Leica’s SL3 Reporter joins the company’s lineup as a rugged, more discreet take on the SL3. It retains the same 60MP full-frame sensor and processing power, but wraps them in a matte olive-green body with Aramid fabric trim that’s scratch-resistant and weather-sealed, designed for durability in the toughest conditions. The Leica SL3 Reporter is a stills-first hybrid camera designed for photographers who prioritize reliability and image quality above all else, so let’s take a look!
Leica released the SL3 last year, followed by the more video-oriented SL3-S at the start of this year. The new SL3 Reporter continues Leica’s tradition of durable field cameras, expanding the “Reporter” line with an SL3 version aimed at photographers who work in demanding environments. You can get a feel for the SL3 in general from the following video:
Design and build
What makes the SL3 Reporter stand out is its build. It has a magnesium and aluminum body with a scratch-resistant, matte olive green finish. It is reinforced with Aramid fabric, a tough material with a slight texture that improves grip and, over time, will show a bit of wear that reflects use rather than damage. The camera is sealed to an IP54 standard, so it offers protection against dust and splashes.
Leica has removed the red logo, and all external markings are discreet, so the camera has a more neutral aesthetic. It includes dual card slots – one CFexpress Type B and one SD UHS-II for flexible file management, along with a USB-C port that handles both fast transfers and in-camera charging. A full-size HDMI 2.1 port, plus microphone and headphone jacks, will make it easier to integrate into a mixed photo and video setup.
Matte, scratch-resistant finish. Image credit: LeicaSensor and image quality
As with the SL3, the SL3 Reporter features a 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, paired with Leica’s Maestro IV processor and an 8 GB buffer, which is twice the capacity of the SL2-S. The combination delivers up to 15 frames per second and supports an ISO range from 50 to 100,000.
Leica’s Triple Resolution Technology also lets you capture images at 60, 36, or 18 megapixels without cropping the sensor. Smaller files still carry the same 14-bit depth, which is handy when you don’t need full resolution or want quicker transfers.
Leica SL3 Reporter – rear layout. Image credit: Leica
Autofocus performance matches the SL3, using a hybrid system that combines phase-detect, contrast, and object detection. It can recognize faces, eyes, and animals, and Leica describes the system as precise and adaptable for different lighting conditions.
Five-axis in-body stabilization adds about five stops of compensation, enough to keep handheld shots sharp. The tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen makes it easier to work at high or low angles, and with the body’s IP54 sealing, you don’t have to worry much about the weather.
Top layout. Image credit: LeicaVideo capabilities
Although the SL3 Reporter is primarily a stills camera, its video features are strong enough for hybrid projects. It records internally in 8K, C8K, 4K, C4K, and Full HD at 10-bit, with support for ProRes 422 HQ in 1080p. Footage can be stored on either of the dual card slots or sent through the full-size HDMI 2.1 port to an external recorder.
The camera includes microphone and headphone ports, and the USB-C interface supports external power for extended recording. While it lacks built-in ND filters and dedicated cinema tools, the available options cover the typical needs of photographers who also shoot video.
Image credit: LeicaKey features60MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS SensorScratch-Resistant Finish | Aramid FabricMaestro IV Image Processor, 8GB BufferHybrid AF System with PDAF & Contrast AF5.76m-Dot 0.78x-Mag. EyeRes OLED EVF3.2″ 2.3m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD8K, C8K, 4K, C4K & FHD 10-Bit RecordingProRes 1080p & Apple MFi SupportISO 50-100000, Up to 15 fps Shooting5-Axis Sensor-Shift Image StabilizationWho it’s for
The SL3 Reporter tilts clearly toward photography. It features the same 60-megapixel full-frame sensor as the standard SL3, but its design and build are what truly set it apart. The body is solid, sealed against weather, and made for the kind of work that happens outside a studio. Video features are included, but they play a secondary role here; cameras with lower resolutions typically offer faster readout and more specialized formats. The Reporter keeps its focus on still work, where its strengths are most apparent.
Price and availability
The Leica SL3 Reporter is expected to be released shortly and is priced at $7,995, with the standard SL3 selling for $7,485. For more information, please see the Leica website. Detailed technical data can be found here.
How do you see the SL3 Reporter fitting into your work – as a tough stills camera or an all-round hybrid? Would you trade a few video features for a body built to handle the elements? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.