Leica S

The Leica S is a medium format camera from 2012, built around a 37.5 megapixel CCD sensor. That resolution makes it a natural fit for photographers who put image detail first.

Working with it is a deliberate process. A maximum of 3.5 frames per second and a top ISO of 1600 favour planned subjects in good light, such as studio, product or landscape work, over spontaneous fast action.

Carrying it takes commitment. It weighs 1260g, so it suits outings built around photography rather than casual travel. Built-in Wi-Fi and two card slots add practical convenience.

The heart of the camera is its 37.5 megapixel medium format CCD sensor. That resolution supports large prints and generous cropping, and the sensor size shapes how depth of field renders. The CCD design carries an ISO range of 100 to 1600, so low-light work needs good light or a tripod.

The Maestro II processor drives the camera, and the 3.5 fps maximum rate sets a deliberate pace. This suits considered photography such as studio, product and landscape work rather than fast action. The 1/4000 top shutter speed can also constrain wide apertures in bright conditions.

No autofocus points are listed, so confirm how your intended lens focuses before buying. Composition happens through the optical pentaprism viewfinder, with no live view available as a screen alternative.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so shutter speed choice and support matter for sharp handheld frames. The Optics score of 65 rates it good, placing the camera around the middle of cameras in our database for Optics. Resolution carries the rating, while the modest burst rate and ISO ceiling hold it back.

This camera does not record video at all, so any motion coverage would need a separate device.

There is also no built-in timelapse function, so interval sequences are not an option from the menu.

For a photographer whose work is entirely stills-based, these omissions cost nothing. Anyone mixing stills and motion should plan on a second camera.

Features here are limited, and the score of 28 reflects that. The fixed 3 inch LCD offers 921,600 dots for reviewing images and navigating menus, but there is no touch control, no articulating movement and no live view. You compose through the optical viewfinder, and the screen serves mainly for playback.

Wi-Fi is built in for wireless connectivity, while Bluetooth is absent. There is no GPS, so geotagging would require external tools.

There is no built-in flash, though an external flash is supported, which suits studio-style lighting setups. The absence of weather sealing means you should keep the body away from rain and dust.

Two card slots accept SD, SDHC and SDXC cards alongside CompactFlash Type I. You can use whichever format you already own, and having two slots reduces card changes on longer shoots.

The SBP PRO 1 battery is rated for 500 shots. That rating cannot promise real-world endurance, so treat it as a rough guide and pack a spare battery for long shooting days.

The battery cannot be topped up over USB, so plan charging around your shoots rather than relying on a laptop or power bank in the field. The Storage & Battery score of 60 rates this area of the camera good.