Best review I’ve seen of this camera, comprehensive and really well done - as usual. Your reviews in 2020 really went to the next level somehow (and they already really good before). Fantastic work!
This review was mad good, in my opinion. The thing you understand, that other reviewers seem to completely miss, is why people love Leica. It's history, it's heritage, it's passion. It's the feeling you get when you pick up a Leica camera - it's pure inspiration and fun. It's digital in a analog format in any ways - stripped down to the bare essentials of photography - no overflow or dumb functionalities that just suck. Sure, some people like a overflow of functionalities because they may be new to photography, but if you're new to photography you shouldn't get a Leica - unless you want to shoot real photos. That's what I think and feel, and as an owner of a few Leicas myself.
Most people don’t get Leica’s not because they don’t think they are quality products, it’s because of the insane prices that most can’t afford. I get it, but I also understand why people find Leica’s absurd because of the prices. Have a good one Jacob
The Leica’s are beautiful cameras, I won’t deny that. But it’s really hard to justify the price tag when you can get virtually the same performance from one of the excellent Panasonic bodies. The German ‘heritage’ tag doesn’t hold a lot of water in my humble opinion. But for those who have the wherewithal to use the system, go right ahead!
Yes this is the challenge they face. To give credit to Leica the SL2-S does have a BSI sensor when none of the Panasonic cameras have, but the competition has the BSI sensor. Difference is the camera isn’t the same build or design as a Leica
@@TECH360TV build quality hands down on another level. Hence Leica shooters don’t crave ever nuance of current tech. Most of us don’t shoot for AP or showing press cards. I for one shoot for a magazine and as well as personal family portraiture. Leica has reinvigorated me. Sold my entire arsenal of Canon gear to start my Leica path. And that started with the SL2 and now probably get this SL2-S as a second body on my Holdfast.
The Leica build quality, industrial design, and menu simplicity are better than the Panasonic offering. Now, whether one feel it’s worth the extra coin or not is a personal choice.
Hi Bobby, firstly thanks for operating such an informative (and entertaining!) channel. I always look at it to help with buying decisions. I'm primarily a Nikon shooter (but I do carry a Leica Q2 as a point and shoot) but I'm contemplating buying the SL2-S with the F/2.8 24-70 lens. I'm covering the national strike and other unrest in Medellín, Colombia, so I am considering the SL2-S instead of another Nikon Z6 with a F/2.8 z24-70. (I've been using a Z6 here, and it is certainly a capable camera but in terms of durability, there does not seem to be anything tougher than the SL2-S.) It looks like I'll certainly be sacrificing the speedier phase-detection AF on the Nikon, and covering demonstrations and unrest here is not so different than shooting sports--with the variable of sometimes having to dodge rocks, tear gas canisters, etc. Thanks again! Sincerely, Chris
Im using both Z6 II and SL2-S , Z6 II is faster in some areas but no doubt if SL2-S can afford your job its the best quality photos, like 3D images. I like both Nikon and Leica but for special moments I use only SL2-S, JUST TRY TO GET ACQUAINTED WITH FOCUS SYSTEM AND USE HYBRID, try it on special uses you have before then you wont face any problem. most of us are addicted to Nikon and Canon zoom systems but if you just get acquainted with Leica focus system you will be happier than before with your images. just my experience and wanted to share with you, maybe useful that I hope.
As always a very comprehensive review. DP Review are you watching guys!!!! I got mine this week and for my first Leica it hits all the sweet spots for me, and is the best value Leica in the uk at £3975.
@@TECH360TV I have the Z6 II with the Z 50mm f1.2 S and I still envy the above combo. There’s just something about that APO 50 that makes photos really pop. Although the Nikkor Z 50 f1.2 S ain’t too bad either, which helps with the GAS.
Great review thx! As an amateur Sony A73 user, I've been waiting to buy a new Leica Q2 to be in stock since last month but now reconsidering the SL2s as many reviewers seems to praise the camera with much cheaper non Leica lenses. As an amateur hobbyist, would you lean towards the new SL2s or continue to wait for the Q2 to come in stock? I'm in the US.
Thanks for watching and the kind words. The Q2 is a great run and gun camera, good image quality and just a fantastic overall camera. However if you want versatility then I would go with the SL2S. Can change lenses, better low light performance and better video
A few questions, for sl2 vs sl2-s, 1. if you hold everything constant except for shutter speed taking the same shot, by how much would the shutter speed differ? 2. In terms of noise, how many stops would sl2-s deliver over sl2?
Shutter speed is quite comparable to the SL2 minus the burst more at 25fps. The S is faster however buffering is better in the S vs the SL2. I would say two to 3 stops over the SL2
Thanks for the speedy response. That was very helpful. Follow up to the first part of my question, what I meant is similar to this. When I compared sl vs sl2 on the same shot, both at iso 100 f2.8 with auto exposure metering, on the sl will have 1/15s on shutter speed, sl2 will have about 1/13s, about 15% difference in light sensitivity. What do you see when comparing sl2 and sl2-s
Great review! I am curious what it is like to use the Sigma Contemporary L-mount lenses on the Leica SL2-S? Are they recognised by the camera and how is the result? Creative greetings Alain
@@johnkasianowicz6536 I had the 35 and 90mm for a while. I loved the size, build quality and the fact that they have an aperture ring. The images I got with these lenses I unfortunately found less my cup of tea.
Its an odd value proposition from Leica. They aren't really known for fast cameras, and this cameras focusing speed is still way behind its mirrorless adversaries. Then again, if you like the leica experience, and want more speed than you're used to, im sure this is fine. But imo you might as well go with the higher megapixel version.
Valid points. What I worry about with the SL2 and SL2-S is are they future proof enough to last four or five years like the original SL. When Leica launched the SL it was ahead of its time. Now these cameras are behind in terms of tech from the competition. I understand no one makes cameras like Leica does, but firmware updates have taken a while to come to the system and by the time the 2021 update comes what will the other companies come out with. Will the SL line of cameras hold up for four years or will Leica need to change their strategy. Will be interesting to see what happens.
@@TECH360TV I think that is certainly a valid discussion point, but I also don't think that Leica buyers buy for the latest tech... We red dot fans don't seem to chase the latest and geatest tech as much as some other camera bases do. Great review, love your stuff!!
Agree usually they don’t, but the SL2 lineup was also to bring new customers into the fold. Many new customers compare these things. For cameras like the M and Q2, Leica put themselves in a unique category where there is very limited to no competition, so they can dictate timelines and features etc. With the SL2 and -S it’s much different.
That’s a good question. The SL2 is nice but as soon as you don’t shoot in optimal light, the ISO performance affects the image to the point it negates those amazing lenses. I like the SL2-S colours and low light capabilities a lot more.
If it the sensors were for video, the sl2 and sl2s would both be professional video cameras. But they aren’t. They are cameras which shoot images... And due to technical specs, being the 1mm bigger Sensor of the sl2 which doesn’t make much of any difference, but because of the processor in the SL2 it has better low light on paper than the M10 R. They’re basically the same if you compare the two, the sl2 has more resolution in general. It does some pixel binning in video which is a clear note to it not being a Video focused camera. It has a lot of features to support video and very good video at that but 46MP is just never a resolution needed for video. So no I Must disagree, the Sl2 and Sl2s don’t have „video sensors“ there isn’t even a thing like that . They just happen to be quite good at video on the side.
I only had one camera. For me to talk about a camera for 20 min and not hold it or show the audience would be odd. However the Leica Classic lut was used on the footage with the S1H
@@ghas4151 Got a S1R for 2500€ including 24-105mm and believe me, the build quality is there too. And with the price gap I'll be able to get great lenses. German quality bla bla bla is real but "overevaluated" , just another Marketing recipe.
join a gym. I like a heavy cam. i hate these little toy Sonys. i use a Sigma 105 ART lens on my sony. You will know what heaven is with one of those. Weighs almost 2 kilos.
Wow...what a dream of a camera. Nice review. I had the great opportunity to have the SL-2 for some days. Outstanding design and performance. Clearly for a price, no doubt. But once you had your hands on it, other cameras, especially from Nikon, feel like toys.
They feel like toys because they are made like toys to keep the price low.Walk into a pro photo shoot with one of these babies and people take notice & to me that’s enough to justify the price
Especially the Nikon? The build quality on the Z6 is way ahead of the Sony A7 III and ahead of the R6. The R6 uses an inferior build to the R5 while the Z6 uses the same body that’s used on their top end Z7. What do you have against Nikon?
You have to weigh your options, and your type of photography. The M-series is arguably Leica’s iconic flagships, and is driven by all manual operation. The SL-series is Leica’s foray into the mirrorless DSLE style camera, so you get a bigger body, different lenses, autofocus, etc and all the other features you would expect from a DSLR. The two are very different cameras. So you’ll have to choice which fits your photography better.
Yes and brand prestige, build quality and history. Leica cameras aren’t for everyone and as I said at the end of the video when it comes to price there are others that have this and more for less, but it’s a Leica
So after a whole lot of videos and several videos from you, I’m empower to buy my dream camera. Well, here I am, this is the 13th hour mark since the purchase and I am disgusted. Nobody mentions how terrible this battery life is. Convince me not to return this today. You seem to enjoy the camera. Tell me why I should get fuck in the ass by this camera and live with this terrible battery life span.
@@mike_qbik bro, when I commented, I gave it a rest then took it for a walk the next day. That same day, I ordered an extra battery. Needless to say, I am super satisfied. See, now I’m invested. Haha 😂 it’s fucking awesome! I’m laughing at my comment now. The profile picture says it all. Hahaha!
@@iKIMshuffle Good to know. I made my choice and gave up all my Nikon gear, lenses worth 25+years on top of Leica Q which I liked very miuch to fund SL2S with their 24-70 lens and I am still thinking if it was the right move . . I hated to carry that bag with so many choices and to be honest, did not shoot that much. The shop gave me super deal on Nikon Z9 , they were pushing it so so hard . . was even cheaper if I stay with NIkon (they give you 20% minus what you are selling backl). So, I am taking it for my first stroll, so I hope it was worth it ;-) At the end of the day, its just stuff, right? ;-) Its a haeavy piece but I think it was right decision.
@@mike_qbik it was a great decision for me. I just have to realize that it’s not going to have a fast autofocus but, this lens makes manual focusing so fluid. I am not a professional photographer, not a all. I am bashed for what I have and not having the skills for it, not one photographer congratulated me, instead, all I got is “I could have had more.” I response, “then I’ll just be another photographer like you.” I have no case or any protection, I have no bags to carry, it doesn’t need any covering, the SL2-s is a tank. I took this out in the snow last night.
The first minute of the review was spent on the paint of the logo. Well, it definitely explains why Leica snobs don't get any respect apart from their own herd. And yes this camera is totally worth its price tag as long as you are a believer. 😉
We all have our preferences on cameras. Some will see value in something others don’t. I don’t think calling anyone a snob helps to get the point across. I use all cameras and find joy in many of them regardless of label. The SL2-S is a really well built camera and for some that’s reason enough to purchase.
@@TECH360TV I would definitely challenge if you would be willing to spend the same amount of money on the same product with another brand name. Just be honest, LEICA is always charging a premium because of its brand value and the associated resale value. Just don't pretend its features and performance is worth every penny that it charges you.
Not sure if you watched the video to the end but I addressed the price of this camera. I’m not blind to the fact there are other cameras less expensive offering more in terms of tech. But for some, brand history, build quality and yes prestige have a value.
Obviously you have no ambition. I like the best in everything. I have owned 3 Mercedes brand new and they are worth every penny to me. I have 2 sonys now and I will be going up to Leica shortly but it will be expensive. I need to buy lenses as well as I am a professional. I get the money back in my work so I dont have to worry about the cost. if you just want to take cat photos then you are right. A phone will do.
@@travis8665 there's no such thing as 'best' in photography, which is an art form. If you value your work / tool solely based on its price tag, you obviously aren't possessing the talent as an artist. Go on with your mediocre client work and claim them "professional" as you wish. No one really cares about your work, honestly.
Leica sl series always pushed the limits of what is possible but this sl2s is just a downgrade compared to sony a1 and even fuji gf100s no longer leica has best evf on the market or atleast comparable. no longer they can even if they want shoot 8k no longer high resolution photos especially when the leica lenses are so great at resolving high MP details.. SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT. also those who are saying ohh leica colors blah blah...Then to those i will say fuji is not far off and if you take into consideration film simulations its actually better and ther is no comparison between 24mp vs 102mp.
So don’t buy it. It’s that simple. These comments crack me up!! I’m getting mine on tomorrow along with the Sigma 45 2.8. I have the Q2 and love it. I will see if the AF is improved even without the upcoming firmware updates. The feel and the handling of the SL2 is incredible, so lets see.
@@richardgorski23 look at me, I don’t. Lol. That’s why there are many brands to choose from and varied price ranges. Some people pay for blazing AF and I want simple, clean menu systems and well made products. If Sony which IMO makes the best camera tech had all the aforementioned specs tat are important to me, I would invest in a Sony FF camera system, whether it’s a $1000 camera or $5000.