Leica Camera retails the Leica S3 medium format camera worldwide, the release of which was announced at photokina 2018. The hallmark of the Leica S-System and its lenses is a clever arrangement where each component serves the entire shooting process. With the launch of the Leica S3 in the spring of 2020 – more than a year after it was first announced – Leica has renewed its commitment to the highest quality standards that are rigorously maintained in every product of the German brand.
In addition to the most obvious improvement – an increase in sensor resolution from 37.5 to 64 megapixels – the new medium format camera also has a number of other technological advantages. The Leica S3, like its predecessors, is equipped with the Leica ProFormat sensor, specifically developed for the Leica S. 30 x 45 mm frame size corresponds to the 3:2 aspect ratio of full-frame 35mm film, but has 56% more image area. 71% higher resolution of the 64 megapixel sensor compared to its predecessor, a dynamic range of 15 stops and a maximum sensitivity of ISO 50,000 – still enough reserve to handle any light situation and take full advantage of the medium format.
The composition of the picture can be built without error in the SLR viewfinder with fast and reliable autofocus – a constant shooting speed of three frames per second. In addition to all the necessary exposure values, the viewfinder can also display a horizon levelling indicator. If necessary, Live View can be displayed on the LCD screen at up to 60 frames per second, available in both still and movie mode, allowing you to check brightness and exposure, to superimpose a grid and histograms on the image.
For the first time, the entire sensor area can be used to record video not only in Full HD, but also in 4K while retaining the characteristic style of medium format images. When shooting video, 16-bit 48kHz stereo sound, with volume adjustments automatically or manually, can be recorded with either the built-in or external microphone. The Leica Maestro II processor and 2GB of buffer memory make for smooth shooting, which is important when processing large amounts of data, and the use of plug-ins allows you to import images from the Leica S3 directly into Lightroom without the need for additional software.
In addition to GPS, which can pinpoint exact locations and times via satellite communication and store data in EXIF format, the Leica S3 is also equipped with WLAN, so the camera can be controlled remotely using the Leica FOTOS 2 app.0.
As with all S-System cameras, the Leica S3 is made from high-quality materials, such as magnesium alloy body, Corning® Gorilla® protective glass on the rear touchscreen and the particularly tough stainless steel used in the mount. Numerous sealing elements also protect the camera against humidity, dust and foreign objects, allowing it to function reliably and for a long time in field conditions. The intuitive operating concept that proved successful in the Leica S Type 007 is carried over to the Leica S3: the central controls – two dials and a five-way joystick – control shutter speed and aperture and make menu navigation fast and easy.
The back screen is surrounded by four buttons, which can be set according to the photographer’s preferences and needs. In addition the master switch can be used to toggle between focal length shutter and central shutter assuming the lens mounted on the camera supports this function .
Leica S-System lenses are specially designed to protect against dust and splashes. As with the other Leica lenses, S-System lenses are designed to provide sufficient performance to meet the requirements of future generations of imaging technology and to retain their value as a long-term investment, able to realize the full potential of future generations of cameras. The optical performance provided by these lenses is not limited to the 64 megapixel sensor.
Another feature of the S-System is the central shutter, available as an optional extra for the six lenses in the S-System range. Unlike the focal plane shutter with a maximum speed of 1/125 s, the central shutter enables flash synchronization at a much faster speed of 1/1000 s. This opens up considerably more opportunities for creative shooting, especially with professional studio systems or in bright natural light. In such situations, the wider field of view of the Leica S lenses, as a consequence of the size of the sensor, not only creates the typical medium-format style, but also significantly reduces the depth of field.
Price and availability
The Leica S3 will be available in America for 1,395,000 Dollars.
When will the Leica S3 be available for purchase and where can I buy it?
When will the Leica S3 be available for purchase and where can I find it?