Leica SL2 vs Leica SL3: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Leica SL2 10.7 e⁻ (ISO 50), Leica SL3 18.9 e⁻ (ISO 100).

Dual gain: Leica SL2 none, Leica SL3 ISO 320.

Leica SL2

The Leica SL2 was measured at 11 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 51200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (50) read noise is 2.75 DN, or 10.7 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 800 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 1600 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 62,042 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 200.

Leica SL3

The Leica SL3 was measured at 34 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 102400. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (100) read noise is 1.96 DN, or 18.9 electrons at the sensor. A second gain (dual gain) kicks in at ISO 320, cutting input-referred read noise by about 1 stop. From ISO 32000 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Full well at base ISO is about 153,117 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 960.

Leica SL2 vs Leica SL3 read noise table

ISO	Leica SL2	Leica SL3
50	2.751	1.558
64	–	1.693
80	–	1.790
100	4.228	1.959
125	–	2.250
160	–	2.567
200	6.964	3.095
250	–	3.655
320	–	2.346
400	12.042	2.713
500	–	3.182
640	–	3.837
800	9.987	4.563
1000	–	5.816
1250	–	7.062
1600	17.509	8.815
2000	–	10.853
2500	–	13.086
3200	34.776	16.450
4000	–	20.678
5000	–	25.992
6400	56.493	32.223
8000	–	39.397
10000	–	46.851
12800	110.661	55.715
16000	–	68.120
20000	–	79.341
25600	215.269	94.353
32000	–	116.162
40000	–	139.102
51200	393.440	176.069
64000	–	215.269
80000	–	259.574
102400	–	312.996

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