Leica has released version 4.0.0 of its firmware for camera models in the SL-System (SL3 and SL3-S) and Q3 family (Q3, Q3 43, and Q3 Monochrom), adding improvements to imaging performance and the user interface.
On the SL-System, the new firmware provides faster hybrid autofocus and improved detection accuracy for both humans and animals, with subject recognition covering human eyes, faces, and bodies, as well as animals such as birds, dogs, wolves, cats, and big cats.
Firmware version 4.0.0 further introduces direct camera-to-cloud support for Adobe Frame.io, improved autofocus with more stable subject tracking and refined AI-based detection, and a simplified autofocus menu.
The SL3 also gains a Multi-Shot mode that automatically combines multiple exposures into a single image of up to 241 megapixels for greater detail.
Video features are also expanded with additional recording formats and new aspect ratios. It can also de-squeeze distorted images during playback when using an anamorphic lens.
The release further improves startup speeds, autofocus reliability with S-lenses, battery health reporting, monitor refresh rate options, and overall menu usability.
Meanwhile, the Leica Q3 gets an overhauled user interface inspired by the SL3, with a new icon, a more refined structure, faster navigation, and better touch functionality.
This includes changes to the user interface in Live View, the Control Center, and menus, with expanded touch controls, quicker access to digital zoom presets, integrated video profiles, improved Leica Looks adjustments, and clearer battery health information, alongside faster startup times and smoother app connectivity.
Firmware version 4.0.0 also comes with the newly introduced AI-assisted autofocus, which offers more accurate detection of human eyes and faces.
Updates to both lines of camera models are now available via the Leica FOTOS App. Users also have the option to install the update via SD card.
For more details on what's new with firmware version 4.0.0, the patch notes for both the SL-System and Q3 family are available on the Leica website.
