There’s a new Leica in Wetzlar, My Leica SL2 Review

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Update: Good news! After doing more testing on my Sony a7R IV, I have found that if you use the right combination of cables/power bank, it does charge while in use! I have heard that there are several Fuji options that can as well, but I have been unable to personally confirm.

[@rickymcc9072]

I have the a7R4 too and like the possibility, but feel it's more of a tiny advantage as almost always I feel a separate second battery, for fast swapping will be a lighter, more ergonomic and generally better solution. Certainly it will be for me and probably many others too.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

Hi, I belive that the Nikon. Z II series can do the same. Almost 10 years since you started this photography/ content creator journey. It's amazing how long has being, the evolution and the the obstacles and suceeces. Congratulations for a great job and perseverance.

[@neolier]

Exactly! With older cameras as well. You just need to set usb mode in automatic mode and you can use the camera while charging. I do the same with all my sony cameras. Great review anyway! ^^

[@3BMEP]

Leigh, thanks for capturing that moment in the archives. Clearly, I was happy!

[@PawFromTheBroons]

That one must have an incredibly sized sensor. Low light over portability...

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Those giant cameras were a bit of hilarity in such a serious space. :)

[@marckyokay]

All you KZbinrs I love were just around the corner from where I live 😭 ❤️

[@johannbauermeister3916]

What a gorgeous looking camera! Very tempting. I was interested to hear that this sensor was designed with maximizing the performance of Leica’s classic rangefinder lenses in mind, and can deal with acute angles of light better than other mirrorless cameras. Also, the attention to detail, like that the viewfinder has glass lenses inside for the absolutely best image possible. The only gripe is not the price, which isn’t actually that bad when looking at the quality, is the lack of articulating screen. But that makes this camera, presumably, almost bulletproof in the field... This camera really has given me pause, exiting times in camera land... Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic and now Leica are all offering compelling models...

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I agree - these are exciting times. :)

[@Zapruderfilm1963]

I’m from that school that equates a certain amount of heft with quality. Not too heavy but enough weight to know that what your using is substantial. Thank you for a great review!😀👍

[@epv221]

Thank you for a useful and cogent review. I’m kinda relieved my delicate wrist s and limited pocketbook will not allow me to be tempted - ‘cause it’s hard to resist the temptation of a gorgeous piece of tech.

[@woodenrabbitc2134]

Thanks for your video, I found it very interesting. I'm a former Nikon user and stopped photography for nearly ten years till I took it up again. I have to say having the SL made it more enjoyable - it's not for name but the joyfulness of its gear and colour rendering

[@slimjim340]

As a Nikon shooter, I would love to experience a Leisa especially this beauty. However, as cost is a factor, I shall not be wading into that piece of delight.Love your honest and straightforward reviews.

[@Gynra]

Think I'll stick to my M10. I don't think I could lift the SL2 with a 24-90 attached. Looks a great camera, though. Edit, January 2021: My will is weak, but my arms are stronger than I thought. I bought the SL2-S!

[@georgekoumantzelis1968]

This lady is a real PRO! ... She knows her cameras just as well as she knows her photography - and she has the didactic teaching ability to help YOU learn exactly what you need to know to make smart choices and to take great photos! Excellent! 👍🌵🌅🌲😇

[@harryburnett7086]

Hugh Brownstone and yourself , Raymond are world class greatness

[@DonaldHawk]

Mine and the 24-90 is supposed to come tomorrow. Good to know I did not make a bad choice.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Enjoy!!

[@peterlemke3468]

Great preview of this camera look forward to your full review.

[@johnpeterka8355]

Thank you for your review on the Leica SL2! Relative to fast moving subjects being photographed, did you change the default autofocus profiles? I noticed that the Leica SL2 added features similar to Fujifilm that is to enhance AF performance. How did the image quality look compared to your Nikon Z cameras?

[@David-gh8my]

Thank you. Very informative one of the best reviews I have seen.

[@mathewmccarthy9848]

Hi Leigh. Great video. New subscriber here. The multi-shot mode is very good for product photography, particularly during post processing, when it comes to cleaning lines between high contrast areas. The multi-shot mode handles these high contrast areas very well and makes for a "quicker" time in post. And now that Capture has a tether feature for Leica, one can see the difference immediately w the product being photographed. My two cents anyway.

[@ZoneTelevision]

FYI: The lavalier mic is picking up your swallowing and other noises. You might want to use an over head mic on a boom out of frame. I use a tascam DR-40 on a boom ... Otherwise great production. Love Leica. Thanks for posting.

[@midas1929]

Thanks for a great and honest review. I waited one year for the release of this cam, using a Leica Q. Time to step up. It is all about personal preferences and I just do like the Fuji and Leica colors best. Now sure, you can argue about the body and also get a Sony or Panasonic for less. Even a Fuji medium format at that price level. But the SL glass.....omg..the glass! For me there is not much comparable out there.

[@doplinger1]

I’m actually surprised that it’s that inexpensive. I would have imagined it would cost twice that; of course it will with a lens or two.

[@colinharvey1049]

I normally follow your reviews and they a true to life as proper user, however I don’t know what power bank your using with the X-T3 but I find I can extend battery life both charging and shooting from a Anker PowerCore+.

[@davidsimerly3261]

The Fuji XT3, XT30, and XPro3 all can and will operate while charging via USB-C. There are other manufacturer's cameras which will as well. Aside from that little error I appreciate the video!

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Have you tried to see if those cameras are actually charging while in use? The X100F is supposed to but it does not.

[@davidsimerly3261]

@@LeighAndRaymond I have with the XT3 and XT30. The X100F I had would also not charge and operate at the same time.

[@peteracain]

My XE3 charges from a USB powerbrick while I'm shooting with it. Had a long night of astrophotography doing just that

[@peteracain]

@@LeighAndRaymond See my comment above

[@milesgommeimages]

Fujifilm XT3 can be used while charging with a PD usb powerpack.

[@photoeducationbydaniel]

Having used the camera in the real world as a family and children photographer I found the focusing seriously behind anything Ive used including my mobile phone! Leica got everything right and I mean it was the first camera I really loved for everything. Built, menus, colors, Image IQ all ticked the boxes but I had to let it go because the focus was horrendously slow!

[@scottabergermd]

Dear Snapchick. Always love your reviews. Was considering this product instead of my new A9II. There are some great advantages. Your observations are somewhat different from others. They found the EVF to be “terrible, and almost pixelated” - DPReview, and the auto focus to be not nearly as good as others. Do you have an opinion as far as standing up next to both the A7R4 and A9II? I already have almost all the Sony E-mount lenses, so there is a huge advantage in owning both a new A7R4 and A9II, but it almost seems as if this at least the one to own that will give you both. You thoughts?

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I didn't see any issues with the EVF and autofocus overall was good, with the exception of mashing the button down and having the camera track for you. If you are looking at the SL2 or the a9 II... they are VERY different cameras. I would think about the things you are really looking for and try to get each camera in your hands to see which one makes sense for you.

[@scottabergermd]

TheSnapChick That’s great advice, thank you so much. It (the SL2) seems like the perfect combination of both with the higher res that I was hoping for in the new A9II (which never happened) along with the added video recording benefit of the 60P (that also never happened in the Sony). It also has full touch screen functionality, that Sony has been so remiss in installing in all their cameras. If it did eye AF, it would really sell me...do you know if it does touch to focus, like the Sony A9II, and has tracking too? I believe it does to the focus tracking now, and focus peaking, wish I could hold it in my hands and caress it. Haha. 😆

[@AceHardy]

Taking notes 📝

[@markterrin8673]

Great review! What settings are you using for astrophotography?

[@OneCameraOneLens]

Great review as usual. I'll never never afford one, but so great to watch your review and just drool over a Leica!

[@manilamartin1001]

Very nice. I love the camera too. Maybe one day

[@dey2517]

Have you considered Leica T system? It’s even lighter and less pressure to use.

[@JamesFowlerIV]

Love the SL. Had two, but sold one in anticipation of the SL2. Is that Matt Granger in the first sample photo?

[@hotlippsmartin]

Thank you for a very informative and entertaining review

[@PT-re2gi]

Clearly beautiful images, however I just do not know if I could stomach the price of not only the camera but the lenses. If you are going to cough up for the camera you should be using the Leica lenses as well. That becomes very expensive, very fast. Thank you for your review and sharing the beautiful images.

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Leigh I'm on my way to find one second hand... after a year with the S1R ... I feel I'm ready now to

[@johnkiefer1314]

What do you see as the differences between the SR1 and SL2?

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

@@johnkiefer1314 huge difference !!! At that point that I sell my SL2!!!!

[@raubling69]

Hey. Is that Chris Nichols from dprev on the 3rd pic?

[@ezra8776]

Yes

[@estrastyven3752]

Isn't he from the cameras store tv?

[@inter-linked]

Something omitted from review but worth noting (for anyone switching systems) that there are still no decent off-camera HSS flash options for Leica SL2 SF60/SF-C1 (Nissin) Overpriced re-badge and with loss of power in HSS. You’re left with standard sync, Nikon-Pin (dumb) wireless triggers with ND's for strong ambient control.

[@irutgers]

If I had the budget, I would be at my favourite camera store right now 😊

[@jonathanbradford9403]

Here is my struggle with the L-mount alliance (from the perspective of someone who is presently on a DSLR and looking to go mirrorless) First the SL2: Is this supposed to the L-mount A9 equivalent? Can the SL2 be used for shooting hockey baseball, soccer or football? If not an A9 what is it? (The S1R II??) A few other things come to mind, is the alliance using a universal hot-shoe? if not is there a Leica trigger for Godox? what is considered a professional service programs? I realize that all of these questions will be answered in time, but not having the answers to what feels like the basics, leaves me reluctant to spend the 16k ($cdn) to convert

[@TheNanofiber]

I played with the SL and the af was really not that good, very hunty especially in lower light. From what I read they didn't change it for the SL2? Is the af any better???

[@LeighAndRaymond]

It is better. I was pleased with the low light autofocus, especially considering the AF is contrast-detect only.

[@TheNanofiber]

@@LeighAndRaymond and that's the problem. No idea why they insist on that when others have moved on from just contrast, including the s1r

[@robertw9677]

I am just a Nikon user so hearing the recharge feature seems so about time my nikons require many backup batteries Leica clearly beat all the other makers. The portraits you took just great I expected price even higher adding lens from Leica would be painful good review thanks

[@fotonutzz]

Great reviews as always. How did you do the time lapse video of the Grand Canyon? Was it set to interval mode using a series of still images or was it video, but sped up in post ?

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I used the interval timer, shot in raw, and edited it all together on the computer. :)

[@c3storiesproductions]

Great review. Thank you!! 🙏🏾

[@jb.random7681]

Have you tried using it in family portraits or group photos?

[@kdivanov]

Thanks again for the good review. Can you tell us about your opinion between the Leica SL2 and the Sony A7R IV. Personally I am aiming for the sony, especially for the lens, since for the L-mount i see many sigma at very good price, but the leica lenses are very expensive. And i found (from what i read/watch) the Sony auto focus is better, I don't know if I am right or not, but more than that i wanna hear your opinion, and Raymond one of course.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Sony has the most advanced autofocus out there at this point. If that is what is important to you, go for the Sony. The Leica, however, is no slouch in terms of autofocus and the lenses are amazing. They feel different in the hand and the menus, etc are a different experience. I highly recommend trying them both out in a shop to see if you have a preference.

[@luisdmatas]

Your voice is relaxing

[@raksh9]

Silly question. Is the body cap made of metal? It has a glossy edge and kind of looks metallic.

[@cemharmanci22]

Am I to assume then when I use a L adapter there is no Auto focus?

[@NoahStephens]

All current full-frame cameras are amazing. It mostly comes down to lenses and ergonomics. Canon tops the list on these criteria. The lack of a flipping screen on this Leica is a non-starter for me.

[@jonstreeter1540]

Terrific review.

[@bluestarcesium]

The picture of yourself would be nice to have one outside. Can you tell us what the shutter speed, f-stop, lens, and it would be nice to know what the flash is( on camera, off camera, settings).

[@CalebG85]

What lens was the puctures taken with : ) the 24-90

[@tommacbride3654]

Yep, may need to get a car first. liked your take, bet th view finder was nice. Happy trails, Cheers!

[@Phantom_gtx]

the best so far

[@axelherr2410]

Great review, but the audio is pretty annoying, with slight echo and noice supression kicking in and out. You may wish to use another kind of microphone ;o)

[@WBSparrow]

You can use the Sony A7RIV while charging as well.

[@Teleken1968]

Love Leica's design aesthetics, their prices, not so much. Wish I could afford to get in to them, though. The closest I'm likely to get is the Panasonic flavor of one of these cameras.

[@Teleken1968]

@@williaminbody205 I agree. I may start M43 (the G9 looks like a spectacular piece of kit) with some of the PanaLeica lenses. I shoot a Fujifilm APS-C system now I love, but there are cool things the Panasonics do that the Fujifilm system doesn't, and vice-versa.

[@Edgy01]

all that and nothing about the handholding afforded today by its built in capability for vibration reduction--incredible to be able to apply to the myriad lenses that that body can accommodate!

[@luissalazar2021]

Good job team

[@joaquinstein5427]

Does it work with the DJI Ronin-S?

[@Phantom_gtx]

i have the sl just 👍 great

[@CO8848_2]

What's so great about the images?

[@kuau714]

Which usb battery pack do you use?

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I have several but I was using this one on this trip... amzn.to/2K0qlfo

[@heavymetal9330]

I can't understand why Leica doesn't use a bsi cmos sensor on that camera.

[@Ulrich.Bierwisch]

I can understand why Sony keeps some of the latest technology for their own products.

[@heavymetal9330]

Thank you for your response. As I know the bsi cmos technology is available on the market. Look at the Nikon Z 7, Fujifilm gfx 100, Phase One, and even some older dslr cameras. So availability and price are very unlikely reasons for this choice. Don't get me wrong. I like Leica because of the way they let you work and because of their lenses and their reliability. But it is not easy to see the sl2 as a technology flagship like Andreas Kaufmann does. But I will take a hard look at the camera because I think that I will like it, and I like the whole company too. I am very happy that Leica is still on the market. And for that reason I would like to thank Mr. Kaufmann very much.

[@NetGawker]

I'm not purchasing another camera until I can afford the SL2....but by that time the SL5 will probably be available.

[@MyBernis]

I could charge my A7r IV via USB C while using it. So the SL2 is not the only camera which could do this

[@LeighAndRaymond]

After doing more testing on my Sony a7R IV, I have found that if you use the right combination of cables/power bank, it does charge while in use!

[@Shishkiboom]

This camera is too rich for my blood. I'm still waffling between the Fujifilm X-T3 and the Nikon D500. I will probably buy the X-T3.

[@TheMauri0409]

Fuji X-T3 blows the D500 out of the water mate, cant beat the 4K 60fps in L-Log with a huge selection of affordable lenses

[@ChimaChindaDev]

Shishkiboom D500 vs X-T3? X-T3 by vicious knock out.

[@Shishkiboom]

@@TheMauri0409 That's great to know. Thanks for the information.

[@Shishkiboom]

@@ChimaChindaDev That's good to know. Thank you very much for the information.

[@Teleken1968]

​ Shishkiboom I shoot a X-T30 and it's a joy. I also have my (now 5 y/o) X-T1 so I can speak to the form factor. I think you'd be thrilled with the X-T3. Price/performance ratio is incredible, great handling, and the film sims are ridiculously good. I tend to shoot my Fujifilm cameras RAW+JPEG and I'm shocked at how many usable JPEGs I get SOOC.

[@lescobrandon3047]

Interesting review of this camera. The resultant images are quite good. BUT... I am not throwing my cheapo Nikon cameras and lenses into the ocean though. And the prices are just way over the costs of several great mirrorless cameras from Canon, Nikon and several third level corporations.

[@bassangler73]

Nice review

[@bleeker7165]

Great review 👌 If you want to try the Leica SL2 for real or host a demo of your camera 👉download Bleeker app on the Apple Store to share local demos of your favorite camera 🤩

[@Phantom_gtx]

die beste kamera bisher

[@frankiecalabro2617]

Leigh is beyond cute!!!!

[@goyangi2014]

what is this? a crossover episode!?

[@anthonydavis4829]

A new camera is like a new girl/boy friend until he/she becomes your ex. Did you really need an upgrade or is it your photography skills or lack there of?

[@NildoScoop]

Way too expensive. For almost the same price you can get medium format.

[@NildoScoop]

@@daviddb4858 A medium format is already premium. Whether you would like to spend 50K is up to you.

[@Karthig1987]

8 or 10 bit to the sd card but 10 bit via hdmi? Did you mean the second 10 bit or did you mean 12? The wording sounded kinda wrong

[@brakesforsnakes757]

👌🏻

[@msandersen]

I am not rich, so no, not for me. Not that I wouldn’t enjoy it if I was. it’s not just the $us6000 for the body only, it’s the same again or more for just one Leica lens. At least you can use other L-mount lenses with this, like Sigma or Panasonic.

[@Manzu_ish_YT]

i like that hair

[@pittwm]

Wait a minute... is this a Sony?

[@aribetterlari]

OMG THATS CHRIS FROM DP REVIEW

[@Phantom_gtx]

leider kann ich sie mir nicht leisten

[@cfazio]

It’s disingenuous to say you both found it hard to return the camera. If you really wanted it you would find a way, so what’s the reason you sent it back?

[@LeighAndRaymond]

When Leica tells you to send their pre-production camera back, you send it back, or you will likely never see a Leica again. This is true of any brand.

[@magicman6010]

Could someone please keep Americans away from leica’s. This is like a script that could be used for Sony or any camera. Learn about leica fixed m lenses and how they work with this camera and all the the other intrinsic characteristics of this camera. I suppose this is what leica deserve for giving cameras to Sony and canon users. Leica is lost. Bring back the m8 and m9.

[@scraymond5597]

She did use an M mount lens on this camera. It's featured in this video. I learned that by watching the entire video. You are the gatekeeper of which nationalities can use which cameras. You are good comedian!

[@sabari6189]

Timeline plz .....😑

[@user-ok6ef9zn4f]

I record video with my a6300 while plugged into a USB battery pack

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Is the battery actually charging while it's plugged in? I've not been able to charge other Sony cameras while I'm using the camera.

[@user-ok6ef9zn4f]

@@LeighAndRaymond yes, the orange indicator light comes on and the battery doesn't deplete while the camera is in use. I believe I have even used the camera without a battery being inside the camera at all.

[@Phantom_gtx]

with gloves 🧤

[@maximewong3415]

6000 dollars 💵 🤣 just the body yes

[@robiulahmed]

There is no "Leica look" anymore. They had it in the film era, though.

[@annenominous7220]

LOL

[@robiulahmed]

@@annenominous7220 it's true. You're just a fool for the marketing men.

[@Phantom_gtx]

in like it 👨‍💻

[@Manzu_ish_YT]

why do i need camera when note10plus has that quality even better lamfoe

[@Teleken1968]

If you really can't tell the difference, stick with taking snapshots with a tablet.

[@user-ok6ef9zn4f]

LMAO

[@travis8665]

You sound like you need mental help... and fast.

[@ahmedrashed78]

meanwhile she never buys any of the cameras she gets for free to review, 😂

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Nikon D50, D300s, D5000, D800, D810, D500, D600, Z6, Z7, Z50 (review coming), Fujifilm X100f, Sony a7 R IV, GoPro Hero 7 Black, Hero 8 Black, Nikon V1 (2). Just a few of the cameras that I've bought and reviewed on my channel. Wish I could buy them all but borrowing the others for review is the best I can do.

[@rumporridge1]

TheSnapChick who the hell expects you to buy all these cameras. Keep pumping out great content!!