Leica SL3 vs Leica SL3-P
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Leica SL3-P (2026) moves ahead on burst speed (40fps vs 5fps) and 4K frame rate (120p vs 60p). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Leica SL3 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Leica SL3 if…
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 60.3MP resolves noticeably more than 44MP and gives more cropping latitude.
Choose the Leica SL3-P if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 40fps burst keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 5fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 120p 4K vs 60p.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (200,000) gives it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Burst: the Leica SL3-P shoots 40fps to the Leica SL3's 5fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Price: the Leica SL3-P launched at $6,690, $305 under the Leica SL3 — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Resolution: 60.3MP on the Leica SL3 vs 44MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
Frequently asked
Is the Leica SL3 or the Leica SL3-P better?
Same line, different generation: the Leica SL3-P (2026) moves ahead on burst speed (40fps vs 5fps) and 4K frame rate (120p vs 60p). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Leica SL3 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Leica SL3?
Choose the Leica SL3 if you want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 60.3MP resolves noticeably more than 44MP and gives more cropping latitude.
Who should choose the Leica SL3-P?
Choose the Leica SL3-P if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 40fps burst keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 5fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 120p 4K vs 60p. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — a higher native ISO ceiling (200,000) gives it the edge after dark.
What is the main difference between the Leica SL3 and the Leica SL3-P?
Burst: the Leica SL3-P shoots 40fps to the Leica SL3's 5fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | Maestro IV | Maestro IV |
| Effective Resolution | 60.3 MP | 44 MP |
| Lens Mount | Leica L | Leica L |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 50 – 100000 | 100 – 200000 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | − | − |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/16000 | 1/16000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | − |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 5 fps | 40 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K | 8K |
| 8K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 30p |
| 4K Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 120p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 180p | − |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | L-Log / HLG / Rec.709 | L-Log / HLG / Rec.709 |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Full-size (Type A) | Full-size (Type A) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 779 | 819 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | 315 |
| Low Light AF | -5 EV | − |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 5.76M dots | 5.76M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.78x | 0.76x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 2.30M dots | 2.33M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Tilting |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | v5.0 | v5.0 |
| USB | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x CFexpress Type B + 1x SD UHS-II | 1x CFexpress Type B + 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $6,995 | $6,690 |
| Body Material | Aluminum / Magnesium | Aluminum / Magnesium |
| Dimensions | 141.2×108×84.6 mm | 141.2×108×84.6 mm |
| Weight | 769g (1.70 lb) | 768g (1.69 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 260 shots | − |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 260 shots | − |
| Battery Type | BP-SCL6 | BP-SCL6 |
