It's so much fun when Leica introduces a new product. It always makes me think about buying a Panasonic camera...

At a factory in Mexico. Self portrait.

 

I own a SL2 and I like it. It's very nice. Now Leica has introduced their replacement for the camera and it's called the SL3. Changes include the option to use three different resolution settings for raw files (a useful feature I had back on a 2003 Kodak SLR/n digital camera...), a new 60 megapixel sensor, phase detect AF (which might come in handy for event work with flash), a new battery which, surprisingly, the camera desperately needs as it's battery life is worse than previous models, two different type card slots (which for some is great but for me is a pain in the ass), an added, second control dial on the top plate that can provide ISO control but is also programmable, and, finally, a tilting rear screen. They would like for people like me to upgrade to the new camera and have priced it to move quickly...$7,000.  (sarcasm alert).

Of all the new stuff on the camera the only thing that really moves the needle for me is the ability to have 60 megapixel raw files as well as 36 and 18 megapixel raw files. When shooting events, portraits and tons of other web targeted content the ability to shoot full frame at 18 megapixels in raw is great. But really, I've got cameras that shoot 24 megapixel raw files natively, and that's close enough. 

Since there's no obligation to actually consummate the transaction of a "no deposit" pre-order with most stores I immediately pre-ordered an SL3 from my favorite Leica dealer. Why? Because I think it will be at least a month or two before they get product in the door and I may want one by then. Someone has already called me today to see if I want to sell them one of my more "minty" SL camera bodies. A few sell offs here and there and I'd be ready to accept the latest and greatest from Wetzlar. 

But when I really thought hard about it I came up with two scenarios that seem like a better use of my money. And a third scenario where I just keep the money in my investment account and take a chance on some new "hot stock." The first two scenarios for better spending the $7K required for the SL3 are based on the kind of work that requires certain differing performance/use parameters. 

I'm shooting an event in April. It seems like I'm always shooting some sort of corporate event where I need to make flash photos on the fly. Leicas are famous for having a very, very thin selection of (just) decent flashes. And the usability, based on reviews and real life stories, tells me that they are far from optimal for quick flash use in dark spaces. Rather than spend $675 in addition to the cost the SL3 ($7000) for a so-so shoe mount flash, if my reasons for acquiring the new camera are for event work, my logical brain tells me (emphatically!!!) that a slightly used Panasonic S5ii for $1500 is a much better choice. It has the image stabilization that makes focusing through longer lenses better. It has phase detect AF. But just as important, I already have several dedicated Olympus/Panasonic flashes (Like the Godox V1) that work great with the S5. No more money out of pocket to outfit the used S5ii --- and a track record of moderate (proven) success from the existing flash systems. In this scenario about $6,000 stays in my pocket. 

The second spend/spend/spend scenario is based around the idea that the higher resolution of the new SL3 would be helpful for shoots like the ones I did for Abbott last year and the year before which are model intensive, require high quality files for big print targets, and can benefit from higher end Leica lenses. 

And I might have gone down that path a couple of years ago but last year Paul dropped a Fuji GFX50Sii on me and it quickly became obvious that there is a quality difference provided by more square sensor surface. If I get invited to do more jobs like the previous ones mentioned, or the job which required highest quality files for a 30 foot truck wrap for the Capitol Area Food Bank, I'll much more likely reach for a medium format camera body over even a 60 megapixel FF body. And I'll buy or rent the lens, or lenses I need for particular projects; all at a big, big cost savings over the purchase of a new camera from Leica, the major advantage of which is slightly more pixel density. The map has changed a bit for me. 

We're almost back where we were in the 1990s when we mostly used two camera systems for two different types of work. Leicas for event work, public relations, public relations portraits and the like. Medium format cameras for big advertising work. Work that required the highest quality available; especially in the eyes of clients. 

Or, I could just ignore the new product announcements, ditch the work that doesn't conform to my favorite current cameras and move on. It's interesting to have options. This morning I'm leaning toward ignoring everything new. 

Maybe I'll start researching really high end swim goggles instead. It looks like a pair of the best goggles caps out at under $100. That's reasonable purchase. And no firmware updates to consider...