Leica SL2-S Review (Oh, how we like a Leica)

The Leica SL2-S is similar to the original Leica SL2, but has a 24MP sensor and impressive video features. We compare it to the SL2, explore those video features, and compare it to the Panasonic S1 and S1H.
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[@TonyAndersonMusic]

I’m not a photographer or a video guy but I love watching you guys explain these products. You are amazing teachers.

[@KristianDowling]

Something missed is the SL2-Snee BSI sensor with improved low light performance and faster buffer, along with 25fps options. They are big factors over resolution for many photographers. It’s not merely an SL2 with more video features

[@nicolask.3825]

Usually, I don't really buy into the idea of Leicas having a special look, but man, that Classic LUT at 5:18 is gorgeous. It has a really nicely warm image - almost feels like it gets more contrast out of the oranges and greens, but in a much more pleasant way than I've ever been able to create even in photo editing. Firmly out of my budget as always, but it's the first time I'll really look at Leica users with envy.

[@HAlariousInc]

Seems like you can get that result via editing log profiles But since you mention photos, you can also edit raws to easily get that look

[@weizenobstmusli8232]

The look imho comes mainly from the lenses.

[@18yearsoldnot]

@@weizenobstmusli8232 yep. That's why it only really makes sense to invest in the tl2 or cl because those dicontinued tl leica lenses are affordable. The lumix gm1 is the super budget option for that leica look but you won't get the dynamic range

[@weljenks]

This just reminds me of that $53K cinematic lens you used last year in Germany. That was the best video you all ever made.

[@gregsilver]

1:57 - It just shows you how far we’ve come when we call a 24MP sensor “low resolution”

[@d.k.1394]

Indeed

[@samisamhuri]

He said “lower” as a direct comparison to the SL2. Not quite the same thing.

[@d.k.1394]

Lol

[@d.k.1394]

He He

[@raksh9]

"Lower" rather than "low".

[@63MacGuy]

Love that font on the Leica menus

[@TwoMinutesStudios]

isn't it just helvetica?

[@rezamahtabi482]

I am a Nikon fan and happy with them a lot but 2 days ago just accidentally went to Leica store in Dubai, tried them and for me picture quality was excellent. I tried some shooting out there with different models and SL2-S with 90mm lens got me photos that I couldnt resist to ignore that. I dont need too many different features and shoot stills, I got that and now really happy with that, for me image quality is the most important subject and colors and depth and low light performance were superior. thanks

[@sophrapsune]

As a stills photographer, the main differentiator between the SL2 and SL2-S is that the latter has probably a 3-stop ISO noise advantage. That’s a huge difference for low light shooting, as I’ve found the SL2 to become noticeably noisy at ISO3200, presumably due to the small pixel size. If that degree of noise could be deferred to ISO 12800 or 24000, the SL2-S would be a superior low-light machine for those situations where longer exposure isn’t an option.

[@claudianreyn4529]

That's not true. Higher resolution means smaller noise. 24mp is a huge mistake. The noise is less but way bigger and noticeable.

[@geoffreybassett6741]

@@claudianreyn4529 Everything you said is completely false. I have both, you can shoot the SL2s up to 25600 and still get usable images. The SL2 breaks at 6400.

[@Ihyabond009]

*_Leica,_* _I’m trying to decide between the SL and a golden house with a lawn of diamonds that I have to water with champagne_ 🎶 *_Why do you do it?_* 🎵

[@d.k.1394]

Lol

[@jeanninesandmayer2926]

You are hilarious Mr Azzam!!! So true, I'll post my own comment now!

[@rodrigo4379]

I have an SL2.... sorry canon SL2 :D

[@msamiullah001]

hahahha

[@phynx2006]

Your quite the Rebel 😆😂

[@AstanaYuana]

Hahahahhaha

[@fellowcitizen]

Canon have that M6 as well, and R-series - it often seems like they're trolling Leica

[@adamuppsala1931]

Sorry... I meant Sony

[@ianbrown704]

I have just received my SL2-S and this is a first, I think for Leica! The original SL was around £7000 and the SL2-S has much better specs and is 3K cheaper, Leica normally give you less and charge you more. Someone must have woken up:)

[@shinzychan5117]

You guys are the best. Not greedy by not opting for ads, ur reviews without any distracting ads are so refreshing. I wish more ppl subscribe to this awesome ppl and u guys reach atleast 500 k by the end of 2021

[@romanpul]

It‘s easy not to rely on ads when your channel was bought up by amazon

[@shinzychan5117]

@@romanpul Don’t agree with you. Big youtubers who are already millionaires still opts for ads and it’s very distracting sometimes.

[@andrewporfyri559]

You're right,for stills photographers the SL2 would be a better option but 24 MP is a great sweet spot for general file handling & quality which clients will appreciate.The Sl2 may be slightly more but I think there would have to be computer & storage upgrades plus I would think post would be considerably longer as well so hey Leica may be on to something here with the SL2S,it's faster & better under low light conditions.Maybe just maybe the SL2 50 MP files & being a slower camera didn't do as well as Leica thought.I think the SL2S would be a great all round tool for the job.

[@stephenlpitts]

Good summary but you guys missed the really critical point here: the SL2-S is 2-3 f-stops better in low light and even beats the Sony A7SIII for low light. Come back and test it. This makes the SLS-2 a different camera than the SL2. Its a trade-off, not a diminution.

[@rubelukeable]

Absolutely agree. I bought it last week and picked up the heavy but unbelievable 24-90 SL lens for $3600 pre-owned/mint condition. great combo.

[@jasonwilkinson8755]

So how about the fact that the SL2-S would be produce much cleaner image quality at higher iso?

[@peterfruehling3721]

Completely agree! It's the reason I went with the SL2-S. Low Light performance over the SL2.

[@jillianangell2570]

@@peterfruehling3721 You can use more noise reduction on a high resolution file to get similar results

[@peterfruehling3721]

@@jillianangell2570 I prefer native low light performance to the algorithms of the noise reduction. ...just my experience.

[@cremephoto]

Or an SL-2 with a Noctilux 🤷🏻‍♂️ compared to 24mp higher iso SL2-S. I’d love that comparison, at the higher resolution SL2.

[@vikastiwari1844]

@@peterfruehling3721 what is the problem with noise reduction? Im asking as a student of photography.

[@r0wd3]

Loving the more frequent videos!

[@Infofotografi]

What a beautiful camera and shots! Good job.

[@timotiusarifin3788]

Halo ko

[@carlosgastelum8251]

Would like to know the low light performance (is the sl2-s better at high ISO levels?)

[@techtt6213]

Same here

[@jacquelinescripps8353]

its gorgeous at high ISO

[@VariTimo]

Daimn these Leica lenses render beautifully!

[@DriveCancelDC]

In a blind pick between any Leica and many other lenses you wouldn't be able to pick out the Leica, so it's just a nice lens. Nothing to do with Leica, the idea that they make amazing lenses better than anyone else is fantasy. Check the Philip Reeve review of the 35mm Leica f/1.4. Poor lens, yet costs $6000.

[@erichstocker8358]

Loved your comment about the $2 black sharpie to get that SL2S look on the SL2. I do not do video at all and hate cameras that have video on them. But, it is virtually impossible to get a pure still camera anymore. The vendors just need the bigger user base. But the $2 sharpie is a brilliant suggestion for look alteration. :-)

[@travis8665]

Im the opposite. I like the look of the white Leica so I would paint the white in if I bought the SL2-S

[@sgroadie6367]

What about the SL2-S's better low light performance over the SL2?

[@sgroadie6367]

Frederick Hall not only that but also the BSI sensor

[@manilamartin1001]

Wow. First Leica review that didn't just oooh and ahhh the whole review. Thanks.

[@frankwieczorek5112]

I really would like to see a comparison between the original SL and the SL2S

[@janfrosty3392]

Me too.

[@jolynnathan8475]

That screen is really nice. Very sharp. And Leica has choosen very nice fonts.

[@Simon-cr6ej]

Life cycle for Leica cameras is usually 4 years. I hope they will support ProResRaw via a future firmware update.

[@ScreenFiends]

The Panasonic S1 has 12-bit RAW via HDMI coming next year and the ability to shoot C4K, 4K 60 422 internal and anamorphic modes. At a third of the price of the Leica and a more robust camera than the S5 it's the best bang for buck hybrid on the market.

[@SMGJohn]

S5 is lighter and superior in terms of costs and does almost everything the S1 does, including RAW output and has better autofocus.

[@shy-guy5544]

Nice video. For a stills shooter, do you think that it is worthwhile to buy a used sl from a price-performance standpoint? Thanks

[@Anthonylarz]

Normally impressed with DPReview guy's takes on cameras, but my gosh did they miss the boat here, like non subjective epic fail. They did not even MENTION the low light improvement over the SL2, like.. what the....?? To say that the SL2 is a better option for stills is just so... wrong? I mean, IF you are looking for strictly resolution sure. But if you want MASSIVE improvement in low light performance in video OR stills, the new SL2-S is what you would want. Just seems like they missed THE biggest point of this new camera, that being the low light performance. Very odd.

[@noenken]

I would be super interested to see how this SL2-S compares to the SL2 when combined with M glass. Otherwise this seems to be the A7s version of the SL2. Well done Leica.

[@janfrosty3392]

Me too.

[@2-da3333]

M glass works with it like a charm. With adapter of course.

[@Aman_Mondal]

Okay I love the Panasonics but oh man that Leica menu looks 😳 great like that menu looks classy as fuck

[@AgnostosGnostos]

Leica in 2015 was the second camera company to introduce a full frame mirrorless camera. In addition to the camera body the Leica lenses were and are very expensive. At least now with the L mount alliance there are affordable L mount autofocus lenses available. So the the total cost can be lower.

[@diegaulle9143]

May I point out that the original SL was the second full frame AUTOFOCUS mirrorless camera. The first full frame interchangeable lens full frame camera that I can remember was the Leica M9. Released in September 2009.

[@pawankumar-dv1ox]

Dynamic range and color reproduction is awesome

[@hanshomesteading1276]

I wish we had dpreview back to the time of Phil Askey. factual , to the point and an authority. Not that this is not okay, but I miss those days.

[@Lesterandsons]

Impressive, leica taking pictures ! My dog saw the difference at first sight.

[@roryonabike5863]

Leica gave the 48 megapixel sensor on the SL2 as the reason why it wouldn't support ProRes Raw via an Atomos recorder/monitor. Query whether the position will be the same with this sensor.

[@aussie2uGA]

Olympus is watching now thinking “we should have marketed a red dot too...”

[@d.k.1394]

Lol

[@stadtchronistjennersdorf6351]

Olympus is far more thinking: "We've better used a bigger sensor...".

[@uneternal4253]

Where are the studio test scene comparisons? You only got the old Leica SL there. It'd be interesting how the SL2 and SL2S compare to their much cheaper rivals.

[@Biosynchro]

No mention of the electronic shutter and how it performs? I would have liked to see that.

[@FarEastSurvival]

Disappointing you didn't discuss the low light performance

[@vc6218]

So whats the real difference between this body and the original SL? They seem very very similar.

[@ianbrown704]

You didn't talk about ISO performance or FPS!!!!!

[@kiyoshim9593]

its basically a panasonic

[@belaboured]

Sharpies end up looking a little purple when they're next to black paint, although multiple coats on the white lettering helps a lot.

[@travis8665]

I am the opposite. I would use a white one on the S.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Hi Chris. Leica should have implemented a fully touch screen like the TL2 replacing the 3 left buttons by 3 touch areas and make the screen tilt. It would have been such a great step ahead. Unfortunately they stay with the fix screen and I keep my S1 !!! Sorry Leica. I love the SL lenses but I won’t go for this Camera.

[@PeterbFree]

You only need resolution as a photographer? That’s the defining requirement?

[@steffenr308]

The Sl2-S has a weather sealing IP54 not 52. I guess you had a pre series model.

[@HAlariousInc]

It is IP54 but I think Jordan may have mispoke bc that was b-roll footage of a Leica m10 at 4:48 Older SL2 was also IP54

[@TorToroPorco]

I’d like a Leica and some of that Summicron bokeh but I’d go broke eh.

[@CallMeChato]

Use a sharpie marker on a Leica. Leica HQ throws a fit.

[@d.k.1394]

Lol

[@elderinmoi1571]

You always think you know where the sensor comes from and you were always wrong as recent Leica cameras did not use Sony or other main stream sensors but instead a custom made sensor (which makes sense when you think of it. The sensor needs to work perfectly with leica M Glas and that is a very special demand - and no Sony sensor can do that). And you again wrong when you say the sl2 is the better camera just because of the higher mp count. Your videos are only tech reviews now which is a shame. As a still photographer I prefer the S because the color rendition is better (I guess due to the bigger pixels) and it works so much better in low light. 24mp is plenty and I never felt that I was missing something. Especially when the pixels you get are of such good quality. Someone who is not able to tell the difference in iq and rendition between the files that come out of the sl2 s and a Sony camera (or a Nikon or a canon - does not matter, they all look different to me) should look for a new job. Otherwise what we are left with is tech talk with no real meaning. The picture counts not the tech and while you still can make incredible work with all cameras Leica raw files are just on another level. No adjustments needed but still they are easy to work with if you want to. Liked your videos better when you worked for the camera store. This is dp review style (very tec heavy and not about what really counts)

[@bartromanowski1262]

Did you guys miss the whole point of the camera? Lower resolution full frame sensor means larger pixels, therefore better low light performance. SL2S can shoot in the dark with 50k ISO and produce clean photos!

[@john.advrider3536]

Would have like to have seen a more in depth review on shadow recovery, etc....

[@Reno_T]

Video shooting aside what are the major benefits of have a dedicated body with less megapixels ? I would love to see some comparaisons between a resized photo of a higher mega pixel camera like the SL2 against a native resolution from the SL2S. Does the SL2 offers different DNG sizes ?

[@danieldougan269]

Leica glass is still fantastic, but Leica camera bodies don't seem to offer anything special that would justify their insane price tags.

[@TaipeiGeek]

Agree. One can do much better and cheaper by adapting Leica glass on a Nikon Z6 II or a Sony.

[@jessejohnson638]

@@TaipeiGeek one doesn't even need to adapt, there is Panasonic S5 (basically the same camera) for 2.5x less cost

[@danieldougan269]

@@TaipeiGeek Or even NOT adapting it to a Lumix camera and just using it natively with the same mount.

[@geoffreybassett6741]

No comment on the RAW and 5.9K coming in a firmware update to S1 in the video section?

[@MartyGreenwell]

Leica tax - at least we get to see these cams second hand through your vids - I'm still having to make do with Yesteryear's Cameras ;)

[@bernatix]

Way to go, bought a SL(1) in good shape for half price, awesome cam and well worth it if you dont do fast paced stuff!

[@Valeryarchitecture]

excellent review

[@EmilioExploring]

I noticed in the stats for nerds these videos are all in av01 format but shouldn't they be vp9 because they are in 4k?

[@thegrumpycanadian274]

hmmm SL2-s body only or for about the same a Canon R6 with a kick ass lens? Or a Nikon Z5 with 1 kick ass zoom and a prime ?

[@smartdoctorphysicist3095]

Hi I believe down the road Leica will put in video up date firm weir from SL2-S to the SL2 body in two or three years only they know this.

[@Tassaczek]

Can you test Panasonic S1 and/or Leica SL2-S with Leica S lenses (medium format)? And maybe provide sample raw files? Please :D

[@FLKRM]

Leica sticker on you Lumix S1 can add good bonus for resale value.

[@NickDelDuca]

I thought the SL2-S added phase detect AF?

[@frankwieczorek5112]

I am looking for a dedicated stills cam with less than 4x mp, I'm currently considering the old SL, Can you please compare them???

[@midas1929]

I got an almost new SL for 2'500 some time ago. I have one Leica lens and added Sigma Art lenses. Totally happy with it and 24MP has the better low light resolution and is sufficient for me. All the cam I need.

[@SovietLensReviews]

It has more Leica branding on it than the previous version, so specs aside, you know it's going to be successful. $2 sharpie just won't cut it for the red sticker brigade.

[@SpiritLifeMinistriesInt]

This is the update to the SL not SL2. I like most come looking at the difference between the SL and this one.

[@karlbratby4349]

I will stick with my S1 and S1R, same sensors, and can get both for the Leica price tag.. love the Leica though just over priced as are their lenses

[@travis8665]

Our cameras earn us hundreds of thousands of dollars so they pay for themselves.

[@jesseyules]

Note: Prores Raw video and All-Intra are coming to the S1 as well, via 2021 firmware.

[@h1pst3r88]

For $6k on the SL2, Leica should throw in the black Sharpie. However, this is the same company that charged for their Fotos app :-/

[@martysender5539]

saw fx6 you guys used and thought, well thats really good, but back to the S1H? man, the Panny color, and IQ just blows away Sony.IMO. i see why Jordan loves the cam.

[@maxieq]

If I was going to sell my car, mortgage my house, and sell a few family members, then I could possibly afford a Leica, but I would of course have to be locally patriotic and get something from the Hasselblad factory here in town. It would be just as prudent a use of money as buying a Leica.

[@d.k.1394]

Lol

[@davidhunternyc1]

Oooo... look at Jordan's seductive "come hither" pose at 3:39. ❤️

[@bh9262]

The SL2 is now $7,000 USD, and the SL2-S is $5,200 USD today at B&H.

[@TheBabyBobot]

This camera was made for the original SL lovers, who simply wanted all the new bells and whistles of the SL2 but with the smaller sensor. Leica could not call this SL-S it would have confused buyers that the product might be in some way inferior (which is not), so they opted for SL2-S .

[@AllCarsUnited]

Sweet a new panasonic camera!!!

[@ronaldsand3000]

Actually I don’t get the logic Earlier this year the M10R was sold to us as the superior camera over the M10 Now we are being sold a lower resolution SL2 S as being some beneficial update Leica can’t have it both ways

[@ronaldsand3000]

@Julio & Maria what on earth are you talking about

[@andrewchisholm3665]

And another camera to add to my when I win the lotto list, wonder if they want to have a very partiallysighted tog to test it long term

[@chocolategear789]

2:05 I'm new to this scene... Where does the sensor come from?

[@jesseyules]

If Leica's are so well loved, why don't the other manufactures copy the form factor?

[@someoneunknown1714]

Hi! When will y'all complete the em10 Mark IV review?

[@momchilyordanov8190]

I'll do it for you - it's exactly like Mark III, but with the sensor from PEN-F in it and silent shutter not restricted to be used in auto modes only. In real life it's smaller than it looks in the product photos and is a well sorted out as ergonomics and usability. IQ is average by today's standards, but more than good enough for anything outside professional use. There you go :)

[@someoneunknown1714]

@@momchilyordanov8190 Thanks! Idk why there are not a lot of reviews on it

[@annbard8256]

Wow, new Panasonic camera!!!.....Oh .. Leica

[@miroslavpandza6002]

Is this Leica good for weddings?

[@CarlosGonzalez-zm8bh]

Is there an L-Mont camera that has as good AF as Sony or Canon? I do not want to leave the L-Mount universe (I am already invested), but I need a B-camera with excellent AF capabilities for certain events like using a gimbal.

[@CMC5961]

Lumix S1 Mark II.

[@CarlosGonzalez-zm8bh]

@@CMC5961 Now there is yes... finally

[@CMC5961]

After S5 Mark II, I believe both Lumix and Leica will add phase detective AF to their new camera bodies.

[@pepluspeminus]

Leica image sensors CMOS are coming from a Belgian company sensor producers , Nikon and Panasonic may use same sensors but in not sure 100%,Leica CMOS image sensors are made in Belgium ✅

[@b.griffin317]

5:40 "DPR just hates on Pany all the time." 😂 j/k

[@Veptis]

The burst speed?

[@maze400]

It's a Leica branded Lumix S5.

[@andrei0525]

Is this camera possibly the only one with an IP rating?

[@otraguardia]

Does it have phase detection autofocus? Because the Z6 which you have shown where you claim it has the same sensor does have it, doesn't it?

[@gewglesux]

Leica Love!! for 7 min... but i won't complain.

[@tonygan1132]

still waiting for the X-S10 full review

[@frankwu1713]

I have an SL2, actual Leica SL2 Really wonder where can I get a Lut for its L-Log Profile

[@Simon-cr6ej]

you can download it on the leica website. It also works great with the original SL. I really like the Natural luts de.leica-camera.com/Fotografie/Leica-SL/Leica-SL2-S/Downloads

[@frankwu1713]

@@Simon-cr6ej OMG POGGERS I’ve been trying to find it for months, guess they got it up Bc of the SL2-S

[@kevinbatchelor9566]

the low light performance of the SL2-S is so much better than the SL2 that it makes the SL2 way less interesting to me.

[@shehtazruslan]

why do Leica photos look different? arent all cameras supposed to look more or less the same?

[@vangstr]

How does this camera make me a better photographer than my current Nikon Z6?

[@testthewest123]

Probably only getting the black sharpie...

[@pepluspeminus]

The Leica s3 in my opinion is the best camera 📸 for the most beautiful image ,that's why the Leica cameras are so freakin expensive🤣

[@shademanirvanipour6870]

To buy both the camera and the lens in Uk you need over £2.000 or even £3.000

[@Laight4work]

much better low light performance on sl2s

[@bleuebloom]

0:00 I guess you could say it really was ✨gold crap✨

[@jan-hendrikbussmann4644]

Now in what way is this not just a more expensive Pana...was that a baby squirrel?! @3:55

[@Gynra]

I have it on good authority that you don't have baby squirrels with Panasonics.

[@TaipeiGeek]

I don’t understand why would someone pay 4900 USD for this camera that is worse than most other 24 mpxl cameras on the market. Leica is like paying for a Porsche car but getting a VW Beetle.

[@jgaffney567]

Why would people buy some Audi model that are essentially rebranded VWs. Or similar situations in other car brands.