SL3 Rumors

[davidmknoble]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

This is all really simple.  Either buy it, or don’t.

[Planetwide]

Big camera's do sell, just look at the Canon R3, upcoming R1 and Nikon Z9. This was where Panasonic was going with the S1r. Big camera's do not sell to non-pro's generally, hence the R5's and Z8's of this world. For me, the R3 is a great camera for aviation, sports etc... The size is appropriate for the intended use. The R3 is a very light camera for its size, much lighter (over 400g) than previous 1dx bodies. This is the kind of weight savings that other manufacturers are doing, Leica is reducing the weight of the SL3 because of competitive and consumer pressure to do so. I (and my back) for one, welcome it...

[Simone_DF]

1 hour ago, BernardC said:

What about the 5D and 7D series which where the top dogs of the DSLR era, with a decade at the top of sales charts? The D800-series that single-handedly saved Nikon? Every semi-pro Nikon of the 1970s, 80s, 90s, 00s, or even Spotmatics, are roughly the same size as the SL. I'm sure you'll point-out that one camera on this list is .5mm smaller in one dimension therefore my point is worthless, but really, they are very similar in size.

Sure, but have you ever wondered why DSLRs succumbed to mirrorless?

Also, technology evolves. Remember computers and laptops of the '90s? They look gigantic compared to what we have now.

Edited March 1, 2024 by Simone_DF

[CptSlevin]

Wow, this thread got derailed so hard...

[jaapv]

1 hour ago, BernardC said:

You've stated that a few times already, and I understand why, but there are so many counter-examples that the statement has no bite. What about the 5D and 7D series which where the top dogs of the DSLR era, with a decade at the top of sales charts? The D800-series that single-handedly saved Nikon? Every semi-pro Nikon of the 1970s, 80s, 90s, 00s, or even Spotmatics, are roughly the same size as the SL. I'm sure you'll point-out that one camera on this list is .5mm smaller in one dimension therefore my point is worthless, but really, they are very similar in size.

Sure, if you look at the top sellers today you'll find the sub-$1,000 kits sold at major electronics stores. Is that really Leica's market? Isn't that what the S5 is for (not to mention various Micro Four Thirds kits)?

I'm not claiming that all big cameras sell, of course. My point is that there's a wide range of mid-sized advanced amateur and semi-pro cameras that have been top-sellers for the past 60 years that are within millimeters of the SL2's dimensions.

Also, is there any data behind your claim that the SL2 didn't sell? It's widely available, well distributed, stores tell me that they re-stock often, and Leica is making record turnover/profits. I don't buy the notion that quarterly promotions are a sign of failure. Every time I replaced a 5D I'd got something huge thrown-in, including a large format (A2) printer once! Every brand has quarterly promotions, it's just a way to incentivize buyers.

I would argue that cameras like Olympus OM series and Minoltas etc sold even better. 

[Jeff S]

14 minutes ago, Simone_DF said:

Sure, but have you ever wondered why DSLRs succumbed to mirrorless?

Also, technology evolves. Remember computers and laptops of the '90s? They look gigantic compared to what we have now.

And yet the direction for mirrorless is for bigger in many cases (including lenses and adapters). Scott Kelby notes…

https://scottkelby.com/the-im-switching-to-mirrorless-because-its-smaller-and-lighter-phase-is-now-officially-over/?amp=1

Have you also noticed that many car models keep getting bigger in every subsequent generation as tech advances?

Jeff

[tomasis7]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The size of SL/other bodies is irrelevant since the AF lenses are HUGE.

The overall weight of AF Zoom /prime and body is pretty much the same. Who cares if it is 1,3kg or 1,4kg?

You would only complain if you use them with manual tiny lenses. Especially coming from CL or whatever.

[BernardC]

34 minutes ago, Simone_DF said:

Sure, but have you ever wondered why DSLRs succumbed to mirrorless?

Also, technology evolves. Remember computers and laptops of the '90s? They look gigantic compared to what we have now.

I'm not sure that size is a factor. For instance, the Z8 and D800 are millimeters/grams apart. Nikon offered smaller and bigger models then and now, but that particular form factor seems to match the needs of an important sub-set of their customer base.

I agree that there's space in Leica's lineup for a smaller L-Mount camera, to replace the CL and TL. I think that Leica will eventually offer both options, with the SL3 in the same size range as the SL and SL2, and a smaller camera for people who want that. I am one of these potential customers; I currently use the Sigma fp for travel, but I could be convinced to replace it with a Leica when replacement time comes around (while keeping an SL-series body for more intensive use).

[BernardC]

32 minutes ago, jaapv said:

I would argue that cameras like Olympus OM series and Minoltas etc sold even better. 

The Canon AE-1 is still the biggest-selling SLR of all times, and it is slightly smaller (without the accessory winder). The Canon Rebel/Kiss series also sold like hotcakes. I'm sure that price and features had a lot to do with it, especially those new-fangled automatic modes.

[PeterBoyadjian]

Leica is gonna have Panasonic make the SL3 in Japan to German specs and release the camera for $4000 😅

I want a nice curve ball in all this. 

 

[tomasis7]

7 minutes ago, BernardC said:

The Canon AE-1 is still the biggest-selling SLR of all times, and it is slightly smaller (without the accessory winder). The Canon Rebel/Kiss series also sold like hotcakes. I'm sure that price and features had a lot to do with it, especially those new-fangled automatic modes.

you could add that they used very compact and non-AF lenses.  Similar to M-systems.

Edited March 1, 2024 by tomasis7

[Simone_DF]

35 minutes ago, PeterBoyadjian said:

Leica is gonna have Panasonic make the SL3 in Japan to German specs and release the camera for $4000 😅

I want a nice curve ball in all this. 

I’d buy that

[Etto72]

Here are my two cents for the rumored new SL3

 

Having a smaller and lighter Sl camera would be very beneficial, personally I hope it will be as small or slightly smaller then my Hasselblad X2D which to me has got the best size and weight compromise.

 

The leaked photos look promising but we shall see

 

I agree about the lens issues with the Leica, the quality is amazing but the size are over the top for me.

Recently I tried out the Sigma 24 and 65 2.0 lenses which in my opinion were delivering  amazing IQ, compact size, fast aperture (as fast as my 35 -50-90 SL APO)  and topnotch construction/feel. Basically the ideal AF lenses for the SL system.

I am seriously considering the SL3 but those lenses are what could make a difference for me to shoot much more with the Sl system.

[T25UFO]

2 hours ago, Jeff S said:

Have you also noticed that many car models keep getting bigger in every subsequent generation as tech advances?

That's because of continually updated safety regulations, not just for the driver but also anyone unfortunate enough to be hit by a car.  No parallels in camera design, in fact tech advances almost always means smaller in consumer products.

[fotonutzz]

Pre-orders for the SL3 started already.   My Leica sales rep who just came back from Wetzlar contacted me with the SL3 bundled prices. Price is the same as the SL2.  Shd be able to get it on 8 or 9 Mar for those who pre-ordered it early !!

Edited March 1, 2024 by fotonutzz

[Jeff S]

10 minutes ago, T25UFO said:

That's because of continually updated safety regulations, not just for the driver but also anyone unfortunate enough to be hit by a car.  No parallels in camera design, in fact tech advances almost always means smaller in consumer products.

It’s been happening since the 50’s Corvette.  Much depends on design choices, consumer desires (and bigger, fatter consumers) and many other factors. New, smaller car models just supplement the overgrown models, e.g. the Cayman came into being alongside the growing 911. Last I checked, the Cayman and Boxter still have all the latest safety and tech.

The Kelby link describes the parallel trend toward bigger mirrorless, with its own dynamics.

Jeff

[CptSlevin]

6 minutes ago, fotonutzz said:

Pre-orders for the SL3 started already.   My Leica sales rep who just came back from Wetzlar contacted me with the SL3 bundled prices. Price is the same as the SL2.  Shd be able to get it on 8 or 9 Mar for those who pre-ordered it early !!

Thanks man, good news actually, it will be ~7000$ for SL3
Hope they will follow the same logic for SL3S, whereas SL2S now is 5195$, so around ~5300$ for it.

 

[tom0511]

I am really interested to see how much better the AF will be.

I am really not sure if the SL3 will have enough advantages for my use to upgrade.

I would upgrade if the AF is close to Canon AF, but can we expect more than what we know from the S5II?

I am looking forward to the presentation and to the first reviews and real experiences with the SL3.

 

[T25UFO]

1 hour ago, Jeff S said:

It's been happening since the 50’s Corvette.  Much depends on design choices, consumer desires (and bigger, fatter consumers) and many other factors. New, smaller car models just supplement the overgrown models, e.g. the Cayman came into being alongside the growing 911. Last I checked, the Cayman and Boxter still have all the latest safety and tech.

Consumers are certainly bigger and fatter 😂.  I've had five 911's, the fattest was also the fastest (Turbo) but then I bought a Cayman GT4.  A better car than the 911, but aimed at a different market.  Have now gone electric with the Taycan, which is even wider and longer and sometimes seems like driving a MacBook Pro on wheels.  A far cry from the lightest car I've ever owned . . . but mustn't digress from the main topic.

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 March 1, 2024 by T25UFO

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[Simone_DF]

45 minutes ago, tom0511 said:

can we expect more than what we know from the S5II?

No. The AF is developed by Panasonic then adapted by Leica.