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Leica SL2-S vs Leica SL2 Comparison

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Leica SL2-S

24 MP | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

Leica SL2-S
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Leica SL2

47 MP | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) CMOS Sensor

Leica SL2
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Leica SL2-S vs Leica SL2 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the SL2-S and the SL2, two Pro Mirrorless cameras by Leica. Leica SL2-S was introduced to the market in December 2020 and Leica SL2 was launched in November 2019. There is 13 months difference between SL2-S and SL2 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger SL2-S, especially in sensor tech.

SL2-S and SL2 are members of Leica's SL series of cameras. Below you can find the latest models from this series.

Leica SL Series History
Model Release Date Sensor Dimensions Weight
Leica SL2-S
2020 24.0MP - Full frame 146 x 107 x 83mm 931g
Leica SL2
2019 47.0MP - Full frame 146 x 107 x 42mm 835g
Leica SL
  
2015 24.0MP - Full frame 147 x 104 x 39mm 847g

Here is a brief look at the main features of the Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Leica SL2-S Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2020-12-10
  • 24MP - Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • No Anti-aliasing (AA) filter
  • ISO 100 - 50000 ( expands to 50)
  • Leica L Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.20" Fixed Type Screen
  • 5760k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 9.0fps (25.0fps Electronic) continuous shooting
  • 4K (DCI) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 931g. 146 x 107 x 83 mm
  • Weather-sealed Body

Leica SL2 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2019-11-06
  • 47MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • No Anti-aliasing (AA) filter
  • ISO 100 - 50000 ( expands to 50 - 50000)
  • Leica L Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.20" Fixed Type Screen
  • 5760k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 20.0fps continuous shooting
  • 4K (DCI) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 835g. 146 x 107 x 42 mm
  • Weather-sealed Body
  • Replaced Leica SL Compare

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


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Reasons to choose Leica SL2-S over Leica SL2
Continuous Shooting
25.0fps vs 20.0fps 5 fps faster
Battery Life
510 shots vs 370 shots 140 more frames with a single charge
Sensor Pixel Area
36.00µm2 vs 18.49µm2 94% larger pixel area
CHECK SL2-S PRICE


Reasons to choose Leica SL2 over Leica SL2-S
Sensor Resolution
47 MP vs 24 MP 95% more pixels
Max Elect. Shutter
1/40000s vs 1/16000s faster electronic shutter
Weight
835 g vs 931 g 96 g lighter
CHECK SL2 PRICE

Common Strengths of Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2
Wireless Connection
Yes vs Yes Better connectivity
Bluetooth Connection
Yes vs Yes Connect to other devices via Bluetooth
Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs Sensor-shift Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
Touch Screen
Yes vs Yes Easy control of camera functions
Viewfinder
Yes (Electronic) vs Yes (Electronic) Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
Max Resolution
24 MP vs 47 MP Bigger prints and more details
LCD Screen Size
3.20" vs 3.20" Large display
LCD Screen Resolution
2.100k dots vs 2.100k dots High resolution screens
Max Continuous Shooting
25.0fps vs 20.0fps Fast shooting speeds
Microphone Port
Yes vs Yes High quality audio recording option
Headphone Port
Yes vs Yes better video control
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs Yes shoot at tough conditions
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs Yes creative shooting
Top LCD Display
Yes vs Yes Help viewing and changing settings easily
AE Bracketing
Yes vs Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Flash Sync Port
Yes vs Yes Connect off-camera flash
Full-size HDMI Port
Yes vs Yes Use standard HDMI cables without adapters
Pixel Shift High Resolution Mode
Yes (96) vs Yes (187) Increased resolution with Pixel Shifting
Storage Slot
2 vs 2 Extra Storage Slot
Smartphone Remote
Yes vs Yes Remote control your camera with a smartphone
UHS Card Support
UHS-II vs UHS-II Read/Write in High Speeds
Common Weaknesses of Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No Screen tilts or Flips out independently, perfect for both stills and video
Built-in Flash
No vs No Require external flash
Leica SL2-S vs Leica SL2: Physical Specs and Body Features Comparison

Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, we are going to illustrate the Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Leica SL2-S has external dimensions of 146 x 107 x 83 mm (5.75 x 4.21 x 3.27″) and weighs 931 g (2.05 lb / 32.84 oz) (including batteries). Leica SL2 has external dimensions of 146 x 107 x 42 mm (5.75 x 4.21 x 1.65″) and weighs 835 g (1.84 lb / 29.45 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Leica SL2-S and the Leica SL2. Leica SL2-S has the same height and width with Leica SL2. On the other hand, with a thickness of 83mm, it is 41mm thicker.

Leica SL2-S vs Leica SL2 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of the Leica SL2-S and the Leica SL2 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2.

Leica SL2-S vs Leica SL2 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of the Leica SL2-S and the Leica SL2 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2.
Leica SL2-S vs Leica SL2 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of the Leica SL2-S and the the Leica SL2 Size

Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Leica SL2 is 96g lighter than the Leica SL2-S but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Also keep in mind that body weight is not the only deciding factor when comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, you also have to take into account the lenses that you will be using with these bodies. Since both Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2 have the same Leica L lens mount and Full frame sized sensors, lenses will not be a differentiator on total size of the system.

Weight Comparison

Mirrorless Cameras

SL2-S
SL2
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Mirrorless Cameras

SL2-S
SL2
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Both the SL2-S and the SL2 have weather sealings in their bodies, making them resistant to water and dust.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.20 inches.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.


Leica SL2-S vs Leica SL2: Sensor Comparison

Leica SL2-S has a 24.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Maestro III processor. On the other hand, Leica SL2 has a 47.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Maestro III processor.

Leica SL2's sensor provides 23MP more than Leica SL2-S's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely. On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.

Another similarity between these two cameras is that both Leica SL2 and Leica SL2-S sensors lack anti-alias (Low-Pass) filters. Removing anti-alias filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but at the same time, it increases the chance of moiré occurring in certain scenes.

Below you can see the SL2-S and SL2 sensor size comparison.

Leica SL2-S vs Leica SL2 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2 Cameras


Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2 have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Leica SL2-S has 94% larger pixel area compared to Leica SL2, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Leica SL2-S vs Leica SL2 Comparison of Available Lenses
Which camera has more lenses?

The number of available lenses is a big deciding factor when choosing your interchangeable lens camera. In this case, both Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2 have the same Leica L lens mount so have 62 native lenses available. All of these lenses cover Full frame sensor.

Another important factor is the availability of image stabilization. Both Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2 have Sensor-based Image stabilization which means that all the lenses will be stabilized in these bodies. SL2-S's built-in Image stabilization system is effective for compensating vibration up to 5.5-stops according to CIPA standards, whereas the SL2's IS system is rated up to 5.5-stops.

Lens Type # of Leica SL2-S Lenses # of Leica SL2 Lenses
Standard Zoom 8 (7 Full Frame) 8 (7 Full Frame)
Standard Prime 14 (13 Full Frame) 14 (13 Full Frame)
Wideangle Zoom 5 (5 Full Frame) 5 (5 Full Frame)
Wideangle Prime 18 (17 Full Frame) 18 (17 Full Frame)
Telephoto Zoom 8 (8 Full Frame) 8 (8 Full Frame)
Telephoto Prime 7 (7 Full Frame) 7 (7 Full Frame)
SuperZoom n/a n/a
Wideangle Fisheye Prime n/a n/a
Macro Prime 2 (2 Full Frame) 2 (2 Full Frame)
Perspective Control Prime n/a n/a
Telephoto Mirror Prime n/a n/a
TOTAL 62 (59 Full Frame) 62 (59 Full Frame)

Here are some of the most popular Leica L Mount Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Leica L Mount Lenses for the SL2-S and the SL2
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Panasonic Lumix S 35mm F1.8 Lens Panasonic Lumix S 35mm F1.8
35mm FF 295gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm F2.8 Lens Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm F2.8
35mm FF 935gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm F4 Macro OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm F4 Macro OIS
35mm FF 680gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 Lens Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4
35mm FF 1710gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S Lens Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S
35mm FF 2100gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art Lens Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art
35mm FF 515gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70 F2.8 DG DN Art Lens Sigma 24-70 F2.8 DG DN Art
35mm FF 835gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm F2.8-4 ASPH Lens Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm F2.8-4 ASPH
35mm FF 1140gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
What types of Photography are Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Leica SL2-S for Portrait Photography

GOOD

Leica SL2 for Portrait Photography

GOOD
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 47.0MP
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Leica SL2-S for Street Photography

EXCELLENT

Leica SL2 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Medium sized Body
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Medium sized Body
Read the details

Leica SL2-S for Sports Photography

GOOD

Leica SL2 for Sports Photography

GOOD
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Fast Continuous Shooting: 9.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
225 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 510 shots
Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Fast Continuous Shooting: 20.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
225 Focus Points
Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Read the details

Leica SL2-S for Daily Photography

EXCELLENT

Leica SL2 for Daily Photography

EXCELLENT
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Medium size Body
931g
Body Thickness 83mm
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Medium size Body
835g
Body Thickness 42mm
Read the details

Leica SL2-S for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE

Leica SL2 for Landscape Photography

GOOD
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Read the details
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 47.0MP
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Read the details

Leica SL2-S vs Leica SL2: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far, but in case you wonder how we rated Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Leica SL2-S and Leica SL2 scores compare:

Leica SL2-S
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #24 out of 111 in SLR-style mirrorless cameras
Ranked #26 out of 1260 in all Cameras
Leica SL2
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #10 out of 111 in SLR-style mirrorless cameras
Ranked #11 out of 1260 in all Cameras

Leica SL2 has a higher Overall Score but this doesn't make it an easy decision. Leica SL2 may have better image quality, more features and smaller body compared to but Leica SL2-S offers higher value for the money.
If you are a price conscious buyer and don't need the extra features, image quality and compactness that Leica SL2 offers, Leica SL2-S is the better choice for you. In all other cases, we recommend the Leica SL2!

Leica SL2-S
Leica SL2-S
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Leica SL2
Leica SL2
CHECK PRICE

CHECK PRICE

Leica SL2 vs Leica SL2-S Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Leica SL2-S Leica SL2
Brand Leica Leica
Announced 2020-12-10 2019-11-06
Body Type SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor
Type BSI-CMOS CMOS
Size Full frame Full frame
Dimensions 36 x 24 mm 36 x 24 mm
Area 864.00mm2 864.00mm2
Megapixels 24 megapixels 47 megapixels
Max Resolution 6000 x 4000 8368 x 5584
Max Native Light sensitivity 50,000 ISO 50,000 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 100 ISO 100 ISO
Min Boosted Light Sensitivity 50 ISO 50 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 225 225
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount Leica L Leica L
Number of Available Lenses 62 62
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3.20" 3.20"
Resolution 2,100k dots 2,100k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution 5,760k dots 5,760k dots
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.78x
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/8000s 1/8000s
Max Electronic Shutter 1/16000s 1/40000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Sensor-shift Sensor-shift
Built-in Flash
Max Flash Sync 1/250s n/a
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 9.0 fps 20.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 3840 x 2160
Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Built-In Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 931g 835g
Dimensions 146 x 107 x 83mm 146 x 107 x 42mm
Battery Life 510 shots 370 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
Report a correction Report a correction


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