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Leica SL2 vs Leica SL

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Leica SL2

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

Leica SL2

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Leica SL

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

Leica SL
$7450.00

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Leica SL2 vs Leica SL Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing SL2 and SL, two Pro Mirrorless cameras by Leica. Leica SL2 was introduced to market in November 2019 and Leica SL was launched in October 2015. As you can see, SL is 4 years older than SL2. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Both cameras have Full frame sensors but Leica SL2 has a 47.0 MP and Leica SL has a 24.0 MP resolution.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Leica SL2 and Leica SL before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Leica SL2 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2019-11-06
  • 47MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • No Anti-aliasing (AA) filter
  • ISO 100 - 50000
  • Leica L Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.2″ Fixed Type Screen
  • 5760k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 20.0 fps continuous shooting
  • 4096 x 2160 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 835g. 146 x 107 x 42 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body
  • Replaced Leica SL Compare

Leica SL Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2015-10-21
  • 24MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • No Anti-aliasing (AA) filter
  • ISO 50 - 50000
  • Leica L Mount
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • 4400k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 11.0 fps continuous shooting
  • 4096 x 2160 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • Built-in GPS
  • 847g. 147 x 104 x 39 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body
  • Also known as Typ 601

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

Reasons to choose Leica SL2 over Leica SL
Built-in Image Stabilization Sensor-shift vs None All the lenses are stabilized
Max Sensor Resolution 47 MP vs 24 MP 95% more pixels
Number of Focus Points 225 vs 49 176 more focus points
LCD Screen Size 3.2″ vs 3" 0.2 inches larger display
LCD Screen Resolution 2.100k dots vs 1.040k dots 101% higher resolution screen
Continuous Shooting 20.0fps vs 11.0fps 9 fps faster
Weight 835 g vs 847 g 12 g lighter
Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dot vs 4400k dot 30% higher resolution
Bluetooth Yes vs No Connect your camera to other devices via Blueetooth
Reasons to choose Leica SL over Leica SL2
GPS BuiltIn vs None track your location
Battery Life 400 shots vs 370 shots 30 more frames with a single charge
Sensor Pixel Area 36.00µm2 vs 18.49µm2 94% larger pixel area
Common Strengths of Leica SL2 and Leica SL
Wireless Connection Yes vs Yes Better connectivity
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 47 MP vs 24 MP Bigger prints and more details
Continuous Shooting 20.0fps vs 11.0fps 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
Storage Slot 2 vs 2 Extra Storage Slot
Smartphone Remote Control Yes vs Yes Remote control your camera with a smartphone
Support for UHS Memory Cards UHS-II vs UHS-II Read/Write in Ultra High Speeds
Common Weaknesses of Leica SL2 and Leica SL
Articulating Screen No vs No No flexible viewing angles
Built-in Flash No vs No Require external flash
Leica SL2 vs Leica SL: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Leica SL2 and Leica SL side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Leica SL2 and Leica SL. Leica SL is 3mm shorter and 3mm thinner than Leica SL2 but it is also 1mm wider.

Leica SL2 vs Leica SL Camera Size Comparison - Front View


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

Leica SL2 vs Leica SL Camera Size Comparison - Back View

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

Leica SL2 vs Leica SL Detailed Size Comparison

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Leica SL2 is 12g lighter than the Leica SL 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 have to also take into account the lenses that you will be using with these bodies. Since both Leica SL2 and Leica SL have the same Full frame sized sensor, their lenses for a similar focal length and aperture will be similar in size and weight.

Weight Comparison

Mirrorless Cameras

SL2
SL
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Mirrorless Cameras

SL2
SL
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Both SL2 and SL have weather sealings in their body, making them resistant to water and dust.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Leica SL2's 3.2″ LCD screen is slightly larger than Leica SL's 3" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don\'t tilt or flip in directions.
Leica SL2 vs Leica SL: Sensor Comparison

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

Leica SL2's sensor provides 23MP more than Leica SL'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 SL and Leica SL2 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 moire occurring in certain scenes.

Below you can see the SL2 and SL sensor size comparison.

Leica SL2 vs Leica SL Sensor Size Comparison


Leica SL2 and Leica SL have 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 SL has 94% larger pixel area (36.00µm2 vs 18.49µm2) compared to Leica SL2, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

What types of Photography are Leica SL2 and Leica SL Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Leica SL2 and Leica SL 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 SL vs Leica SL2 Comparison of Available Lenses
Which camera has more lenses?

Number of available lenses is a big decision factor while choosing your interchangeable lens camera. In this case, both Leica SL2 and Leica SL have the same Leica L lens mount so have 29 native lenses available. But be careful that only 28 of these lenses can cover the full frame sensors of these cameras.

Another important factor is the availability of image stabilization. Leica SL2 has a big advantage in this regard because it has a sensor based image stabilization which means that all the lenses mounted to this body will be stabilized. On the other hand, Leica SL doesn't have this feature so you have to buy a lens with optical stabilization feature. Currently there are 4 lenses for Leica L mount with Optical Image Stabilization features.

Lens Type # of Leica SL2 Lenses # of Leica SL Lenses
Standard Zoom 3 (3 Full Frame) 3 (3 Full Frame)
Standard Prime 7 (7 Full Frame) 7 (7 Full Frame)
Wideangle Zoom 3 (3 Full Frame) 3 (3 Full Frame)
Wideangle Prime 7 (7 Full Frame) 7 (7 Full Frame)
Telephoto Zoom 3 (3 Full Frame) 3 (3 Full Frame)
Telephoto Prime 4 (4 Full Frame) 4 (4 Full Frame)
SuperZoom n/a n/a
Wideangle Fisheye Prime n/a n/a
Macro Prime 1 (1 Full Frame) 1 (1 Full Frame)
Perspective Control Prime n/a n/a
Telephoto Mirror Prime n/a n/a
TOTAL 29 (28 Full Frame) 29 (28 Full Frame)
Leica SL2 vs Leica SL: 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 and Leica SL, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 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 and Leica SL scores compare:

Leica SL2
This camera is not rated yet!
Leica SL
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #14 out of 68 in SLR-style mirrorless cameras
Ranked #23 out of 1190 in all Cameras

Leica SL2
Leica SL2

Leica SL
Leica SL
$7450.00

Leica SL vs Leica SL2 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Leica SL2 Leica SL
Brand Leica Leica
Announced 2019-11-06 2015-10-21
Body Type SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size Full frame Full frame
Dimensions 36 x 24 mm 36 x 24 mm
Area 864.00mm2 864.00mm2
Megapixels 47 megapixels 24 megapixels
Max Resolution 8368 x 5584 6000 x 4000
Max Native Light sensitivity 50,000 ISO 50,000 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 100 ISO 50 ISO
Min Boosted Light Sensitivity 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 49
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount Leica L Leica L
Number of Available Lenses 29 29
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3.2″ 3"
Resolution 2,100k dots 1,040k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution 5,760k dots 4,400k dots
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.78 0.8
Photography Features
Max Shutter Speed 1/8000s 1/8000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Sensor-shift No
Built-in Flash
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 20.0 fps 11.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 4096 x 2160 4096 x 2160
Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Built-In Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 835g 847g
Dimensions 146 x 107 x 42mm 147 x 104 x 39mm
Battery Life 370 shots 400 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None BuiltIn
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score not tested 88
DxO Color Depth not tested 25.0
DxO Dynamic Range not tested 13.4
DxO Low Light ISO not tested 1821
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