A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Leica S Typ 007 vs S3

The Leica S (Typ 007) and the Leica S3 are two professional cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2014 and September 2018. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with a medium format sensor. The S Typ 007 has a resolution of 37.5 megapixels, whereas the S3 provides 64 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Leica S Typ 007
versus
Leica S3
Leica S Typ 007   Leica S3
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Leica S mount lenses Leica S mount lenses
37.5 MP – Medium Format sensor 64 MP – Medium Format sensor
4K/24p Video 4K/24p Video
ISO 100-6,400 ISO 100-50,000
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3.5 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
160 x 120 x 80 mm, 1260 g 160 x 120 x 80 mm, 1260 g
logo
Check S Typ 007 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check S3 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica S (Typ 007) and the Leica S3? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

ad

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Leica S Typ 007 and the Leica S3 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Leica S Typ 007 vs Leica S3
Compare S Typ 007 versus S3 top
Comparison S Typ 007 or S3 rear

In this particular case, the Leica S Typ 007 and the Leica S3 have exactly the same width and height, and, thus, have identically-sized bodies. Moreover, the two cameras also share the same weight. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica S Typ 007 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2014 24,490ebay.com
2.
 
Leica S3 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2018 18,995ebay.com
3.
 
Leica M10 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
4.
 
Leica M Typ 262 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 400 Y Nov 2015 5,195ebay.com
5.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
6.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2014 16,900ebay.com
7.
 
Leica S Typ 006 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2012 21,950ebay.com
8.
 
Leica S2 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1410 g .. Y Sep 2008 22,995ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 Y Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax 645D 156 mm 117 mm 119 mm 1480 g 800 Y Mar 2010 9,995ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A7R 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 465 g 340 Y Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The S3 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 22 percent) than the S Typ 007, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a medium format sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 0.8. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica S Typ 007 and Leica S3 sensor measures

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the S3 offers a higher resolution of 64 megapixels, compared with 37.5 MP of the S Typ 007. This megapixels advantage translates into a 31 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the S3 has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.59μm versus 6.00μm for the S Typ 007). However, it should be noted that the S3 is much more recent (by 4 years) than the S Typ 007, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that compensate for the smaller pixel size. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica S3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the S3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 49 x 32.7 inches or 124.5 x 83 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 39.2 x 26.1 inches or 99.6 x 66.4 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 32.7 x 21.8 inches or 83 x 55.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica S Typ 007 are 37.5 x 25 inches or 95.3 x 63.5 cm for good quality, 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm for very good quality, and 25 x 16.7 inches or 63.5 x 42.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica S (Typ 007) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica S3 are ISO 100 to ISO 50000 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

S Typ 007 versus S3 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica S Typ 007 Medium Format 37.5 7500 50004K/24p25.113.7276393
2.
 
Leica S3 Medium Format 64.0 9800 65334K/24p25.614.4314398
3.
 
Leica M10 Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none24.413.2213386
4.
 
Leica M Typ 262 Full Frame 23.7 5952 3976none24.813.7247890
5.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
6.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none25.113.7276393
7.
 
Leica S Typ 006 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.282476
8.
 
Leica S2 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.5222482
9.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
10.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
11.
 
Pentax 645D Medium Format 39.5 7264 5440none24.612.6126282
12.
 
Sony A7R Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.614.1274695
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/24p).

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The S Typ 007 and the S3 are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (98%), as well as the same magnification (0.87x). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Leica S Typ 007 and Leica S3 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Leica S Typ 007optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s n n
2.
 
Leica S3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
3.
 
Leica M10optical n3.0 / 1037 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
4.
 
Leica M Typ 262optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
5.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
6.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
7.
 
Leica S Typ 006optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
8.
 
Leica S2optical Y3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D810optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Pentax 645Doptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 1.1/s n n
12.
 
Sony A7R2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the S Typ 007 and the S3 write their files to Compact Flash or SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. Both cameras support UHS-II cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s.

ad

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica S (Typ 007) and Leica S3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica S Typ 007Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
2.
 
Leica S3Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
3.
 
Leica M10Y- / -----Y--
4.
 
Leica M Typ 262Y- / ----2.0---
5.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
6.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Leica S Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Leica S2Y- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D810Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
11.
 
Pentax 645DYstereo / ----2.0---
12.
 
Sony A7RYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
padding

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that both cameras feature internal geolocalization sensors and can record GPS coordinates in their EXIF data.

Both the S Typ 007 and the S3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The S Typ 007 was replaced by the Leica S3, while the S3 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the S Typ 007 and S3 can be found, respectively, in the Leica S Typ 007 Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica S3 Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica S Typ 007 and the Leica S3? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Arguments in favor of the Leica S (Typ 007):

  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3.5 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2014).


Advantages of the Leica S3:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (64 vs 37.5MP), which boosts linear resolution by 31%.
  • More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (22 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years of technical progress since the S Typ 007 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the S3 comes out slightly ahead of the S Typ 007 (3 : 2 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

S Typ 007 02:03 S3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica S Typ 007 and the Leica S3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the S Typ 007 and the S3 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica S Typ 0074/5.......... Sep 2014 24,490ebay.com
2.
 
Leica S3............ Sep 2018 18,995ebay.com
3.
 
Leica M104.5/5......4/54.5/5 Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
4.
 
Leica M Typ 262............ Nov 2015 5,195ebay.com
5.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
6.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006............ Sep 2014 16,900ebay.com
7.
 
Leica S Typ 006............ Sep 2012 21,950ebay.com
8.
 
Leica S2............ Sep 2008 22,995ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax 645D5/5.......... Mar 2010 9,995ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A7R5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check S Typ 007 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check S3 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Leica S Typ 007 vs Leica S3

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Leica S Typ 007 Leica S3
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Leica S mount lenses Leica S mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2014 September 2018
    Launch Price USD 24,490 USD 18,995
    Sensor Specs Leica S Typ 007 Leica S3
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Medium Format Sensor Medium Format Sensor
    Sensor Size 45.0 x 30.0 mm 45.0 x 30.0 mm
    Sensor Area 1350 mm2 1350 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 54.1 mm 54.1 mm
    Crop Factor 0.8x 0.8x
    Sensor Resolution 37.5 Megapixels 64 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7500 x 5000 pixels 9800 x 6533 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.00 μm 4.59 μm
    Pixel Density 2.78 MP/cm2 4.74 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/24p Video 4K/24p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 50,000 ISO
    Image Processor Maestro II Maestro II
    Screen Specs Leica S Typ 007 Leica S3
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 98% 98%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.87x 0.87x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Leica S Typ 007 Leica S3
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 3.5 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SDXC cards CF or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-II UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Leica S Typ 007 Leica S3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Geotagging GPS built-in GPS built-in
    Body Specs Leica S Typ 007 Leica S3
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-PRO1 Leica BP-PRO1
    Body Dimensions 160 x 120 x 80 mm
    (6.3 x 4.7 x 3.1 in)
    160 x 120 x 80 mm
    (6.3 x 4.7 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 1260 g (44.4 oz) 1260 g (44.4 oz)
    logo
    Check S Typ 007 offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check S3 offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Leica S Typ 007 vs Leica S3