Leica SL2-S Review

Name: Leica SL2-S
Brand: Leica

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Main Features

24MP - Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor

No Optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter

ISO 100 - 50000( expands to 50)

5-axis Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3.20" Fixed Type Screen

5760k dot Electronic viewfinder

9.0fps (25.0fps Electronic) continuous shooting

4K at 60fps and FHD at 120fps Video Recording

Built-in Wireless

931g. 146 x 107 x 83 mm

Weather-sealed Body

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Leica SL2-S Overview

Launched in December 2020, Leica SL2-S is a 24.0MP Pro Mirrorless camera with a Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, weather-sealed body and Leica L lens mount.

Leica SL2-S Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Lens Mount and Lenses
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Photography Type Scores
Recommended Accessories
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Leica SL2-S is the latest 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	Dimensions	Weight
Leica SL2-S	December 2020	24.0MP - Full frame	146 x 107 x 83mm	931g
Leica SL2 Compare	November 2019	47.0MP - Full frame	146 x 107 x 42mm	835g
Leica SL Compare	October 2015	24.0MP - Full frame	147 x 104 x 39mm	847g

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

Alternative Model names found for Leica SL2-S: SL2S and SL 2S.

**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Leica SL2-S PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Leica SL2-S 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

5-axis Image Stabilization

4K at 60fps and FHD at 120fps Video Recording

Touch Screen

Electronic Built-in Viewfinder

Face Detection Focusing

24.0MP - High Resolution Sensor

50.000 Max ISO

225 Focus Points

Large 3.20" Screen

2.100k dots LCD Resolution

1/8000s High Shutter Speed

1/16000s Electronic Shutter Speed

25.0fps Max Continuous Shooting Speed

Long Battery Life (510 shots)

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

96 Sensor Shift High Resolution Mode

Remote control with a smartphone

High Video bit rate of 400mbps

Compatible with fast UHS-II cards

USB Charging

USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)

Full-size HDMI Port

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CONs

No Articulating Screen

Heavy Body: 931g

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Leica SL2-S Physical Specs

Leica SL2-S weighs 931 g (2.05 lb / 32.84 oz) and has external dimensions of 146 x 107 x 83 mm (5.75 x 4.21 x 3.27″). Considering that the average weight of Mirrorless type cameras is 473g, Leica SL2-S is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 83mm, it is not small either, 28mm thicker than the average of its class.

Weight Comparison

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Leica SL2-S

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Thickness Comparison

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

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

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

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

Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Leica SL2-S with its main competitors:

Leica SL2-S Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs SL2-S	Thickness	vs SL2-S
Leica SL2 Compare	835g	96g lighter	42mm	41mm thinner
Leica Q2 Compare	734g	197g lighter	92mm	9mm thicker
Leica SL Compare	847g	84g lighter	39mm	44mm thinner
Leica Q3 Compare	743g	188g lighter	93mm	10mm thicker
Panasonic S5 II Compare	740g	191g lighter	90mm	7mm thicker
Panasonic S1 Compare	1021g	90g heavier	97mm	14mm thicker
Sony A7R V Compare	723g	208g lighter	82mm	1mm thinner
Panasonic S5 Compare	714g	217g lighter	82mm	1mm thinner

Weather Sealing

Leica SL2-S 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-S will serve you well. If you attach one of these Leica SL2-S weather-sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

Leica SL2-S Lens Mount and Lenses

Leica SL2-S has a Leica L lens mount and currently there are 70 native lenses available for this mount.

SL2-S also has a Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization system which means that all of these lenses will be stabilized when used on SL2-S. Leica claims that the image stabilization of SL2-S 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.

Weather-sealed Lenses for Leica SL2-S

There are 55 lenses with weather sealing for Leica SL2-S that you can couple with its weather-sealed body.

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

Popular Leica L Mount Lenses for Leica SL2-S

Model	Focal Length equiv.	Coverage	Weight	Focusing	Street Price
Panasonic Lumix S 35mm F1.8 ( Check Size)	35mm	35mm FF	295gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm F2.8 ( Check Size)	24-70mm	35mm FF	935gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm F4 Macro OIS ( Check Size)	24-105mm	35mm FF	680gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 ( Check Size)	90-280mm	35mm FF	1710gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S ( Check Size)	150-600mm	35mm FF	2100gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art ( Check Size)	70mm	35mm FF	515gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70 F2.8 DG DN Art ( Check Size)	24-70mm	35mm FF	835gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm F2.8-4 ASPH ( Check Size)	24-90mm	35mm FF	1140gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo

Here you can find the lenses that are compatible with SL2-S classified by suitability to certain photography types:

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

Leica SL2-S Sensor and Photography Features

Leica SL2-S has a 24.0MP Full frame (36 x 24 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Maestro III processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 6000 x 4000 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. SL2-S has a native ISO range of 100 - 50000 which can be boosted to 50 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

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

High Resolution Mode

Leica SL2-S 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 96 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'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 moiré occurring in certain scenes.

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

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

Leica SL2-S LCD and Viewfinder

Leica SL2-S has a Fixed Type 3.20-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 2,100k dots. The Leica SL2-S's 3.20" 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.

Unfortunately Leica SL2-S doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Mirrorless Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.

SL2-S 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-S Connectivity, Storage and Battery

Leica SL2-S 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'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-S. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

You can connect SL2-S to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) port.

Leica SL2-S Battery

Leica SL2-S is powered by BP-SCL4 battery which provides a battery life of 510 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Mirrorless type cameras is 391 shots, Leica SL2-S has a good battery life for its class.

Battery Life Comparison in Pro Mirrorless Cameras

Leica SL2-S

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Average

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

Leica SL2-S Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Leica SL2 Compare	3840 x 2160	370shots	Yes	Yes	No
Leica Q2 Compare	4096 x 2160	370shots	Yes	Yes	No
Leica SL Compare	3840 x 2160	400shots	Yes	No	No
Leica Q3 Compare	8192 x 4320	350shots	Yes	Yes	No
Panasonic S5 II Compare	5952 x 3968	370shots	Yes	Yes	No
Panasonic S1 Compare	3840 x 2160	380shots	Yes	Yes	No
Sony A7R V Compare	7680 x 4320	600shots	Yes	Yes	No
Panasonic S5 Compare	3840 x 2160	440shots	Yes	Yes	No

Leica SL2-S Video Features

With Leica SL2-S, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 60p,50p,30p,25p,24p fps with bit rates up to 400 mbps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Leica SL2-S's 4K is the common standard resolution in consumer video world.
It is also a big step up from its predecessor which has a max video resolution of only. If you are thinking of upgrading your and shoot a lot of video, this is a big factor to consider in favor of SL2-S.

Microphones, Speaker and Headphone Connections

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

If you are getting into videography and want to know what are the must-have video accessories for your camera, read our article:
Essential Videography / Filmmaking Accessories for your Camera

Leica SL2-S Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Leica SL2-S can shoot continuously at max speed of 9 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec. SL2-S also has an electronic shutter which can shoot silently at max speed of 1/16000s. 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-S doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

Focusing

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

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

What type of Photography is Leica SL2-S Good for?

In this section, we review and score Leica SL2-S in 5 different photography areas.

Leica SL2-S for Portrait Photography

Leica SL2-S has a score of 76 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Portrait Photography list.

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 of how we scored Leica SL2-S for Portrait Photography

Check the Best Leica L Mount Lenses for Portrait Photography

Leica SL2-S for Street Photography

Leica SL2-S has a score of 92 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-S for Street Photography

Check the Best Leica L Mount Lenses for Street Photography

Leica SL2-S for Sports Photography

Leica SL2-S 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: 9.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
225 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 510 shots

Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Image Stabilization

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

Check the Best Leica L Mount Lenses for Sports Photography

Leica SL2-S for Daily Photography

Leica SL2-S has a score of 82 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

931g
Body Thickness 83mm

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

Leica SL2-S for Landscape Photography

Leica SL2-S has a score of 49 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Landscape Photography list.

Live-view
Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor

Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Leica SL2-S for Landscape Photography

Check the Best Leica L Mount Lenses for Landscape Photography

Leica SL2-S Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Leica SL2-S compares with other Mirrorless cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Leica SL2-S alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Leica SL2-S

Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Leica SL2-S amongst Camera Decision readers.

Leica SL2-S Alternatives in DSLR Cameras

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

Leica SL2-S Conclusion and Scores

Currently, Leica SL2-S has an Overall Score of 88/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Leica SL2-S is ranked #37 out of 257 in Mirrorless cameras (Top 20 Mirrorless), and ranked #38 out of 1276 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

#38 out of 1276 in Top Ranking Cameras
#37 out of 257 in Top Ranking Mirrorless Cameras
#32 out of 73 in Top Ranking Pro Mirrorless Cameras
#29 out of 107 in Top Ranking Full frame Sensor Cameras
#8 out of 16 in Top Ranking Leica L Lens Mount Cameras
#46 out of 393 in Largest Viewfinder Magnification Cameras (0.78x)
#54 out of 59 in Lightest Mirrorless Cameras with Full frame sensor(931g)
#2 out of 920 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen
One of only 26 Cameras to have a Full Size HDMI port
One of only 40 Cameras to have a High Resolution Mode
Geek Score: 2

Leica SL2-S

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Main Scores

Imaging

Features

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Overall Score

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Frequently Asked Questions about Leica SL2-S

Does the Leica SL2-S have Image Stabilization?
Does the Leica SL2-S have RAW support?
Does the Leica SL2-S have Weather Sealing?
Does the Leica SL2-S have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Leica SL2-S?
What is the Sensor Size of Leica SL2-S?
is the Leica SL2-S a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Leica SL2-S have Touch Screen?
Does the Leica SL2-S have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Leica SL2-S?
What is the Weight of Leica SL2-S?
What are the Dimensions of Leica SL2-S?

Leica SL2-S Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Leica
Model	Leica SL2-S
Announced	2020-12-10
Body Type	SLR-style mirrorless
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	Leica L
Number of Lenses	70
Focal Length Multiplier	1×
Macro Focus Range	n/a
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Size	3.20"
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	1/16000s
Max Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter)	9.0 fps
Max Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter)	25.0 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
Max Flash Sync	1/250s
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
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Sensor
Sensor Type	BSI-CMOS
Sensor Size	Full frame
Sensor Dimensions	36 x 24 mm
Sensor Area	864.00mm²
Sensor Resolution	24 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	6000 x 4000
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 / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 25p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 20 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p / 20 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Max Video Resolution	3840 x 2160
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In
HDMI
USB	USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	931g
Physical Dimensions	146 x 107 x 83mm
Battery Life	510 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Battery Model	BP-SCL4
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (12 or 2 sec)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported on slot 1)
Storage Slots	2
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