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Leica SL2 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Leica SL2

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    Main Features

    • 47MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
    • No Optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter
    • ISO 100 - 50000
    • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
    • 3.2 Fixed Type Screen
    • 5760k dot Electronic viewfinder
    • 20.0 fps continuous shooting
    • 4K (DCI) - 4096 x 2160 video
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 835g. 146 x 107 x 42 mm
    • Weather Sealed Body
    • Replaced Leica SL
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Leica SL2 Overview

    First introduced in November 2019 , Leica SL2 is a 47.0MP Pro Mirrorless camera with a Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and Leica L lens mount. Leica replaced the older SL with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
    Compare Leica SL2 vs Leica SL

    Leica SL2 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Leica SL2 is a member of Leica's SL series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Leica SL Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Leica SL2-S
    Compare
    2020 24.0MP - Full frame 20.0 fps 146 x 107 x 83mm 931g
    Leica SL2
    2019 47.0MP - Full frame 20.0 fps 146 x 107 x 42mm 835g
    Leica SL
    Compare
    2015 24.0MP - Full frame 11.0 fps 147 x 104 x 39mm 847g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series:
    Leica SL2-S vs SL2 vs SL

    Leica SL2 has an Overall Score of 94/100 and ranked #3 out of 211 in Mirrorless cameras (Top 10 Mirrorless), and ranked #3 out of 1220 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall). The only two Mirrorless cameras that are ranked higher then the SL2 are and . You can find the specs comparison of these three cameras here.

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Leica SL2 Physical Specs
    Leica SL2 weighs 835 g (1.84 lb / 29.45 oz) and has external dimensions of 146 x 107 x 42 mm (5.75 x 4.21 x 1.65″). Considering that the average weight of Mirrorless type cameras is 442g, Leica SL2 is a significantly heavy camera for its class. On the other hand, with a thickness of only 42mm, it is quite small, 8mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Leica SL2
    Min
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    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Leica SL2
    Min
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    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Leica SL2 with the dimensions:

    Leica SL2 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Leica SL2 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Leica SL2, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Leica SL2 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Leica SL2 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Leica SL2 with its main competitors:

    Leica SL2 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs SL2 Thickness vs SL2
    Leica SL2 Camera Sony A7R IV
    Compare
    665g 170g lighter 78mm 36mm thicker
    Leica SL2 Camera Canon R5
    Compare
    738g 97g lighter 88mm 46mm thicker
    Leica SL2 Camera Panasonic S1R
    Compare
    898g 63g heavier 97mm 55mm thicker
    Leica SL2 Camera Leica Q2
    Compare
    718g 117g lighter 92mm 50mm thicker
    Leica SL2 Camera Leica SL
    Compare
    847g 12g heavier 39mm 3mm thinner
    Leica SL2 Camera Leica M10
    Compare
    660g 175g lighter 39mm 3mm thinner
    Leica SL2 Camera Sony A7 III
    Compare
    650g 185g lighter 74mm 32mm thicker
    Leica SL2 Camera Hasselblad X1D
    Compare
    725g 110g lighter 71mm 29mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Leica SL2 has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Leica SL2 will serve you well. If you attach one of these Leica SL2 weather Sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

    Leica SL2 Sensor and Photography Features

    Leica SL2 has a 47.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Maestro III processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 8368 x 5584 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. SL2 has a native ISO range of 100 - 50000 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Leica SL2 is not the highest resolution Full frame camera. Sony A7R IV with its 61.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Leica SL2 vs Sony A7R IV or take a look at Highest resolution Mirrorless cameras list.

    High Resolution Mode

    Leica SL2 has a special High Resolution mode where the camera takes multiple images of a scene while moving its sensor using the sensor shift image stabilization system and combine them automatically to create a 187 MP image. This feature works best with static scenes and using a tripod is a must to minimize stitching artifacts.

    Anti-Aliasing Filter

    Another important feature about Leica SL2's sensor is the lack of anti-alias (Low-pass) filter. Removing anti-aliasing filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but on the other side it also increases the chance of moire occurring in certain scenes.

    Let's look at how the size of the Leica SL2's Full frame sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Leica SL2 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Leica SL2 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Leica SL2 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Leica SL2 has a Leica L lens mount and currently there are 36 native lenses available for this mount.

    SL2 also has a Sensor based Image Stabilization system which means that all of these lenses will be stabilized when used on SL2. Leica claims that the image stabilization of SL2 is effective up to 5.5 stops. Sensor based image stabilization is one of the most useful features that you can have in an ILC. There are also 27 lenses with weather sealing for SL2 that you can couple with its weather sealed body.

    Here are some of the most popular Leica SL2 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Leica L Mount Lenses for Leica SL2
    Model Focal Length on SL2 Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Leica Summilux-SL 50mm F1.4 ASPH Lens Leica Summilux-SL 50mm F1.4 ASPH
    50mm 35mm FF 335gr 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
    90-280mm 35mm FF 1710gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM A Lens Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM A
    24mm 35mm FF 665gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A Lens Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A
    50mm 35mm FF 815gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM A Lens Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM A
    20mm 35mm FF 950gr 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
    24-90mm 35mm FF 1140gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art Lens Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art
    14mm 35mm FF 1170gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art Lens Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art
    70mm 35mm FF 515gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Leica SL2 Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Leica SL2 LCD and Viewfinder

    Leica SL2 has a Fixed Type 3.2 LCD screen with a resolution of 2,100k dots. The Leica SL2's 3.2 screen is larger than average and its resolution is up to the class standarts.

    LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

    Leica SL2 back view and LCD

    SL2 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a resolution of 5,760kdots and coverage of 100%. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later. The magnification ratio of the viewfinder is 0.78x (35mm equivalent).

    Leica SL2 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Leica SL2 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11ac + Bluetooth) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.Leica SL2's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our SL2. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    You can connect SL2 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Leica SL2 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 370 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Mirrorless type cameras is 369 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Pro Mirrorless Cameras

    Leica SL2
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Olympus E-M1X with its 870shots is the model with longest battery life among Pro Mirrorless cameras. Check the comparison of Leica SL2 vs Olympus E-M1X or take a look at Longest Battery Life Mirrorless cameras list.

    Leica SL2 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Leica SL2 Camera Sony A7R IV
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 670shots Yes Yes Yes
    Leica SL2 Camera Canon R5
    Compare
    8192 x 4320 320shots Yes Yes No
    Leica SL2 Camera Panasonic S1R
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 360shots Yes Yes No
    Leica SL2 Camera Leica Q2
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 370shots Yes Yes No
    Leica SL2 Camera Leica SL
    Compare
    4096 x 2160 400shots Yes No No
    Leica SL2 Camera Leica M10
    Compare
    None 210shots Yes No No
    Leica SL2 Camera Sony A7 III
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 610shots Yes Yes Yes
    Leica SL2 Camera Hasselblad X1D
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No

    Leica SL2 Video Features

    With Leica SL2, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 4096 x 2160 at 60p,50p,30p,25p,24p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. This means that Leica SL2 provides 4K (Ultra-HD) video. Except some exotic 6K and 8K video recording cameras, 4K is the new standard in consumer video world.

    SL2 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Leica SL2 also has a port for an external microphone and a headphone port for connecting external headphones which make Leica SL2 a very suitable camera high quality videography.

    Leica SL2 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Leica SL2 can shoot continuously at max speed of 20.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec. SL2 also has an electronic shutter which can shoot silently at max speed of 1/1/40000 secs. One thing to keep in mind is that electronic shutter may cause rolling shutter / jello effects, and also banding issues under artificial light on your images.

    Flash

    Unfortunately SL2 doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

    Focusing

    Leica SL2 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 225 points to choose from.

    Leica SL2 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Leica SL2 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Leica SL2 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Bluetooth Connectivity
    Image Stabilization
    4K (DCI) Video
    Touch Screen
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    47.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    50.000 Max ISO
    225 Focus Points
    Large 3.2 Screen
    2.100k dots LCD Resolution
    1/8000s High Shutter Speed
    1/1/40000 secs Electronic Shutter Speed
    20.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    External Microphone Port
    External Headphone Port
    Environmental Sealing
    Timelapse Recording
    5760kdot Viewfinder Resolution
    0.78x magnification - Large Viewfinder
    2 Storage Slots
    Top LCD Display
    Flash Sync Port
    187 Sensor Shift High Resolution Mode
    Remote control with a smartphone
    Compatible with fast UHS-II cards
    Report a correction

    Buy Leica SL2 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Articulating Screen
    Low Battery Life: 370 shots
    Heavy Body: 835g
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Leica SL2 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Leica SL2 in 5 different photography areas.

    Leica SL2 for Portrait Photography

    Leica SL2 has a score of 82 for Portrait Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    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 of how we scored Leica SL2 for Portrait Photography

    Leica SL2 for Street Photography

    Leica SL2 has a score of 91 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Medium sized Body

    Read the details of how we scored Leica SL2 for Street Photography

    Leica SL2 for Sports Photography

    Leica SL2 has a score of 76 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 20.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
    225 Focus Points
    Good Low Light ISO
    Wireless Connection
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Leica SL2 for Sports Photography

    Leica SL2 for Daily Photography

    Leica SL2 has a score of 85 for Daily Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Environmental Sealings
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Medium size Body
    835g
    Body Thickness 42mm

    Read the details of how we scored Leica SL2 for Daily Photography

    Leica SL2 for Landscape Photography

    Leica SL2 has a score of 66 for Landscape Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Landscape Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Live-view
    Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 47.0MP
    Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Leica SL2 for Landscape Photography
    Leica SL2 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Leica SL2 compares with other Mirrorless cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Leica SL2 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Leica SL2

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Leica SL2 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Sony A7R IV
    Sony A7R IV
    Compare
    Canon R5
    Canon R5
    Compare
    Panasonic S1R
    Panasonic S1R
    Compare
    Leica Q2
    Leica Q2
    Compare
    Leica SL
    Leica SL
    Compare
    Leica M10
    Leica M10
    Compare
    Sony A7 III
    Sony A7 III
    Compare
    Hasselblad X1D
    Hasselblad X1D
    Compare

    Leica SL2 Alternatives in DSLR Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Leica SL2 with DSLR Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked DSLR cameras in Leica SL2's price range.

    Nikon D850
    Nikon D850
    Compare
    Sony A99 II
    Sony A99 II
    Compare
    Pentax K-1
    Pentax K-1
    Compare
    Nikon D780
    Nikon D780
    Compare
    Nikon D6
    Nikon D6
    Compare
    Pentax K-1 II
    Pentax K-1 II
    Compare
    Nikon D750
    Nikon D750
    Compare
    Canon 1D X III
    Canon 1D X III
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Leica SL2
    Does the Leica SL2 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Leica SL2 have RAW support?
    Does the Leica SL2 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Leica SL2 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Leica SL2?
    What is the Sensor Size of Leica SL2?
    is the Leica SL2 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Leica SL2 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Leica SL2 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Leica SL2?
    What is the Weight of Leica SL2?
    What are the Dimensions of Leica SL2?
    Leica SL2 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Leica
    Model Leica SL2
    Announced 2019-11-06
    Body Type SLR-style mirrorless
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Leica L
    Number of Lenses 36
    Focal Length Multiplier 1×
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3.2
    Screen Resolution 2,100k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic
    Viewfinder Resolution 5,760k dots
    Viewfinder Coverage 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 1800s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Max Electronic Shutter Speed 1/1/40000 secs
    Continuous Shooting 20.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range no built-in flash
    Flash Modes no built-in flash
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size Full frame
    Sensor Dimensions 36 x 24 mm
    Sensor Area 864.00mm2
    Sensor Resolution 47 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 8368 x 5584
    Max Native ISO 50,000
    Min Native ISO 100
    Min Boosted ISO 50
    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
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 4096 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/4096 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/4096 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/4096 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/4096 x 2160 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/1920 x 1080 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/1920 x 1080 @ 100p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM/1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
    Max Video Resolution 4096 x 2160
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 835g
    Physical Dimensions 146 x 107 x 42mm
    Battery Life 370 shots
    Battery Type Built-in
    Battery Model BP-SCL4
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported on slot 1)
    Storage Slots 2


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