Hands-on: Leica S3 medium format camera With all the excitement surrounding full-frame system announcements at Photokina recently, it's easy to forget the new arrivals in the medium format digital arena.
While Fujifilm announced the GFX 50R – the second medium format digital camera in the GFX line – Leica unveiled the S3, an update to the Leica S2 launched in 2008.
A full spec sheet has yet to be released, but we do know the S3 will launch in Spring 2019 and have a 64MP sensor, 3 fps burst rate and 4K video capture using the full width of the sensor. And if its predecessor's pricing is an indication, it will likely cost somewhere in the vicinity of $20k.
Despite the lack of specification details, we did get our hands on an early working version of the camera. Here's how it handled.
Hands-on: Leica S3 medium format camera
The first thing I noticed when picking up the S3 is that for a medium format digital camera, it really isn't that large. In fact it feels similar in hand to a Nikon D5 or Canon EOS 1DX II – I had to remind myself it has a larger sensor than both.
It is also quite pleasant to hold. The shutter release is located on the front of the camera and is easy to access. An indentation below the shutter release provides a comfortable place for your other fingers, and also makes the camera feel secure in hand.
As you might expect for a five-figure-camera, the S3 handles like it's built to last – the magnesium alloy body feels like it could be used to drive a spike into the earth. The rubber material covering much of the exterior is thick and grippy, giving the whole camera a rugged quality.
Hands-on: Leica S3 medium format camera
The second thing I noticed about the S3 is the big beautiful optical finder, among the loveliest I can ever recall looking through. For reference, the S2's finder has . 86x magnification and the S3's is likely similar.
The back of the camera looks essentially identical to the original Leica S2 as well as the more recent Leica SL. The four buttons surrounding the 3" LCD are programmable. There's also a programmable button on the front of the camera near the mount.
Like the S2, the S3 has two different shutters which can be engaged via a three-way controller on the back of the camera: 'FPS' stands for focal plane shutter and 'CS' stands for center shutter or leaf shutter (available with compatible lenses). I tried both and the leaf shutter is a good bit quieter.
Hands-on: Leica S3 medium format camera
Operationally, the camera felt fast. It was quick to start up and load menus. I also found the idea of dual top plate info LCDs to be kind of cool and definitely unique.
I didn't get to shoot much with the S3 but I did get to spend a little bit of time focusing around the room with my eye to the finder. Overall, despite being a non-final product, AF acquisition speeds felt surprisingly quick. On the other hand, using the 5-way AF joystick to actually move points felt a tad sluggish.
Hands-on: Leica S3 medium format camera
I mentioned that the S3 will be able to do 4K video with full-sensor readout. To further expand video capabilities the S3 offers audio in/out and HDMI as well as LEMO style ports for USB and remote trigger/flash connectivity. All these connection points have thick rubber covers to protect them from the elements and grime.
Hands-on: Leica S3 medium format camera
Overall, the Leica S3 feels like a utilitarian tool, built for working professionals. It may have the price tag of an expensive museum piece, but it does not handle like one.
Of course, this is a camera that will most likely be purchased by agencies, studios and perhaps some very high-end pros – not every day shooters – making the high price tag seem less cringe-worthy. More importantly, my brief time with the Leica S3 has raised the bar for just how much I can lust over a new digital camera. Nice work, Leica.
. dpreview.com2018-10-12 16:00
