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Leica S
54
SCORE
Leica · Medium Format · 37.5 MP · Medium Format

Leica S

General 54Optics 65Features and Benefits 28Storage and Battery 60
From $19,995 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandLeica
ModelS
Released2012
Announcement date17/09/2012
Camera typeMedium Format
What We Like
Not yet summarised.
Worth Knowing
−Old, discontinued model
−Still has expensive price
−Very basic AF system
−No video features
−Limited battery life even by medium format standards

General 54

Brand
Leica
Model
S
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2012
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
17/09/2012
Camera type
Medium Format
Camera size
160 x 120 x 80 mm
Camera weight
1260 g

Optics 65

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
37.5 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
7500 x 5000
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CCD
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.
30 x 45
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Medium Format
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
3.5 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 S
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.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
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.
16003003280000
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.
10030200
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.
16003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
12544080
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.
400080032000
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.
00300
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.
Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Leica S medium format camera receives a score of 54 out of 100. Launched in 2012 with a price tag of $21,950, this camera has dimensions of 160 x 120 x 80mm and weighs 2.78 lbs. Despite being a few years old, the Leica S still holds its own in today’s market with its robust build and quality performance. As the market continues to evolve, this camera remains a reliable choice for medium format photography enthusiasts.

Leica S Overview and Optics

The Leica S receives a score of 65/100 for its optics. This camera features a 37.5-megapixel CCD sensor, which is paired with the Maestro II processor. With a shooting speed of 3.5 frames per second, the Leica S offers decent performance. The medium format sensor size and Leica S lens mount contribute to the quality of the images captured.

In the current market, the Leica S faces strong competition from other cameras with higher DXOMARK scores. Its sensor score of 76 is not as impressive as some of its rivals. Additionally, the absence of image stabilization may be a drawback for some users. The 3:2 aspect ratio is standard and does not offer any unique advantages.

The Leica S provides satisfactory optics, but it may not be the top choice for those seeking the best performance in this category. The combination of its features results in a decent camera, but it might not stand out amongst other options available in today’s market.

Leica S Video Performance

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
No
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
N/A
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.
N/A
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.
N/A
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.
No
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.
N/A
Read our notes on leica s video performance

The Leica S does not have video functionality. This camera focuses solely on photography.

Leica S Features and Benefits 28

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.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
9216001150001500000
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.
No
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
Read our notes on leica s features and benefits

The Leica S features score is 28 out of 100. This score reflects its capabilities in terms of screen size, resolution, and connectivity options. The camera has a screen size of 3 inches, with a resolution of 921,600 dots. Although the screen is not a touchscreen, it provides clear and sharp image previews.

However, the Leica S lacks some modern features, such as a flip screen, GPS, and Bluetooth. The camera does have WIFI capabilities, which allows for easy sharing of photos and remote control of the camera.

Comparing the Leica S to other cameras in today’s market, it falls short in terms of advanced features. While the camera performs well in optics and video, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a more versatile, feature-rich camera.

Leica S Storage and Battery 60

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Compact Flash (Type I)
Dual memory card slots
Yes
Battery type
SBP PRO 1
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
500 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on leica s storage and battery

The Leica S storage and battery section scores 60/100. With two memory card slots, the camera accepts SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Compact Flash (Type I) cards, providing flexibility for users. However, the battery life of 500 shots using the SBP PRO 1 battery may be less than ideal for some photographers, especially when compared to other cameras with longer-lasting batteries.

Furthermore, the lack of USB charging limits the convenience of recharging the battery on-the-go. Despite these shortcomings, the Leica S remains a reliable camera choice for various photography needs. However, potential buyers should consider the storage and battery aspects when comparing it to other models in today’s market.