larger sensor
    Leica S3 has a larger sensor than the average camera (medium format vs APS-C).
  • 1.26 µm larger main-camera pixels
    Leica S3 has a higher main camera pixel size than the average camera (4.6 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average camera has a main camera pixel size of 3.34 µm.
  • 7 newer
    Leica S3 is newer than the average camera (2020 vs 2013). The average camera was released in 2013.
  • Phase-detect AF for photos
    Leica S3 supports phase-detection autofocus for photos, the average camera does not.
  • 450 s longer maximum exposure
    Leica S3 supports a longer maximum exposure than the average camera (480 s vs 30 s). The average camera supports a longest shutter speed of 30 s.
  • Lossless compressed RAW
    Leica S3 supports lossless compressed RAW, while the average camera does not.
  • 14.33x higher video bitrate
    Leica S3 has a higher video bitrate than the average camera (430 Mbps vs 30 Mbps). The average camera records at 30 Mbps.
  • Has microphone input
    Leica S3 has microphone input, the average camera does not.
  • 1920 px higher video resolution
    Leica S3 records higher-resolution video than the average camera (3,840 px vs 1920 px). The average camera records at 1920 px.
  • More complete chroma subsampling
    Leica S3 supports better video chroma subsampling than the average camera (4:2:2 vs 4:2:0). The average camera supports 4:2:0 video chroma subsampling.
  • Supports timecode
    Leica S3 supports timecode, the average camera does not.
  • Clean HDMI output
    Leica S3 offers clean HDMI output, the average camera does not.
  • Built-in timelapse
    Leica S3 includes timelapse capture, the average camera does not.
  • Supports 24p cinema mode
    Leica S3 supports 24p cinema mode, the average camera does not. 44% of cameras support this mode.
  • 1,180 mAh larger battery capacity
    Leica S3 has a higher battery capacity than the average camera (2,300 mAh vs 1,120 mAh). The average camera has a battery capacity of 1,120 mAh.
  • Dual card slots
    Leica S3 offers dual card slots, the average camera does not. 13.3% of cameras offer them.
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Leica S3 supports Wi-Fi, the average camera does not. 47.8% of cameras support Wi-Fi.
  • Has GPS
    Leica S3 supports GPS, the average camera does not. 9.8% of cameras support GPS.
  • Smartphone remote control
    Leica S3 supports smartphone remote control, the average camera does not. 46.2% of cameras support smartphone remote control.
  • Newer USB version
    Leica S3 supports a newer USB version than the average camera (USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2.0). The average camera uses USB 2.0.

Total
Display & Design
Sensor & Image
Photo Features
Video & Audio
Battery & Power
Connectivity & Storage
  • 3.19x heavier
    Leica S3 is heavier than the average camera (1,260 g vs 395 g). The average camera weighs 395 g.
  • 2 % lower viewfinder coverage
    Leica S3 has a lower viewfinder coverage than the average camera (98% vs 100%). The average camera has viewfinder coverage of 100%.
  • No flash
    Leica S3 does not have a built-in flash, the average camera does. 73.4% of cameras have a flash.
  • 46.1 mm taller body
    Leica S3 is taller than the average camera (120 mm vs 73.9 mm). The average camera has a height of 73.9 mm.
  • 40.1 mm wider
    Leica S3 is wider than the average camera (160 mm vs 119.9 mm). The average camera has a width of 119.9 mm.
  • 34 mm thicker
    Leica S3 is thicker than the average camera (80 mm vs 46 mm). The average camera has a thickness of 46 mm.
  • Lacks HDR mode
    Leica S3 does not support HDR mode, the average camera does. 55.1% of cameras include HDR mode.
  • 2.7 fps slower mechanical burst
    Leica S3 has a slower mechanical burst rate than the average camera (3 fps vs 5.7 fps). The average camera shoots at 5.7 fps.
  • 22 fewer AF points
    Leica S3 has fewer focus points than the average camera (1 vs 23). The average camera offers 23 focus points.
  • No continuous video AF
    Leica S3 does not support continuous autofocus in video, the average camera does.
  • 3.19x heavier
    Leica S3 is heavier than the average camera (1,260 g vs 395 g). The average camera weighs 395 g.
    What it is: The total weight of the camera body, which affects comfort while carrying and shooting.
    When it matters: When you carry the camera all day, travel often, or prefer a lighter setup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 500 g or less

    Leica S3 is heavier than the average camera (1,260 g vs 395 g). The average camera weighs 395 g.1260 g vs 395 g
  • Lacks HDR mode
    Leica S3 does not support HDR mode, the average camera does. 55.1% of cameras include HDR mode.
    What it is: High Dynamic Range mode for photos, which combines multiple exposures to retain detail in both shadows and highlights.
    When it matters: When you take photos in high-contrast scenes, like a bright sky against a dark landscape.

    Importance: LOW

    Leica S3 does not support HDR mode, the average camera does. 55.1% of cameras include HDR mode.
  • No continuous video AF
    Leica S3 does not support continuous autofocus in video, the average camera does.
    What it is: The ability of the camera to keep adjusting focus automatically while video recording is in progress.
    When it matters: When you film while subjects or camera distance keep changing and manual refocusing is impractical.

    Importance: LOW

    Leica S3 does not support continuous autofocus in video, the average camera does.
  • 2.7 fps slower mechanical burst
    Leica S3 has a slower mechanical burst rate than the average camera (3 fps vs 5.7 fps). The average camera shoots at 5.7 fps.
    What it is: The maximum burst rate the camera can achieve using its mechanical shutter, measured in frames per second.
    When it matters: When you photograph sports, wildlife, or action and want more chances to catch the exact moment.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: At least 10 fps

    Leica S3 has a slower mechanical burst rate than the average camera (3 fps vs 5.7 fps). The average camera shoots at 5.7 fps.3 fps vs 5.7 fps
  • 22 fewer AF points
    Leica S3 has fewer focus points than the average camera (1 vs 23). The average camera offers 23 focus points.
    What it is: The total number of selectable autofocus points available for positioning and tracking focus.
    When it matters: When you want more flexibility in placing focus precisely or tracking subjects across the frame.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 200 points

    Leica S3 has fewer focus points than the average camera (1 vs 23). The average camera offers 23 focus points.1 vs 23
  • 2 % lower viewfinder coverage
    Leica S3 has a lower viewfinder coverage than the average camera (98% vs 100%). The average camera has viewfinder coverage of 100%.
    What it is: The percentage of the final image area that is visible through the viewfinder when composing a shot.
    When it matters: When you want the framed view to closely match what will actually appear in the final photo.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: 100%

    Leica S3 has a lower viewfinder coverage than the average camera (98% vs 100%). The average camera has viewfinder coverage of 100%.98 % vs 100 %
  • No flash
    Leica S3 does not have a built-in flash, the average camera does. 73.4% of cameras have a flash.
    What it is: Indicates the presence of an integrated light source to illuminate subjects in low-light conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a quick built-in light for fill flash or simple low-light shots.

    Importance: LOW

    Leica S3 does not have a built-in flash, the average camera does. 73.4% of cameras have a flash.
  • 46.1 mm taller body
    Leica S3 is taller than the average camera (120 mm vs 73.9 mm). The average camera has a height of 73.9 mm.
    What it is: The height of the camera body, measured from top to bottom.
    When it matters: When you care about how compact the camera feels in a bag or in hand.

    Importance: LOW

    Leica S3 is taller than the average camera (120 mm vs 73.9 mm). The average camera has a height of 73.9 mm.120 mm vs 73.9 mm
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Sensor & Image
Photo Features
Video & Audio

Graphic comparison of Leica S3 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Leica S3?

  • Exceptional 64MP image quality with natural rendering and out-of-this-world print potential
  • Luxurious, ergonomic DSLR-style build that is weather-sealed and robust
  • Arguably the best, brightest, and most spacious optical viewfinder (OVF) available
  • Intuitive and simple user interface for professionals
  • Wide dynamic range (15 stops) that helps mitigate exposure errors
  • Dual shutter system (focal plane and central/leaf shutter support)
  • Improved cinematic video mode offering uncropped 4K sensor readout

What customers dislike about Leica S3?

  • Extremely high price point (approx. $19,000 USD for body only)
  • Single-point autofocus system is slow and inadequate compared to modern mirrorless standards
  • Heavy and bulky (approx. 1270g body only), making handheld use challenging over long periods
  • Lacks a touchscreen, which is standard in almost all competing medium format cameras
  • Unmarked buttons and dials can lead to a steep learning curve for new users
  • AF joystick can feel sluggish when navigating focus points
  • Requires professional-level technique to fully maximize the sensor's potential

Expert reviews

L
luminous-landscape.com
18/03/2020
Leica S3 - First Look

The Leica S3 is a medium-format digital camera that offers exceptional image quality, intuitive physical handling, and robust weather resistance, making it an excellent tool for landscape, architectural, portrait, and product photographers who print their work. The reviewer notes that the camera features an outstandingly bright optical viewfinder paired with a functional Live View...Read more

D
deployant.com
19/11/2021
ChilloutTGIFridays: Leica S3 - the revenge of the Germans

The ⁠Leica S3 is a rare, magnificently built medium-format DSLR camera that features a weather-sealed body and an upgraded 64-megapixel sensor with 15 stops of dynamic range. Reviewer Peter Chong highlights several major pros, including excellent, well-thought-out ergonomics, a minimalist physical control layout that avoids confusing button clutter, and a dual shutter system with an...Read more

O
overgaard.dk
10/05/2025
Leica S Medium Format System Complete Review Would you like more details on the technical specifications or sample images from these specific reviews?

The Leica S-system, though officially discontinued in 2023, remains a highly revered, weather-sealed medium-format DSLR system built for deliberate landscape and portrait photography. Reviewer Milan Swolfs praises the system's exceptional, organic image quality, true-to-life colors, and highly malleable RAW files that allow effortless shadow and highlight recovery. The evolution...Read more

Q
qimago.de
05/03/2020
Leica S3 - Hands-on - QIMAGO", "Leica S3 - In the Hand - QIMAGO

Based on Elmar Egner's review and the subsequent user discussion, the Leica S3 stands out as a robust, tank-like digital medium format camera built specifically to withstand extreme outdoor conditions like rain, dust, and cold. Reviewers praise its phenomenal image quality, exceptional color accuracy, and massive dynamic range that behaves like natural HDR without looking...Read more

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Video reviews

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