Blog Everything You Need to Know About the Leica SL2-S Camera - A Review of Its Key Features and Benefits

The Leica SL2-S camera is a highly popular and advanced photography tool that offers exceptional capabilities to professional photographers. Featuring state-of-the-art technology, incredible image quality, and enhanced performance, it has become a preferred choice for those who are looking for a top-of-the-line camera. This blog post is a comprehensive review of the Leica SL2-S, highlighting its key features and benefits.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Leica SL2-S article cover photo

Key Features

Dec 10 2020

Announced

24 megapixels

Resolution

BrandLeica
Sensor TypeFull frame
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight931g
MSRP$4895USD

Other similar cameras

Leica SL2 thumbnail

Leica SL2

Released Nov 06 2019 | 47MP resolution

Leica SL thumbnail

Leica SL

Released Oct 21 2015 | 24MP resolution

Leica S2 thumbnail

Leica S2

Released Sep 23 2008 | 38MP resolution

Overview of the SL2-S

If you're a professional photographer or just someone who loves to capture high-quality images, you've probably heard of the Leica SL2-S camera. It is one of the most advanced and widely acclaimed cameras in the market today, thanks to its exceptional performance and features. In this blog post, we take an in-depth look at the Leica SL2-S and all that it has to offer. From its state-of-the-art technology to its superior image quality, we cover all the key aspects of this camera. So, whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting, this review will provide you with all the information you need to know about the Leica SL2-S and how it can help you take your photography to the next level.

Leica SL2-S Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Leica SL2-S 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
Excellent image quality
High-resolution EVF
Fast autofocus
Weather-sealed body
Good battery life
4K video
Dual SD card slots
Easy-to-use interface
Wide range of compatible lenses

Cons

Expensive
Heavy and bulky
Limited lens selection
No built-in flash
No in-body stabilization
No fully articulated screen
Limited autofocus points
Limited customization options
Slow startup time
No tilt-swivel screen.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Leica SL2-S

Weather sealed
Dimensions146 x 107 x 83mm
Weight931g
Thickness83mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Leica SL2-S 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-S 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-S 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-S 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-S has a 24MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 24 pixels. Leica SL2-S 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

Dec 10 2020

Announced

100 - 50000

ISO Range

SensorFull frame
Extended ISO50 - null
Max resolution6000 x 4000 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-S 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-S 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 Life510 shots
Battery ModelBP-SCL4
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Leica SL2-S 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-S 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-S uses the BP-SCL4 model of battery pack. This is rated for 510 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-S 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-S 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 9.0 fps or an electronic shutter speed of 25.0 fps, 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-S 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.

View on Amazon

FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Leica SL2-S?

The Leica SL2-S features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Leica SL2-S weather sealed?

Yes the SL2-S does have weather sealing.

When was the Leica SL2-S announced?

The Leica SL2-S was announced on Dec 10 2020

Does the Leica SL2-S have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the SL2-S 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-S?

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

View on Amazon

Similar Camera Reviews

Leica SL article cover photo

The Ultimate Guide to the Leica SL Camera: Specs, Features, and Performance

Discover the world of Leica SL – a camera designed for professional photographers who demand excellence in their craft. With its advanced autofocus system, high-resolution sensor, and superior build quality, the Leica SL is the perfect tool for capturing stunning moments with ease and precision. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about the Leica SL, from its technical specifications to its intuitive features and impressive performance.

Leica S2 article cover photo

Discovering the Incredible Features of the Leica S2 Camera

The Leica S2 Camera is a professional-grade camera that is packed with incredible features that can help photographers take their craft to the next level. From its high-resolution sensor to its advanced autofocus system, this camera is capable of producing stunning images in almost any lighting conditions. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key features of the Leica S2 camera and why it is a top choice for photographers.