We review the Leica SL2 – the next-gen, 47-megapixel, full-frame mirrorless DSLR causing camera buffs to hyperventilate
The Leica SL2 is quickly amassing its own cult fandom since launching in November 2019, following the success of its predecessor – the full-frame mirrorless Leica SL, which was introduced in October 2015.
Four years have passed, and some exciting upgrades have been made to the younger sibling. Appearance-wise, the housing is sleeker, with rounded edges for the grip and a three-button rear interface.
The simplicity of the design remains part of its signature look, as with all Leica cameras. However, for petite people with small hands – like me – it’s quite a task to keep the heavy camera around my neck, especially paired with the 24-90mm lens, for an extended period of time. It took a while to get used to the handling of the camera as I have to shift my hand from the grip to reach the buttons with my thumb. It’s not a huge deterrent as I quickly got the hang of manipulating the machine … and a machine it is.
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The major differences are on the inside. It has a 47MP (megapixel) full-fame CMOS sensor, which puts it in the same playing field as the Leica Q2 and the Panasonic S1R. Add a five-axis sensor-shift IS system that can produce 187MP raw images, and you have a beast of a performer.
What Bobby thinks
Bobby Lee is an award-winning professional photographer with a penchant for using Leica cameras.
“Leica is a culture,” Lee tells us. “Because they invented small format cameras. This is how they provide the opportunities for photographers to go out and shoot.”
Before Leica came out with portable, smaller-sized cameras in the early part of last century, photographers were hindered by boxes of camera components that they had to assemble on the spot. “When you set up your camera, people already know you are taking pictures,” Lee says. But once Leica came out with the 35mm camera, he adds, photographers finally found freedom.
This sort of freedom took travel photography to the next level.
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Decades later, it allows Lee to take groups of photography enthusiasts on workshops around the world, to destinations including Iran and Cuba. Most of Lee’s workshop participants are users of Leica themselves and he keeps the group small, between six to eight participants.
Built-in stabilisation is a must for every photographer, says Lee, and Leica SL2’s system is top-notch, with sensor-shift based technology that allows optical image stabilisation, a feature the earlier Leica SL lacked. “It [SL2] is much easier to use than the first generation [SL],” he explains. The camera takes 20fps (frames per second) with the electronic shutter or 10fps with the mechanical shutter, but if you are looking to use the continuous focus, that drops to 6fps.
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What else is new?
Nothing much has changed in the camera’s appearance, but by simply refining its outer features, it becomes an object that is more comfortable to handle. From the upgraded viewfinder that now boasts 5.76 megapixels for a more natural-looking image to the enlarging of the touch screen up to 3.2 inches. Also more user friendly is the addition of an L-Mount, which means that the Leica SL2 is now compatible with not only the SL-system lenses but also TL lenses, in addition to Leica’s M, S and R-systems.
Even more excitingly, the camera will also be able to host L-mount-compatible lenses from Sigma and Panasonic. Couple that with Android and iOS smartphones app Leica Fotos which connects via Wi-fi, photographers will be able to use the live view function and remotely control exposure settings.
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The bottom line
All in all, the Leica SL2 does not come cheap and if you pair it with the 24-90mm lens it’ll set you back almost US$12,000 (around US$6,000 will buy you the body alone). But, the camera is a work of art in its own right and many collectors and Leica enthusiasts would not think twice about getting their hands on this upgrade. It is for sure a powerful tool and for those who can afford it, it will up your photography game a few notches.
Video By: Jeff Chen
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The iconic brand’s new top-end digital camera threatens to raise the game with an improved viewfinder, new sleek design, built-in stabilisation and the added functionality of an L-mount – but is it really worth US$6,000-plus?