The full textured wrap gives it a warmer feel and really ties the overall look together. There is a finesse to the body lines that make it seem thinner and less blocky. The new grip no longer feels thick and bulky. Even though the ultimate dimensions of the SL2 are very close, if not a hair smaller than the SL, it feels and looks considerably smaller in your hand. There is no longer a small bump on the left side, and the geometry of the viewfinder is more reminiscent of the older Leica 35mm SLR bodies.Īll of these seemingly cosmetic changes do have a purpose, though. The aluminum top plate has been changed to have a much cleaner and more traditional Lecia feel. The grip itself now has an ergonomic indent that makes holding it much more comfortable. The main body section is completely wrapped in a leatherette material, similar to how the grip was on the SL. The body is now split into three parts, made up of an anodized aluminum top and bottom plate, while the main body is machined magnesium. With this in mind, they adopted several traditional characteristics, like the three-part body split and changed the geometry of the top cap. That was something Leica sought to change in their redesign, looking to cameras like the Leicaflex and R3/R4 bodies for inspiration. One of my complaints with the original SL was its overall looks it didn't seem like a Leica. Build QualityĪt first glance, the SL2 looks very similar to the SL, but it has undergone a complete redesign both externally and within. The Leica SL2 will be available beginning November 21, 2019, at a retail price of $5,995. Like the previous SL, it is weather-sealed, to which I can attest to having used it in the rain multiple times with no concern. It has dual SD slots that accept UHS-II cards. It has built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and works with the Leica Fotos mobile app. Also, as part of the L-Mount Alliance, you can now use many of the lenses made by Sigma and Panasonic, creating a considerably large ecosystem for the SL2.Īdditionally, there is a new, upgraded EyeRes OLED EVF at 5.76 MP and a larger 3.2” Gorilla glass touchscreen LCD display. But it also includes use with Leica TL, M, S, R, and their many Cine mount lenses, totaling more than 170 compatible choices. The SL2 continues the use of the L mount flange and the eight newer lenses, five primes, and three zooms, that Leica has released since the original SL. This is an improvement over the lens only stabilization on the SL and also adds stabilization to any lens that doesn't have it already. A new 5-axis image stabilization has been included, using sensor shift technology. Raw files have a bit depth of 14 bits and an ISO sensitivity up to 50,000. There is a new Leica Maestro III image processor with a 4 GB buffer, capable of 20 fps burst capture up to 78 raw DNG files. Right away, one of the biggest improvements is the move to a 47.3-megapixel CMOS sensor over the old 24 MP one. Meanwhile, we will keep our eyes peeled for developments as a 4/3 Rumors update mentions their sources confirming the new Panasonic-made, Leica-branded full-frame camera.Before we get to my impressions, let's break down the technical specs. It seems to be a profitable setup for both parties that won’t be cut off anytime soon. The upcoming full frame camera is the latest proof of this curious relationship between Leica and Panasonic. Examples we’ve reported in the past include the Leica Summilux 15mm f1.7, Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-16mm 2.8 – 4 ASPH, and Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-16mm 2.8 – 4 ASPH (see and find out more about the full Lumix Leica DG line of lenses here.) Panasonic LX-5. It’s not just cameras, though. In some rare cases, the Leica versions are actually the cheaper or better choices, as we’ve found years ago with the Leica D-LUX 5 vs. It has long been the general consensus that Leica has been simply making minor tweaks on Panasonic cameras and with those tweaks comes the premium Leica price tag. If you’re just joining the party and this is the first time you’re hearing of Panasonic-made Leica goodies, allow us to fill in the details. Japan-based digital photography rumors website Nokishita confirms this with a list of unpublished registrations. It includes a camera by Leica, which will have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and the same parts from Panasonic’s Lumix TX2 and Lumix GX9 (called GX7 Mark III in Japan). If you’ve been following some of Leica’s releases, you most likely won’t be surprised to find out that it will be made of Panasonic guts. Panasonic seems to enjoy making cameras for Leica on the side, since they sell better with the Leica branding anywayĪccording to a recent 4/3 Rumors post, Leica is on its way to announcing a new full frame mirrorless camera, said to be a new Leica SL.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |