The best camera for me: Leica SL2-S

After using it for half a year, I figured out that the Leica SL2-S is the best camera for my needs. I need a camera that is fast and easy to use and I don't know any camera that is easier and more fun to use than this Leica. It is perfect for my photography and video work.

[@lukasvanderlende]

I'm using the SL2 and SL2-S, loving them, good to see another person making content on the system!

[@iKIMshuffle]

Dang.. so you guys just find each other. Bro, I watch your videos. Haha but I’m here still trying to get an answer, how to open my SL2-s video files.

[@obsidian00]

Question....from a Lucas to a Lukas, WHY is it that I am seeing the SL-2S get more love than the SL-2??? To me...the one I find more desirable!

[@GregV8]

Comparing it to an Apple product is a very good observation. I love how responsive it is, and the build quality is second to none.

[@Christian_Kurz]

Absolutely, build quality is Impressive and it‘s a joy to use.

[@dormir01]

Love my SL2-S, I use M mount lenses. It’s my breathing camera.

[@xaviergut8232]

I agree with you about the Panasonic Lumix S5; there is nothing wrong with that camera. It is very similar to the Leica SL2-S and they complement each other. The S5 has features like live composite mode, post-focus, 4k and 6k photo, focus bracketing and stacking, webcam function, unlimited video record, etc. I think is the perfect back up camera for the Leica SL2-S. The S5 is much more economic and it can be used to avoid wearing down the Leica and to make it last longer. With Leica users there is a certain snobbery at times... and Panasonic is an excellent camera manufacturer.

[@Christian_Kurz]

Absolutely, the S5 is a great camera and deserves much more attention. But I think the Leica should be used, for me it's not a camera to place on the shelf, I will use it like I´ve used my Sonys and my Blackmagic. It in fact has to make money for me, I want to tell stories with it. But yes for a collector your suggestion might work.

[@xyz7960]

You know what ? After I have the SL2-S , I really buy a LUMIX S5 , I enjoy both like brothers ….. 😎😎! And the lens can be switched and have more fun !🥰🥰🥰 Love you causal video that from a point of personal feeling rather than PROFESSIONAL DATA ! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@xyz7960]

I totally agree with your examples of using SL2S as driving a Mercedes Benz 🥰🥰! Which other will criticize SL2S is not fast in auto focus … only you will know what you need as I have both 🤣🤣‼️thank you for your video ! Great job !! 💪🏻💪🏻

[@Dpul945]

Ive been using two of these for my work for over a year now. Ive been a photographer for 20 years and have used Canon, Nikon and Sony. This camera is by far the best that I have used for a few reasons. Sony is too much like a computer and my level of creativity declined using that camera. This is a step back and makes you slow down and appreciate what you are taking as you dont have the machine gun ability of the Sony. The sensor is also incredible, shooting at 12500 ISO in low light is a dream. I cant recommend this camera enough. both of mine are battered but still perform like a Mercedes

[@wilfredshum3703]

I am more of a photo than a video shooter. I enjoy using the APO lenses on my SL2 for almost two years, and I am soon getting the SL2 for night photography.

[@Christian_Kurz]

Which APO lenses are you using? The M or the SL ones?

[@wilfredshum3703]

@@Christian_Kurz The only SL lens I have is the 35 mm APO Summicron. The three M lenses I most often use on SL2 are 50 mm f/0.95 Noctilux, 50 mm Summilux ASPH, and 75 mm APO Summicron. Besides night shooting, I am planning to use my 18 mm f/3.8 Super Elmar ASPH on this SL2-S to take some Northern Light pictures. I was told this camera is best-suited for this kind of photography. I bought it last week when it was on sale and also came with a free adapter which I think is a very good deal.

[@Christian_Kurz]

Wow, sounds like you have a bunch of dreem lenses in your collection, congrats. The SL2-S is indeed very good at high ISO. I think you will be very happy with it for your night photographie.

[@jkdrake1]

well done. Looking forward to more videos with the SL2s. I'm seriously considering a purchase for video.

[@Christian_Kurz]

Thanks Joshua. There will be more videos with the SL2-S. Like I said, I use it for half a year now and my main work for clients is video work. This camera never let me down so far. It is definitely not the cheapest but rewards you with a great user experience and great image quality. Is there anything specific you want to know about the video capabilities?

[@jkdrake1]

@@Christian_Kurz thanks for offering your insight. Have you tried raw with the black magic video assist or prores? If so what do you think of the crop? Also, could you tell me what resolution, bit depth, and frame rates are available externally in full frame?

[@Christian_Kurz]

I tried raw and have no problems with the crop in Video. I also use a BMPCC6k so I´m perfectly fine with apsc for video. In full frame you can record externally and internally in 10 bit, 4k 30 fps. In 1080 you can record up to 120fps in 10 bit full frame and up to 180 fps in 8 bit, also full frame. Raw, you can only record with a crop, but in 12 bit. I hoped that helped you. I will make a video about recording video with the camera in the future.

[@jkdrake1]

@@Christian_Kurz very helpful thank you kindly. In a professional capacity do you ever feel your missing anything considering the specs are relatively lower? IE 10 bit, crop, lower frame rates, so on. Personally, the color science alone might be enough to go all in on the Leica.

[@jkdrake1]

@@Christian_Kurz, you mentioned the batteries are more affordable in Germany. Can you recommend a retailer? I am in Hungary so I prefer to buy from Germany.

[@jtes1442]

The SL2S is a beautiful camera. However, I'm happy with my Nikon Z6II, which quickly switches between video and photography. The price is also a factor, as I need a backup for work, and I use the Z7 for that role.

[@Christian_Kurz]

The last Nikon i used, was the D 7000, but heard a lot of good things about their mirrorless system. Great to hear that you are happy with it.

[@jtes1442]

@@Christian_Kurz Lol, I had a D7000 back in the day too. I hope to eventually get a Sl2/SL2s.

[@baharam98]

There is nothing wrong with camera companies using other brand parts. As you said, that does not make a particular camera any less. The camera in whole is what makes a camera great or not.

[@bfs5113]

Surprising that some Leica old timers prefer the traditional M series body feel and find the MILC body 'ugly'. 🙂Nevertheless, it is all about the Leica color and the magic of Leica lenses. Personally, I'm a Nikonian for over 45 years and prefer shooting with my Z9. Although I have a Leica Q as my walkabout camera.

[@Christian_Kurz]

Z9 is a beast and i‘m thinking about getting a Leica Q too, but i think i wait till the Q3 comes out.

[@walkingmeditation61]

I'm waiting for the SL3. the AF is not up to par on the SL2. It's adequate the next release it will be just right and with the 24-90 Leica & new 100-400 you are all set

[@RandumbTech]

The SL2S is advertised as having a timecode input. I looked at the manual and it makes no mention of timecode input. Do you know if you can jam sync timecode via 3.5mm jack? I am considering a switch from Sony to Leica after falling in love with my Q2 over the past 6 months. Thx!

[@Christian_Kurz]

You can definitely use Timecode with the SL2-S. Should be possible with things like the Tentacle devices.

[@manilamartin1001]

Since the Panasonic S5ii came out, the L-mount alliance has been looking good to me. I still shoot mostly micro four thirds . I also have gotten rid of my Sony fs7 last year and want to upgrade from my canon c100ii. I have been thinking Nikon but if I add lenses it would be more expensive than Leica. I also have a team so we need 4 cameras to shoot weddings, events. The combo of Panasonic s5ii for video and Leica sl2-s for photo and sigma lenses is appealing.

[@Christian_Kurz]

Do not underestimate the Leica for video. The only thing the Panasonic does better is autofocus. But I think you are right if you need five cameras you should go with a few s5ii and one Leica, because of the price.

[@manilamartin1001]

@@Christian_Kurz If buying 5 Leica bodies was an option, that would be really awesome. Unfortunately, my wallet wouldn't recover. I'm still in the dreaming stage. Most of my equipment is ancient, so anything would be a massive upgrade. I like your channel a lot. Keep up the good vibes in your videos.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

I currently use the BM6k and a leica q for photos but wanting to take next step in my photography. Really considering trading my Q in but hard to argue with specs on new Sony a75. I will say the Leica q feels so premium im sure at end of day id be happier with the sl2s. I mostly do enviromental portraits.

[@Christian_Kurz]

This is a tough decision. The specs on the sony are better. I think the question should be, what you need to take that next step. I think the only real benefit for environmental portraits you would get from the sony, is the higher megapixel count. The Leica on the other hand gives you the joy of using it. I can just speak for me: I come from the Sony system and I can say that you do nothing wrong if you choose it. I on the other hand would always choose the Leica, at least for your purpose.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

@@Christian_Kurz Thanks👍

[@sc1]

Cool. I would say the Leica M is a BMW m340i, and the SL2 is a Mercedes E-class. What lenses do you like for the SL2? The SL lenses add a lot of bulk and weight to the camera. M lenses feel better, but don’t have autofocus.

[@edwardphilipmarianafzger9800]

Cool I see in the back ground the Bokehmaster from Sigma I own that one it is amazing

[@Christian_Kurz]

Indeed, it is. Makes the creamiest pictures i‘ve seen so far while it stays extremely sharp. But it‘s a heavyweight champion, i unfortunately don‘t use it that much

[@edwardphilipmarianafzger9800]

@@Christian_Kurz I however use it very much also the 20mm f1.4 Art,I used a 120-300mm f2.8 OS lens for ten years 2950grams

[@gordonmohr2268]

I just wish it had a tilting screen. damn it.

[@Christian_Kurz]

Definitely, I hope that the SL3 will have at least a tilting screen like the Hasselblad X2D100c

[@joseangel4428]

What about APS-C crop factor in 4K 60P?

[@Christian_Kurz]

It's there, image quality is still good in my opinion

[@joseangel4428]

@@Christian_Kurz Thank you

[@chrisraymond2234]

What can this camera do that CNS can not do ? Nikon Z has separate presets and controls for stills and video, switch to video and go.

[@Christian_Kurz]

Better usability, i don‘t know any camera that is easier to use but i think you have to use it to understand what i mean. For me it is a joy to use. Like i said, i didn‘t want to use my sonys anymore, which are great cameras from a technical standpoint. And for me it is very important that i like to use my cameras, because i have to make money with them. But i understand everyone who says Leica is to expensive for them or not worth the money in comparison to CNS

[@KeedonMD]

SL2S is a great creation from Leica and to be honest its more usable to M models. The only problem is 1. the SL lenses are heavy 2. SL lenses are limited and slow in production 3. SL lenses are outsourced to Japan to make 4. AF is a joke for the price 5. SL optics is not unique compared to lenses from Canon/ Sony/ Nikon. For a camera at that price - one can always get something better with Canon Nikon Sony.

[@angellondian7628]

In your honest opinion, how is the eye tracking focus

[@Christian_Kurz]

Surprisingly good I would say. I guess the one on new canon and sony cameras is better, but I didn't have an issue so far. To be honest, at the beginning I didn't trust it and always used manual focus but since the update it never failed on me. It is definitely more advanced as the one on my A7iii (the A7iii doesn't have eye tracking focus in video mode at all), i would say, but I didn't test it in extrem conditions, only in my daily work.

[@angellondian7628]

I’m looking to buy a second body and I’m thinking about sl2s. Are the colors washed out? I’m big on true to life but w a little pop. Thanks

[@Christian_Kurz]

Leica colors are known for their pop. But you have to differ between jpeg and raw. Raw is always a bit more flat, same can be said for log in video, this camera makes no exception here. But I think what you want to know is if jpeg has the pop and the answer is yes.

[@angellondian7628]

No I only use raw.

[@leifljungquist]

SL2 S is manufactured in Panasonic's China factory and assembled in Germany

[@Christian_Kurz]

Could be possible, i do not have such informations but i‘m sure that not all parts are manufactured in germany. It‘s the same with cars too. I guess nowadays, there aren‘t too many products anymore that are exclusively made in one country.

[@jacobh5817]

Fortunately it is not. I’ve been in Wetzlar, viewing the manufacuring of my own SL2-S (as I did as well with my own M10-R). Components are shared with Panasonic, not the S5, but the S1 and S1R. These components include the shutter and the IBIS system and for the SL2 the sensor (with the S1R, made by STMicroelectronics in Grenoble). That’s about it. The SL2-S has a different, new BSI sensor, not found in the S1 and the S5. The entire body, circuitboards, dials et cetera are made in Wetzlar. The OLED comes from Sony (although with very different optics and processor), the main processor is probably manufactured by Fujitsu (like most Maestro processors that are designed by Leica, but made by Fujitsu). All the software, is Leica-own and different from Panasonic. Hence the very different colors and noise handling, even in raw.

[@Christian_Kurz]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Great to hear that from someone that has actually seen it, not just talking about rumors and wild guesses. I think many people here find that very interesting.

[@davidmurray5926]

Please put a lens on it next time, looks daft with just the body.

[@jameskirk2579]

It's not a camera: it's a box.......

[@maximewong3415]

Missing just a flip screen 😕 😫

[@Christian_Kurz]

Would definitely be nice to have one. But the app works realy nice, so you can use your phone as screen. Not quite the Same as a flip screen, but at least much bigger.

[@markusbolliger1527]

"Slightly" higher price tag?? It's two and a half times the price I paid for may excellent Canon R6 Mk II - which is a real workhorse, the most versatile camera I ever had in my hands. Not to speak of the lenses. I got my Canon RF 85/2.0 for 340 Swiss Francs (new: 540 Francs): It is stabilized and goes until 1:2. And it produces outstanding images. For the Apo-Summicron-SL 1.2/90mm ASPH I would have to pay 5300 Swiss Francs. For this money I can purchase a whole Canon equipment consisting of the body and three lenses!!! Leica is a myth. It's like a religion. It's good for believers. You just do not need a Leica to become an excellent photographer. And your clients will not see the difference in image quality anyway.

[@zmanagadze]

review without a single image - not the best score :)

[@Christian_Kurz]

I mostly do Video ;)

[@gillesmatheronpro]

How can a hybrid camera get a fixed screen ? With this, plus the awful ergonomy (it feels like a cube in hands), the mass (really, a cube !), the weak burst-mode (reminds me of 2005 cameras), a similarly weak AF (really, 2005 !), a deadly rolling-shutter effect... this rebranded Lumix is way too much on the costly side to be considered. I'm a passionate photographer, but have no aspiration in being a sponsor. Of course Leica sits on decades of excellence, but does this still holds when we step in the world of digital imagery ? Cameras don't last that much (who remembers the first digital Leica cameras, who still operates them ?) and we hardly can spend that much money on cameras when they have shorter lives. Photography is an art, but it requires technology. This has, basically, a price.

[@goldfinch2283]

Well, maybe you should test/use the camera, before making bombastic and wrong statements.

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

Modern digital Leica cameras perform well, are robust, and have far a simpler menu system than most other brands. They certainly are expensive, and it’s hard to say what anything is worth, but after I tried my first Leica camera (Q2 Monochrom), it wasn’t my last (I then picked up a digital CL, M11: SL2, and M6 TTL). I’m not bashing other brands (I have older models of Nikon and Canon digital cameras), but I just prefer the look, feel, and simplicity of the Leica cameras.

[@goldfinch2283]

Actually not worthy of a comment.

[@dylandigby1776]

Autofocus can't compete. Cope video

[@dylandigby1776]

Leica is overpriced garbage

[@Christian_Kurz]

Like i said, there are always two opinions, some love it, others think its overpriced. That‘s absolutely ok, like i said, i understand bove. Did you have bad experiences with Leica?

[@angellondian7628]

@@dylandigby1776 try one. I held one for the first time and honestly it had the best ergonomic I’ve ever tried in a camera. It made me want to go out and create art. I know. Ambiguous speech. I know how I sound. Crazy. That’s what I thought too. I tried the M lenses and all SL and its a nice experience.

[@rumporridge1]

@@dylandigby1776garbage lmao 🤣……..German’s do not make garbage my friend.

[@PeterbFree]

@@dylandigby1776 Unless you like exceptional colour accuracy and rendering, in which case Nikon is garbage and Leica is brilliant