Leica SL2-S
Leica · Mirrorless · 24.6 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Leica |
| Model | SL2-S |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | December 10, 2020 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 146 x 107 x 83 mm |
| Camera weight | 931 g |
Optics85/100 | |
About This SectionThe Leica SL2-S scores an impressive 81/100 in our evaluation. Announced on December 10, 2020, this mirrorless camera is a recent addition to the market. Considering its specifications, the Leica SL2-S stands strong in today’s competitive camera market. Its high score reflects the quality it offers to photographers, making it a reliable choice for capturing stunning images. Leica SL2-S Overview and OpticsThe Leica SL2-S receives an optics score of 85/100. It features a 24.6-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, which is paired with the powerful Maestro III processor. This combination allows for a shooting speed of 20 frames per second. Additionally, the camera’s sensor has a DXOMARK score of 95, indicating impressive performance. In the competitive camera market, the Leica SL2-S stands out with its Leica L lens mount and built-in image stabilization. The 3:2 aspect ratio further enhances the camera’s image quality. These specifications make the SL2-S a strong contender among other high-end cameras. The Leica SL2-S offers exceptional optics, making it a top choice for photographers seeking superior image quality and performance. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.6 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. | 20 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 III |
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. | 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. | 1000003003280000 |
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. | 1000003003280000 |
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. | 1600080032000 |
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. | 2250300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
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 | 576000009900000 |
Video83/100 | |
About This SectionThe Leica SL2-S receives a video score of 83/100, highlighting its strong capabilities in this area. The camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions reaching 4096 x 2160. This high resolution ensures detailed and sharp footage, meeting the demands of today’s videography enthusiasts and professionals. Additionally, the camera boasts a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, allowing for smooth and fluid motion capture. This frame rate is ideal for various applications, such as sports, wildlife, and action videography. The built-in time-lapse functionality further enhances the camera’s versatility, enabling users to create stunning time-lapse sequences with ease. The Leica SL2-S proves to be a competitive option in the market, with its impressive video specifications and features catering to diverse needs. Its high-resolution output, smooth frame rate, and time-lapse functionality make it a reliable choice for capturing top-quality video content. | |
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. | 60 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 |
Features74/100 | |
About This SectionThe Leica SL2-S scores 74/100 in terms of features, making it a competitive option in the camera market. The camera boasts a 3.2-inch touchscreen with a high resolution of 2,100,000 dots, offering users a clear view of their images. Despite not having a flip screen, the Leica SL2-S still manages to provide convenience with its WIFI and Bluetooth capabilities, enabling seamless connectivity and file transfers. However, the SL2-S does not come with GPS functionality, which may limit its appeal to photographers who require location data for their work. Nevertheless, the combination of advanced features and reliable performance make the Leica SL2-S a strong contender in today’s market. The camera’s specifications cater to various users, from professionals to enthusiasts, ensuring a satisfying experience for all. | |
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. |  Yes |
| 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. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 21000001150001500000 |
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. |  Yes |
Storage & Battery73/100 | |
About This SectionThe Leica SL2-S receives a storage and battery score of 73/100. This camera has two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards for ample storage options. The battery life of the SL2-S is 510 shots per charge, utilizing the BP-SCL4 battery type. Additionally, this camera supports USB charging for added convenience. In today’s market, the Leica SL2-S’s storage and battery performance is respectable. The dual memory card slots and compatibility with various card types provide flexibility for photographers. A battery life of 510 shots is adequate for most shooting scenarios, while USB charging offers an accessible charging method. The Leica SL2-S proves to be a reliable option for those prioritizing storage and battery capabilities. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| 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. | 510 shots1505000 |
| USB charging |  Yes |