Leica SL2
Leica · Mirrorless · 47 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Leica |
| Model | SL2 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2019 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | November 6, 2019 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 146 x 107 x 83 mm |
| Camera weight | 916 g |
Optics84/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Leica SL2 receives a solid score of 83/100 for its general specifications. It measures 146 x 107 x 83mm in size and weighs 916g or 2.02lbs. Given its specifications, the Leica SL2 proves to be a strong contender in today’s competitive camera market with a reliable performance and a user-friendly design. Leica SL2 Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Leica SL2 score an impressive 84/100. This camera features a 47-megapixel CMOS sensor, which captures high-resolution images. The full-frame sensor size ensures excellent image quality, while the Leica L lens mount offers compatibility with a range of lenses. Additionally, the camera has a shooting speed of 20 frames per second, which allows for fast-paced action photography. The Maestro II processor in the Leica SL2 enables quick image processing and contributes to the camera’s overall performance. With an 88 DXOMARK score for the sensor, the SL2 competes well in the market. The camera also has built-in image stabilization and a 3:2 aspect ratio, enhancing its versatility. The Leica SL2’s optics perform well in the competitive camera market, with its high-resolution sensor, fast shooting speed, and image stabilization features. The camera’s compatibility with various lenses and its strong overall performance make it a solid choice for photographers of all levels. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 47 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 8368 x 5584 |
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. | 36 x 24 |
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 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. | 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. | 180044080 |
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. | 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 |
Video91/100 | |
About the VideoThe Leica SL2’s video capabilities earn a score of 91/100. This camera has a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 4096 x 2160. It also offers a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, which is impressive for capturing fast-paced action and producing slow-motion footage. In today’s market, the Leica SL2’s 4K video resolution is a competitive feature, as it meets the industry standard for high-quality video production. The 120fps frame rate ensures smooth video playback and enhances the camera’s versatility for various shooting scenarios. Additionally, the built-in time-lapse functionality provides creative options for photographers and videographers. The Leica SL2’s video specifications make it a strong contender among professional cameras. Its features cater to the demands of modern videography, and the camera’s performance reflects its high score. | |
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, MOV, H.264 |
Features87/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Leica SL2 receives a feature score of 87/100, showcasing its impressive capabilities. With a 3.2-inch screen and a resolution of 2,100,000 dots, the camera provides a high-quality display. The presence of a touchscreen enhances user experience, allowing for ease of navigation and control. However, the SL2 does not have a flip screen, which may limit some shooting angles. The lack of GPS could be a disadvantage for those who wish to geotag their images. Despite these minor drawbacks, the camera is equipped with both WIFI and Bluetooth, enabling seamless connectivity and file transfer. Taking these features into account, the Leica SL2 holds a strong position in today’s camera market. Its combination of a high-resolution touchscreen, connectivity options, and overall performance make it a worthy contender for photographers seeking a reliable and advanced camera. | |
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 | 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 | 3.2" |
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. |  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. |  Yes |
Storage & Battery55/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Leica SL2’s storage and battery performance receives a score of 55/100. This camera offers two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with UHS-II compatibility. In the current market, this storage capacity meets the standard requirements for professional and enthusiast photographers. Regarding battery life, the SL2 provides 370 shots per charge, utilizing a BP-SCL4 battery type. Although this battery life may suffice for casual shooting sessions, it falls short compared to competitors in the market. The absence of USB charging further limits the camera’s flexibility and convenience for extended use. Taking these factors into account, the Leica SL2’s storage and battery capabilities are adequate but not exceptional. Improvements in battery life and charging options could enhance the camera’s appeal to a broader range of users. | |
| 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. | 370 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |