SL3 Rumors

[frankchn]

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5 hours ago, BernardC said:

One thing about the claimed specs: how can it have the same sensor as the M11 and Q3 when those two cameras don't use the same sensor?

It is probably a short-hand for "it will use a variant of the 61 MP IMX455 sensor". The M11/M11M/M11P and Q3 both use variants of the IMX455 silicon from Sony with different CFAs and cover glass in front of it.

[T.J.]

10 hours ago, LBJ2 said:

Not the usual source when thinking about Leica rumors. Another rumor for a March 8 +/- a day, SL3 announcement and he says $7000 USD. Oh and this rumor mentions CFExpress :

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I just hope they do two of something.  Either 2 CF Express or two SD.  I have had cameras in the past with mixed cards and I really do not like them. 

[Geoff C. Bassett]

Don't see how they could improve on the top dial, it's perfect as is, also don't like the idea of adding an additional one if that is what that means.

 

[LEGEND]

Last night I dreamed about using new Leica SL3.
The GAS is strong with this one.
I am sorry but I can't tell you anything specific because of NDA ...

Edited February 11, 2024 by LEGEND

[BernardC]

20 hours ago, LBJ2 said:

• Larger, faster buffer, (CFexpress option will help with this) 
• Internal memory 256GB or more
• Add HEIF format format to DNG/JPG for one day in the future when the internet and photography forums FINALLY allow the ability to post HEIF files 

A built-in SSD like the M11 would be nice, and would work well with a larger buffer. CFExpress isn't necessary, as far as I am concerned, as long as there is an option to shoot video straight to an external drive.

The problem with HEIF, other than the fact that it's not widely supported, is that it's a lousy acquisition format. It's just too compressed, so you'll never lift a shadow, or correct a colour cast, without running-out of information. I would rather have HEIF support in the FOTOS app, so you have the option of sharing lightweight HEIF files if you are bandwidth-limited.

I think the rest of your list is incremental/generational improvements, so you should be happy with what Leica has to offer.

[LBJ2]

23 minutes ago, BernardC said:

A built-in SSD like the M11 would be nice, and would work well with a larger buffer. CFExpress isn't necessary, as far as I am concerned, as long as there is an option to shoot video straight to an external drive.

The problem with HEIF, other than the fact that it's not widely supported, is that it's a lousy acquisition format. It's just too compressed, so you'll never lift a shadow, or correct a colour cast, without running-out of information. I would rather have HEIF support in the FOTOS app, so you have the option of sharing lightweight HEIF files if you are bandwidth-limited.

I think the rest of your list is incremental/generational improvements, so you should be happy with what Leica has to offer.

"It's just too compressed, so you'll never lift a shadow, or correct a colour cast, without running-out of information"

Not my experience so far starting with a Sony HEIF 4:2:2 50MP FF sensor file. More compressed yes, but apparently a superior compression efficiency than JPG. In general pulling details out of shadows seems on par with JPG files from the same camera. 

Have you worked with HEIF files? If so what brand camera? 

[BernardC]

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36 minutes ago, LBJ2 said:

Not my experience so far starting with a Sony HEIF 4:2:2 50MP FF sensor file. More compressed yes, but apparently a superior compression efficiency than JPG. In general pulling details out of shadows seems on par with JPG files from the same camera.

We all have different experiences. I think the use case for that format makes more sense in the FOTOS app.

 

I should reiterate my other SL3 request. The camera body is surely locked-down by now, but I would love it if Leica made a battery pack that can take cine rods and an SSD. It would be even better with XLR connectors for microphones. That way you wouldn't need a cage, and you could switch from cine to stills mode in a few seconds.

[budjames]

Yup, I'm on the wait list for the new SL3 at my favorite Leica store, Leica SoHo in New York City.

Looking forward to getting it. 

Cheers,

Bud James

[db24fps]

There's a few things in the Z8/9 I wish would make it into an SL3. Stacked sensor for fast readout speeds that allows for an electronic shutter to actually be useable, a robust tilting LCD that can snap to portrait and landscape orientation that's more practical for photography than a horizontal flip screen, and I thought quite highly of their their license of IntoPIX's TicoRAW compression too. 

I fear that for the price point the SL3 is going to land in it's going to be somewhat underwhelming which would be a shame as for years I have imagined them really perfecting the SL with its third iteration. It doesn't need to be the absolute best in class overwhelming you with every new whiz bang feature going kind of camera, but if it's not embracing genuinely beneficial evolutions in sensor, processing and EVF technology then it would feel like a missed opportunity in helping to get SLs into the hands of more professionals.

I'm not a fan of mixed media memory card slots. It's so infuriating having to buy two different types, particularly if you rely on the second slot for redundancy as you end up with a performance discrepancy between the two and are effectively wasting money on a CFE card since you'll be limited to the speeds of the UHS-II card. Then factor in that not everyone is going to want/need CFE which commands a price premium over UHS-II, and then add on investing in a dual card reader and separate cases for each card type. I know it may sound trivial to some, but when you work with this stuff it just adds up to an unnecessary complication of your workflow. I hope it's either 2xSD as before, or 2xCFE, or they do as Sony have with their flagships and make room for a 2x multi-slot which accommodates both 2xCFE and 2xSD (though I don't know if this slot design/configuration is only possible due to Sony's use of CFE Type A cards). 

[LBJ2]

3 hours ago, BernardC said:

We all have different experiences. I think the use case for that format makes more sense in the FOTOS app.

 

I should reiterate my other SL3 request. The camera body is surely locked-down by now, but I would love it if Leica made a battery pack that can take cine rods and an SSD. It would be even better with XLR connectors for microphones. That way you wouldn't need a cage, and you could switch from cine to stills mode in a few seconds.

Yes. I think adding HEIF format to the Fotos app would be good too. Interesting idea!

FWIW. Here a SCREEN SHOT of a Sony HEIF file (.HIF) 4:2:2. I used LRC to brush in about 4 stops of exposure in the top left grill area of the car. Very dark shadow area in the original and quite some detail pulled out in the grill area as depicted. 

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Edited February 11, 2024 by LBJ2

[Photoworks]

2 hours ago, budjames said:

Yup, I'm on the wait list for the new SL3 at my favorite Leica store, Leica SoHo in New York City.

Looking forward to getting it. 

Cheers,

Bud James

you didn't want to try the new Leica Store NY

BTW for the opening, they have stock of many items in back order everywhere alse.

[frankchn]

3 hours ago, db24fps said:

Then factor in that not everyone is going to want/need CFE which commands a price premium over UHS-II, and then add on investing in a dual card reader and separate cases for each card type.

Surprisingly, CFexpress Type B is actually cheaper than the fastest UHS-II cards. 128GB CFe B from SanDisk is $89, while a 128GB SanDisk V90 UHS-II card is $120 (both from B&H).

[MediaFotografie]

vor 14 Minuten schrieb frankchn:

Surprisingly, CFexpress Type B is actually cheaper than the fastest UHS-II cards. 128GB CFe B from SanDisk is $89, while a 128GB SanDisk V90 UHS-II card is $120 (both from B&H).

yes, exactly, CFE B is cheaper than UHS-II from the same vendor/quality - but CFE A is much more expensive 

[db24fps]

That's good to know! It's been a while since I checked since I don't use a camera with CFE anymore. That would leave me thinking it's more preferable to have 2x CFE in an SL3 in which case.

[budjames]

3 hours ago, Photoworks said:

you didn't want to try the new Leica Store NY

BTW for the opening, they have stock of many items in back order everywhere alse.

I've been working with the independently-owned SoHo store for about 5 years, so I'll stick with them.

Regards,
Bud James

[BernardC]

17 hours ago, MediaFotografie said:

yes, exactly, CFE B is cheaper than UHS-II from the same vendor/quality - but CFE A is much more expensive 

CFA seems to be a Sony-only format for now. It's more expensive than CFB, and slower. The only upside is that you can fit an SD slot in the same space.

I think Leica would pick CFB instead, since that's what Panasonic uses.

[db24fps]

5 hours ago, BernardC said:

CFA seems to be a Sony-only format for now. It's more expensive than CFB, and slower. The only upside is that you can fit an SD slot in the same space.

I think Leica would pick CFB instead, since that's what Panasonic uses.

Ah so I was right in my suspicion there. Appreciate the confirmation. I definitely feel it would be a shame if the SL3 is 1x CF and 1x SD as rumoured. 

[T.J.]

5 hours ago, db24fps said:

Ah so I was right in my suspicion there. Appreciate the confirmation. I definitely feel it would be a shame if the SL3 is 1x CF and 1x SD as rumoured. 

Assuming the above is true, and for the reasons mentioned I hope it is not, does anyone have any recommendations for CF cards?  I generally shoot to both cards as a backup.   I'm thinking I might buy one big CF card and essentially use it as "internal memory."

[MediaFotografie]

https://leicarumors.com/2024/02/12/leica-sl2-vs-leica-sl3-specifications-comparison.aspx/

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[helged]

1 hour ago, MediaFotografie said:

https://leicarumors.com/2024/02/12/leica-sl2-vs-leica-sl3-specifications-comparison.aspx/

Apparently the same EVF as SL2. 69 g reduced weight compared to SL2, giving some support to somewhat reduced size. Using the new Q3 (and SL2 compatible) battery BP-SCL6. Max fps with mechanical and electronic shutter still unknown. Likewise unknown readout time (of relevance for the applicability of the electronic shutter, eg https://www.pix-pro.com/blog/shutter).