Leica has announced the SL2 mirrorless camera, the successor to the SL1 with full-frame, 47MP CMOS sensor.
Key features
- 47.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- Maestro III Image Processor
- 5-axis body image stabilization
- 5.76m-Dot 0.78x OLED Viewfinder
- Fixed 3.2″ Touchscreen LCD
- Wifi & Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy
- Video up to 5K 23.976p/25p/29.97p
- 10-Bit video recording
Just like any Leica camera, the SL2 features the same simple design language they are known for. With clean lines and simple aesthetics, designed and crafted in Germany with an all-metal construction. That does make it heavy, at 835g (1.84lb) for the body alone.
It now has 5-axis in-body image stabilization and using the new Maestro III image processor can shoot up to 10fps.
The autofocus capabilities have also been revamped, with 225 contrast-detect fields and Leica Object Detection for tracking subjects.
Up to 5K Video
The Leica SL2 has some pretty decent video specs, capable of recording up to 5k (4992 x 3744) in 23.976p/25p & 29.97p. This is a 4:3 aspect, being recorded in 4:2:0 10-bit Long GOP (H.265) at 200Mbit/s.
There are no anamorphic recording options available on the SL2, although you could throw an anamorphic lens on the camera if you were shooting in 5K.
The camera can record 4K DCI and UHD internally in 4:2:2 10-bit H.264 at 150Mbits/s, or 4:2:2 10-bit All-I at up to 400Mbit/s.
What is very interesting is the camera can shoot 4K 60p in full frame, this is something that even the Panasonic S1H can’t do. 4K 60 is only recorded as 4:2:0 8-bit Long GOP 150Mbit/s.
The caveat is there seems to be a limitation where it won’t allow you to shoot in L-Log when doing 4K 60p. You can only use the L-Log in 4K 60p full frame over HDMI.
MOV/H.264
5K (4992 x 3744) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p
DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p/180p
MP4/H.264
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160)23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p
Full HD (1920 x 1080)23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p/180p
As for picture profiles, you can record in Rec. 709m, L-Log Rec. 2020 & HLG Rec. 2020.
While the video specifications are pretty good, they aren’t nearly as impressive as the variety of options found in the Panasonic S1H.
New OLED Viewfinder & Touchscreen
The SL2 features a brand new EVF, with a higher refresh rate and no noticeable time delay.
The back of the camera has a 3.2″ LCD screen which is now touchscreen capable, compared to the original SL.
When you are shooting video, the camera activates Cine Mode, providing faster access to commonly used video settings.
Ports & Media
The SL2 features two UHS-II SD card slots, a full-size HDMI 2.0b output, headphone and mic ports as well as USB 3.1 Type-C for data transfer and power.
It uses the same BP-SCL4 Battery as the original SL.
Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy
Built-in Wi-Fi, when used in conjunction with the Leica FOTOS app for iOS and Android, permits sharing imagery directly to a linked mobile device and also enables remote control over the Q2 and remote shooting via a live view image. Additionally, Bluetooth LE helps to maintain a permanent connection between the mobile device and the camera, enabling remote waking of the camera and automatic connection anytime within range.
Thoughts
If you are looking for a high-end hybrid mirrorless for primarily shooting video, the Panasonic S1H is going to be a much better option in my opinion.
While it does offer pretty good video functionality, you would have to have very deep pockets or really like Leica cameras to choose this over the much cheaper S1H.
There is no doubt that this will be an impressive camera, but you are going to be paying for the Leica name.
Pricing & Availability
The Leica SL2 body will retail for $5,995 USD and is set to ship from November 21.
