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Leica TL Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Leica TL

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    Main Features

    • 16MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 12500
    • 3.70" Fixed Type Screen
    • 5.0fps continuous shooting
    • FHD at 30fps and HD at 30fps Video Recording
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 384g. 134 x 69 x 33 mm
    • Replaced by Leica TL2
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Leica TL Overview

    Launched in November 2016 , Leica TL is a 16.0MP Advanced Mirrorless camera with a APS-C (23.6 x 15.7 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and Leica TL lens mount. Leica later replaced TL with . Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these cameras:
    Compare Leica TL vs Leica TL2

    Leica TL 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 TL is a member of Leica's TL 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 TL Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Leica TL2
    Compare
    2017 24.0MP - APS-C 7.0 fps 134 x 69 x 33mm 399g
    Leica TL
    2016 16.0MP - APS-C 5.0 fps 134 x 69 x 33mm 384g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Leica vs TL


    **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.

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    Leica TL PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Leica TL 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)
    FHD at 30fps and HD at 30fps Video Recording
    Touch Screen
    Electronic (Optional) Optional Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    Large 3.70" Screen
    1.230k dots LCD Resolution
    384g Light Body
    Flash Sync Port
    Remote control with a smartphone
    Report a correction

    Buy Leica TL from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Sensor shift Image Stabilization
    No Articulating Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    Low Battery Life: 400 shots
    No Environmental Sealing

    Report a correction


    Leica TL Physical Specs
    Leica TL weighs 384 g (0.85 lb / 13.55 oz) and has external dimensions of 134 x 69 x 33 mm (5.28 x 2.72 x 1.3″). Considering that the average weight of Mirrorless type cameras is 455g, Leica TL is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 33mm, it is also quite small, 19mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Leica TL
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Leica TL
    Min
    Average
    Max

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

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


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


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



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

    Leica TL Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs TL Thickness vs TL
    Leica TL Camera Leica TL2
    Compare
    399g 15g heavier 33mm equal thickness
    Leica TL Camera Leica CL
    Compare
    403g 19g heavier 45mm 12mm thicker
    Leica TL Camera Leica T Typ 701
    Compare
    384g equal weight 33mm equal thickness
    Leica TL Camera Leica SL
    Compare
    847g 463g heavier 39mm 6mm thicker
    Leica TL Camera Leica D-Lux 7
    Compare
    403g 19g heavier 64mm 31mm thicker
    Leica TL Camera Ricoh GR III
    Compare
    257g 127g lighter 33mm equal thickness
    Leica TL Camera Leica Q
    Compare
    640g 256g heavier 93mm 60mm thicker
    Leica TL Camera Fujifilm X-T2
    Compare
    507g 123g heavier 49mm 16mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Leica TL doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Leica TL Lens Mount and Lenses

    Leica TL has a Leica TL lens mount and currently there are 52 native lenses available for this mount.

    Leica TL doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 8 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization.

    Weather Sealed Lenses for Leica TL

    There are 44 lenses with weather sealing for Leica TL but bear in mind that TL body doesn't have weather sealings.

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

    Popular Leica TL Mount Lenses for Leica TL
    Model Focal Length equiv. Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm F2.8 Lens Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm F2.8
    36-105mm 35mm FF 935gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Panasonic Lumix S 35mm F1.8 Lens Panasonic Lumix S 35mm F1.8
    52.5mm 35mm FF 295gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm F4 Macro OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm F4 Macro OIS
    36-157.5mm 35mm FF 680gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art Lens Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art
    105mm 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
    36-105mm 35mm FF 835gr 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
    225-900mm 35mm FF 2100gr 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
    135-420mm 35mm FF 1710gr 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
    36-135mm 35mm FF 1140gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

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

    Leica TL Sensor and Photography Features

    Leica TL has a 16.0MP APS-C (23.6 x 15.7 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4928 x 3264 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. TL has a native ISO range of 100 - 12500 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Leica TL is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Canon M6 MII with its 33.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Leica TL vs Canon M6 MII or take a look at Highest resolution Mirrorless cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Leica TL's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

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



    Leica TL LCD

    Leica TL has a Fixed Type 3.70-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1,230k dots. The Leica TL's 3.70" 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 TL back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Leica TL 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.


    TL doesn't have a built-in viewfinder but an optional external viewfinder is available. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Mirrorless camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Nikon Z6 (Compare) or Nikon Z5 (Compare).
    Alternatively, check here the list of all Mirrorless cameras with viewfinder..

    Leica TL Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Leica TL features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our TL. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    Leica TL has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Leica TL Battery

    Leica TL is powered by BP-DC13 battery which provides a battery life of 400 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Mirrorless type cameras is 375 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 Advanced Mirrorless Cameras

    Leica TL
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Sony A6600 with its 810shots is the model with longest battery life among Advanced Mirrorless cameras. Check the comparison of Leica TL vs Sony A6600 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Mirrorless cameras list.

    Leica TL Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Leica TL Camera Leica TL2
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 250shots Yes No No
    Leica TL Camera Leica CL
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 220shots Yes No No
    Leica TL Camera Leica T Typ 701
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 400shots Yes No No
    Leica TL Camera Leica SL
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 400shots Yes No No
    Leica TL Camera Leica D-Lux 7
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 340shots Yes Yes No
    Leica TL Camera Ricoh GR III
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No
    Leica TL Camera Leica Q
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No
    Leica TL Camera Fujifilm X-T2
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 340shots Yes No No

    Leica TL Video Features

    With Leica TL, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30p fps and save in and MPEG-4 formats. Full HD resolution of Leica TL will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.
    You can also consider its successor, the Leica TL2 which features 4K video recording.

    TL has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. On the other hand, Leica TL doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Mirrorless camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Z6 or Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Mirrorless Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Mirrorless Cameras with Headphone Port

    Leica TL Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Leica TL can shoot continuously at max speed of 5.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    TL has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing

    Leica TL features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

    Leica TL 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 TL Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Leica TL in 5 different photography areas.

    Leica TL for Portrait Photography

    Leica TL has a score of 51 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Leica TL for Portrait Photography

    Leica TL for Street Photography

    Leica TL has a score of 59 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    Medium sized Body
    No Image Stabilization

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

    Leica TL for Sports Photography

    Leica TL has a score of 61 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 Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    Good Low Light ISO
    Wireless Connection
    Average Continuous Shooting: 5.0fps
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Environmental Sealings
    Focus Points
    No Image Stabilization

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

    Leica TL for Daily Photography

    Leica TL has a score of 66 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    Medium size Body
    384g

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

    Leica TL for Landscape Photography

    Leica TL has a score of 39 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theTL.
    Live-view
    Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.7 mm) sensor
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    No Environmental Sealings

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

    Popular Comparisons of Leica TL

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

    Leica TL2
    Leica TL2
    Compare
    Leica CL
    Leica CL
    Compare
    Leica T Typ 701
    Leica T  Typ 701
    Compare
    Leica SL
    Leica SL
    Compare
    Leica D-Lux 7
    Leica D-Lux 7
    Compare
    Ricoh GR III
    Ricoh GR III
    Compare
    Leica Q
    Leica Q
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-T2
    Fujifilm X-T2
    Compare

    Leica TL Alternatives in DSLR Cameras

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

    Pentax K-1
    Pentax K-1
    Compare
    Canon 90D
    Canon 90D
    Compare
    Nikon D750
    Nikon D750
    Compare
    Nikon D810
    Nikon D810
    Compare
    Nikon D500
    Nikon D500
    Compare
    Sony A99
    Sony A99
    Compare
    Sony A77 II
    Sony A77 II
    Compare
    Nikon D800E
    Nikon D800E
    Compare

    Leica TL Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Leica TL has an Overall Score of 61/100 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 TL is ranked #135 out of 227 in Mirrorless cameras (Top 20 Mirrorless), and ranked #283 out of 1240 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #283 out of 1240 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #135 out of 227 in Top Ranking Mirrorless Cameras
    #39 out of 53 in Top Ranking Advanced Mirrorless Cameras
    #122 out of 261 in Top Ranking APS-C Sensor Cameras
    #12 out of 15 in Top Ranking Leica L Lens Mount Cameras
    #50 out of 91 in Lightest Mirrorless Cameras with APS-C sensor(384g)
    #78 out of 917 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen

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

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

    General
    Brand Leica
    Model Leica TL
    Announced 2016-11-08
    Body Type Rangefinder-style mirrorless
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Leica TL
    Number of Lenses 52
    Focal Length Multiplier 1.5x
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3.70"
    Screen Resolution 1,230k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic (optional)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 4.50 m (at ISO 100)
    Flash Modes Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, on, off, slow sync, slow sync w/redeye reduction
    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 APS-C
    Sensor Dimensions 23.6 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 370.52mm2
    Sensor Resolution 16 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3264
    Max Native ISO 12,500
    Min Native ISO 100
    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
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 384g
    Physical Dimensions 134 x 69 x 33mm
    Battery Life 400 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model BP-DC13
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS Optional
    Storage Type Internal + SD/SDHC/SDXC card
    Storage Slots 1


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