Leica SL2-S: S is for Strategic

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There are many ways to think about the Leica SL2-S, beginning with this: it's a real, made-in-Germany SL2 with a lower resolution 24 megapixel sensor; better high ISO performance; no video recording limit; and costs $1,100 than the original. But there's something much bigger than that going on here.
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[@epstar83]

I still feel the SL bodies are the most versatile mirrorless mounts available! Been happily using the SL for about a year now and loving it!

[@thomashilmersen711]

I am glad to see Leica making clever business decisions, instead of just clever cameras.

[@TimofejNenarokov]

Shutter closed when changing lenses is much needed in Panasonic S line too

[@vicibox]

See my comment above, its a very bad idea and I cant see Leica or Panasonic implementing it as they have more sense.

[@andywe7524]

As I have a SL and a SL2 for decades, i can understand your enthusiasm, Hugh. Of course Leicaflex :-)

[@3BMEP]

😉

[@glenncharles6622]

Another great video Hugh. I think one of the real benefits of this new body is going to be with M mount glass. I think the value of getting all the new body/menu features of the SL2 with the 24mp sensor which matches better with M glass (IMO), is a great win. Looking forward to seeing what you think once you get your hands on one. Cheers, and stay safe!

[@3BMEP]

I think you've got a point! Happy/healthy/merry!

[@zacharybohlman4069]

I'm a sony shooter and have no interest in buying a leica but here I am 😂

[@florianlisi7107]

GAS 😅

[@ianbrown704]

As always a great review, with spectacular insight. The SL2-S hits the spot for me with that 24mp and nice video specs, oh and the price of £3995 in the UK I have just pre-ordered mine. Stay Safe

[@3BMEP]

Enjoy!

[@charlieb.4273]

You know, when you start listing specs my mind drifts to the couple of songs Johnny Cash sang where he lists things, most memorable is “I’ve been everywhere.” It is a delightful talent. I really will not criticize a person like yourself who is hustling a living, but one of problems of our society is the fast passed glossed over understanding of the world around us. We would all be better served if we slowed down and read some good books. The summary service you shared with us is better than nothing but I can’t believe it is better than actually reading the real books. I’m a fan, Charlie in Virginia.

[@3BMEP]

I understand. Wonderful reference to Johnny Cash as well. 🖖🏻

[@sundeepsembi6091]

Must admit I was really hoping for something a bit smaller (eg, an interchangeable lens version of the Q )

[@jochenkraus7016]

And make it weigh less than a ton ;-) But when I looked through the viewfinder of the first SL...

[@3BMEP]

Aren't we all? 😊

[@fellowcitizen]

CL/TL2/fp ;)

[@ekevanderzee9538]

So... if you consider an R5 as something to work towards... suddenly an SL2 has become achievable?

[@silviosarunic3234]

Thank you for this beautiful video ❤️❤️😊 I wish my architecture professors were like you.,You are great narrator and artist and your videos are like great university photography lectures 😎 Thank you❤️😎

[@3BMEP]

🙏🏻😊🖖🏻

[@JM-xl3ij]

As always Hugh, thanks for that excellent narrative with some beautiful cinematography.

[@3BMEP]

🙏🏻🖖🏻😊

[@douggottlieb]

I still want a Q body with an M mount. Small. EVF. M native. Sigh.

[@3BMEP]

I understand. Look closely at the CL in the meantime. We did, we got one, we love it.

[@peterlund4501]

In can assure you: it’s a wonderful camera. Ever y Click makes my heart jump. And I combined it with Nikon manual lenses too, which is stellar! Now I can see! And holding the shutter to preview is such a joy with the render of the Images. It feels like being on set and in the darkroom at the same time. I remember the first bw print I did and the same magic is back. Thanxs Leica and you for your content ! Peter

[@3BMEP]

Enjoy!

[@oneofmany6051]

The SL2-S is undoubtedly the sweet spot in the current SL series, at least until later on this year, file size not too large, not too small, not cheap but not eye-wateringly expensive. Definitely not the most technologically advanced camera available for the money today, but that’s not the point. It encourages the user to go and make images rather than have to spend 15 mins configuring a complex instrument before each kind of shoot, and, perhaps, that is the point. Whoever thought of the KISS acronym wasn’t wrong 😊

[@petercharles6652]

You forgot to mention my favorite L mount lens, the excellent Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 lens!

[@innstikk]

I'll stick to Sigma as their cameras give me joy and unmatched iso 100 raw image quality 😊. Not to forget raw video along with Blackmagic pocket cameras 😊

[@detectivejonesw]

What iso do you think they get overtaken by other makers? Are they unmatched at 200? 400?

[@innstikk]

@@detectivejonesw I'm talking about their Foveon sensor cameras which need good light. I stick to iso 100 on these cameras when I can. With B&W you can go higher.

[@vicibox]

No no no only Canon has been stupid enough to offer shutter closed lens changing. The sensor is actually extremely tough. I found out how tough when I bought a used Leica T from eBay which had some sort of corrosive material stuck on the sensor which no cleaning would remove. I bought a TL2 and threw the T in a skip in the car port for disposal. Well I didnt get on with the TL2 and sold it. After a month I remembered the T and fished it out of the bin. I didnt have anything to lose, the sensor had been open to the world for months outside. You would not believe all the solvents and cleaning rags I used on that sensor, i even put solvent on it over night. Eventually the sensor was clean and, as far as I can tell, in perfect condition. I love that camera again. Modern shutters on the other hand are extremely sensitive and fragile and should never be touched. When buying the Sony A7iii I looked up common faults and one of the common biggies was a torn shutter curtain which could be checked for by looking for a bright streak down the images; one of the factors in my decision to replace the camera with the A7ii. Bottom line dont try and protect your sensor with a shutter curtain, it is fragile and should never ever be touched; just clean your sensor, its tougher than it looks, covered with a glass window and easy to clean.

[@jochenkraus7016]

You might be right but dust spots in photos are annoying.

[@vicibox]

@@jochenkraus7016 OMG yes they are, but a puff with a blower or a single swipe with a cleaning swab is better than a torn shutter. Shutters that have to move at up to 10fps are very light, thin, made to high tolerances and very fragile.

[@3BMEP]

Hi, Vici! That's not actually true (quite apart from the judgement that it's not a good idea). Sony and Leica itself (on the M) do the same thing.

[@vicibox]

@@3BMEP Not aware that Sony does this (I see the A9 has a firmware update to facilitate this optionally; frankly I think anybody would be mad to use it as there are already problems with Sony shutters) but, the M10 is quite a different beast, it has a much more robust and solid shutter mechanism; a modern version of the roller blinds of the original M3 and the earlier screw thread bodies. In Fact for most M bodies, this is part of their operational to keep film light tight. I believe modern shutter blades are made of ultra thin Teflon to allow the massive accelerations required with speeds of 10-20fps. I remember Chris & Jordan saying they were unaware of this shutter fragility problem problem when i mentioned it wrt the Canon. That is when I went looking for it and was horrified to find it was a problem with the Sony A7iii, the camera I had just ordered. As it happened I didnt like the camera and switched it to the A7ii and kept the change. After a lifetime as a materials failure scientist with an international reputation I can assure you that this is one option i wont be using on a drop down menu - winks

[@gregsoddworld]

Wait! The SL2 doesn't have depth of field preview? My SL did, now I need to go and check my SL2 this weekend!

[@ronmasters751]

Took time out from this KZbin to start my free Blinkist trial. Really looking forward to it. Thanks, Hugh!

[@3BMEP]

Enjoy - and let me know what you think. Want a real kick? Check out Plato’s Republic if it’s been while (more than 40 years for me!). As relevant as ever!

[@harrysmyrnopoulos4419]

Dude you should have a million followers. Great approach...

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻🙏🏻

[@xianritchie]

We know there is substantial shrink in the camera market right now. Do you think the Leica brand survives the continued contraction of the market as well as the continued shift to content creation devices rather than photography devices? While this price break is large, I look at something like the XS-10 for $999, and I see a continued march to more for less. Where does a niche luxury brand camera fit into the future of cameras?

[@BilBrown]

Releasing my beloved SL typ 601 for the SL2-S tomorrow. Here we go onto the next wave. The SL was above and beyond my beloved M, the most used camera in my arsenal for the last 5 years. When the L Mount alliance added the S series, I added the S1 -- however great that camera is, its not even close to the feel and use of an SL. Later in the year, I added the Sigma FP, love it's bizarre shooting experience and CDNG video and ability to be cheaply rigged, and love the cheaper Sigma 45, but again, kept my SL and kept using it. The SL2 wasn't the sensor I wanted, but the M10-R was, being close to the bit depth of my S typ 007 in my M body. Lenses? With the L mount I have access to many, chose a few Sigma, a Panasonic and my original Leica SL zooms, but really shines with the M and even R adapters. My R lenses are modded for video, as was the fashion a few years ago and one thing I will say with the SL typ 601, putting old R glass on it made the sensor look medium format! Not sure why, not sure how, but people would choose it over my Mamiya 67ii shots or my S typ 007 shots for being MF. Oh, and I can also with a "native adapter" put my S lenses with auto focus on the SL2-S. Adding UNLIMITED record times on video and all those new cine features from the SL2 without the unwieldy storage needed for 47MP files, a game changer. Ibis, get outta here. Yes we know that most of the other Japanese camera manufacturers have already added this, and in the case of Canon and Sony perfected so much of AF, Ibis, and this sensor tech -- but I can't upgrade an A7Rii trade in five years out for what I can do with a Leica. No way, no how do these companies that use their consumers as R&D have the staying power of obsolescence obsolete like a Leica does. I could keep my SL typ 601 and be fine for many years to come, but when it is so affordable to upgrade why not? Hugh, really. As Mando says in the very cool Disney + series of choice for fandom, "This Is The Way."

[@3BMEP]

Just so, Bill - we binge-watched that series like end of times (oh, wait --- ) 😈. I know you'll love the SL2-S. Have one in-house now, and the high ISO performance is so good that I keep thinking I've done something wrong -- so I keep coming up with new tests. Hold that thought, video coming soon!

[@BilBrown]

@@3BMEP The SL2-S is like Luke showed up in his black hood and just banged-up some mindless camera-tech-droids. Why on earth would Sony release this tech to it's 'competition'!! Now it just comes down to what I told my wife about her design work, the elegance of the Leica bodies and ergonomics. They have Capture One, they have crazy high ISO, they need RAW and an affordable cage for video... but, get this camera out into people's hands and that will come. I'm shocked how GOOD this one is... wow.

[@GKhanKutar]

Beautiful video as always and nice points!

[@3BMEP]

🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@MarcAdesso]

Video image quality is really nice on this video, I’d be curious to know what the gear set up was! Also agree they need to cover the sensor with the shutter- they already do this with the M cameras, so it would be another good way to differentiate the CL/SLs from the (altogether less sexy) Pannys.

[@3BMEP]

Gear used in show notes - click on “show more” 😊🖖🏻

[@RoemerOverdiep]

But will they come with a sl2-r ?! That’s the question! For now I just keep my sl2

[@jpvvandermerwe87]

I believe i NEED one !

[@theluminaryinc]

I get the idea behind the Leica glass being expensive due to the craftsmanship and quality but the cameras? they're inferior in specs to almost anything in their price range... I'll stick to my Canon R5 and adapted Zeiss lenses thank you

[@3BMEP]

I'm happy if you're happy. 😊

[@sooovann8908]

I wish it was 3900/4000$ to make it even more accessible to Leica fans who can't usually afford their cameras. On paper, they made a stellar camera with the SL2-S.

[@3BMEP]

I understand.

[@NickGuttridge]

I haven't worked out how to charge with the USB cable while shooting. It has an option in the menu, but every time I try it comes up with a message saying not enough power! Does USB 3 charging while shooting even exist with the SL2-S?

[@smichaelpridgen]

I mean.... I'm hopeful this will make a used SL1 come down in price a little bit more! I'd love the SL2 or SL2-S but that SL1 is still pretty sweet in my opinion too... Just saying :)

[@MattLeeMorgan]

Just picked up my SL mint condition for 2k still a great camera. More enjoyable than my a7iii

[@smichaelpridgen]

@@MattLeeMorgan I plan on doing the same myself shortly! Leica Soho - Take my money!

[@mozzman]

Please switch careers, become a network anchor. Society needs the comfort of your tone and the inner reflection your delivery compels. 📺

[@edn.3442]

Brilliant

[@elderinmoi1571]

I feel a bit let down by this. I still wonder what the s2s sets apart from the original sl (which can be found used for a bargain).

[@raksh9]

BSI sensor, better high ISO, wider dynamic range, much faster burst rate, upgraded autofocus, improved weatherproofing, improved ergonomics and haptics (I much prefer how the SL2 feels and operates compared with the SL), new menu system, unlimited recording and upgraded video features and performance, there's a lot of upgrades in the SL2 S over the original SL.

[@reidmcclure1438]

Terrific Episode Hugh, thanks!

[@3BMEP]

🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@frankberlin8084]

hi Hugh, great - :-) is the differenz between the sl2s and the panasonic S5 great?

[@3BMEP]

You know the answer, Frank: it depends on what you value. Watch the whole thing for a more concrete answer. 😉🖖🏻

[@frankberlin8084]

@@3BMEP 🙏👍

[@midas1929]

My daily driver is from 1968. It looses every fact sheet and equipment comparison to modern cars. But hell, it puts a grin of my face every time. So does my Leica. Btw, they announced it as the "new fast Leica", so S could stand for "schnell" (fast).

[@3BMEP]

Did you see the Leica event with Antonio and Andrea? Andrea actually referenced my pet theory (we know and like each other)

[@midas1929]

@@3BMEP No, I did not yet. Is it on KZbin? Your explanation with Strategic (strategisch) makes a lot of sense, as Leica is doing a lot right lately. Also that those three quality companies teamed up with the L-mount is just a really great advantage.

[@rvbsoundfactory]

Love my GPS on my SL.

[@philipshucet9481]

Wait just a minute. I was told the second S stood for Shucet. I swear I was. Or was that a dream? Thanks for another meaningful review, man. I appreciate it. I'm a confirmed Lecia user, and make no apologies for that. I enjoy all of your reviews and work, but following the thread of your personal Leica history woven into your own origin story is a bonus.

[@3BMEP]

Brother! 🥰

[@theunheardprophet4315]

I'd love to see some sort of SL3 with the with all the upgraded things from the SL2-S, the resolution of the SL2 but no video features.

[@3BMEP]

I understand. 😊

[@dgoullet1]

Is it true that the M has calibration issues and needs to be sent for correction? What is you experience with this issue? I have a hard time deciding for an M or SL I currently have a Q, just an amateur photographer. Thanks

[@3BMEP]

Issues? Like any mechanical instrument, a Leica M’s rangefinder mechanism may need to be recalibrated. I’ve never had that issue, but other than my own M8 (which I had for four years without a problem) I’ve shot press loaner units. I’d say an apt analogy is an ICE (internal combustion engine) car vs an electric car: one will need more maintenance than the other, but to assert that an ICE car has issues because it’s an ICE car seems a bit nonsensical to me. I’d rather have fewer problems than more (and I own and love an original SL2), but rangefinder calibration is far more likely to be a problem with an M when it’s dropped from a helicopter or takes a bullet in a war zone than in the daily life of an enthusiast. There are better reasons to choose between the two types of cameras, I think, than rangefinder calibration. You will find the SL much less expensive and much easier to focus M glass because of its Eye Res EVF and ability to punch in (never mind that it also has auto focus), but the M is a much more compact system with its own joys and satisfactions.

[@tomj6650]

Hugh, how are you regarding the SL2-S these days? I’ve decided to hold off on M11 and trade in my SL2 for the SL2-S to gain better low light performance, faster shutter, and dabble with video. I’ve got high resolution covered with my beloved Q2. Current thoughts on the -S? Tom

[@3BMEP]

I did a quick scan of my Lightroom catalog and it was as I felt it to be: about 1% of my images across all camera and scenarios (real world and testing; keepers AND non-) were shot above ISO 6400. I don’t need more high ISO performance. At the other end, I can shoot wide open to f/0.95 without ND filter in broad daylight, so I don’t need a faster shutter. I DO need resolution. As for video: I need the best continuous AF out there given what we do, and for that I have a Sony a7 IV. So… horses for courses. 😊🖖🏻

[@tomj6650]

@@3BMEP Thanks. Given my status as a crafty amateur at best with a love of morning and early evening European street shooting, I'm thinking the SL2S will suit my needs. Now if I could just stop watching 3bmep Leica videos I might be better able to limit my wants!

[@3BMEP]

😜😊

[@BenjaminSandness]

But will there be an SL2-M?

[@jochenkraus7016]

Get the optional M adapter ;-)

[@heresiarh]

I like the price. However, I'll pass. It would have been nice to see a new CL or even a TL. Also, I miss the handsome white Leica logo on the SL/SL2.

[@3BMEP]

Agreed!!

[@paulhargreaves1497]

You could always add with paint...........gulp (on a $5k camera!)

[@annenominous7220]

I disagree, but to each his own. The big white letters always struck me as garish. I much prefer the black. I also long for a CL2 with stabilization, but the current CL is very very nice. Still, I am thinking of getting into video, and a dedicated Sony camcorder was the direction I was headed before this announcement. Now I am in a wait and see posture, as the SL2s is pretty nice considering my HUGE investment into Leica glass.

[@srkgv]

Have you tried the 75mm Summarit M 2.4?

[@BoRisMc]

My god you are a well spoken smart man Hugh. Great video as usual (terrible for my pocket, though!)

[@3BMEP]

😈😊🖖🏻

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

So do any of these new Leica digital cameras have any of the "je ne said quoi" that the film cameras did? I know the Leica experience is really mostly about the glass but it's really hard for me to get a warm fuzzy feeling as I did about my M4-P (sadly sold because I needed money) and lenses when I see these very unergonomically designed bodies from Leica these days. The old SL I had and R3MOT and the M body all felt good in the hand and weren't an affectation in design as I feel like these new bodies are... form follows function except for these bodies that really look like they're sacrificing the body's industrial design aesthetic for a camera that feels good to hold... "do you want a Leica? Well you'd better enjoy a shape that doesn't look the least bit comfortable for a long day of shooting" camera.

[@3BMEP]

Fascinating to contemplate: the “Leica look” is a function of Leica glass as you point out, but that look was identified decades ago. Leica’s ambitions for its optical designs have evolved over time. If one wishes the “classic” Leica look, the key is to use classic Leica glass - and with its Eye Res EVF’s the modern SL/SL2 family makes it easier than ever to focus those lenses with precision. Then again, if you are comfortable using the rangefinder, use zine focusing and/or don’t go wider than 28 or longer than 50mm, this may not be of much value to you. I love the M series as well, and the M, the Q2 and the CL are ALL more comfortable and discrete over the course of a day. But each has its place and its audience. I will tell you that the SL2 feels wonderful in hand and is so well balanced with the right lenses that I don’t mind carrying it all day. To each his or her own - it’s all good! 😊🖖🏻

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Nice review. For me it’s a better camera than the SL2 due to its superior sensor (in low light) that can still produce a 96mp image when mounted on a tripod, the only point of weakness for some will be the lack of phase detection AF. I fear a 47mp sensor would just kill my NAS when 24mp is enough for most things. Fact is my original SL is still great, but IBIS will be great when I do change cameras.

[@3BMEP]

You're right about IBIS and 47 mp (I fear NAS even with gigabit Internet service here); I expect you're right about high ISO performance. Stay tuned - SL2-S is on its way to me!

[@nickdardalis3535]

I cant decide on which sl is best for me. I already own the CL with 18mm, 23mm, 18-56 and 55-135 TL lenses and also own the Q2. Im an amateur photographer so won’t need to print ever. Any client work is online, photography for their websites products, house exteriors and interiors. I’ll be intending to use the CL lenses at the start while I build up (save up!) for more SL lenses, therefore bearing in mind the crop factor using the TL lenses would I be better off with the 47megapixel model rather than the 24? This is the only thing I can’t decide on to help me make a decision. I don’t do video so the video capability of either camera isn’t a deciding factor really or the price difference between the two. And the first SL lens i intend to buy first is the 24-90. Any advice, suggestions you could give? How much resolution would I lose on the 24 megapixel sensor using the TL lenses or am i safer going for the larger pixel model? Is the SL2-S “new’ in any significant way over the SL2 that’s a couple of years old now?

[@ralfherweg7832]

At least, all of a sudden there's room for mind games.

[@jonas_rask]

"S is for "Sans white letters"

[@mark12345697]

Why is nobody talking about 14 bit dng file that you can shoot continously. Like raw video without audio.

[@hansbol4465]

but ... where has the GPS gone? It is missing in the SL2 and it seems not to be there in the SL2-S, but it wás there in the SL, which writes the location in the metadata - very convenient. I personally really need that information. I know one can attach one'sespecially

[@3BMEP]

It lost the hump (personally, I’m happy about that), but you can still get GPS data via your smartphone and Bluetooth. The battery drains either way. 😊🖖🏻

[@hansbol4465]

@@3BMEP your right, Hugh, but the point is, unless I don't get it, that looking through the viewfinder is no longer there, you look at what you're shooting on your iPhone display. To me that is completely unacceptable, and stupid too, you lose the refinement of the eye-hand response as it were. As I said, unless I ...

[@andrewchisholm3665]

Maybe for when I win the lotto. Just got the Nikon Z5 and getting to know it and WOW it is awesome even with the 24-50mm kit lens, more lenses to follow when my Swiss bank manager lets me

[@3BMEP]

I like what Nikon is doing.

[@andrewchisholm3665]

@@3BMEP same here and the Z5 just feels well like a Nikon in my hand. Just have to have a bit of what does this button do 😁 in the menus

[@christopherbgriffith]

For two decades I've had Windows PC users ask me why I pay more for Apple products. I've watched these same people upgrade or buy new machines every 2-3 years, while each of my Macs (always purchased with the highest-end specs available at the time) can go 5-7 years before either dying or I feel the need for a boost in performance. Not only is the more frequent turnover of electronics bad for the environment (another place where Apple's commitment has come to the front in recent years), I'd argue that over time we're seeing comparable *value* in our purchases. If I were making a living at photography (the way I do as a software developer on a Mac), it's very likely I would invest in Leica and similar longer-term, more premium purchases. Amortized over years of paid work, the price difference between an A7R4/Z72 and SL2 would ultimately be reduced to very little. As an amateur with dreams of being more some day, Fuji has provided me the best value...for now.

[@siongheeleong8078]

Your comparison using Windows PC users versus your buying highest specs Macs is flawed. Those buyers buy general run-of-the-mill Windows PCs. If you want a comparison, I offer my Lenovo notebook PC (not their premium ThinkPad either, I may add) which I spec'd on the higher end when I bought it in 2011. It is still in constant use now and still fit for purpose even after 9 years. That higher spec'd notebook PC was priced far less than 50% of the Macbook Pro then.

[@christopherbgriffith]

@@siongheeleong8078 Fair enough. Everyone has different needs and values. I think my point regarding spreading the cost over time is still relevant to the discussion of Leica pricing. There's no question that it is more expensive. For some it will be worth it, others not so much. That's fine.

[@jochenkraus7016]

I'm not sure if "you can keep a Mac much longer than a PC" still will apply in the future unless you get an expensive configuration. I've added more RAM and more HDD capacity to my Mac mini when I wanted, but that was limited in the following generations (either RAM soldered on or the SSD soldered on and RAM more difficult to access) and afaik both are soldered on with the Apple silicon Macs.

[@maximewong3415]

Missing a flip screen 🤔 maybe 👀 next time 😕

[@fellowcitizen]

SL2-Shadow

[@3BMEP]

I like it!

[@supersonico9364]

The way he speaks he reminds me of Jeff Goldblum 👍

[@harryburnett7086]

Good video

[@3BMEP]

🖖🏻😊

[@firehorseweddingphotograph3995]

I love the look and the whole Leica ethos, but...for the same money: a pair of S5 bodies, new Sigma 35mm f2, 65mm f2, 105mm f2.8 and just enough change for Panasonic’s own 20-60mm for wide angle/general purpose lens. Still looking forward to your S5 review?!?!?!

[@3BMEP]

Already up.

[@vicibox]

Now it gets interesting. When I decided against the L mount alliance it was a week before the Sigma 45mm f2.8 release which may have stayed my hand. No damn lenses I would consider buying. I still have my much loved Leica T with kit zoom which pairs with my X113; all my Voightlander & Nikkor primes are adapted to L mount. Do I want fancy features? No I hated the Sony A7iii and sent it back next day, bought the A7ii which I love; I was if anything irritated by all the so called features that I would just turn off anyway and the ghastly body design mistakes like the flappy door coverings and big grip too close to the lenses. I was dismayed by the new 45MP Leicas, SL2 & Q2, as I dont want more than 24MP but, now we are back to 24MP and now have a range of good compact optics. Now it gets interesting. Sony better be carefull my Leicas keep nudging me and pointing out the Sigma 35mm f2 would look good in my kit - winks

[@jochenkraus7016]

What was the difference between the A7II and A7III that made you not like one an like the other (a bit)?

[@vicibox]

The list was surprisingly long, most of the improvements were things that made the camera worse for my needs. Handling of the A7 was fantastic, A7ii bit heavier but still acceptable, A7iii noticeably much bigger and heavier. The stupid doors and flaps on the outside were ghastly (I am not the only person to mention this), the USB one gets in the way of the charging cable stuck at the bottom. Massive changes in video were a deal breaker, all these new commercial codecs but they had removed the one i actually use on all my cameras 1080/30P mp4. Some new slow motion feature in the menu on the A7ii now replaces panorama completely and I take panoramic street photos, definitely a deal breaker. New battery, I have 3 Sony bodies all use the same battery and I have a few. I have no problem with battery life one multi charger for all cameras. New battery makes a bigger grip and if you have big hands like me then your fingers are squashed against long lenses which is uncomfortable (again others have complained). Most of these faults have been sorted on the MkIV so I will have an upgrade path. Everybody has mentioned the awful menu. All in all i hated the A7iii and the A7ii was more like the things I have learned to love about Sony; cheap and cheerful, weathersealed and IBIS and very useable, the A7iii is none of these things and all new features are stuff I turn off.

[@skebir2506]

Is Leica SL2-S better than SL?

[@Kevon420]

Yes,

[@RichardBO9]

Oh great 🤔 Just when I had my choices narrowed down to the R5 or A7R4. 🤠 Thanks for the introduction to this sweet looking camera. Given that nearly 6 years later the SL is still selling used for 2000-2500, Lecia’s represent a better financial value than any other brand. I’m really intrigued. 🤔😷

[@3BMEP]

😜🖖🏻

[@HAlariousInc]

Leica no doubt has more value in their M series - however remember that the original SL cost about $7.45k new (eventually dropped to $6). Getting $2-2.5k back on a return after 6 years (33%) is pretty average when compared to other brands. The return on investment is actually pretty bad considering you lose $4k-5k compared to a cheaper camera where you lose less

[@calvinchann1996]

If you think in terms of financial value.

[@ronbaselice7839]

Great video, I’ve always been an Leica M man myself. But you make a strong case for the SL2-s, I’m waiting for Leica Q body with L- mount and a high resolution Panasonic GX-8 type EVF, until then, my Fujifilm X-Pro3 will do...

[@3BMEP]

I understand. 😊

[@paulmcivor9994]

This is the dilemma... the shooting experience clearly goes to Leica while the value for money goes to Sony et al. I suppose I'll keep shooting with my Leica M6 to enjoy that unique Leica oneness with the tool and suffer with the menu disaster-driven photographic tools like Sony on the digital side.

[@3BMEP]

Makes sense to me! 😊

[@kaptnwelpe5322]

Never protect the sensor using the shutter - never! The sensor is "rugged" and made for being cleaned while the shutter is fragile and having things stuck in it will destroy it... . The only thing a shut shutter will protect the sensor from: too long exposure to direct sunlight. But no professional user would do that anyway...

[@kennethmalament4926]

Brilliant and true. With the extended ISO has been for me a game changer. I traded the SL2 for it

[@kennethmalament4926]

And I traded my M10 for the SL2 After I saw your presentation on "Vader has Landed". You are so inspiring

[@hennievangalen1603]

The Elephant in the room with the SL2 series is system weight. With any native L mount lens easily 1.5 Kilogram. Try to schlepp that around for a day let alone a week on location. Look at X1D and there is no any excuse for Leica. Love the reviews for mere entertainment.

[@pothast]

I think the "S" stands for "schwarz" - German for "black" ;)

[@3BMEP]

"May the Schwarz be with you?" 😉

[@pothast]

@@3BMEP ;-) exactly

[@nohandle54]

I agree with you about the pricing, quality, heritage et al - but I will also say that this long-time Leica user also thinks that they have failed to keep customer service up to those same standards. From repairs to store employees(Hi, Washington DC) they are just bad, if not often rude to customers. I have found the exact opposite from Hasselblad - guess which company I'm more exited about because of that?

[@3BMEP]

Important feedback - I’m sure Leica will read it. Thank you!

[@SD_Alias]

That may be different in another store. Here in Hamburg Germany the staff at Leica Store Meister is very polite and competently…

[@nohandle54]

@@3BMEP I do hope they see it, Ive tried voicing my concerns

[@nohandle54]

@@SD_Alias I think its all down to Leica USA - but I am unsure. My favorite line from the Leica store is "we aren't actually Leica" - with the big red dot on the outside.

[@SD_Alias]

@@nohandle54 Ok, may be that they are very different kind of people there…

[@TheTuscaloosa]

who needs to change lenses if you have a M mount lens attached :-) It's like getting new teeth. They are working but nothing like the original

[@migueljalo9731]

The only time I ever touched a Leica was when a tourist asked me to take a picture of him and his wife in Lisbon. Seemed like a special piece of technology. Couldn’t even tell You what model it was.

[@belgiboing]

S=Schwarz ... black letters. Interestingly, I do this to all my cameras. Including my previous SL, but brought it back to normal when I sold it. If I ever get this in a trade for my M10, I wouldn't need to do it anymore. :-) I think 24MP is the sweet spot for full frame these days for low light and dynamic range. If I ever want more megapixels, I'd go medium format. And with the IBIS on the SL2-S, you can still do a pixel shift to 48MP.

[@3BMEP]

Ooh, I never thought of that - but sure. But: 96mp pixel shift! 😊

[@belgiboing]

@@3BMEP Indeed! :-)

[@Mwphotoinc]

The proof is in the images....where are they?

[@Metaldetectiontubeworldwide]

The S stands for Sexpensive ..lol Love Leica but out if my budget.

[@3BMEP]

Clever! 😊🖖🏻

[@SD_Alias]

Again no folding display :( … Hey Leica wake up it is 2020…