photo by Pakorn_Khantiyaporn via iStock
The Leica SL Typ 601 is a high-end mirrorless camera with classic Leica aesthetics. This camera features a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor, an almost shockingly incredible electronic viewfinder with 4.4 million dots, and the best AF system I’ve ever shot with.
But, to expect anything less than perfection by Leica would be foolish.
Of course, a high-end camera comes at a high-end price point. But, to own one of the most unique cameras on the market is invaluable.
You’ll learn everything else there is to love about this camera in our Leica SL Typ 601 review.
Leica SL Typ 601 Specs
Other than the incredible Leica SL Typ 601 specs we already mentioned, this camera has great low-light shooting, a weather-sealed body, and 4K video.
It also boasts a 400-shot battery life, which is impressive for a camera with the capabilities this one has.
Leica SL Typ 601 Specs:
- 24MP CMOS sensor
- ISO range of 50-50,000
- EVF with 4.4M dots
- 11fps burst mode
- In-lens image stabilization
- 529-point AF system
- 4K video capabilities
- 2.95” 104M-dot touchscreen
- 400-shot battery life
- Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities
- 1.86 lbs
- Solid aluminum body
Recommended Photography Books
- National Geographic Photo Basics: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Great Photography
- Photography: The Definitive Visual History
- Read This if You Want to Take Great Photographs
Leica SL Typ 601 Body & Design
As with most Leica products, the Leica SL Typ 601 is made from solid aluminum and features easy to learn settings.
There are twin control dials and a joystick, as well as 8 customizable buttons, on the body. None of them are labeled to allow you to create whatever camera you want.
One problem with the design of this camera is that the joystick is a little touchy, so you may accidentally move the AF zone without meaning to, which I’ve done a few times.
I also can’t not mention the EVF in this section because it is the best EVF to ever hit the mirrorless market.
Typically, I don’t do eye-level shooting with mirrorless cameras, but the Leica SL Typ 601 would be offended if you didn’t use its EVF.
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Leica SL Typ 601 Build & Handling
Despite the fact that this mirrorless acts much more like a DSLR with any of the 3 native lenses Leica built for it, it is still easy to handle.
The Leica SL Typ 601 features what some call a “heavy-duty grip,” which is another way of saying Leica knows you don’t want to drop this camera.
It’s basically entirely covered in a rubberized grip to make sure you don’t.
The weather-proofing on its body is also superb, so you know you won’t ruin your camera during an unforeseen storm.
The top of the camera features a 1.3” monochrome LCD that allows you to change your settings quickly during a shoot, which is very helpful.
This LCD is just another reason why this camera is a blast to shoot with.
All in all, if I had to pick just one camera to shoot with for the rest of my life, it may just be the Leica SL Typ 601 for its rugged, take-anywhere handling.
Leica SL Typ 601 Video Performance
As can be seen in this video by Cinema 5D, this Leica features 4K video that is both sharp and flat. While I’m not sure whether Cinema 5D was using the L-Log gamma profile for the above video, it is available and it is excellent.
Mathieu Gasquet provides another look at the 4K video by the Leica SL Typ 601 above. It’s important to keep in mind that you can shoot this footage at 24p or 30p, and you can play around with some of the fun video extras like focus peaking.
Leica SL Typ 601 Price
Although this camera is 5 years old, it was originally released at $7,000, so if you want this camera new it is still going to cost you $4,000.
However, for the smart spenders out there, you can get a Leica SL Typ 601 used for just $2,500 at MPB.
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