Leica TL2

The TL2 is a 2017 mirrorless camera that puts a 24MP APS-C sensor behind Leica's L mount. The body is a slim slab measuring 134 x 69 x 33mm, and it weighs 399g.

That size makes it easy to carry everywhere, which suits travel, street and everyday photography where a bulky camera gets left behind.

Owning it means framing on the 3.7-inch TFT touchscreen, as there is no viewfinder. The design keeps things minimal, and the screen is the main way you interact with the camera.

The 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor has ample resolution for large prints and leaves room to crop without losing too much detail.

Sensitivity spans ISO 100 to 50000. The low base suits bright daylight work, while the high ceiling gives you a setting to reach for when the light turns very poor.

Autofocus uses a 49-point system, and the burst rate reaches a maximum of 7fps. Because that is a top speed rather than a sustained rate, short bursts of a moving moment are a better fit than long action runs.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so any steadiness in dim light has to come from outside the body: technique, a support or the lens itself. The 1/4000s maximum shutter can restrict wide apertures in strong sun. Lenses attach through the Leica L mount.

The TL2 records video at up to 4K resolution. Footage at that level keeps fine detail on large screens and gives you room to crop and reframe during editing.

A 120fps mode is also available. Footage captured at that rate plays as slow motion on a normal timeline, useful for action details, water and other fast movement.

No timelapse function is built in, so the camera itself offers no automated interval recording for time-lapse work.

Handheld clips need care, because the camera lacks in-body stabilisation and the fixed screen gives no tilting view for low angles. Without in-body shake reduction, smooth handheld footage depends on how you hold the camera and any support you use.

Framing and control both run through the 3.7-inch TFT LCD. At 1.23 million dots, the display offers high detail, and the touch layer makes settings quick to change on the fly.

The screen is fixed, and there is no viewfinder. Low or overhead shots mean moving yourself rather than moving the display, and live view is the only way to check your frame.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in, so the camera can connect wirelessly. GPS is also included, letting the camera record where shots are taken.

There is no built-in flash, though an external flash can be fitted when extra light is needed. The body is not weather sealed, so rain and dust call for care.

The TL2 takes SD, SDHC and SDXC cards and also has internal memory. That built-in space is a useful fallback if your card is forgotten or fills mid-shoot.

There is only one card slot, so you cannot record to two cards at once. Choose a card with enough capacity for your longest planned day.

The BP-DC13 battery is rated at 260 shots. Since the screen is your only viewfinder, it gets constant use, and the real count will depend on how much you shoot and review. A spare battery is sensible for long days.

Charging cannot happen over USB, so factor that into your packing and charging plans.