Leica S3, the new medium format DSLR

Leica has just announced its new Leica S3 medium format SLR camera. Its flagship camera features 64 megapixels, 4K video recording capability and an ISO range from 100 to 50,000.“A completely new medium format experience,” as the makers describe it.

The Leica S3 features a new 30 x 45 mm CMOS sensor with a micro-lens layer capable of 64 megapixel resolution. It is a ProFormat sensor that, together with the latest generation image processor, makes the S3 the company’s new flagship. It is a very bright camera with an ISO range from 100 to 50,000 ISO and 15 stops of dynamic range.

As for video, the Leica S3 allows recording at 4K in super 35 and Full HD in medium format (Leica Pro). At 4K it allows us to record at 24 frames per second while in Full HD format we have speeds of 24, 25 and 30 fps. It has 16 bits per pixel color depth with 422 sampling. The color spaces in which the new Leica model allows us to work are reduced to sRGB, Adobe RGB and ECO RGB 2.0. With video recording in mind, a built-in stereo microphone and a microphone input have been incorporated in case you want to connect an external microphone.

The new model has a burst speed of 3 frames per second and phase detection autofocus for taking pictures. For the autofocus mode, there are several options including simple mode and predictive tracking.

For the design of the S3, Leica has incorporated a 0.87x optical viewfinder. On the rear we can also find a 3-inch 921,600-dot LCD display with 921,600 dots. The camera body is designed to work in all weather conditions, being sealed and composed of aluminum, stainless steel and non-slip rubberized magnesium.

Leica’s new jewel is going to be marketed soon and the price will be $18,995. If you are interested, you can make a reservation from Leica’s own website.