Leica SL Typ 601
Leica · DSLR · 24 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Leica |
| Model | SL Typ 601 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2015 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 20, 2015 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 147 x 104 x 39 mm |
| Camera weight | 847 g |
Optics73/100 | |
About the OpticsLeica SL Typ 601 Overview and OpticsThe Leica SL Typ 601 receives a score of 73/100 for its optics. With 24 megapixels, an 11 frames per second shooting speed, and a full-frame CMOS sensor, this camera delivers sharp images. The Maestro II processor ensures fast image processing, while its DXOMARK sensor score of 88 proves its solid performance. In the current market, the Leica SL Typ 601 holds its ground with these specifications. The Leica L lens mount provides compatibility with a range of high-quality lenses, although the lack of image stabilization might be a drawback for some users. The 4:3 aspect ratio is a standard choice for photography. Therefore, the Leica SL Typ 601 offers reliable optics and performance, although it might not be the top choice for those seeking image stabilization. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 24 x 36 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 11 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Leica L |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Maestro II |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  4:3 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 5030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 500003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 500003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 6044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 490300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 440000009900000 |
Video91/100 | |
About the VideoThe Leica SL Typ 601 boasts a video score of 91 out of 100, displaying strong capabilities in this area. The camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions reaching 4096 x 2160. This high resolution ensures that captured footage is crisp and detailed, meeting the standards of the competitive market. Additionally, the Leica SL Typ 601 features a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, allowing for smooth and sharp motion capture. This frame rate surpasses many other cameras in its class, providing an edge in capturing fast-moving subjects. The built-in time-lapse functionality further enhances the camera’s video capabilities, enabling creative and dynamic shots. The Leica SL Typ 601’s video specifications make it a strong competitor in today’s market, with high resolution, impressive frame rates, and useful time-lapse functionality. This camera is an excellent choice for those prioritizing video performance. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 4096 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 120 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  Yes |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4 |
Features70/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Leica SL Typ 601 receives a feature score of 70 out of 100. This camera is equipped with a 3-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1,040,000 dots. However, it does not have a flip screen, which can be limiting for certain shooting situations. The camera includes GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing for easy geotagging and sharing of photos. Unfortunately, it lacks Bluetooth connectivity. In today’s market, the Leica SL Typ 601’s features are decent but not exceptional. Cameras with higher feature scores often include flip screens, higher resolution touchscreens, and Bluetooth connectivity. Despite these limitations, the SL Typ 601 still offers solid features for photographers who prioritize other aspects, such as optics and video capabilities. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  Yes |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 10400001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery57/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Leica SL Typ 601 receives a storage and battery score of 57/100. This camera provides two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with compatibility for UHS-II cards. However, the battery life is limited to 400 shots per charge, using a BP-SCL4 battery. The camera does not support USB charging. In the current market, the Leica SL Typ 601’s storage options stand strong with its dual card slots and UHS-II compatibility. However, the limited battery life and lack of USB charging might be drawbacks for some users. Despite these limitations, the camera remains a solid option for those who value storage capacity and performance. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots |  Yes |
| Battery type | BP-SCL4 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 400 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |