SL3 Rumors

[Simone_DF]

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9 hours ago, frame-it said:

rumored to be a high-pixel model based on the S5II with a 60-megapixel sensor.

Basically a goodbye to heavy and chunky bodies.

[Mikko Kankainen]

I already preordered it from local camera store two weeks ago. 

M11 sensor, CF cardslot(s), new AF, better burst with afc is all I need. It would be so great to only need one body, now I need to carry SL2-S and SL2 and S52x for video if needed, this could replace all. Of course backup body is needed.

Edited November 22, 2023 by Mikko Kankainen

[JohnathanLovm]

12 hours ago, fededuran said:

I think the real value will be a Panasonic S1R ii (60 Mp)

The relationship between Leica/Lumix is similar to Porsche/Volkswagen. Sure the Lumix/Touareg are more value for money, there is still many people willing pay extra to SL/Cayenne for design and experience. 

[Stuart Richardson]

If this is accurate, I think I will probably skip this and save up for the S4 and get back into medium format (I still have my S lenses). It sounds a bit too iterative for me with the SL2...a camera that is already so good, that it leaves little left to be desired...at least compared to the rumors here. The AF is fine already for me, I don't care about or particularly want a tilting screen, and phase detection just worries me that there will be more obvious banding. Beyond that, what I have seen of the M11 and Q3 have not particularly impressed me, but I guess we will see when it arrives. Was hoping for a new sensor...

[robb]

I will likely stand pat with my 2 sl2 and 2 sl2-s

they have been bulletproof and do everything I need except faster afc which I just work around… and who doesn’t like multiple backups?

but I agree S4 will be something to look at and see if it does things better than hassy x2d

Robb

 

[tritentrue]

Count me as one of the "stand pat" group as well.  Shooting entirely manual focus lenses at the present, I can't imagine any change that would improve the SL2 for that purpose.  Well, maybe if they shaved 200+ grams off the weight, but I don't see that happening.  If prices drop further, I might just add either a second copy or an -s.

[helged]

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3 hours ago, Stuart Richardson said:

If this is accurate, I think I will probably skip this and save up for the S4 and get back into medium format (I still have my S lenses). It sounds a bit too iterative for me with the SL2...a camera that is already so good, that it leaves little left to be desired...at least compared to the rumors here. The AF is fine already for me, I don't care about or particularly want a tilting screen, and phase detection just worries me that there will be more obvious banding. Beyond that, what I have seen of the M11 and Q3 have not particularly impressed me, but I guess we will see when it arrives. Was hoping for a new sensor...

Particularly if S4 accepts L-mount lenses via an adapter (particularly the SL-Apo-Crons), as sources hint to.

[JohnathanLovm]

19 minutes ago, helged said:

Particularly if S4 accepts L-mount lenses via an adapter (particularly the SL-Apo-Crons), as sources hint to.

The story about S4 can use L-mount lenses is sound too “German engineering” meme to me. 
But there is few clues might worth considering.

1. I hope those big size of Leica/Sigma/Lumix lenses are large enough to cover the sensor.

2. The flange distance of L-mount is 20mm and XCD mount is 18.4mm. The S4 would be around Nikon Z’s 16mm to fit an adapter.

3. Considering Leica S has central shutter/leaf shutter and expected date is 2025, there is a chance that global shutter sensor such as IMX661 to allow high flash sync. Imagine the flash power of f/1.4 in daylight with 1/8000 above.

4. Lastly consider as hearsay, a certain flash system agent told me that they are preparing launch a new product next year to match Sony A9iii’s global shutter sensor. I know he tried to hype me up to buy their product but I can’t help but thinking if Leica also waiting for global shutter sensor availability to fit the S4.

 

[John Smith]

A commenter on Leica Rumors site. 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited November 23, 2023 by John Smith

[frame-it]

30 minutes ago, John Smith said:

A commenter on Leica Rumors site. 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

sounds more like a wishlist:

Leica SL-3

80 megapixel, triple resolution sensor (80, 48, 24)
Multi-resolution sensor
IBIS Improved to 8 stops
Improved Auto White Balance
Noise performance improved
Dynamic range - increased  probably very little compared to the SL2S but maybe much better than the SL2
Magnesium alloy body (reduced weight)
IP54 weather resistant
Focus: phase detect + contrast, increase number of autofocus points whats the point of more AFpoints if the basic software is pathetic
Storage - 512GB Internal
Wireless charging
Processor - Maestro 4, increased speed, improved thermal performance  means a change in the design of the body
Battery - higher density, improved battery life  they just released a new battery with the Q3 so they would probably use the same for the SL3 series
Viewfinder improved with increased resolution and magnification
Rear LCD screen - Flip screen, sapphire glass, increased size & resolution needs a change in the design of the body
Updated top screen: larger + increased resolution  needs a change in the design of the body
Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI)

 

 

[Simone_DF]

If the SL3 will use the same M11 and Q3 sensor, I think I'll either keep the SL2-S or, most likely, switch to the S5II

[frame-it]

3 minutes ago, Simone_DF said:

If the SL3 will use the same M11 and Q3 sensor, I think I'll either keep the SL2-S or, most likely, switch to the S5II

it "should" be an 80mp sensor cut from the 100mp sensor they "hopefully" plan for the S4 [if there is actually an S4 being tested in the basement

the people with M11's using auto-everything and the EVF..might possibly jump to the SL3 if it has the same M11 sensor.

 

Edited November 23, 2023 by frame-it

[IkarusJohn]

6 hours ago, frame-it said:

t "should" be an 80mp sensor cut from the 100mp sensor they "hopefully" plan for the S4 [if there is actually an S4 being tested in the basement

So it will be bigger than the traditional 35mm format?  Why would they do that?

[John Smith]

7 hours ago, frame-it said:

sounds more like a wishlist:

Leica SL-3

80 megapixel, triple resolution sensor (80, 48, 24)
Multi-resolution sensor
IBIS Improved to 8 stops
Improved Auto White Balance
Noise performance improved
Dynamic range - increased  probably very little compared to the SL2S but maybe much better than the SL2
Magnesium alloy body (reduced weight)
IP54 weather resistant
Focus: phase detect + contrast, increase number of autofocus points whats the point of more AFpoints if the basic software is pathetic
Storage - 512GB Internal
Wireless charging
Processor - Maestro 4, increased speed, improved thermal performance  means a change in the design of the body
Battery - higher density, improved battery life  they just released a new battery with the Q3 so they would probably use the same for the SL3 series
Viewfinder improved with increased resolution and magnification
Rear LCD screen - Flip screen, sapphire glass, increased size & resolution needs a change in the design of the body
Updated top screen: larger + increased resolution  needs a change in the design of the body
Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI)

 

 

If the SL3 comes out with the M11 sensor, I will pass. But if it comes out with these specs, I'm all in. It would probably be the last camera I ever buy.

[cj3209]

8 hours ago, frame-it said:

sounds more like a wishlist:

Leica SL-3

80 megapixel, triple resolution sensor (80, 48, 24)
Multi-resolution sensor
IBIS Improved to 8 stops
Improved Auto White Balance
Noise performance improved
Dynamic range - increased  probably very little compared to the SL2S but maybe much better than the SL2
Magnesium alloy body (reduced weight)
IP54 weather resistant
Focus: phase detect + contrast, increase number of autofocus points whats the point of more AFpoints if the basic software is pathetic
Storage - 512GB Internal
Wireless charging
Processor - Maestro 4, increased speed, improved thermal performance  means a change in the design of the body
Battery - higher density, improved battery life  they just released a new battery with the Q3 so they would probably use the same for the SL3 series
Viewfinder improved with increased resolution and magnification
Rear LCD screen - Flip screen, sapphire glass, increased size & resolution needs a change in the design of the body
Updated top screen: larger + increased resolution  needs a change in the design of the body
Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI)

 

 

This would be a $12k camera...lol

[BernardC]

11 minutes ago, IkarusJohn said:

So it will be bigger than the traditional 35mm format?  Why would they do that?

The "S4" is the replacement for the medium format S3 (and S-007, S-006 before that). Leica has confirmed that they are working on an S3 replacement for 2025, which would be a mirrorless design like the SL2. The S3 is an SLR design with a 30x45mm sensor.

Rumours suggest that the "S4" might have a big enough lens mount that you could fit an L-Mount adapter inside, just like an LTM adapter fits inside an M mount. You wouldn't get full sensor coverage from L-mount lenses, but you might get some interesting options, like a vertical 30x24mm crop, or a square crop.

This is all speculation, but we are in a rumors thread. Some of these ideas will surely end-up in the finished product.

 

[IkarusJohn]

16 minutes ago, BernardC said:

The "S4" is the replacement for the medium format S3 (and S-007, S-006 before that). Leica has confirmed that they are working on an S3 replacement for 2025, which would be a mirrorless design like the SL2. The S3 is an SLR design with a 30x45mm sensor.

Rumours suggest that the "S4" might have a big enough lens mount that you could fit an L-Mount adapter inside, just like an LTM adapter fits inside an M mount. You wouldn't get full sensor coverage from L-mount lenses, but you might get some interesting options, like a vertical 30x24mm crop, or a square crop.

This is all speculation, but we are in a rumors thread. Some of these ideas will surely end-up in the finished product.

 

My point was that a 100MP medium format sensor cut down to full frame will result in 60MP, which is already available in the M11.  Cutting a 100MP sensor to 80MP would result in a larger surface area than most M lenses would cover.  I don’t see the point (if we’re talking about the SL3) - you’d lose compatibility with most M lenses, and probably many of the L mount lenses would also suffer in quality, if not coverage.

[LocalHero1953]

55 minutes ago, IkarusJohn said:

My point was that a 100MP medium format sensor cut down to full frame will result in 60MP, which is already available in the M11.  Cutting a 100MP sensor to 80MP would result in a larger surface area than most M lenses would cover.  I don’t see the point (if we’re talking about the SL3) - you’d lose compatibility with most M lenses, and probably many of the L mount lenses would also suffer in quality, if not coverage.

Don't discount the possibility that the person making the suggestion got their arithmetic wrong😜.

[BernardC]

2 hours ago, IkarusJohn said:

My point was that a 100MP medium format sensor cut down to full frame will result in 60MP, which is already available in the M11.  Cutting a 100MP sensor to 80MP would result in a larger surface area than most M lenses would cover.  I don’t see the point (if we’re talking about the SL3) - you’d lose compatibility with most M lenses, and probably many of the L mount lenses would also suffer in quality, if not coverage.

A 100MP 30x45mm sensor would crop to 64MP for 24x36mm. As Paul says, it's just a maths error. We aren't dealing with actual numbers anyway. An 80MP SL3 would scale-up to a 120MP "S4".

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[Stuart Richardson]

14 hours ago, frame-it said:

sounds more like a wishlist:

Leica SL-3

80 megapixel, triple resolution sensor (80, 48, 24)
Multi-resolution sensor
IBIS Improved to 8 stops
Improved Auto White Balance
Noise performance improved
Dynamic range - increased  probably very little compared to the SL2S but maybe much better than the SL2
Magnesium alloy body (reduced weight)
IP54 weather resistant
Focus: phase detect + contrast, increase number of autofocus points whats the point of more AFpoints if the basic software is pathetic
Storage - 512GB Internal
Wireless charging
Processor - Maestro 4, increased speed, improved thermal performance  means a change in the design of the body
Battery - higher density, improved battery life  they just released a new battery with the Q3 so they would probably use the same for the SL3 series
Viewfinder improved with increased resolution and magnification
Rear LCD screen - Flip screen, sapphire glass, increased size & resolution needs a change in the design of the body
Updated top screen: larger + increased resolution  needs a change in the design of the body
Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI)

 

 

I think you are making some deterministic observations here that don't necessarily need to be the case. Obviously since we don't know anything at all about the sensor, the dynamic range could be anything. With respect to AF points, I agree that having more is not exactly what I am looking for, but how do you know the basic software is pathetic? The camera has not even been announced, nor have even have its potential Panasonic cousins. I agree that it is unlikely to overtake Sony, but is that really necessary for Leica's customer base?

Improved thermal performance could just as well mean more efficient processing, rather than a change in body shape. Look at the Intel Macs vs the M processors...more or less similar laptop body, but vastly better thermal performance due to better chip design. I think the other body changes need not necessarily be that huge. There is room on the top plate for a bit larger screen, and a tilting screen need not be all that bulkier...the Q2 and Q3 are essentially the same size.

 

3 hours ago, BernardC said:

A 100MP 30x45mm sensor would crop to 64MP for 24x36mm. As Paul says, it's just a maths error. We aren't dealing with actual numbers anyway. An 80MP SL3 would scale-up to a 120MP "S4".

Would it? the sensor area is double the size. The M9 was 18mp and the two M9 sensors stitched together in the S2 gave it 37.5mp. Clearly there is a bit of leeway in the exact number of pixels, but I would expect an 80mp full frame sensor would be 160mp in Leica S format. Since both are 2 to 3 aspect ratios, you don't need to do any fancier calculations. Unless I am missing something, which is quite possible...