Leica SL3 and SL3-S Firmware 4.0 Released – 3:2 Open Gate, Camera-to-Cloud, AI Autofocus, and More

Leica has launched firmware model 4.0.0 for each the SL3 and SL3-S mirrorless cameras. This main replace introduces direct Digicam-to-Cloud connectivity through Adobe Body.io, AI-enhanced autofocus with expanded topic recognition, a 241MP Multi-Shot mode for the SL3, 3:2 open-gate recording, anamorphic lens assist with in-camera de-squeeze, further video format choices, and substantial enhancements to the monitoring algorithm and person interface. The firmware represents one of the vital important updates within the SL-System’s historical past, basically enhancing each the images and videography capabilities of those L-Mount cameras. Leica has centered this launch on skilled workflow integration, notably for video manufacturing environments the place cloud-based collaboration has turn into important. We examined the SL3-S earlier this 12 months, so watch our Leica SL3-S assessment if you happen to missed it. (Right here at CineD, the consensus is that the Leica SL3-S is the one to go together with if video is your fundamental curiosity.)6K Open-Gate assist on the SL3-S. Credit score: Leica Anamorphic lens assist and de-squeezeThe SL3-S now helps facet ratios of 4:3 (3.5K, 3536×2656, exterior recording) and three:2 (6K, 5952×3968 open-gate inside recording) for anamorphic and customary taking pictures, increasing artistic prospects past the standard 16:9 video format. When utilizing guide anamorphic lenses, the digicam can de-squeeze distorted photos throughout playback, offering an correct preview of the ultimate picture composition within the viewfinder or on the rear show.The brand new Lens Profiles menu gives de-squeeze components of 1.25, 1.3, 1.33, 1.5, 1.6, 1.65, 1.8, 1.85, and a pair of.0, protecting the total vary of frequent anamorphic squeeze ratios utilized in cinema manufacturing. This in-camera correction permits assessing framing and composition precisely throughout taking pictures with out requiring exterior monitoring tools configured for de-squeeze preview. The function solely prompts when utilizing guide anamorphic lenses in Video mode, remaining grayed out when autofocus lenses are connected.Leica SL3-S recording codecs Expanded video format optionsAdditional video codecs with decrease bit charges have been launched, offering extra versatile recording choices for productions the place file dimension administration is a precedence. These new format choices steadiness high quality towards storage necessities and post-production workflow issues, permitting cinematographers to pick out applicable codecs primarily based on challenge supply specs relatively than being constrained to maximum-quality recording modes.The facet ratio enlargement to incorporate 4:3 and three:2 alongside the present 16:9 supplies format versatility for various distribution channels and artistic intentions. The 4:3 anamorphic facet ratio particularly helps conventional anamorphic lens workflows, whereas 3:2 matches the native sensor dimensions for open-gate recording situations. This format flexibility ensures the cameras can adapt to numerous manufacturing necessities with out requiring exterior recorders or format conversion in put up.On prime, beginning a video recording not cancels a beforehand set autofocus lock, sustaining the main focus setting in the course of the transition from photograph to video mode. This conduct change improves operational consistency for hybrid shooters who change between stills and movement seize, eliminating the necessity to reacquire focus after initiating video recording. The main focus setting persistence ensures deliberate focusing choices carry by mode transitions relatively than being reset by the digicam.The icon for energetic Perspective Management now shows appropriately in Evaluate mode, offering correct visible suggestions about which corrections are utilized to captured photos. This interface refinement ensures photographers can confirm perspective correction settings when reviewing photos within the subject.Body IO workflow. Credit score: Leica Digicam-to-Cloud integration with Adobe Body.ioThe headline function in firmware 4.0 is native Digicam-to-Cloud connectivity by Adobe Body.io. The SL3 and SL3-S can now set up direct WLAN connections to Body.io, enabling photographers and cinematographers to add pictures and proxy movies straight from the digicam to the cloud with out intermediate steps or exterior {hardware}. This integration eliminates the standard workflow bottleneck of bodily transferring media recordsdata earlier than post-production groups can start working.Leica has restructured the digicam’s connectivity structure to accommodate this function, introducing a brand new Connectivity menu the place each Leica FOTOS and Body.io connections at the moment are managed. The system ensures safe transmission and rapid availability of recordings for additional enhancing or staff sharing. For proxy video uploads, the digicam requires each a CFexpress card and an SD card to be inserted concurrently, with the Proxy possibility enabled within the video profile. This dual-card configuration permits the digicam to report full-resolution footage to at least one card whereas producing proxy recordsdata for cloud add on the opposite.A simultaneous reference to Leica FOTOS and Body.io just isn’t doable, requiring customers to pick out their connectivity mode primarily based on present workflow necessities. AI-enhanced autofocus. Credit score: LeicaAI-enhanced autofocus and expanded topic recognitionFirmware 4.0 brings substantial enhancements to the autofocus system by AI-assisted fashions. Computerized specializing in human options, together with eyes and faces, has been considerably enhanced, with the monitoring algorithm now robotically adjusting each the dimensions and form of the main focus subject throughout topic monitoring. This adaptive conduct ends in extra steady and dependable efficiency over prolonged taking pictures durations, notably when working with shifting topics or in documentary conditions the place topic distance and framing repeatedly change.The AF mode has been fully revised with a simplified menu construction. Leica consolidated the earlier Multi-Subject and Spot metering strategies into unified menus, now labeled Zone/Multi-Subject and Subject/Spot. A brand new AF Acquisition menu seems in each the perform listing and Management Heart, offering quicker entry to focusing parameters throughout energetic taking pictures. This streamlined strategy reduces menu diving and improves operational effectivity when switching between totally different autofocus methods.Topic recognition capabilities have been expanded to incorporate a broader vary of animals past the earlier implementation. The digicam now acknowledges birds, canines, wolves, cats, and large cats along with the present human detection for eyes, faces, and our bodies. This enhanced animal recognition addresses a frequent request from wildlife and nature photographers who want dependable topic monitoring throughout numerous species. The system combines Section Detection AF, Object Detection AF utilizing depth mapping, and Distinction Detection AF to keep up deal with acknowledged topics even throughout temporary obstructions or speedy motion.The AF Detection menu now gives extra granular management over topic recognition modes, permitting customers to pick out between Off, Human (Eye/Face/Physique), Human (Eye/Face), Animal (Physique), and Animal (Eye/Physique). This flexibility permits photographers to optimize autofocus conduct for particular taking pictures situations, whether or not prioritizing eye detection for portraiture or physique monitoring for motion images.Multi-Shot mode for max resolutionThe SL3 beneficial properties a brand new Multi-Shot mode able to capturing photos as much as 241 megapixels for max element rendering. This pixel-shift performance combines a number of exposures with sensor motion to create ultra-high-resolution recordsdata that exceed the digicam’s native 60MP sensor decision. The function proves notably worthwhile for business images, product images, architectural documentation, and any utility the place extracting most element and resolving energy justifies the static topic requirement and prolonged seize time.Multi-Shot mode works by exactly shifting the sensor between exposures, permitting every photosite to seize shade info from a number of positions. The ensuing composite picture delivers decision and shade accuracy past what single-shot seize can obtain, even with high-megapixel sensors. This computational images strategy leverages the SL3’s sensor-shift IBIS mechanism for the exact actions required between frames.The 241MP output supplies substantial cropping flexibility and permits large-format printing at native decision with out interpolation. For photographers engaged on tasks the place element preservation is paramount, this mode transforms the SL3 right into a technical digicam various whereas sustaining the operational flexibility of a mirrorless system.Filming with anamorphic lenses and having real-time desqueeze. Credit score: Leica Leica Seems to be optimization and depth controlThe Leica Seems to be menu has been optimized with a brand new Depth setting possibility added to the colour profile system. This enhancement supplies finer management over the energy of utilized appears to be like, permitting customers to dial within the actual diploma of stylization relatively than working with fastened presets. The Depth parameter works alongside the present Distinction, Spotlight, Shadow, Sharpness, and Saturation controls to offer complete artistic management over in-camera picture rendering.For the Vivid, Pure, and Monochrome Excessive Distinction appears to be like, customers can now alter depth from 10% to 100% along with the usual ±2 vary for different parameters. This expanded management permits delicate look variations with out requiring customized look creation, streamlining the workflow for photographers and cinematographers who need to fine-tune Leica’s predefined shade science to match particular challenge necessities.The optimization additionally improves the menu construction for downloading further Leica Seems to be through Leica FOTOS, making the method of increasing the out there look library extra intuitive. Solely customizable Leica Seems to be might be reset to default settings, preserving person customizations whereas permitting experimentation with out everlasting modifications to core appears to be like.Leica’s new firmware replace for the SL3 and SL3-S. Credit score: Leica Monitor refresh charge management and energy managementA new monitor refresh charge setting permits customers to pick out between 30fps and 60fps for the rear LCD show. Choosing 30fps reduces energy consumption in Reside View mode, extending battery life throughout prolonged taking pictures periods the place the upper refresh charge isn’t mandatory. This energy administration possibility proves notably worthwhile for documentary work, occasion protection, and different situations the place maximizing pictures per cost takes precedence over the smoothest doable show efficiency.The addition of a Battery Situation menu for the BP-SCL6 battery supplies visibility into the general well being of the ability system. When inserting an aged or low-performance battery, a warning message now seems indicating diminished battery situation. This proactive monitoring helps photographers anticipate battery alternative wants earlier than experiencing surprising energy failures throughout essential taking pictures conditions.The warning message relating to restricted performance when utilizing the older BP-SCL4 battery has been revised with a “Don’t present once more” possibility. After eight weeks, the reminder robotically reappears to point battery situation, balancing person comfort with the necessity for consciousness of diminished efficiency. The message shows solely when switching the digicam on, not when waking from standby, minimizing workflow interruption.Interface refinements and operational improvementsThe conduct of the Auto ISO show in Reside View and Management Heart when utilizing flash has been revised to remove confusion brought on by incorrect ISO worth previews. Beforehand, the digicam typically displayed inaccurate ISO values in flash mode as a result of the precise ISO worth is simply decided in the course of the pre-flash. With firmware 4.0, if a flash is related and required for the shot, the Auto ISO worth stays hidden in Reside View and Management Heart. If a flash is related however not prepared or not required, a preview worth is displayed. If no flash is related, the Auto ISO worth shows as regular.Default settings within the Management Heart have been adjusted, with AF Detection now enabled by default. This modification displays skilled workflows the place topic recognition sometimes improves focusing success charges, making the function energetic out of the field relatively than requiring guide enablement. The default flash mode has additionally modified from Auto to On, offering extra predictable flash conduct for customers working in managed lighting environments.The digicam now begins considerably quicker after prolonged inactivity, lowering the delay between powering on and being able to shoot. This improved startup time addresses a typical frustration with skilled cameras that may expertise multi-second boot delays, notably vital when surprising photograph alternatives come up requiring rapid digicam response.The File Format and Compression menus have been consolidated right into a single File Format menu merchandise, simplifying navigation by recording choices. Grayed-out settings now all the time present present values in Reside View and within the menu, bettering visibility of why sure choices are unavailable and what settings are at present energetic, even once they can’t be modified attributable to mode conflicts.Resolved points and stability improvementsSeveral important bugs have been resolved in firmware 4.0. The false “No reminiscence card inserted” message that briefly appeared when switching on the digicam, regardless of a card being current, has been eradicated. This error occurred with each SD and CFexpress playing cards, inflicting pointless confusion throughout digicam startup. The digicam now acknowledges inserted reminiscence playing cards with out displaying misguided warnings.Autofocus efficiency is now enhanced. Credit score: Leica Autofocus efficiency with Leica SL lenses now operates considerably extra reliably and constantly, particularly when paired with the SL3-S. This enchancment addresses focusing inconsistencies that might happen in sure taking pictures situations, offering extra predictable AF conduct throughout the total vary of native L-Mount optics.In tethered taking pictures mode with JPG+DNG recordsdata, Leica Content material Credentials knowledge was beforehand not saved correctly. This challenge has been resolved, with Content material Credentials info now correctly embedded in each file codecs. This repair ensures authentication metadata stays intact all through tethered workflows, sustaining the integrity of content material verification techniques.A word relating to EU Cybersecurity Necessities: when updating from firmware model 3.1.1 or earlier, the digicam should be re-paired with the Leica FOTOS app to keep up safe connectivity.Firmware set up and availabilityFirmware 4.0.0 for the Leica SL3 and SL3-S is on the market totally free obtain right here (SL3) and right here (SL3-S). For extra details about the Leica SL3-S video recording capabilities, please head right here. Extra info and “how-to” movies might be discovered right here. Do you may have a Leica SL3 or SL3-S, and do you utilize it for any video work? In that case, how is your expertise working with it within the subject? Please share your ideas with us within the remark part beneath.