First Look: Leica SL2

Leica announced earlier today an update to its SL line of cameras with the SL2 which brings a host of new features. Our friends and colleagues Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake from DPR had a chance to test the new SL2 in Germany while visiting the Leica headquarters.

The original SL was announced back in October 2015 and was the first camera with the L-mount developed by Leica and now used also by Panasonic and Sigma in their Full Frame mirrorless cameras.

The SL2 is a major update compared to the original SL, it brings a new sensor, new processor, has built-in image stabilization, redesigned body & ergonomics, new high res EVF, larger and better LCD, Twin UHS-II SD card slots, many new and exciting video features and the list goes on and on.

The new Leica SL2

Leica seemed to really use the time since the original SL to perfect every important part of this camera and bring it to the cutting edge of existing technology. We made a list of the main features of the camera:

Sensor: All-new 47MP CMOS FF sensor.
ISO range: 50-50,000 ISO.
Processor: Maestro III processor.
EVF: 5.76 MP OLED EVF.
LCD: 3.2” LCD with 2.1 million dots.
AF System: New AF system using contrast-detect with object detect.
Image Stabilization: 5 Axis IS in-camera up to 5.5 stops.
Shooting speed: 20 FPS Electronic – 10 FPS Mechanical.
Multishot – Multishot high res mode – 187 MP.
Video: 4K up to 60p (full sensor readout), 5K 30p (APS-C mode), 10bit (internal), L LOG and LUT
Connections: Full-size HDMI, USB-C (USB 3.1), mic, headphones jacks.
Weight: 835g (without battery, which didn’t change from the original SL).
Magnesium and aluminum build (weather sealed).
New quick menu and menu design.
Redesigned grip (a new external/optional grip – HG-SCL6 doubles battery life).
Pricing and availability: start shipping on November 21st, 2019 for just under $6000.

Doug from B&H also had a quick hands-on with the camera and did a video rundown of the main features

If you don’t want to miss any new photography product be sure to check out our product photography section on our photo gear channel.

Iddo Genuth

Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.