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The excellence of the Leica S3 is based on its well thought-out overall system.
All individual parts are precisely matched to each other and blend together in perfect harmony for the legendary Leica look.
Developed in close collaboration with professional photographers, the camera is ideally suited for professional use:
Outstanding image quality and technical versatility characterize the Leica S3, as do its uncomplicated handling and extreme robustness.
The S3 is equipped with a further development of the Leica ProFormat sensor with 64 megapixel resolution.
At 30 x 45 millimeters, it corresponds to the classic aspect ratio of a 35 mm camera, but also has a 56 percent larger light-sensitive area. It was a decision that not only has a positive influence on image quality, but is also a prerequisite for achieving the characteristic look of the medium format with the Leica S3.
The treatment of light is of decisive importance for the image effect and image quality: a larger sensor requires Lens with a larger image circle. Not only do they ensure the noticeably smaller depth of field typical of medium format, but their design features also mean that they do not require extreme aperture ratios to direct a particularly large amount of light onto the sensor. Thanks to the larger sensor area, each individual sensor pixel is larger, captures more light and can therefore optimally process the additional light.
The Leica ProFormat thus marks the ideal balance between image quality and creative possibilities for a wide range of photographic applications - the ideal synthesis of 35mm and classic medium format.
The sensor of the Leica S3 not only delivers impressive resolution, it also extends the dynamic range to a recognizable 15 f-stops and thus reproduces an unprecedented tonal value spectrum between light and shadow. Thanks to the high sensor sensitivity of up to ISO 50,000, the Leica S3 is not dependent on studio lighting: Whether on location, in reportage photography, at concerts or at weddings - wherever available light is to be used, the Leica S3 shows its strengths and puts the advantages of the large format in the right light. In addition, the CMOS sensor allows video recording and Live View as a supplement to the optical viewfinder image.
Autofocus
Fast to the point
The revised, predictive autofocus system of the Leica S3 is always one step ahead. Lens and camera form a single unit that takes the direct route to a sharp image. The autofocus is designed for a fast and gentle approach to optimum sharpness and can take corrections into account in the last fraction of a second. Indispensable for dynamic photography, it recognizes all movements of the subject during the focusing process.
Medium format video
Film-ready
With the Leica CMOS sensor and the image processor from the Maestro II series, the Leica S3 has the technical prerequisites for professional video recordings in Cine 4K and Full HD.
The full width of the sensor is used at every resolution, so that video recordings also have the special look that is familiar from photos in medium format.
Whether video or still, the horizontal angle of view is identical.
The outstanding image quality and the special characteristics of the S Lens give the recordings a unique cinematic flair. Like the photos, the videos also impress with selective sharpness and the typical Leica bokeh.
The high quality of the film images is maintained thanks to the 4:2:2 color scanning and storage in MOV format with time code. Thanks to the MotionJPEG compression of the video data, there are no dependencies between different frames, making this format ideal for film editing even without conversion. As an alternative to internal film recording up to Cine 4K, the Leica S3 also offers an uncompressed stream in Full HD for checking on a connected monitor or for recording with an external HDMI recorder.
The video mode of the Leica S3 also offers not only all lenses of the S-System, but also adaptable lenses of other medium format systems. The Leica S3 offers various aids for optimal focusing for the customary manual focusing when filming. A display of sharp image areas through focus peaking, for example, makes it easier to identify the position of optimum sharpness. The optional clipping display and the display of grids complete the support for video recordings. Automatically or manually controlled stereo sound for the moving image can be recorded with the built-in or an external microphone at 48 kHz and 16 bit.
DNG
The data of the Leica S3 can be saved as a future-proof DNG format (Digital Negative) - the only manufacturer-independent standardized format that is not tied to any particular raw converter and can be read by most image processing programs. This means that the S3 integrates seamlessly into any existing working environment.
In addition to the lossless compression of the complete image information, all metadata such as distance and aperture are recorded in the DNG format. All data can be stored either on SD card (SDXC), CF card (UDMA7) or externally (PC).
Workflow
The Leica S3 offers a free choice of workflow. The Leica Image Shuttle software, which is perfectly tailored to the camera, ensures an efficient and professional workflow in which all relevant image properties such as subject, framing, focus and exposure can be controlled directly on the larger computer monitor.
The Leica S3 has a Lemo USB 3.0 SuperSpeed interface to enable the fastest and most stable data transfer to your computer as well as tethered shooting. In combination with iOS devices, a wireless connection can also be established with the S3.
Alternatively, tethered shooting can also be realized with other software solutions. Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® Classic is equipped as a central control instance for all tasks relating to digital images: From importing files to sorting, including keywording and image editing, to exporting and sharing images as files, by e-mail or on the Internet, everything has been thought of.
The powerful image editing functions of Lightroom Classic are perfect for preparing the image for further use. Lightroom Classic offers the advantage of the raw workflow and never changes the original file, but only logs the desired changes. A new image file is only generated when the image is output, so that several versions of an image can be created without risk.
Classic image editing programs such as Adobe® Photoshop® can be optimally integrated into the workflow for advanced editing.
Operation and handling
Trust your intuition
An intuitive operating concept has been developed for the Leica S3, which manages with an absolute minimum of elements. The two central control elements of the Leica S3, the setting dial and the 5-way button, are easy to operate with the right thumb. They are used to control the aperture and navigate through the menus on the rear display, which is also framed by four buttons.
The camera's main switch allows you to choose between focal-plane or leaf shutter. The ergonomic handle ensures that the camera sits comfortably in the hand. Its relatively low weight and optimum centre of gravity ensure fatigue-free operation.
Maestro II processor
Designed to win
The electronic components of the Leica S3 are designed for maximum data throughput. Thanks to the more than 9,800 digital-to-analog converters working in parallel, the image data is read from the sensor in the shortest possible time and without any loss of image quality.
Image processing is handled by the processor from the Maestro II series, specially developed for Leica.
The 2 GB buffer memory ensures that every link in the processing chain can work quickly and there is no idle time. With a consistently high data throughput, a frame rate of up to three images per second is achieved despite the high resolution of 64 megapixels. The Leica S3's processor ensures optimum noise suppression and ensures that the camera responds to all commands without delay.
The excellence of the Leica S3 is based on its well thought-out overall system.
All individual parts are precisely matched to each other and blend together in perfect harmony for the legendary Leica look.
Developed in close collaboration with professional photographers, the camera is ideally suited for professional use:
Outstanding image quality and technical versatility characterize the Leica S3, as do its uncomplicated handling and extreme robustness.
The S3 is equipped with a further development of the Leica ProFormat sensor with 64 megapixel resolution.
At 30 x 45 millimeters, it corresponds to the classic aspect ratio of a 35 mm camera, but also has a 56 percent larger light-sensitive area. It was a decision that not only has a positive influence on image quality, but is also a prerequisite for achieving the characteristic look of the medium format with the Leica S3.
The treatment of light is of decisive importance for the image effect and image quality: a larger sensor requires Lens with a larger image circle. Not only do they ensure the noticeably smaller depth of field typical of medium format, but their design features also mean that they do not require extreme aperture ratios to direct a particularly large amount of light onto the sensor. Thanks to the larger sensor area, each individual sensor pixel is larger, captures more light and can therefore optimally process the additional light.
The Leica ProFormat thus marks the ideal balance between image quality and creative possibilities for a wide range of photographic applications - the ideal synthesis of 35mm and classic medium format.
The sensor of the Leica S3 not only delivers impressive resolution, it also extends the dynamic range to a recognizable 15 f-stops and thus reproduces an unprecedented tonal value spectrum between light and shadow. Thanks to the high sensor sensitivity of up to ISO 50,000, the Leica S3 is not dependent on studio lighting: Whether on location, in reportage photography, at concerts or at weddings - wherever available light is to be used, the Leica S3 shows its strengths and puts the advantages of the large format in the right light. In addition, the CMOS sensor allows video recording and Live View as a supplement to the optical viewfinder image.
Autofocus
Fast to the point
The revised, predictive autofocus system of the Leica S3 is always one step ahead. Lens and camera form a single unit that takes the direct route to a sharp image. The autofocus is designed for a fast and gentle approach to optimum sharpness and can take corrections into account in the last fraction of a second. Indispensable for dynamic photography, it recognizes all movements of the subject during the focusing process.
Medium format video
Film-ready
With the Leica CMOS sensor and the image processor from the Maestro II series, the Leica S3 has the technical prerequisites for professional video recordings in Cine 4K and Full HD.
The full width of the sensor is used at every resolution, so that video recordings also have the special look that is familiar from photos in medium format.
Whether video or still, the horizontal angle of view is identical.
The outstanding image quality and the special characteristics of the S Lens give the recordings a unique cinematic flair. Like the photos, the videos also impress with selective sharpness and the typical Leica bokeh.
The high quality of the film images is maintained thanks to the 4:2:2 color scanning and storage in MOV format with time code. Thanks to the MotionJPEG compression of the video data, there are no dependencies between different frames, making this format ideal for film editing even without conversion. As an alternative to internal film recording up to Cine 4K, the Leica S3 also offers an uncompressed stream in Full HD for checking on a connected monitor or for recording with an external HDMI recorder.
The video mode of the Leica S3 also offers not only all lenses of the S-System, but also adaptable lenses of other medium format systems. The Leica S3 offers various aids for optimal focusing for the customary manual focusing when filming. A display of sharp image areas through focus peaking, for example, makes it easier to identify the position of optimum sharpness. The optional clipping display and the display of grids complete the support for video recordings. Automatically or manually controlled stereo sound for the moving image can be recorded with the built-in or an external microphone at 48 kHz and 16 bit.
DNG
The data of the Leica S3 can be saved as a future-proof DNG format (Digital Negative) - the only manufacturer-independent standardized format that is not tied to any particular raw converter and can be read by most image processing programs. This means that the S3 integrates seamlessly into any existing working environment.
In addition to the lossless compression of the complete image information, all metadata such as distance and aperture are recorded in the DNG format. All data can be stored either on SD card (SDXC), CF card (UDMA7) or externally (PC).
Workflow
The Leica S3 offers a free choice of workflow. The Leica Image Shuttle software, which is perfectly tailored to the camera, ensures an efficient and professional workflow in which all relevant image properties such as subject, framing, focus and exposure can be controlled directly on the larger computer monitor.
The Leica S3 has a Lemo USB 3.0 SuperSpeed interface to enable the fastest and most stable data transfer to your computer as well as tethered shooting. In combination with iOS devices, a wireless connection can also be established with the S3.
Alternatively, tethered shooting can also be realized with other software solutions. Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® Classic is equipped as a central control instance for all tasks relating to digital images: From importing files to sorting, including keywording and image editing, to exporting and sharing images as files, by e-mail or on the Internet, everything has been thought of.
The powerful image editing functions of Lightroom Classic are perfect for preparing the image for further use. Lightroom Classic offers the advantage of the raw workflow and never changes the original file, but only logs the desired changes. A new image file is only generated when the image is output, so that several versions of an image can be created without risk.
Classic image editing programs such as Adobe® Photoshop® can be optimally integrated into the workflow for advanced editing.
Operation and handling
Trust your intuition
An intuitive operating concept has been developed for the Leica S3, which manages with an absolute minimum of elements. The two central control elements of the Leica S3, the setting dial and the 5-way button, are easy to operate with the right thumb. They are used to control the aperture and navigate through the menus on the rear display, which is also framed by four buttons.
The camera's main switch allows you to choose between focal-plane or leaf shutter. The ergonomic handle ensures that the camera sits comfortably in the hand. Its relatively low weight and optimum centre of gravity ensure fatigue-free operation.
Maestro II processor
Designed to win
The electronic components of the Leica S3 are designed for maximum data throughput. Thanks to the more than 9,800 digital-to-analog converters working in parallel, the image data is read from the sensor in the shortest possible time and without any loss of image quality.
Image processing is handled by the processor from the Maestro II series, specially developed for Leica.
The 2 GB buffer memory ensures that every link in the processing chain can work quickly and there is no idle time. With a consistently high data throughput, a frame rate of up to three images per second is achieved despite the high resolution of 64 megapixels. The Leica S3's processor ensures optimum noise suppression and ensures that the camera responds to all commands without delay.
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