SL2-S VS SL2 ISO Comparison with SL2 downsized to SL2-S

[jonoslack]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

22 hours ago, beewee said:

Thanks for sharing Jono.

I noticed that the SL2 consistently has a faster shutter speed as compared to the SL2-S. Was this due to metering, different lighting conditions, or actually higher sensitivity for the same ISO setting on the SL2 vs SL2-S? Was there any lightroom exposure adjustments made to the photos for each ISO comparison?

Hi there

Almost certainly a cock-up on my part (I might even have had exposure compensation on) I did match the exposures roughly in lightroom to compensate

[scott kirkpatrick]

And IBIS and whether there really is more dynamic range at moderate ISOs.  Those are personal calls and take some time.  I think it's an obvious step up from the SL and a tough choice for those who had not already jumped to the SL2.  As you point out, it's a solid camera, delivers what it promised, so why make a big contest about it?

Edited December 15, 2020 by scott kirkpatrick

[samtrino]

Hi,

I was considering a used SL2, but the SL2-S has been getting rave reviews so I like to considerate it as well... and so I've been looking for photo comparisons to decide which one works better for me (mainly photos, video not too important), which is how I got here...

Looking at the photos in this thread, I actually prefer the type of noise/grain in the SL2 over the SL2-S (which seems to have more color noise?)... 

I also couldn't help noticing that the SL2-S shows some kind of diagonal banding (moiré?) on "Bailey's Democracy"  - even at ISO 100 - anyone else noticed it? is it just coincidental?

One of the reviewers claims that the EVF on the SL2-S is much cleaner over the SL2 at high ISO due to less noise, and the prior is noticeably more responsive than the latter - Is this true in your experience? is it really a big deal in actual use?

In short, if I can find a used SL2 for the same price of a new SL2-S, what would you recommend for someone interesting in photos (and occasionally videos)?

Thanks!

[LD_50]

2 hours ago, samtrino said:

Hi,

I was considering a used SL2, but the SL2-S has been getting rave reviews so I like to considerate it as well... and so I've been looking for photo comparisons to decide which one works better for me (mainly photos, video not too important), which is how I got here...

Looking at the photos in this thread, I actually prefer the type of noise/grain in the SL2 over the SL2-S (which seems to have more color noise?)... 

I also couldn't help noticing that the SL2-S shows some kind of diagonal banding (moiré?) on "Bailey's Democracy"  - even at ISO 100 - anyone else noticed it? is it just coincidental?

One of the reviewers claims that the EVF on the SL2-S is much cleaner over the SL2 at high ISO due to less noise, and the prior is noticeably more responsive than the latter - Is this true in your experience? is it really a big deal in actual use?

In short, if I can find a used SL2 for the same price of a new SL2-S, what would you recommend for someone interesting in photos (and occasionally videos)?

Thanks!

The “diagonal banding” you’re seeing is moire. The higher resolution on the SL2 sensor helps to eliminate it.

I don’t see more color noise in SL2-S shots. 

I don’t think there is any hardware difference in SL2 and SL2-S EVFs. The SL2-S definitely produces cleaner files at high ISO even at normalized output size, so maybe that’s what the reviewer was noting. At the same magnification (100% for example) the SL2-S looks significantly better in terms of noise and color at higher ISO.

The decision between the two for still photos should come down to whether you need the resolution of the SL2 for larger output size, cropping, use of APS-C lenses, and moire reduction, or if you prefer the cleaner files at high ISO and IMO better color output of the SL2-S. I chose the SL2-S because I don’t crop much, don’t need the larger output size from 47 MP, and I prefer the color, high ISO, and smaller file size.

Sean Reid’s site has direct comparison photos if you would like more examples to review. You have to subscribe to read the articles. 

[samtrino]

Thanks for the detailed info.. It's interesting to hear about the SL2-S's better color output - Do you think it is the sensor itself or due to a modified firmware, which could potentially make its way to the SL2?

Regarding the EVF, if I recall correctly the reviewer commented that at high ISO the images displayed in the EVF had less noise (not only the picture taken) probably due to the sensor's lower noise. It kind of makes sense, but was surprised that it seems to be quite a big improvement over the SL2...

I guess a trip to the nearest Leica store is due... 

Thanks again!

 

 

[Photoworks]

Leica Miami people did test on both cameras and saw a noticeable difference focusing M lenses on the SL2-s, Looks like the cleaner sensor reflects in the eve reproduction with lower noise, making a bit better in this regard.

The reason why the new sensors are better  has been explained by one of the Leica Germany people in an interview. The M10-R and SL2-s have a newer season design that allow the border around each pixel to be less, and giving room for the pixel surface to take that surface area. This way each pixel is a better performer in gathering light and resulting in less noise.

[samtrino]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Thanks for the extra info, yep it makes sense regarding cleaner sensor output...

I had a Nikon D810 and liked the option to crop deep while maintaining high resolution, but knowing that i won't be printing beyond an A2 size (~16x23in) i don't see the need for more than 24 Mpx, so i'm leaning towards the SL2-S...