The Ultimate Camera for Professionals: A Comprehensive Review of the Leica SL2

With its innovative technology, impeccable design, and superior image quality, the Leica SL2 is a top-of-the-line camera that has been causing ripples in the photography world. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at this powerful camera, exploring its features, capabilities, and performance.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Leica SL2 article cover photo

Key Features

Nov 06 2019

Announced

47 megapixels

Resolution

BrandLeica
Sensor TypeFull frame
SensorCMOS
Weight835g
MSRP$5995USD

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Overview of the SL2

As a professional photographer, you know that the key to capturing stunning images lies in having a solid camera with cutting-edge technology. The Leica SL2 is one such camera that offers an unparalleled photography experience, combining high-resolution imaging with state-of-the-art features. This camera has been making waves in the photography community due to its exceptional performance, durable construction, and easy-to-use interface. But what makes the Leica SL2 stand out from other high-end cameras on the market? In this article, we will explore the various aspects of the camera that make it an ideal choice for professional photographers. From its impressive resolution and autofocus to its exceptional video capabilities, we will delve into the features and functions of the Leica SL2. So, let’s get started and discover why this camera is a game-changer for photographers.

Leica SL2 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Leica SL2 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Full-frame sensor
High-resolution sensor
Weather-resistant body
Electronic viewfinder
Fast autofocus
In-body stabilization
Easy-to-use touchscreen
Flexible customization options
Great image quality
Top-notch build quality

Cons

Expensive
Large and heavy
Battery life could be better
Limited lens selection
Autofocus can struggle in low light
Slow buffer clearing
Not suitable for video specialists
Some settings buried in menus
No built-in flash
No built-in GPS

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Leica SL2

Weather sealed
Dimensions146 x 107 x 42mm
Weight835g
Thickness42mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Leica SL2 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the SL2 is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution2,100k dots
Body typeSLR-style mirrorless

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.20" screen, with a display resolution of 2,100k dots. This makes the Leica SL2 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

SL2 includes a electronic viewfinder with 5,760k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.78x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Leica SL2 has a 47MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 47 pixels. Leica SL2 has a native ISO range of 100 - 50000 which can be boosted to 50 - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Nov 06 2019

Announced

100 - 50000

ISO Range

SensorFull frame
Extended ISO50 - null
Max resolution8368 x 5584 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Leica SL2 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the SL2 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: Full frame

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageDual SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported on slot 1)
Battery Life370 shots
Battery ModelBP-SCL4
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Leica SL2 supports Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported on slot 1) with 2 slots for storage. Having dual SD card slots on the Leica SL2 is highly advantageous as it mitigates the risk of losing footage due to memory card malfunctions. This feature is particularly beneficial for wedding photography and other professional settings.

Battery

The Leica SL2 uses the BP-SCL4 model of built-in. This is rated for 370 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Leica SL2 does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Leica SL2 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Leica SL2 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 225 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Leica SL2?

The Leica SL2 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Leica SL2 weather sealed?

Yes the SL2 does have weather sealing.

When was the Leica SL2 announced?

The Leica SL2 was announced on Nov 06 2019

Does the Leica SL2 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the SL2 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Leica SL2?

The SL2 has a native ISO range of 100-50000, which can be expanded to ISO 50-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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