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Leica TL
56
SCORE
Leica · Mirrorless · 16 MP · APS-C · Full HD video

Leica TL

General 56Optics 52Video Performance 43Features and Benefits 72Storage and Battery 24
KEY FACTS
BrandLeica
ModelTL
Released2016
Announcement date08/11/2016
Camera typeMirrorless
What We Like
Not yet summarised.
Worth Knowing
−16 MP resolution looks dated compared to newer models
−No image stabilization
−No built-in viewfinder
−Video recording limited to Full HD
−No environmental Sealing

General 56

Brand
Leica
Model
TL
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2016
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
08/11/2016
Camera type
Mirrorless
Camera size
134 x 69 x 33 mm
Camera weight
384 g

Optics 52

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
16 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4928 x 3264
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.
23.6 x 15.7
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-C
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
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 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.
125003003280000
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.
125003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
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.
10300
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.
None
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Leica TL scores 56/100 in our evaluation. Announced on August 11, 2016, and released the same year, this mirrorless camera entered the market with a launch price of $1,695. Measuring 134 x 69 x 33mm and weighing 384g (0.85 lbs), the Leica TL is a compact and lightweight camera. In comparison to more recent models, the specs of the Leica TL may not be as competitive as it was in 2016. However, the camera still offers decent performance for its size and price range.

Leica TL Overview and Optics

The Leica TL receives a score of 52/100 for its optics. This camera features a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, Maestro II processor, and a sensor size of APS-C. With a shooting speed of 5 frames per second, the camera’s performance is moderate compared to other models in the market. The DXOMARK score for the sensor is 79, which is a respectable rating. The Leica TL uses the Leica L lens mount, offering compatibility with various lenses. However, it lacks image stabilization, which may impact image quality in certain situations. The camera maintains a 3:2 aspect ratio for its images.

When comparing the Leica TL’s optics to other cameras in today’s market, it becomes evident that its specifications are not at the forefront of the industry. Despite this, the camera still offers decent image quality and performance for its price range. The absence of image stabilization and a lower megapixel count may deter some users, but the Leica TL remains a viable option for those seeking a compact, reliable camera with the renowned Leica brand name.

Leica TL Video Performance 43

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.
Full HD
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.
1920 x 1080
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.
30 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.
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.
MPEG-4, MOV
Read our notes on leica tl video performance

The Leica TL scores 43/100 in video capabilities. This camera offers a maximum video resolution of Full HD, with dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The frame rate reaches a maximum of 30 frames per second. However, the camera lacks built-in time-lapse functionality.

In today’s market, the Leica TL’s video capabilities may not stand out. Many cameras now offer higher resolutions, such as 4K or even 8K. Additionally, a higher frame rate, such as 60fps, is becoming increasingly common for smoother video capture. The absence of time-lapse functionality also limits the camera’s versatility.

Considering these factors, the Leica TL falls short in video capabilities compared to competitors. While its Full HD resolution and 30fps frame rate are adequate for casual users, those seeking advanced video features may find this camera lacking.

Leica TL Features and Benefits 72

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
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
3.7"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
12300001150001500000
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
Read our notes on leica tl features and benefits

The Leica TL has a feature score of 72 out of 100. This camera comes with a 3.7-inch touchscreen and a screen resolution of 1230000 dots. While it does not have a flip screen, it is equipped with both WIFI and Bluetooth capabilities. However, it lacks GPS functionality.

When comparing the Leica TL’s features to other cameras in today’s market, it holds its own in terms of connectivity and user-friendly interface. The touchscreen provides ease of use and the WIFI and Bluetooth options allow for seamless sharing and transfer of photos. On the other hand, the absence of a flip screen and GPS might be considered drawbacks for some users, especially those interested in vlogging or geotagging their images.

Taking all this into account, the Leica TL is a solid choice for users who prioritize connectivity and a user-friendly interface. However, it may not be the best option for those seeking a flip screen or GPS functionality.

Leica TL Storage and Battery 24

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Internal
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
BC-DC13
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
400 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on leica tl storage and battery

The Leica TL’s storage and battery section scores at 24/100. This camera has only one memory card slot, which accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, as well as internal storage. In today’s market, this may limit storage options for some users who prefer multiple card slots.

The battery life of the Leica TL is 400 shots, powered by a BC-DC13 battery type. Unfortunately, the camera does not support USB charging. This battery life may not meet the needs of some photographers, especially those who take many shots in a single session or require longer battery life for extended periods of use.

Considering the storage and battery specifications, the Leica TL may not be the best choice for those who demand more storage flexibility and longer battery life. However, it may still be suitable for casual users who can manage with its limitations.