Leica SL2-S: Versatile Alternative with 24MP Sensor

[LUF Admin]

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Leica Camera today announces a new mirrorless camera, the Leica SL2-S. The new member of the SL family does not replace the existing SL2, but expands the range in several ways:

• Improved video capabilities
• Better low-light performance and
• Faster continuous shooting

Reduced compared to the Leica SL2 were the resolution of the sensor (24MP) - and the price, which is 4,500€ / 4,895 $ .

Images Leica SL2-S

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More information to come, here the official Press Release:

The new Leica SL2-S

Leica presents its most versatile camera for photography and videography to date

Wetzlar, December 10, 2020. With the new SL2-S, Leica introduces a perfect solution for anyone seeking outstanding imaging performance – not only in their photographs, but also in their video productions. With its new, 24-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor and two separate recording modes for photos and videos, the new Leica SL2-S offers the best of both media in one all-metal, state-of-the-art body built for long-term durability.

The Leica SL2-S expands the multi-faceted SL-System with a versatile full-frame camera that serves as an alternative to the Leica SL2. The SL2-S is the perfect choice for customers who favour fast operation over the exceptionally high resolution of the Leica SL2. With its especially high operating speed (which enables continuous shooting rates of up to 25 frames per second at full resolution), and its pro-level video capabilities (facilitating 10-bit 4K video recordings with no video length limits), the SL2-S sets new benchmarks within the SL-System.

High-quality sensor

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

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 multishot capturing, whereby 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.

Optimal integration

The Leica SL2-S is the first SL model to enable direct tethered shooting with Capture One 21. This gives users the option of full remote control of the camera 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. With the exception of the image sensor, the Leica SL2-S has the same core attributes as the SL2 (such as the unique operating concept and high-resolution Leica EyeRes® viewfinder), and shares the SL2’s entire accessory range. Of course, the all-metal camera also features a dust and water protection rating of IP54, and is produced in Germany to the highest quality standards.

Perfect for creative videographers

The Leica SL2-S provides not just photographers, but also videographers and cinematographers with outstanding possibilities – which are continuously optimised via the firmware updates released for SL-System cameras on an ongoing basis. The Leica SL2-S captures 10-bit 4:2:2 videos with Leica’s L-LOG gamma, at frame rates of up to 60 fps. Thanks to the integrated viewing LUTs, the user is able to have full control throughout the recording. 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 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, in order to minimise 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.

Limitless compatibility

Being equipped with the 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 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 film-makers across the board – can also be adapted to the Leica SL2-S.

The Leica SL2-S is on sale from today at authorised Leica dealers.

[mirekti]

I wonder if the video will be draining the battery the same as in SL2.

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[BlueIn2Red]

I thought they'd made a new short 50!

[AKorenc]

Must say I like the black logo on the prism ... I just might color it black myself on my SL2 ...

[Louis]

The original SL had a 24 MP sensor; SL2 comes with 47MP.

Therefore, with 24MP , is SL2-S with 24 MP a set back to the original SL system for photographers who are not interested in video?

[mirekti]

1 minute ago, Louis said:

Therefore, with 24MP , is SL2-S with 24 MP a set back to the original SL system for photographers who are not interested in video?

You can actually get away with less MP in video than in photography.

[SrMi]

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7 minutes ago, Louis said:

The original SL had a 24 MP sensor; SL2 comes with 47MP.

Therefore, with 24MP , is SL2-S with 24 MP a set back to the original SL system for photographers who are not interested in video?

From Jono Slack's review: "The Leica SL2-S has much improved video..".

Cameras with lower resolution are often better suited for video than their high-resolution counterparts.

[Jeff S]

More from Red Dot Forum:

https://www.reddotforum.com/content/2020/12/leica-sl2-s-announced/
 

Jeff

[davidmknoble]

35 minutes ago, Louis said:

The original SL had a 24 MP sensor; SL2 comes with 47MP.

Therefore, with 24MP , is SL2-S with 24 MP a set back to the original SL system for photographers who are not interested in video?

The sensor is new, and if I read it correctly, the SL2-S also has image stabilization in the sensor (not lens dependent like the SL) and also has the offset pixel imaging to make large sized files for stationery subjects.  So, I think it is a less expensive alternative for those that don't need large file size.  Interestingly, Nikon and Cannon do the same and their Pro level series has small file sizes presumably for news media that do not need huge files.  Just a thought....

[kerone]

Does the SL2-S have a dual or tri native iso like the panasonic s5? and if so what are they?

Edited December 10, 2020 by kerone

[Stuart Richardson]

2 hours ago, Louis said:

The original SL had a 24 MP sensor; SL2 comes with 47MP.

Therefore, with 24MP , is SL2-S with 24 MP a set back to the original SL system for photographers who are not interested in video?

This is not a successor to the SL2, it is an alternative model for people who are more focused on video, high ISO, speed and lower cost. The SL2 is probably still the "flagship" of the SL lineup. The SL3 is likely to be an update of the current 47mp SL2. Then, presumably it would be followed by an SL3-S with the same lower rez/video emphasis.

[grahamhoey]

2 hours ago, Louis said:

The original SL had a 24 MP sensor; SL2 comes with 47MP.

Therefore, with 24MP , is SL2-S with 24 MP a set back to the original SL system for photographers who are not interested in video?

To me the main difference between the SL2-S and the original SL is IBIS as I also have no interest in video

[SonomaBear]

I'll. probably order a SL2-s to replace my SL1 -- 24 mp is my favorite (not 47); IBIS on my M lenses!; greatly improved low light capabilities; etc

[bilbrown]

4 hours ago, Louis said:

The original SL had a 24 MP sensor; SL2 comes with 47MP.

Therefore, with 24MP , is SL2-S with 24 MP a set back to the original SL system for photographers who are not interested in video?

Not interested in higher resolution, the video functions are there and improved it seems.

 

However with other L Mount alternatives like the Sigma FP's Lossless compression RAW(DNG) data12/14 bit, and Cinema DNG（8bit / 10bit/ 12bit） / MOV：H.264 (ALL-I/ GOP), it is NOT the best 24MP L mount camera alternative. Hell, the Lumix S5 has [5.9K] / [4K] / [Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K] 12-bit RAW video data can be output over HDMI.

If the SL2-S has anything close to the bit depth and resolution changes for that new sensor then its body alone is a game changer. I really prefer my SL typ 601 body to my Lumix S1 and Sigma FP, but I think the file output is incredible on the FP and PASSABLE on the Lumix.

[Flyer]

1 hour ago, grahamhoey said:

To me the main difference between the SL2-S and the original SL is IBIS as I also have no interest in video

Plus images  high res EVF and 20fps with much larger buffer 😀

[Big John]

Does anyone know if the video firmware improvements next year will also be rolled out to the SL2?  (Or does the higher MP sensor mean they cannot). 

[Flyer]

Just ordered mine should be delivered on Monday! For me personally it ticks many boxes. 24mpx much more manageable and also the larger buffer and high fps for occasional wildlife photography. Plus at £3995 it's fantastic value for money for a FF Leica. 

[jeff.clegg]

Video does not interest me at all. I am not impressed with this announcement. Hopefully Leica might get the word. Best to all.

[Daedalus2000]

Nice comparison table from dpreview:  (https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/leica-sl2-s-initial-review)

I hope it is ok to post it here

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[Chaemono]

In defence of the Lumix S5 EVF, with a 120Hz refresh rate selected, it's a pleasure to use.