Last Updated on June 30, 2020
Features
- 24MP, 35 mm Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- Leica Maestro II Image Processor
- 4K (4096 × 2160) @ 24 fps;
4K (3840 × 2160) @ 25 and 30 fps - Up to 11 fps Shooting and ISO 50–ISO 50000
- 0.66″ 4.4MP 0.8x Electronic Viewfinder
- 2.95″ Touch Back light LED 1.04 Mio. Pixels Touchscreen
- Wi-Fi and GPS Connectivity
LEICA SL Introduction Video
LEICA SL Overview
Described by Leica itself as having been made for professional use, Leica SL is indeed packed with features that make it as such. Equipped with the quickest autofocus out of all professional cameras, users are guaranteed to never miss any crucial moments – a feature those covering sporting events will be thankful for. With a maximum ISO value of 50,000, this camera is capable of taking photographs even in the least ideal conditions. The Leica SL is also sturdy and ergonomic which just adds to how impressive it is.
Design & Features
Professional photographers are exposed to different kinds of conditions – from wet to dry and everything in between. As such, they need a camera that can handle those situations and that’s what the Leica SL delivers. Its solid aluminum body isn’t just sturdy but it’s also dust-proof and splash-proof.
Although made with professional users in mind, Leica designed the SL to be used by anybody. The camera doesn’t feature a lot of controls and has a clear menu that allows users to find exactly what they are looking for.
Compatibility is another strong point of the Leica SL which can be used with over 100 Leica lenses. This camera is compatible with 48 M-lenses, 16 S-lenses, 64 R-lenses and 21 Cine-lenses. Not only that, Leica TL mount lenses can be used on the SL without the need for an adapter.
Image data on the Leica SL is saved into the DNG format which allows for the seamless integration of work flows and already existing working environments. The camera can also be connected to a computer while shooting through USB 3.0.
The Leica SL is a mirrorless camera and it’s a direct competitor to the models released by Sony. Leica itself is marketing the camera as taking over the place of SLR cameras what with its mirrorless system that doesn’t require much space and makes less noise but still takes beautiful photos.
This SL model from Leica is also the first camera in the world meant for professionals that has an electronic viewfinder, the EyeRes Viewfinder. It has a 4.4 million pixel resolution and functions well even in unfavorable conditions.
Leica SL’s autofocus system has been hailed as even fast than that of any SLR system. This allows users to capture critical moments in any event they are covering.
While the Leica SL is impressive as a still-image taker, it has equally superb video-taking capabilities. The camera can shoot in 4K which can be output at a 4:2:2 10-bit format.
The internal portions of the Leica SL are something else as well. With the Maestro II Processor, the camera is able to achieve exceptional speed. The camera is also equipped with a 24MP CMOS sensor which allows for the capture of images in almost any kind of lighting condition.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It uses groundbreaking technology. The Leica SL is a mirrorless, full-frame camera that could easily replace DSLRs as the go-to camera of professionals. It has a certain advantage in being smaller in size and its being mirroless has an advantage especially when it comes to maintenance. The SL’s autofocus is really quick and it’s equipped with an EyeRes Viewfinder.
- It is built for performance. Equipped with a Maestro II Processor, the Leica SL is wonderfully quick which is always helpful when shooting events. With a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor, images will turn out great in different kinds of situations.
- It is sturdy and light. Constructed using only the finest materials, the Leica SL was designed to protect internal components from dust, water or moisture. Unlike other cameras, the SL is on the lighter side of things which makes it an easy traveling companion.
- It is compatible with many Leica lenses. More than 100 Leica lenses are compatible with the SL. Apart from that, lenses from the Leica TL can also be mounted on this model without needing an adapter.
Cons
- It is expensive. The Leica SL does fall on the pricier side which may or may not dissuade interested parties. After all, Sony has a similar offering but at a much cheaper price.
Final Thoughts
The Leica SL is one truly exceptional camera. Although it may be designed for the professional photographer, anyone can use it without feeling overwhelmed as there aren’t many buttons to push and the menu is quite intuitive. As a mirrorless camera, it competes directly with those offered by Sony and it does give them a run for their money. Of course, Leica cameras tend to be on the pricier side of things. So all it would boil down to is preference.
| Camera Type | Mirrorless Fullframe System Camera |
| Current Firmware | 2.1 |
| Lenses | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Leica L-Mount |
| Applicable lenses | Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90 mm f/2.8–4 ASPH. (Order No. 11 176) Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8–4 (Order No. 11 175) Leica Summilux-SL 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. (Order No. 11 180) All Leica lenses with L-bayonet, Leica M-Lenses*, Leica S-Lenses*, Leica R-Lenses* and Leica Cine lenses*. (*Optional adapters are required.) |
| Sensor | |
|---|---|
| Type | 24-MP-CMOS-Sensor (24 × 36 mm) |
| Resolution | Full Frame (24 MP): 6000 × 4000 Pixel, APS-C (10 MP): 3936 × 2624 Pixel |
| Filter | IR-Filter, no Lowpass Filter |
| ISO | ISO 50–ISO 50000 |
| Sensor Cleaning | Provided |
| Processor | |
|---|---|
| Type | Leica Maestro II series |
| Internal RAM | 2 GB: 33 DNGs or 30 JPEGs and DNGs |
| Image | |
|---|---|
| Image Data Format | JPEG, DNG |
| Colordepth | 14 bit (DNG), 8 bit (JPEG) |
| JPEG Color Space | Adobe RGB, ECI RGB, sRGB |
| Motion | |
|---|---|
| File Format | MP4, MOV |
| Resolution | 4K (4096 × 2160) @ 24 fps; 4K (3840 × 2160) @ 25 and 30 fps; 1080 @ 24, 25, 30, 50, 60, 100 and 120 fps; 720 @ 24, 25, 30, 50, 60, 100 and 120 fps |
| Bitrate | 8 bit (recording); 10 bit (HDMI not recording) |
| Color sampling | 4:2:2/10 bit (HDMI only); 4:2:0/8 bit (recording on SD card) |
| Video | L-Log selectable |
| Audio | Manual/Auto; Stereo microphone, 48 kHz, 16 bit; Wind elimination |
| Audio external via Audio-Adapter | Audio-In (3.5 mm phone jack), Audio-Out (3.5 mm phone jack) |
| Movie Length | Max. duration: 29 min, Max. size: 4 GB |
| EVF | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | SXAG, 4.4 MP |
| Size | 0.66″ |
| Eye Point | 20 mm |
| Field of View | 37° |
| Magnification | × 0.80 (with 50 mm lens at infinity, −1 dpt) |
| Frame coverage | 100 % |
| Diopter correction | − 4 to +2 |
| Eye Sensor | Yes |
| Live View | Operating Modes: Video- and Photo-Live-View separated; Frame rate: up to 60 fps; Exposure simulation available, Optional information: Focus Peaking, Histogram, Clipping/Zebra, Level, Grid Overlay (3 × 3, 6 × 4), Aspect Ratio (1.33:1; 1.66:1; 1.78:1; 1.85:1; 2.35:1; 2.4:1), Safe Area (80 %; 90 %; 92.5 %; 95 %) |
| Storage SD Cards | UHS-I: All UHS-I SD cardsUHS-II: Recommended cards**:SANDISK EXTREME PRO UHS-II CLASS 3 (16GB) (32GB) (64GB)LEXAR PROFESSIONAL 1000x UHS-II CLASS 3 (16GB) (32GB) (64GB) (128GB) (256GB) PROFESSIONAL 2000x UHS-II CLASS 3 (32GB) (64GB)TOSHIBA EXCERIA PRO CLASS 1 (16GB) (32GB) (64GB) (128GB) EXCERIA PRO CLASS 3 (16GB) (32GB) (64GB) (128GB)TRANSCEND ULTIMATE UHS-II CLASS 3 (32GB) (64GB) **Leica performs ongoing compatibility tests of the latest cards available in the market. However, due to changes in production and software of the SD cards, Leica can not guarantee 100% compatibility of the recommended cards. |
| Focussing | |
|---|---|
| Type | Contrast AF |
| Focus Modes | AF-S (focus priority), AF-C (shutter priority), MF, Touch-AF |
| AF Modes | Static, Dynamic (tracking), Auto (face detection) |
| AF Size | Point, Field, Zone (9 Fields) |
| AF Steps | 1, 5, 37 or 49 Fields; 529 Spot Positions |
| AF Assist Lamp | Built in |
| Exposure | |
|---|---|
| Exposure Modes | Program Mode (P), Shutter speed priority mode (T) , Aperture priority mode (A) and manual mode (M) |
| Exposure Metering Modes | Center weighted, Multi zone, Spot |
| Exposure Compensation | ±3 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 EV-steps |
| Exposure Bracketing | 3/5 images in 1/2/3 aperture steps; additional direct JPEG-HDR |
| White Balance | Preset Auto, Daylight 5200 K, Cloudy 6000 K, Shade 7000 K, Tungsten 3200 K, HMI 5600 K, Fluorescent warm 4000 K, Fluorescent cool 4500 K, Flash 5400 K, Greycard, Manual color temperature 2000 K to 11500 K |
| Shutter | |
|---|---|
| Type | Focal plane shutter |
| Drive Modes | Single, Continuous slow S (4 fps), Continuous medium M (7 fps), Continuous fast F (11 fps), Self timer 2 s, Self timer 12 s, Interval, Exposure Bracketing, Time exposures up to 30 min |
| Shutter speed | 1/8000 s to 60 s, time exposures up to 30 min, Max. frame rate 11 fps, 1/8000 s to 1/16000 s using electronic shutter mode |
| Warranty | 2 years or 200,000 releases |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Interface | Standard X-jack, Hot shoe with Sync. and TTL-Mode contacts |
| X-Synchronization | 1/250 s |
| Wi-Fi | Built in, IEEE 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz) |
| GPS | Built in, Automatic time and date, Sensitivity < 1° |
| Power supply | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, Nominal voltage 8.4 V, Capacity at least 1860 mAh; Lifetime per charge (CIPA): approx. 400 shoots; Charging time: approx. 180 min; Charger: 100–240 V 50/60 Hz 0.25 A with adapters |
| Touch Screen | 2.95″ Touch Back light LED with Anti-fingerprint and Anti-scratch coating; 1.04 Mio. pixels; Format 3:2; View angle: 170°; Colors: 16 Million; Frame coverage: 100 % |
| Top Display | 1.28″ highly reflective monochrome LCD; 128 × 128 dots; View angle 120°; Anti-fingerprint coating |
| Housing | |
|---|---|
| Material | Milled Aluminium |
| Dust/Spray water sealing | Provided |
| Interfaces | USB 3.0 Micro Type B; HDMI Type A; Multi connector adapter for Audio-Out 3.5 mm/Audio-In 3.5 mm; Multi connector cable release; ISO accessory shoe with center and control contacts for flash units; Standard X-jack; Multifunctional interface in baseplate for optional handgrip |
| Tripod threat | A 1/4 DIN 4503 (1/4″) with anti-twist locking pin |
| Dimensions/Weight | 147 × 104 × 39 mm (W × H × D)/approx. 771/847 g (without/with battery) |
| Working conditions | Approx. 0°– 40 °C, max. 85 % humidity |
| Scope of delivery | Camera body, Camera strap, Lens mount cap, Battery, Battery Charger with international adapter, USB 3.0-cable, Manual, Warranty Card, Leica Lens cleaning tissue |
| Software | Remote Control (USB): Leica Image Shuttle SL; Remote Control (Wi-Fi): Leica SL app (Android/iOS) |
Unboxing the LEICA SL
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