Leica Significantly Updates SL3 and Q3 Series' Autofocus Performance

Leica has announced substantial updates to both the SL3 and the Q3 family of cameras with what it bills as “comprehensive enhancements,” specifically enabling a more precise, faster, and more intuitive shooting experience for photos and video recording.

Firmware version 4.0.0 for the Leica SL3 and SL3-S promises a bevy of improvements, most notably to autofocus performance. Firstly, the tracking algorithm can now automatically adjust the size and shape of the focus field during subject tracking, resulting in what Leica says is a more stable and reliable experience over extended periods.

Additionally, automatic focusing on human faces (eyes and faces) has been “significantly improved” through AI-assisted models. The autofocus menu has also been revised and simplified. Multi-Field and Spot were combined into one menu (Zone / Multi-Field and Field / Spot). A new AF Acquisition menu is now available in both the FN list and the Control Center, and expanded subject recognition has been added to support humans (eye/face/body) and animals, including birds, dogs, wolves, cats, and big cats.

Beyond autofocus improvements, Version 4.0.0 also adjusts the Leica Looks menu, and a new “Intensity” setting option has been added.

Monitor refresh rate can be toggled between 30 fps and 60 fps. Selecting the lower frame rate reduces power consumption in Live View mode.

The SL3 also gains a multi-shot mode, allowing photographers to shoot up to 241 megapixel images that are created from a set of photos. Leica has also added more video formats with additional, lower bit rates. It also supports aspect ratios of 4:3 (anamorphic) and 3:2. When using an anamorphic lens, the camera can now de-squeeze the view during playback as long as they fall into the following de-squeeze factors: 1.25, 1.3, 1.33, 1.5, 1.6, 1.65, 1.8, 1.85, 2.0.

These new features are joined by the following list of bug fixes and general improvements:

The entire Q3 family is getting updated to Version 4.0.0, too, although the specifics vary between the Q3, Q3 43, and Q3 Monochrom. What is shared is the promise of a completely revised user interface that is “inspired by the highly acclaimed SL3 interface,” which includes redesigned icons, an optimized structure, faster navigation, and enhanced touch functionality.

Firstly, the Q3 and Q3 43 get a list of completely new features. Since these cameras feature Leica’s most complete autofocus system (the Q3 Monochrom only has contrast-based autofocus), they are getting a boost. The two cameras now benefit from the same algorithm being delivered to the SL3 series and promise that the automatic focusing on human features (like the face and eyes) has been significantly improved through AI-assisted models. Just like in the SL3 series, the tracking algorithm automatically adjusts the size and shape of the focus field during subject tracking, which Leica says results in more stable and reliable performance over extended periods of time.

Additionally, both cameras’ AF mode has been improved, and the menu structure has been simplified. Multi-Field and Spot were combined into one menu (Zone / Multi-Field and Field / Spot). A new AF Acquisition menu is now available in both the FN list and the Control Center, and expanded subject recognition has been added to support humans (eye/face/body) and animals, including birds, dogs, wolves, cats, and big cats.

There is now a quick selection for digital zoom levels, and favorite focal lengths can be set and quickly recalled via a function button. Video profiles have also been integrated, and the menu structure has changed to suit the new Leica user interface. All video modes can now be scrolled through and selected directly.

The design of Live View, Control Center, and Menu has been updated, and the menu is now fully controllable via touch, too. Some menu items were rearranged or consolidated (e.g., Leica Looks, Display Settings) as a result, including the Leica Looks menu, which has a new Intensity setting. There is also a new Battery Condition menu. Additionally, vertical fans rejoice, as the info bar displays in Live View rotates with the camera.

Both the Q3 and Q3 43 also get what Leica calls “improved L-log video quality” with optimized color rendering and more natural skin tones.

That’s it for the updates that are specific to the Q3 and Q3 43, but all three cameras gain the following:

The firmware updates for the SL3 series and the Q3 family are free and available starting today. They can be installed via the Leica FOTOS App or an SD card.

Image credits: Leica