Leica SL2 Camera Review

Product: Brand Name: Leica
Product: description: high-end mirrorless camera
Product: image url: https://static.photocdn.pt/images/articles/2023/05/03/Leica_SL2_Camera_Review_Overview.webp
Product: title: Leica SL2
Article: main image URL: https://static.photocdn.pt/images/articles/2023/05/03/Leica_SL2_Camera_Review.webp
Article: description: In this Leica SL2 camera review, we’ll dive deep into the camera’s specs, features, and amenities. We’ll also explore compatible lenses so you can outfit yourself with a complete system!
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The Leica SL2 is no ordinary mirrorless camera, and if you are considering investing in one, you have come to the right place! 

In this Leica SL2 camera review, we’ll break down the camera's photos and video specs, tell you who will benefit from shooting with it, share our favorite Leica lenses, and more. Moreover, thanks to innovative online platforms like MPB, buying a pre-owned Leica SL2 has never been cheaper and easier than it is today. 

MPB is a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling pre-owned photo and video gear at unbeatable prices. All their cameras and lenses are meticulously hand-inspected by professional product specialists and backed by six-month warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.

We’ve been using MPBs online marketplace to buy, sell, and trade in camera equipment for years, and they are our go-to platform for all things photography related. That’s why we are stoked to give them a well-deserved shout-out today. With that said, it’s time to dive in and discover whether or not the Leica SL2 is a good fit for you and your needs in 2023!

Check out the video above by Matt Day to learn more about the do-it-all Leica SL2 and to see real-world photos and videos shot on it. 

Table of Contents

Leica SL2 Camera Review: Overview

The Leica SL2 is a high-end mirrorless camera that debuted in 2019. It’s the company's second SL mirrorless camera, following the original Leica SL. The signature specs of this camera are its super high-resolution 47.3-megapixel full-frame image sensor and the all-new Maestro III image processor.

The sensor provides gorgeous photos and videos, while the processor improves the camera's overall speed and performance. The pair also works together to unlock advanced features like 5K video and Object Detection autofocus (AF).

Additionally, the camera body’s design and handling have received rave reviews from professionals and beginners alike. Notable design features include a large 3.2” touchscreen LCD, a top LCD, an “EyeRes” electronic viewfinder (EVF), multiple control dials, a handful of customizable buttons, and a fully-weather-sealed body. 

Now, here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of the Leica SL2:  

  • Camera Type: Mirrorless
  • Sensor: 47.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • ISO: 100 - 50,000 (expandable to 50 - 50,500)
  • Lens Mount: Leica L Mount
  • Speed: 20.0 fps
  • Autofocus: 225 focus points
  • Video: 5K/30p, 4K/60p & 1080p/180p
  • Size/Weight: 146 x 107 x 42 mm / 835 grams
  • Battery Life: 370 shots
  • Stabilization: Yes
  • Touchscreen: Yes
  • Pre-Owned Leica SL2 Price: $3,949 - $4,749

Leica SL2 Camera Review: Imaging Capabilities

Let’s start with the giant (high-resolution) elephant in the room. The 47.3MP sensor of the Leica SL2! Very few cameras match the resolution and pixel count of the SL2, and the few that can usually are photography-first cameras like medium format cameras or the Sony Alpha a7R V. However, the SL2 is a hybrid camera jam-packed with both professional photo and video specs. 

Beginners can capture JPEGs with bold, natural-looking colors, and professionals can shoot RAW files ideal for editing. RAW images have insane detail retention, industry-leading dynamic range, and 14 bits per RGB color depth. On top of that, the Maestro III image processor works hard to eliminate noise (even at high ISO levels), boosting low-light performance.

Other imaging features include 20 frames per second burst shooting, built-in Wi-Fi, and the omission of a low-pass filter. The fast continuous shooting makes the SL2 an excellent camera for wildlife, sports, and action photography. Wi-Fi allows you to instantly send photos to your mobile devices. And ditching the low-pass filter improves sharpness and image quality. 

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Leica SL2 Camera Review: Video Capabilities

The impressive video capabilities make the Leica SL2 a great camera for videographers, YouTubers, vloggers, filmmakers, cinematographers, and anyone else who likes to record video. It has 5K, 4K, and 1080p Full HD video resolutions. 5K peaks at 30p, 4K at 60p, and 1080p goes all the way up to 180p! 

We recommend most people stick with 4K, but if you are a professional, the stunning 5K video is an awesome tool to have at your disposal. And since 5K files take up a ton of space, you will be thrilled to hear that the SL2 now boasts dual SD card slots. Shooting at 1080p/120p creates slow-motion video, while 1080p/180p results in epic super-slow-motion clips. 

The built-in headphone/microphone jack and in-body image stabilization (IBIS) are two more features you will love. The audio ports give you more precision and control over the audio quality of your videos, and the IBIS significantly enhances handheld video shooting. One downside of the Leica SL2 is it has a 29-minute recording limit. 

Recommended Lenses for the Leica SL2

Here’s a quick list of the best Leica L Mount lenses for photo and video to use with the Leica SL2. 

Final Thoughts on the Leica SL2

Leica is a luxury camera company that has produced premium camera equipment for over 100 years. And while the Leica SL2 is our top-rated Leica mirrorless camera on sale today, you can’t go wrong with any of them. 

Check out the list below to see all the current Leica SL and Leica TL mirrorless cameras on the market. Lucky for you, all of them are in stock now at MPB! 

Learn More: