Leica releases SL2 system camera with 47-megapixel sensor for 5990 euros
Leica introduces the successor to the SL Typ 601 from 2015. The SL2 is the second generation in this series and includes a full-frame sensor with a much higher resolution and improvements in video. It has similarities with the Panasonic S1R and also has the L-mount.
The Leica SL2 has a 47.3-megapixel sensor with a light sensitivity of 50 to 50,000 iso, while the predecessor has a 24-megapixel sensor with the same sensitivity. Furthermore, the new model has a newer version of the image processor: the Maestro III. According to Leica, this new processor leads to much faster contrast autofocus, with body detection present, including face and eye detection.
Leica also gives the SL2 a Smart AF mode in which the camera chooses between a mode where a photo is not taken until focus is achieved, and a mode where it is all about taking as many photos as possible, regardless of whether the image is in focus. focus. Presumably that choice is made on the basis of the movement of the subject.
Pictures can be taken at ten frames per second with the mechanical shutter or twenty frames per second with the electronic version. When using an autofocus mode that requires tracking an object or subject, the maximum speed is six frames per second.
Leica’s new camera features five-axis sensor stabilization. The stabilization mechanism that moves the sensor can also be used to make raw images with a resolution of 187 megapixels. The camera does this by combining several shots, whereby the sensor is always moved a bit. The Panasonic Lumix S1R camera that was announced at the beginning of this year and has the same sensor can also do this.
Captured images can be viewed on the 3.2″ LCD on the back and this screen has a resolution of 2.1 million pixels. In addition, the resolution of the electronic viewfinder has been increased from 4.4 million to 5.76 million pixels; this is an oled screen and, as with the first SL, there is also a small, square screen on top of the camera to quickly read the settings.
In terms of video, the SL2 can shoot 4k footage at 60fps, using almost the entire sensor. Users can also record at 120fps, although 1080p is the maximum resolution. Optionally, 5k images with a maximum of 30 fps can also be recorded, although a crop is then applied. HDR recording is supported according to the Hlg standard and 4k images can be recorded at up to 30fps at 4:2:2 at 10bit, or 4k and 60fps at 4:2:0 at 8bit.
The Leica SL2 has an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, weighs 928g, has a joystick and has a slightly modified handle. Furthermore, the device has room for two SD cards with UHS-II specification. The Leica SL2 is for sale from November 21 for a suggested retail price of 5990 euros.