1 Year with the Leica SL3: Anniversary Review
Today marks the official 1-year anniversary of the Leica SL3 camera. When the camera was announced, I made sure to place my order as soon as possible. As a result, I was able to get my hands on it just a day after its release.
I’ve already written a blog post about my first three months of owning the camera, which you can find here: www.byjfrancois.com/blog/leica-sl3 .
This post is a continuation of that initial review, with additional insights from a full year of use.
Let’s Get a Few Things Out of the Way:
Do I enjoy using the camera? → Yes.
Do I think it’s the best camera? → No—but what camera is?
Do I think the autofocus is as bad as people say? → No, but I also don’t shoot with many other brands. For my shooting style, I’ve never had any problems.
Does the Leica SL3 Make You Shoot Slower?
We often hear that Leicas force you to slow down, especially when discussing Leica M cameras. But after using the Leica SL3 for a year, I’d argue the same applies here.
With this camera, I find myself slowing down and focusing more on my composition. This deliberate approach pushes my creativity to a higher level, especially in studio and controlled environments.
1 Year Later: How Has the Leica SL3 Performed?
Now, after a full year of ownership (nine months since my initial review), I can confidently say that this camera is awesome.
Over the past year, I’ve traveled to multiple locations with the SL3. While I don’t always take it on every trip due to its size and weight, it remains my go-to camera for studio work and client jobs.
The amount of times people have asked me, "What camera are you shooting with?", or when I’m tethered in the studio, and they say, "Why do the photos look different from what I’ve seen before?", reminds me why I love using this system.
As photographers, we know that the camera is just a tool, and most people won’t notice the technical differences. But when a client notices the difference right after a shoot, I can’t help but feel a bit of joy.
SL3 in the Studio: What I Love & What I Don’t
I primarily use the Leica SL3 with constant lighting in the studio. However, I do wish Leica had kept the SL2’s flash sync at 1/250s. When I was using flash, I could feel the difference while shooting.
Another thing I have mixed feelings about is the power button change. While I generally like the new placement, there have been moments where I’ve struggled to tell whether the camera is turning on or off—which can be frustrating when working quickly.
Firmware Updates & Performance
Since my original blog post, Leica has released several firmware updates for the SL3, including:
As of March 7, 2025, the latest firmware updates for the Leica SL3 camera are as follows:
Firmware Version 2.0.1 (Released on December 12, 2024): This major update introduced several enhancements, including:
White Balance/Video ISO Lock: Added a lock function for white balance settings and Auto ISO during video recording.
Joystick Enhancements: Expanded assignment options and functionalities, such as AF magnification for manual focus lenses and Leica M lenses.
User Profile Improvements: Prepared the system for future firmware updates to automatically apply existing settings for user profiles, language, time, and date.
Performance Optimizations: Reduced viewfinder blackout time and improved continuous shooting capabilities.
For a comprehensive list of changes and to download this firmware version, visit Leica's official SL3 downloads page. Leica Camera
Firmware Version 1.1.9 (Released on July 18, 2024): This critical update addressed a bug that could lead to the overwriting of existing recordings if the camera was not properly powered down before actions like battery replacement. It also included optimizations for the Leica FOTOS connection.
Firmware Version 1.1.0 (Released on March 9, 2024): This update brought several improvements, including:
Video Settings Enhancements: Introduced tap-and-hold functionality to lock in values and ISO lock for setting Auto ISO by pressing and holding the thumbwheel for three seconds.
Magnification in MF Mode: Enabled magnification function in manual focus mode by pressing and holding the joystick.
User Profile Optimization: Streamlined the sequence for the User Profiles menu item.
Bug Fixes: Addressed various firmware issues to enhance overall performance.
I always keep my camera up to date, but none of these updates have drastically changed the way I shoot. While I appreciate firmware improvements, I haven’t noticed a major difference in my day-to-day use.
How I Use My Leica SL3
I currently have two primary camera profiles set up:
Studio Mode – Optimized for controlled lighting.
Manual Focus / Street Mode – Customized for shooting with manual focus lenses on the streets.
For some reason, I’ve been paying more attention to my profiles with the SL3 compared to the SL2, which is interesting.
Final Thoughts: 1 Year Later
One year later, I’m still enjoying the Leica SL3 just as much as when I first got it.
Here are some of my favorite photos taken since my last blog post:
More photos can be found: www.byjfrancois.com/blog/1-year-with-the-leica-sl3-anniversary-review
Youtube Video:
If you’ve been using the SL3, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What’s your experience been like after a year?