Although not yet been officially announced by Leica, it appears that the S3 medium format DSLR camera has been discontinued. The camera had a very strange lifecycle, as it was introduced in 2018, and shipped two years later. Two years after – it was discontinued.
Leica S3 was late to the medium format party
The Leica S3 medium format camera has been discontinued by Leica. The announcement was made by Map Camera on Twitter that the production of the S3 has officially ended.
Furthermore, B&H marked the camera as ‘Discontinued’. The Leica S3 camera was introduced back in 2018, and it took two years for Leica to start shipping it. The S3 utilizes a 64-megapixel medium format sensor with a Maestro II image processor and records DCI 4K and full HD video 4:2:2 8-bit internally (full sensor readout).
The camera was released with a hefty price tag of $19,000 USD. Key features are below:
- 64MP 30 x 45mm CMOS Sensor
- DCI 4K and Full HD Video; 4:2:2 Color
- Optical Pentaprism Viewfinder
- Dual Shutter System Support
- Weather-Sealed Magnesium Alloy
- Maestro II Image Processor
- ISO 100-50000, Up to 3 fps Shooting
- 3.0″ 921.6k-Dot LCD Monitor
- Built-In Wi-Fi and GPS
Impressive video capabilities
Characterized by its higher resolution, the S3 sports a 64MP 30 x 45mm CMOS sensor to achieve a high degree of clarity, sensitivity, and a wide dynamic range rated for up to 15 stops. This “Leica ProFormat” sensor also omits an optical low-pass filter from its design in order to achieve the greatest sharpness possible. Beyond resolution, the updated design also enables a wide sensitivity range from ISO 100-50000 and supports continuous shooting up to 3 fps. In regard to focusing, a predictive phase-detection autofocus system is quick, quiet, and bene ts tracking moving subjects through the use of a single central cross-type point. Beyond stills shooting, the updated sensor also enables impressive video capabilities, and supports DCI 4K recording at 24 fps and Full HD up to 30 fps, with both formats able to make use of the full width of the sensor. An external microphone can be used via the 3.5mm port and external recording at Full HD is supported via HDMI Type-C with 4:2:2 8-bit color sampling.
Design and structure
The S3 has a rugged body design utilizing a magnesium alloy shell with non-slip rubber armoring, a magnesium alloy top plate, an aluminum alloy base plate, stainless steel control elements, and a lens mount bayonet. Furthermore, the camera has dust- and splash-proof sealing.
Why discontinued?
The S3 was built like a tank. Also, shooters have been reviewing the camera as reliable and praised its image quality and DSLR characteristics. So why did Leica discontinue it? One reason is the decent options in the market. As mentioned, it took two years for Leica to ship the camera. Meanwhile, other medium format solutions have been born, like Hasselblad and Fujifilm (the GFX family). Second, it’s still a DSLR body, which has been reduced in popularity, Third, it may be the cause of manufacturing. Leica would want to concentrate on new medium format models that have better specs, and a mirrorless body. Anyway, the S3 is another flagship DSLR that fades out as the last dinosaurs.
