Leica has announced a new addition to the SL family, the SL2-S. For photographers and videographers who seek great performance and a fast operating system, the new Leica SL2-S is a versatile full-frame camera that promises the best of both mediums in one.

Building on the Leica SL-System that launched in 2015, the Leica SL2-S features a 24-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor and offers a continuous shooting rate of up to 25 frames per second at full resolution.  Furnished with pro-grade video function of 10-bit 4K video recording with no limit in video length, the camera has two separate recording modes for photo and video. Next to the Leica M, the SL range is the only mirrorless full format system camera designed and crafted in Germany, with an all-metal that is built to last.

The sensor

The core element of the Leica SL2-S is the newly developed BSI-CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 24 megapixels, designed to deliver the infamous Leica look for both photo and video. The data collected by the sensor is processed by the camera’s Maestro-III processor with a 4-gigabyte buffer memory. For the first time, this enables open-ended burst recordings at up to 9 frames per second, whereby the burst length in JPEG format is limited to the storage capacity of the installed memory cards.

Perfect for creative videographers

The SL2-S can perform demanding video production tasks recording 4K at 10bit 4:2:2 and C4k at 10bit 4:2:2 video, combined with the Leica L-Log and integrated viewing LUTs [Look Up Tables] – which lets the user have full control throughout the recording and makes the compact Leica SL2-S a great alternative to bulkier film cameras. Another pro-level trait is the camera’s unlimited recording time for videos, which means that the video length is only limited by the respective [internal or external] memory. In the future, the camera will also support the highly efficient HEVC video compression standard for 10-bit recordings up to 4K/60p. This will allow videos to be split into one-minute segments, minimising the risk of data loss. Other enhancing features, such as the integrated waveform monitor and the automatic Follow Focus, will be added with the next firmware update – further enhancing the camera’s suitability for professional applications.

Optimal integration

The Leica SL2-S is the first SL model to enable direct tethered shooting with Capture One 21. This allows the user to fully control the camera remotely via the computer. In addition, the SL2-S can also be tethered to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic. A time-limited Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan is included when purchasing the camera.

Limitless compatibility

The camera’s L-Mount makes the Leica SL2-S fully compatible with not just the SL-System’s extensive lens portfolio, but also with TL lenses and, via an adapter, lenses from the Leica M, R and S-System. The L-Mount Alliance provides SL2-S owners with access to over 40 autofocus lenses. In addition, Leitz Cine lenses – which are highly coveted among filmmakers across the board – can also be adapted to the Leica SL2-S.

Image stabilisation

The Leica SL2-S features a suspended image sensor, which provides a highly efficient, multi-axis image stabilisation in connection with any Leica lens. This sensor-shift technology also facilitates multi-shot capturing, where eight shots are calculated into one image with a fourfold resolution of 96 megapixels. The high sensitivity of up to ISO 100,000 – combined with the fast autofocus and in-body image stabilisation – enables photographers to capture excellent images in almost all types of light.

Pricing & Availability

The Leica SL2-S is on sale from today at Leica Stores and authorised Leica dealers at £3,975.00

See more at Leica’s website.