Mixing Leica's traditional aesthetic with contemporary, hybrid
functionality, the SL2-S is a well-rounded full-frame mirrorless camera
with apt photo and video capabilities. Revolving around Leica's first
BSI CMOS sensor, the 24.6MP sensor offers DCI/UHD 4K 10-bit video
recording, broad sensitivity from ISO 50-100,000, and vivid image
quality with low noise. The sensor is complemented by the refined
Maestro III image processor, which avails high-speed performance and
versatility throughout the camera system. Full-res DNG continuous
shooting at up to 25 fps is possible along with 4K video at up to 60p or
Full HD at up to 180 fps. And, emphasizing the hybrid ethos, Leica has
also implemented separate Photo and Video menu systems for more
intuitive navigation and settings control when working in either mode.
Complementing
both photo and video applications, a 5-axis sensor-shift image
stabilization system minimizes the appearance of camera shake for
sharper handheld shooting. Also, the sensor's design incorporates a
Leica Object Detection AF system, which uses 225 selectable AF areas for
fast and accurate performance. Beyond updated imaging, the SL2-S also
features durable, weather-sealed body design that includes a 5.76m-dot
EyeRes OLED EVF and a large 3.2" 2.1m-dot touchscreen LCD. A top status
LCD is also featured for quick recognition of shooting settings and dual
UHS-II-compatible SD memory card slots offer file-saving flexibility.
Additionally, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work in conjunction with the
Leica FOTOs app for wireless file transferring and remote camera
control.
Featuring a highly versatile full-frame 24.6MP BSI CMOS sensor, the
SL2-S has apt imaging capabilities for both stills and video
applications. Coupled with the Maestro III image processor, fast
performance is ensured along with a wide ISO 50-100,000 sensitivity
range. The sensor's BSI design also promotes especially clean and smooth
color and tonal rendering, along with reduced noise when working at
higher ISO settings. The sensor's design also omits a low-pass filter in
order to maintain the highest degree of sharpness and resolution.
Additionally, beyond sheer image quality, the processing power affords
quick continuous shooting, up to 25 fps with an electronic shutter or 9
fps with a mechanical shutter, and a 4GB buffer enables near limitless
burst shooting of full-resolution DNG or JPEG files.
An immensely capable video camera, the SL2-S offers both DCI and UHD 4K
recording at up to 60p using either the full-frame sensor area or an
APS-C/Super 35mm crop. Internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording is supported for
frame rates up to 30p, and 60p is available at 8-bit 4:2:0. When
recording externally via the full-size HDMI port, 10-bit output is
available at all frame rates for DCI and UHD 4K. Full HD recording is
also supported with high-speed frame rates up to 180 fps for slow-motion
playback. Additionally, there is no imposed recording limit at any
resolution or frame rate, allowing for extended recording times.
Complementing
the video quality, a dedicated Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) mode and L-Log
gamma profile can be used to for in-camera HDR output or for expand
highlight and shadow detail and greater flexibility when color grading
during post-production. There are also integrated viewing LUTs for
improved color control and accuracy. Video recording can be split into
1-minute segments to avoid data loss, and a color bar provides reference
for correct color grading and sound control in postproduction.
Additionally, benefitting audio quality, support for an external
microphone and headphones are also available via dedicated 3.5mm jacks.
Video recording can be split into 1-minute segments to avoid data loss.
Helping to achieve the utmost sharpness when photographing handheld,
5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization compensates for a broad range of
movement types to render sharper, clearer imagery. Using sensor-shift
stabilization technology, the SL2-S also features a Multishot mode to
capture and compile eight separate exposure to create a single 96MP
file. Suitable for static subjects and when working on a tripod, this
mode creates a more highly detailed and color accurate image than a
single shot alone can produce and produces an image with a 12000 x
8000-pixel resolution. For accelerated autofocus performance, a Leica
Object Detection AF system quickly calculates the distance to subjects
and adjusts the focusing position with sensor and lens communication
occurring at rates up to 480 fps. This contrast-detection type focus
method benefits both still and video recording modes, as well as subject
tracking applications through the use of a Body Detection mode. It also
features 225 selectable AF areas, which provide excellent control over
where the camera will focus, and Automatic Follow Focus offers three
focus points for automatic focus shift during video recording.
