Pairing the tradition of a DSLR with contemporary multimedia capabilities, the Leica S3 is a medium format camera characterized by its flexible feature-set and integration within a well-developed system. Featuring a redeveloped 64MP 30 x 45mm CMOS sensor, the S3 offers high-resolution stills shooting along with a 15-stop dynamic range and a wide sensitivity range from ISO 100-50000 to suit working in a variety of conditions. The sensor’s design also omits an optical low-pass filter in order to realize a high degree of sharpness and clarity. In addition to stills, the sensor also enables DCI 4K and Full HD video recording using the entire width of the sensor for a distinct “medium format look.” Additionally, benefitting stills is a phase-detection autofocus system that employs a single cross-type central point for fast and accurate focusing performance.

Complementing the imaging capabilities, the S3 maintains the familiar design traits of previous S System cameras, including a large 0.87x-magnification optical pentaprism viewfinder with a high eyepoint for comfortable viewing. Alternatively, a rear 3.0″ 921k-dot LCD is available for live view shooting and image review, and a top status LCD can be used to quickly review shooting settings. Another retained distinction is support for the unique dual shutter system, which permits working with either the camera’s focal plane shutter or with select lens’s Central Shutters for flash sync up to 1/1000 sec. Additionally, the S3 incorporates Wi-Fi connectivity for use in conjunction with the Leica FOTOS app for remote camera control and wireless image sharing between the camera and a linked mobile device.