Leica SL3-S vs Nikon Z8
Leica SL3-S has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The SL3-S is the better pick for portraits, astrophotography, vlogging; the Z8 is better for landscapes, wildlife, sports.
Choose the SL3-S for
- faster bursts (30fps vs 20fps)
- better low-light performance
- a lighter body (768g vs 910g)
- more lenses in our database (64 vs 54)
- a newer design (2025)
Choose the Z8 for
- more resolution (45.7MP vs 24MP)
- a lower price (from £2,229)
- stronger video (8K 60p)
Specs side by side
| Spec | SL3-S | Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 24MP | Full frame, 45.7MP |
| Mount | L-Mount (Lumix S, Leica SL) | Nikon Z |
| Released | 2025 | 2023 |
| Burst | 30 fps | 20 fps |
| Readout | — | ≈4 ms |
| Max ISO | 100,000 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 6K 30p | 8K 60p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 768 g | 910 g |
| Battery | Leica BP-SCL6 | Nikon EN-EL15c |
| Card slots | SD (UHS-II) | CFexpress B + SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | £4,500 | £2,999 |
| Used at MPB | £2,599 | £2,229–2,489 |
| Native lenses in our database | 64 (39 third-party) | 54 (31 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | SL3-S |
| Landscape | Z8 |
| Wildlife & animals | Z8 |
| Sports & action | Z8 |
| Astrophotography | SL3-S |
| Vlogging & video | SL3-S |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The SL3-S uses L-Mount (64 lenses in our database, 39 third-party) and the Z8 uses Nikon Z (54 lenses, 31 third-party). Batteries: Leica BP-SCL6 (about £150) vs Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Leica SL3-S better than the Nikon Z8?
It depends on your priorities. The SL3-S offers faster bursts (30fps vs 20fps), better low-light performance, a lighter body (768g vs 910g); the Z8 offers more resolution (45.7MP vs 24MP), a lower price (from £2,229), stronger video (8K 60p).
Which is better for video, the SL3-S or the Z8?
The Z8 is stronger for video: SL3-S records 6K 30p, Z8 records 8K 60p.
Which is cheaper, the SL3-S or the Z8?
The SL3-S costs £4,500 new and from £2,599 used at MPB; the Z8 costs £2,999 new and from £2,229 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Leica SL3-S lenses on the Z8?
Not directly. The SL3-S uses L-Mount and the Z8 uses Nikon Z; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.