These Firmware Updates Changed The Leica SL2/ SL2-S In A BIG Way

#leica #LeicaSL2 #LeicaSL2S
Leica recently released two major updates for the SL2 and SL2-S that have added many features Leica users have wanted for some time. Eye Detection, better autofocus, More advanced Video features including ProRes Raw HQ, BlackMagic Raw and more!
Check out my review to see if these Firmware updates breathe new life into the SL Camera lineup.
Chapter Markers
00:00 Into
01:27 Autofocus
03:57 Quick Change Autofocus Point
05:00 ISO Settings from Front and Rear Dial
05:35 SL2 Color Science
06:13 Video Features In SL2-S
07:20 Internal Video Recording
07:46 Film In Log
08:05 final Thoughts
Bobby's Gear For This Review:
Camera: Leica SL2-S / Leica SL 24-70 f2.8
Atomos Ninja V
Audio Neumann TLM 107 with Zoom F6
Macbook Pro 16 inch M1 Max
Eizo 2K Monitor
Lights: Aputure 300X
Display Cabinet: Terravault

[@gentleman0678]

Thanks for the update on the SL system. Leica should seriously consider sponsoring you!! You’re the main reason i got into the Leica system. I’m seriously hoping and praying that they add phase detect auto focus to the next sl camera. Leica has definitely been improving they system. I was excited when i found out Profoto will now be supporting Leica. Better continuous autofocus is the last major thing we need. Thanks for all the hard work with these videos!!

[@btonelli]

Thanks Charles. Your comment really means a lot 😊 I think the next SL will probably have Phase Detect. I can’t see them sticking with Contrast based AF especially with all the new advancements.

[@gentleman0678]

@@btonelli You are welcome. You’re one of the few KZbinrs i can watch without feeling like I’m watching a paid commercial. Always balanced and not afraid to address shortcomings. Keep it up.

[@gentleman0678]

@@btonelli i hâd to come back for your opinion. I have the opportunity to trade in the leica for a canon r3. since I need low light ability the Nikon Z9 more than likely out. if you had to choose either of the three ( with low light shooting in mind, and autofocus accuracy which would you go for between the ( z9, R3 and the SL2S?)

[@btonelli]

@@gentleman0678 Hi Charles, tough decision. The SL2-S low light is actually quite good but if you need to track or stick on a subject in low light for bursts of photos then perhaps not there yet. Both the R3 and Z9 are good choices and with the recent updates to the Z9 the AF has improved substantially. To be honest both are good it depends what camera “feels” better to you.

[@HatefYaminiOnline]

Always love your Leica content, Bobby. 👍🏽

[@btonelli]

Thanks Hatef

[@Fleet42]

I am happy you made this video I didn’t know there was an update. Can’t wait to see how my SL2S compares now to my R5

[@btonelli]

Glad the video helped. The focusing won’t be exactly like the R5 but improved from before

[@elderinmoi1571]

Tx for the video. Well done. Nice images as well. Love my 2s but will try the update.

[@btonelli]

Thanks Elrderin!

[@Slipsch]

Excited to see the next generation of SL system. Hope they use a stacked sensor and improve their autofocus even more! was contemplating between the SL2 or the Hasselblad X2D for my casual photography need. The Leica definitely seems more compelling now.

[@btonelli]

The X2D and the SL2 now have similar AF in terms of speed, but the AF on the X2D is single point and AF-S no AF-C

[@Dejan_23Unlimited]

6:57 Love the video of your dog 👍🏼

[@btonelli]

Thank you! She is a sweetheart

[@manilamartin1001]

Leica is making great strides to move forward. I assume that the new partnership with Panasonic is a big part of this.

[@btonelli]

I believe so

[@edwardphilipmarianafzger9800]

Leica got my attention thanks Bobby T.

[@btonelli]

Glad to help

[@Ashaya]

Glad to see Leica is putting more thought into video functions. Waiting for the SL3 with a tilt screen and false color.

[@btonelli]

Agree. Hopefully the SL3 comes with these features

[@elderinmoi1571]

Buy a Sony or you want flip out screen. Leica will never do this. Me I am perfectly fine with that. A Leica is made to stand the test of time. No compromise. That is how I like it.

[@btonelli]

@@elderinmoi1571 actually they prob will. When I went to Wetzlar for the SL2 launch they disclosed they were considering the flip out display. So perhaps we will see something like this for the SL3 or whatever it may be called

[@Slipsch]

@@btonelli They should as least have the flip-out screen like the Hasselblad X2D minimally. Fingers crossed.

[@btonelli]

@@Slipsch I’m sure that will come

[@fotoschumacher]

I hope the AF Update will come to the Lumix S Cameras as well!

[@btonelli]

Usually the updates come to the Lumix line first, but it seems Leica is now doing some things on their own first which is good

[@btonelli]

@@AIP404 I tried the S1H and S1R with latest firmware and felt the leica in photo mode was better in eye detection

[@jkdrake1]

Greetings Bobby thanks for the update. Well done. Could I trouble you to share Some L-Log or even better Raw video footage so I can push it around in Davinci resolve. I am seriously considering the SL2S for my main and would like to see how the codex grades. Thank you in advance.

[@btonelli]

Hi Joshua can you DM me on Instagram? @btonelli. Thanks

[@_willfunk_]

Bobby you’re blowing my mind. I’m weeks away before picking up an SL2-S all because of the colors I’ve seen coming out of his camera. How close has Leica matched the SL2 to the SL2-S in regards to the color science?

[@btonelli]

Haha thanks for watching. The colors are very close now. Almost indistinguishable in DNG

[@likeris2]

That it! This is what I want.

[@btonelli]

Awesome camera system

[@GKhanKutar]

Thank you for sharing with us Bobby! Off Topic but are you excited for X2D like me? :D

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching. Yes I am (if the rumours are true)

[@bongpeninoy6313]

Hey Bobby will the eye detect go to q2 in the future?

[@btonelli]

Hard to say. Not sure what their firmware update plans are

[@johnpeterka8355]

Thank you for your video, Bobby! Since you seem to be a Leica guru, I would like to ask - 1) Is a SL2 with 581 shutter actuations, with Leica 35mm f/2.0, Leica 24-70mm f/2.8, two extra batteries, and strap, all in original boxes, worth $7000 (USD)? 2) This camera is on Firmware 3.02. Is there a website that will let me know what all the revisions between 3.02 and 6.09 might be? 3) Should I wait for the SL3? Thank you. JP

[@btonelli]

You are too kind. With the body and all three of those lenses I would say yes it is. I can’t comment on SL3, but my theory is that many of what we will see are in the Q3.

[@johnpeterka8355]

Thank you!

[@jamesmitchell5]

Hi Bobby, great video, as always. I'm using R3's at the moment, but just got a Q2 and already thinking to buy the SL2-S.. My go-to lenses are 15-35, 70-200 both f2.8 and the 100-500 beast. What lens combo would you recommend for the SL2-S? Cheers

[@btonelli]

Thanks James. The Lumix S Pro 70-200 f2.8 is impressive for the L Mount, the 15-35 you have a few options from Sigma, Leica or Panasonic. For the 100-500. Wait a bit longer and then I can recommend something ;) but yes there are options In terms of speed you won’t match the R3 for AF and burst modes so keep that in mind, but you still can get some fantastic photos when you know how to utilise the cameras settings.

[@jamesmitchell5]

@@btonelli Thank you for the info. Very helpful. I'll take a look at the options you suggested. I agree, I don't think the R3 can be beaten for AF. Leica certainly has its place in the workflow, and it's not for fast action sport.

[@lizlana4200]

@@jamesmitchell5try the SL2 and the 90-280 APO you’ll have a look that has no equal

[@gentleman0678]

I have to ask if money were not an object and you had to pick from the canon R3, Nikon z9 or Leica Sl satem, which would you go for?

[@btonelli]

That’s a very tough question to answer because if money is no object then get all! Hahaha. But kidding aside I really like both the SL system and the Z9. What Nikon has done with the camera, functionality and their lenses is pretty damn amazing. The smaller Super Telephoto lenses, the video capabilities that beat even Sony in terms of features and arguably performance, great colors and IQ, I think someone looking for a true hybrid camera without any real compromise besides size, and wants a powerful camera for sports and wildlife photography it’s a hard camera to say no to. Having said about the Z9, I also really like the SL system. I’ve tried pretty much every camera on the market, and when the opportunity arises I always enjoy using it. From the original SL to the SL2 and SL2-S, Leica has done so many great things with the camera. Build quality, design, fantastic APO lenses etc. I think for those that don’t need blazing fast speeds but wants great Image quality, it’s one to highly consider if budget permits. Also the video features have been greatly enhanced and as you can tell from the video, this camera can output some good quality video. Reality is why I may like something based on features or design maybe different from someone else. On this channel and as you can tell by my videos, I don’t want to be a camera brand fan boy and alienate others. I love photography and all that comes with it.

[@gentleman0678]

@@btonelli Decisions decisions. I had chance to try the z9 and the experience was an eye opener!

[@btonelli]

@@gentleman0678 what did you like about the Z9

[@gentleman0678]

@@btonelli It was the continuous autofocus accuracy and the customizability of the camera. Although i prefer the option of using the extra grip on the SL2s my experience with the continuous autofocus as a second shooter was hit or miss. The main thing keeping me in the sl system are the colors coming from the camera and the SL 50mm summilux. If they add phase detect and cfexpress type b cards, it will be a powerful force to reckon with.

[@btonelli]

@@gentleman0678 understand and agree with your assessment as well. The 50 Lux is a beautiful lens

[@MelonAMango]

Leica just needs to do a phase detect upgrade even if it cost $500-1000, like the M9 with their sensor replacement or converting M10 into an M10P. The SL, SL2, and SL2S will feel like a new camera again. Even if an SL3 comes out, more SL sales = even better Leica in the future. The Godox flash support for Leica will also be something to look forward to! We could also use a dummy SCL4 battery from Leica

[@btonelli]

I feel phase detect will come soon. Not sure about the upgrade as that’s also processor dependent but will see

[@Photojouralist123]

Bobby my wife’s SL2 will stop shooting on continuous mode if the battery is half full. Very annoying, could you ask Leica Singapore what’s up with that? Leica never got back to us on that issue. Thanks

[@btonelli]

It happens here with the Lumix S 70-200 f2.8. I’ve put this up to them already.

[@Photojouralist123]

@@btonelli thanks 🙏 Bobby!

[@gentleman0678]

That’s another thing that has to be worked on in addition to the continuous autofocus accuracy. With the addition Of Profoto support, I’m now extremely hopeful for of the future of the system.

[@btonelli]

@@gentleman0678 agree. Profoto, Godox etc

[@btonelli]

Hi John got an update from Leica on this issue. It seems it’s lens dependent. For the Lumix lens they said it’s Panasonic that implemented that not Leica. What lens was your wife using?

[@elbanzo8110]

Just to clarify this: ProRes RAW 422 (HQ) does not make sense. Either you shoot ProRes RAW (on an external recorder) which is... RAW obviously and needs to be processed e.g. to a ProRes4444 or DnX... codec. Or you shoot ProRes 422 (HQ) with a subsampling on an external recorder like the Ninja V. This is quite a difference when it comes to grading. You can also shoot 10bit 422 internal

[@likeris2]

How long battery can handle video 4k 60?

[@btonelli]

Not sure to be honest. I don’t record at long lengths when doing video.

[@likeris2]

@@btonelli how long battery last when shoooting stills?

[@btonelli]

@@likeris2 can definitely get through a day I feel. It won’t shoot thousands like a sports camera but a good 500 plus or so should be attainable

[@likeris2]

@@btonelli cool. This is plenti for me. I do per day 300 shots.

[@edwardphilipmarianafzger9800]

SL2-S reporter looks superb but why only 1000 and not more Hm well that's life.

[@btonelli]

Limited editions are nothing new to Leica, but would be nice to see more made

[@edwardphilipmarianafzger9800]

@@btonelli Yes I know that but you are right.

[@hridevarora5836]

your lut does not to be seem right as ur head is tooo red

[@btonelli]

Actually this is really dependent on the monitor you use or phone. If you use True Tone or any other warming monitor mode it will come out more red. The footage was edited on an Eizo calibrated monitor

[@travis8665]

@@btonelli I agree with him. I really hated that red after you applied that LUT. Im a pro editor and use an Apple screen. I wondered why you did that.

[@btonelli]

Hi Travis. The lut naturally is strong on the reds. I dialed it down and looked at the image on the Eizo monitor I’m editing on. Unfortunately on some displays like Apple’s the reds are just over powering.

[@polochon7]

All this feature you're talking about, ...already in the 4.0 and 3.0 firmware since a few months now. You are talking too loud and too quick note with just understand a half. I think you just want to impress girls , we are making photos.......

[@btonelli]

Hi Paul yes the firmware has been out for a while and for many existing users they know what the firmware includes. This video is also for new and potential owners of the SL series of cameras. I’m sorry you don’t like my presentation. And I’m not here to impress the girls, I’m also making photos. Thanks

[@esperansabornstein3722]

#impressed