Both the X1D and S3 have simplified interfaces that do away with the clutter that typifies the traditional camera interface, however the S3 lacks the touchscreen of its Hasselblad rival. The Leica S3, by comparison, is ready in just a couple of seconds.
But that camera takes a full eight seconds to start up, which practically guarantees that I’ll miss any impromptu photogenic moments by the time it’s ready to shoot.
The Hasselblad X1D is my benchmark for medium format cameras, combining genuinely portable ergonomics with the massive sensor size and resolution that such cameras are known for. The old mechanical thwack of a high-end DSLR is a joy that mirrorless cameras can only ever hope to imitate. Shooting up to three frames per second at 64 megapixels and on such a large sensor size is no small feat, but Leica pulls it off with great performance and responsiveness. The simplified physical interface and large buttons make operating the camera easy, which is helped in no small part by its fast operation. It’s surprisingly light for its substantial size, and it handles beautifully. My visits to Leica are always an experience of stuff I can’t afford or justify to have, but I’ve never wanted anything the company has made as much as this Leica S3. Medium format cameras aren’t expected to be fast, but this one is Another programmable button resides on the front of the camera, just next to the lens mount. The four large keypads surrounding the rear display each respond to a long press as well as a regular one, and the control dial under your thumb can also be long-pressed to switch between shooting modes. Labels are almost entirely missing from this camera, which isn’t an oversight, as Leica just decided to make the majority of buttons and dials customizable and multifunctional. A magnesium alloy frame is surrounded by a matching black natural rubber that’s easy to grip (even when the camera gets wet, Leica tells me) and is understated in appearance. The exterior look of the S3 makes it seem almost like an unfinished prototype. And daydreaming is all I’ll ever be able to do about the S3, since this is going to be Leica’s most expensive standard camera (think $20,000 and up) when it’s released in the spring. The design, performance, and engineering of this camera have swept me off my feet and up into some fluffy daydreaming clouds.
The 64-megapixel S3 is thus quite a unique launch for Photokina, but it’s also an unparalleled camera even outside the constraints of current fashions and trends. You read that correctly, there are still camera makers that proudly tout their DSLRs instead of hiding them away in a corner while showing off the shiny new mirrorless stuff. Every other camera now feels a little diminished by comparison to Leica’s upcoming flagship S3 medium format DSLR. I made a mistake coming to Leica’s booth at Photokina this year.