Leica SL2 Specifications

[sillbeers15]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I must say that I have been a happy user of the Leica SL type 601 after v3.0 firmware update apart from no leica cameras supported for TTL/HSS Wireless off camera lighting systems.

 

I hear lots of request for higher resolution sensor for the next SL (SL2). Frankly it would be a less concern from my as the current 24MP more than meet my needs and by the progress of the industry, we will het higher resolution sensor Leicas when the complete hardware and memory of the camera circuit is upgraded accordingly.

One concern and interest I’ve been watching closely in the development is the Contrast Detect Autofocus Capability of the next SL. Although the type 601 AF capability is good enough meeting most of our photography application needs, there is room to improve in ability to lock focus in dim light and back light situations. Also the AFC tracking success rate can be further improved. The SL’s AF technology is likely licence from Panasonic and so will it be for the type 601 successor. Therefore the type 601 AF capacities would be at the same capability of the GH4 from LUMIX/Panasonic. Lumix/Panasonic just released their top of the range micro four thirds camera. In the review by Ming Theim (https://blog.mingthein.com/2018/01/22/review-the-2018-panasonic-lumix-g9/amp/) seems positive in AFC tracking. So far, Ming Thein’s review Of the G9 offers by far the most comprehensive user report (together with pictures to show) till date. Reading it provided me the much needed confidence over the next SL successor Leica will roll out in AF capability. So I next hope that Leica will choose a higher resolution sensor for the SL2 to match the up and coming Mestro III processor likely found in the next S (008?) and the >37MP sensor ( likely to be 50MP or more judging from competition in the MF sector offered by competitors today). I look forward to the next Leica all rounder workhorse which the type 601 represented so well.

And please Leica, before the next SL appears kindly offer the SL and M users a decent wireless off camera TTL/HSS flash solution! Almost all other camera brand users have that solution available in the market except Leica users. It is totally different that users choose to apply manual flash control wirelessly against no option but to only use slow sync speed manual off camera flash as single solution!

[YellowBelly]

I must say that I have been a happy user of the Leica SL type 601 after v3.0 firmware update apart from no leica cameras supported for TTL/HSS Wireless off camera lighting systems.

 

I hear lots of request for higher resolution sensor for the next SL (SL2). Frankly it would be a less concern from my as the current 24MP more than meet my needs and by the progress of the industry, we will het higher resolution sensor Leicas when the complete hardware and memory of the camera circuit is upgraded accordingly.

One concern and interest I’ve been watching closely in the development is the Contrast Detect Autofocus Capability of the next SL. Although the type 601 AF capability is good enough meeting most of our photography application needs, there is room to improve in ability to lock focus in dim light and back light situations. Also the AFC tracking success rate can be further improved. The SL’s AF technology is likely licence from Panasonic and so will it be for the type 601 successor. Therefore the type 601 AF capacities would be at the same capability of the GH4 from LUMIX/Panasonic. Lumix/Panasonic just released their top of the range micro four thirds camera. In the review by Ming Theim (https://blog.mingthein.com/2018/01/22/review-the-2018-panasonic-lumix-g9/amp/) seems positive in AFC tracking. So far, Ming Thein’s review Of the G9 offers by far the most comprehensive user report (together with pictures to show) till date. Reading it provided me the much needed confidence over the next SL successor Leica will roll out in AF capability. So I next hope that Leica will choose a higher resolution sensor for the SL2 to match the up and coming Mestro III processor likely found in the next S (008?) and the >37MP sensor ( likely to be 50MP or more judging from competition in the MF sector offered by competitors today). I look forward to the next Leica all rounder workhorse which the type 601 represented so well.

And please Leica, before the next SL appears kindly offer the SL and M users a decent wireless off camera TTL/HSS flash solution! Almost all other camera brand users have that solution available in the market except Leica users. It is totally different that users choose to apply manual flash control wirelessly against no option but to only use slow sync speed manual off camera flash as single solution!

As a user of S SL & M and broncolor and profoto systems that link into my other kit so seamlessly. I find this difficult to deal with and dealers when you ask have all but given up on Leica as anything but a joke brand. Who shine so brightly that idiots spend lots on rear remodels but really the practical promises are left behind as a memory but we cannot forget! So come on and up your game and we will follow gladly!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Chaemono]

SL2 sensor likely to be made here: http://www.towerjazz.com/prs/2017/1030.html

It probably means 30+ MPx and they have the lenses to go with it

[Jon Warwick]

It probably means 30+ MPx and they have the lenses to go with it

Here’s hoping! It’s a key reason for me to consider moving from the M to the SL system, ie, I’m assuming that whilst it might be appropriate to keep the M at around 24mp (due to its legacy lenses; limitations of centerpoint rangefinder focus, etc), the SL should be a much stronger candidate for a decent megapixel boost (due to its unbelievably good lenses especially the new SL primes; very accurate off-the-sensor focus, etc etc).

[geetee1972]

What does an increase pixel count get us that we don't currently have with the 24mp model?

[thighslapper]

What does an increase pixel count get us that we don't currently have with the 24mp model?

 yup ...... I'd prefer more DR and cleaner high ISO output ... that makes more difference to the ultimate image than some extra pixels.....

 

of course, if you are offering both, I'll take it ...... 

[LD_50]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

What does an increase pixel count get us that we don't currently have with the 24mp model?

It obviously gives you increased resolution and all the good (and bad) that can come with it. It gives you more ability to crop. It decreases moire for some subjects. You can shoot smaller TL lenses with useful resolution. You can shoot a square (or other) crop and maintain useful resolution. Etc etc etc

 

I understand wanting and not wanting higher pixel counts. I don’t understand the constant discussions about it. You can very easily review high and low resolution images shot with similar generation sensors and lenses and determine whether it’s something you would buy. The evidence for each viewpoint is both objective and readily available. It’s like the never ending sensor size discussions in that the discussion and subjective back and forth takes longer than simply looking at the photos and making a decision based upon the actual results.

Edited January 22, 2018 by LD_50

[Jon Warwick]

What does an increase pixel count get us that we don't currently have with the 24mp model?

Ability to print larger images with less need for resampling in post, ie, having “real” data as opposed to fake. I print very large, so a higher mp is something that would be very helpful for image quality. The moire aspect is another reason.

 

To put it into context, I personally think something like 20”x16” as a smallish print, and 24mp is roughly only native resolution at 300dpi for that print size. Go beyond that, and I’d like real info - not resampled. This sort of things become increasingly important for subjects with very fine detail (eg, landscapes).

 

Of course, for those that view images on screen and/or print small, this is a moot point.

Edited January 22, 2018 by Jon Warwick

[IkarusJohn]

I print larger than that from both the Monochrom (M9 version) and SL, when I get an image that warrants it ...

[geetee1972]

I came to the SL from a Sony A7rII, which has 42mp. Dealing with files that large is a pain the arse.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Chaemono]

A function of processor speed and RAM and given the upgrade cycle for PCs in three to four years’ time the majority out there should be equiped with enough of both to process the files smoothly. Leica can’t stand still on sensor resolution when the technology is there and the SL lenses far outresolve the current SL sensor. It’s the opposite for Sony, of course. The α7R II sensor far outresolves available lenses, except for the Otus, and therefore they can stand still with the α7R III and use the same sensor.

[vortex]

SL2 sensor likely to be made here: http://www.towerjazz.com/prs/2017/1030.html

It probably means 30+ MPx and they have the lenses to go with it

The sensor of the Nikon D850 is made by Towerjazz too

 

As we know that Leica Q & SL sensors are made by them, I think the next generation of SL and even Q will blow as away in terms of quality.

 

And your right they have the lenses to go with!

 

I use them both, SL with the Zoom-lenses and Q for my main work. Definitely the best camera system in 35mm I ever used!

 

roger

Edited January 23, 2018 by vortex

[keithlaban.co.uk]

Let's face it the SL2 would need to be a significant step up from the current offering otherwise what would be the point of the second offering?

[Jeff S]

It’s the opposite for Sony, of course. The α7R II sensor far outresolves available lenses, except for the Otus, and therefore they can stand still with the α7R III and use the same sensor.

I don’t use Sony, but to be fair, the new G Master series lenses are designed specifically for their high end sensors, with a minimum of 50 LP per mm.

 

Jeff

[geetee1972]

I don’t use Sony, but to be fair, the new G Master series lenses are designed specifically for their high end sensors, with a minimum of 50 LP per mm.

 

Jeff

I had both an A7rII and before that an A7s. The best results I got in terms of the images I shot, were with the A7s and and an older Minolta designed 85mm f/1.4 By comparrison the A7RII files, while hugely detailed never looked as good.

 

The only thing that more pixels gives you at this level is the option to crop more; that's it, nothing more. The pictures don't look any shaprer, they don't look any better, they don't suddenly start to jump off the screen or page and turn water into wine. You can print gallery size and quality images from 24mp no problem, so what on earth will more resolution give you apart from the need to spend more money on a new computer?

 

Now more dynamic range, more tonal graduation and better colour depth, those things will all make your images look better. The files from my SL are so much better than the files I got from my A7rII and yes, that is probably because a camera is not just the sensor but all the other software that goes with it, but really, I've compared 42mp with 24mp and never once found that the pixel resolution was even remotely a factor. As I said, the only thing it gives you is more options to crop but then there's a much simpler solution to that - just learn how to frame better.

 

Of course, none of this will sell more cameras and of course you're free to spend your money on whatever you like.

[Jon Warwick]

The new Leica CL is 24mp but using a small aps-c sized sensor.

 

I think that would equate to around 50mp if it was scaled up in size to FF.

 

As such, it could be argued that we now have a living benchmark for what Leica can now achieve in terms of dynamic range, color tonality, pixel acuity, high ISO etc in a sensor that has much smaller individual pixels compared to anything we’ve seen in Ms, the SL, Q, or S.

 

I’m not sure anyone is complaining about sensor quality with the CL .....quite the opposite, it seems. Maybe technology has marched on, and maybe Leica has found a sensor solution for its FF and medium format cameras that can achieve both higher resolution AND excellent dynamic range and high ISO?

[Jeff S]

I had both an A7rII and before that an A7s. The best results I got in terms of the images I shot, were with the A7s and and an older Minolta designed 85mm f/1.4 By comparrison the A7RII files, while hugely detailed never looked as good.

 

The only thing that more pixels gives you at this level is the option to crop more; that's it, nothing more. The pictures don't look any shaprer, they don't look any better, they don't suddenly start to jump off the screen or page and turn water into wine. You can print gallery size and quality images from 24mp no problem, so what on earth will more resolution give you apart from the need to spend more money on a new computer?

 

Now more dynamic range, more tonal graduation and better colour depth, those things will all make your images look better. The files from my SL are so much better than the files I got from my A7rII and yes, that is probably because a camera is not just the sensor but all the other software that goes with it, but really, I've compared 42mp with 24mp and never once found that the pixel resolution was even remotely a factor. As I said, the only thing it gives you is more options to crop but then there's a much simpler solution to that - just learn how to frame better.

 

Of course, none of this will sell more cameras and of course you're free to spend your money on whatever you like.

I don’t know what post you thought you read, but please don’t put words in my mouth. I wrote nothing about the subjects you raise, instead merely responding to a post regarding the comment that Sony lenses lack resolving capability. That’s all.

 

As for the rest, I’ve been making, collecting and studying prints since the early 70’s. No lectures needed, thanks.

 

Jeff

[geetee1972]

I don’t know what post you thought you read, but please don’t put words in my mouth. I wrote nothing about the subjects you raise, instead merely responding to a post regarding the comment that Sony lenses lack resolving capability. That’s all.

 

As for the rest, I’ve been making, collecting and studying prints since the early 70’s. No lectures needed, thanks.

 

Jeff

 

I didn't put words in your mouth - I just quoted your point about the Sony lenses. It was relevant because having owned and used an 85mm G-Master lens on the A7rII, and a cheaper Minolta design 85mm on the A7s, the images from the lower pixel count camera were better than the 42mp camera; they had better colour, bet tonality, more richness.

 

So whether you said it or not, what I am saying, is that this stupid pursuit of pixells and lines per pairs is a nonsense and doesn't move us forward in any meaningful way. But then I am sure you already know that and almost certainly agree with me right?

[Jeff S]

Don’t really care.

 

Jeff

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[sillbeers15]

No one in this forum cares for better AFC tracking capability,...it is still all about more pixels. Sigh.