Quick Overview:
Introducing the new Leica SL2-S, the perfect solution for anyone seeking outstanding imaging performance in both photography and video production from Leica. With its new 24 megapixel CMOS-BSI sensor and two separate recording modes for photos and videos, the Leica SL2-S offers the best of both mediums in one all-metal, state-of-the-art body built for long-term durability.
The Leica SL2-S expands the multi-faceted SL-System with a versatile full-frame camera that serves as the ideal option for creatives who seek the Leica Look in both still and motion pictures. With its high-speed shooting at continuous burst rates up to 25 frames per second at full resolution and its pro-level cinema capabilities encompassing 10-bit 4K and Cine4K video with no recording length limits, the SL2-S is the ideal choice to capture brilliant photographs and cinematic videos through an intuitive camera that is built to last.
FEATURES AT A GLANCE
- New Autofocus algorithm for improved eye/face/head/body recognition and focus tracking
- Internal 10 Bit 4K/60p & 50p with HEVC video compression (h.265)
- Long-GOP recording for 10 Bit codecs with 150 – 200 MB/s (same Image Quality as All-Intra, less than half of data volume)
- Segmented Video (1 minute segments to avoid data loss)
- Individual Viewing-LUT upload function
- Enhanced Live View for better low light image composition control
- Image Overlay. Allows alignment of the camera position on basis of a previous taken image, that is displayed
in a transparent mode in the EVF or on the LCD. - Automatic Follow Focus operation
- Wave form monitor for professional exposure control
- Color bar with audio signal as reference for correct color grading and sound control in postproduction
- Time Code input
- Tally Mode
High-Quality Sensor
The core element of the Leica SL2-S is the newly developed backside-illuminated CMOS full-frame image sensor with a resolution of 24 megapixels. The data collected by the sensor is quickly processed by the camera’s Maestro-III processor in conjunction with the generous, 4-gigabyte buffer memory. This, for the first time, enables endless continuous shooting at up to 9 frames per second, where the burst length in JPEG format is only limited by the capacity the memory cards in the camera’s dual UHS-II card slots.
Image Stabilization
The Leica SL2-S features a stabilized image sensor, which provides a highly efficient, multi-axis image stabilization to be used with any Leica lens mounted to the body for a steadier shot yielding sharper results choosing slower shutter speeds. This sensor-shift technology also enables multi-shot capturing, automatically combining eight shots into one image with a fourfold resolution of 96 megapixels. The high sensitivity of up to ISO 100,000 – combined with the fast autofocus and in-body image stabilization – enables photographers to capture excellent images in all kinds of environments and even the dimmest of light.
Optimal Integration
The Leica SL2-S is the first SL model to enable direct tethered shooting with Capture One 21. This gives users the option of full remote control of the camera via the computer through the chosen software of many professional photographers and digital techs. In addition, the SL2-S can also be tethered to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic for seamless integration to Adobe’s widely popular photographic workflow application. An extended 90-day trial of the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan is included when purchasing the camera. The Leica SL2-S shares many core attributes as its sibling model, the Leica SL2, such as the unique operating concept and high-resolution Leica EyeRes® viewfinder and utilizes the SL2’s full accessory range. The equally robust, all-metal SL2-S also features weather sealing with a certified IP54 rating against dust and spray water, endless shooting and video recording without overheating and is produced in Germany to the highest quality standards.
Perfect For Creative Videographers
The Leica SL2-S provides not just photographers but also videographers and cinematographers with outstanding possibilities which are continuously optimized via the firmware updates released for SL-System cameras on an ongoing basis. The Leica SL2-S captures 10-bit 4:2:2 videos with Leica’s L-LOG gamma profile, at frame rates of up to 60 fps, ensuring the best quality color reproduction and sharpest results. Thanks to the integrated viewing LUTs (lookup tables), the user will have full control for optimal color quality and post-processing grading throughout the recording. Another pro-level trait is the camera’s unlimited video recording time, meaning the video length is only limited by the SD card or external storage capacity.
Through future firmware developments, the camera will also support the highly efficient HEVC video compression standard for internal 10-bit recordings up to 4K/60p directly to the SD card. This will also allow videos to be split into one-minute segments to minimize the risk of data loss. Other enhanced features, such as an integrated waveform monitor and automatic Follow Focus, will be added with the next firmware update further enhancing the camera’s suitability for professional applications and long-term use.
Limitless Compatibility
Being equipped with the L-Mount makes the Leica SL2-S fully compatible with not just the SL-System’s extensive lens portfolio but also with APS-C TL-Lenses and via adapter, lenses from the Leica M, R, and S-System. The L-Mount Alliance provides SL2-S owners with access to over 40 autofocus lenses from Leica and alliance partners. In addition, Leitz Cine lenses – which are highly coveted among filmmakers around the world – can also be adapted to the Leica SL2-S.
The Complete Dual-Purpose Package
All the new features of the Leica SL2-S along with its established and well-regarded inherited qualities stemming from the Leica SL2 make this camera the perfect all-rounder for still photography and cinematic videography. The latest developments and technical innovations combine seamlessly with the unique build, design, and user interface making the SL2-S the fastest and most widely capable camera from Leica.
Camera type
Mirrorless full-frame system camera
Buffer memory
4 GB DNGTM: > 999 recordings JPG: > 999 recordings
Storage medium
UHS-II (recommended), UHS-I, SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card
Material
Full-metal housing made of aluminum and magnesium, leatherette, cover, splash-water protected in compliance with IEC standard 60529 (protection type IP54).
Lens mount
Leica L bayonet with contact strip for communication between lens and camera
Operating conditions
-10 to +40°C
Interfaces
ISO accessory shoe with additional control contacts, HDMI jack 2.0b Type A, USB 3.1 Gen1 Type C, Audio-Out 3.5 mm/ Audio-In 3.5 mm, communication interface in the base cover for multifunction hand grip
Tripod thread
A 1⁄4 DIN 4503 (1⁄4”) with stainless steel in the base
Dimensions (WxHxD)
146 x 107 x 83 mm
Weight
approx. 850 g (without battery), approx. 931 g (with battery)
Sensor size
CMOS sensor, pixel pitch: 5.94 μm / Fullframe (24.6 MP): 6072 x 4056 pixels / APS-C (10.6 MP): 3984 x 2656 pixels
Image Stabilization
5 axis Body Image Stabilization. Camera stabilizes up to 5.5 stops.
Filter
RGB color filter, UV/IR filter, no low-pass filter
Processor
Leica Maestro series (Maestro III)
File formats
Photo: DNGTM (raw data), DNG + JPG, JPG (DCF, Exif 2.31)
Video: MP4: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC (Audio Format: 2ch 48 kHz/16 bit, AAC), MOV: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC (Audio Format:2ch 48 kHz/16 bit, LPCM)
Picture resolution
DNGTM: 6000 x 4000 pixels (24 MP), JPG: 6000 x 4000 pixels (24 MP), 4272 x 2848 pixels (12.2 MP), 2976 x 1984 pixels (5.9 MP)
APS-C: DNG: 3963 x 2624 pixels (10.3 MP), JPG: 3963 x 2624 pixels (10.3MP), 2736 x 1824 pixels (5 MP), 1920 x 1280 pixels (2.5MP)
Color depth
DNGTM: 14 bit, 12 Bit (super high continuous shooting), JPG: 8 bit
Color space
Picture: sRGB,
Video: Rec. 709/Rec. 2020 (HLG/L-Log)
File size
DNGTM: approx. 44 MB, JPG: depending on resolution and image content.
Video: unlimited, max. file size: 96 GB
Recording Mode Video
Video mode: P - A - S – M / Cine mode: M
Video resolution
35 mm - C4K (17:9) 4096x2160 pixels (Sensor range: 6000 x 3168 pixels)
35 mm - 4K (16:9) 3840x2160 pixels (Sensor range: 6000 x 3368 pixels)
35 mm - Full HD (16:9) 1920x1080 pixels (Sensor range: 6000 x 3368 pixels)
APS-C - C4K (17:9) 4096x2160 pixels (Sensor range: 4128 x 2176 pixels)
APS-C - 4K (16:9) 3840x2160 pixels (Sensor range: 3984 x 2240 pixels)
APS-C - Full HD 1920x1080 pixels (Sensor range: 3984 x 2240 pixels)
Video frame rate
MOV C4K: 59,94 B/s, 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD), 4:2:2 / 10 Bit (HDMI), APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 150Mbps
MOV C4K: 50 B/s, 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD), 4:2:2 / 10 Bit (HDMI), APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 150Mbps
MOV C4K: 29,97 B/s, 4:2:2 / 10 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, ALL-I, 400Mbps
MOV C4K: 25 B/s, 4:2:2 / 10 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, ALL-I, 400Mbps
MOV C4K: 24 B/s, 4:2:2 / 10 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, ALL-I, 400 Mbps
MOV 4K: 59,94 B/s, 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD), 4:2:2 / 10 Bit (HDMI), APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 150 Mbps
MOV 4K:50 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD), 4:2:2 / 10 Bit (HDMI), APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 150 Mbps
MOV 4K:29,97 B/s 4:2:2 / 10 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, ALL-I, 400 Mbps
MOV 4K:25 B/s 4:2:2 / 10 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, ALL-I, 400 Mbps
MOV 4K:23,98 B/s 4:2:2 / 10 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, ALL-I, 400 Mbps
MOV FHD: 180 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 20 Mbps
MOV FHD:150 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 20 Mbps
MOV FHD:120 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 20 Mbps
MOV FHD:100 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 20 Mbps
MOV FHD:59,94 B/s 4:2:2 / 10 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, ALL-I, 200 Mbps
MOV FHD:50 B/s 4:2:2 / 10 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, ALL-I, 200 Mbps
MOV FHD:29,97 B/s 4:2:2 / 10 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, ALL-I, 200 Mbps
MOV FHD:25 B/s 4:2:2 / 10 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, ALL-I, 200 Mbps
MOV FHD:23,98 B/s 4:2:2 / 10 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, ALL-I, 200 Mbps
MP4 4K: 59,94 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 150Mbps
MP4 4K: 50 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 150Mbps
MP4 4K: 29,97 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 100 Mbps
MP4 4K: 25 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 100 Mbps
MP4 4K: 23,98 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 100 Mbps
MP4 FHD: 180 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 20 Mbps
MP4 FHD:150 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 20 Mbps
MP4 FHD:120 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 20 Mbps
MP4 FHD:100 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 20 Mbps
MP4 FHD:59,94 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 28 Mbps
MP4 FHD:50 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 28 Mbps
MP4 FHD:29,97 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 20 Mbps
MP4 FHD:25 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 20 Mbps
MP4 FHD:23,98 B/s 4:2:0 / 8 Bit (SD & HDMI), 35mm & APS-C, H.264, Long GOP, 24 Mbps
Bit Rate
8/10 bit for recordings on SD card, 10 bit via HDMI output
Video Gamma
Rec. 709, L-Log Rec. 2020, HLG Rec. 2020
Viewfinder (EVF)
Resolution: 5,760,000 dots, 120 fps, magnification: 0.78x, aspect ratio: 4:3, frame coverage: 100%, exit pupil position: 21 mm, setting range +2/-4 diopters, with eye sensor for automatic switchover between viewfinder and LCD panel, time delay 0.005 s
LCD panel
3.2“ (backlight LED) with anti-fingerprint and anti-scratch coating, 2,100,000 pixels (dots), format 3:2, touch control available
Top display
1.28“ highly reflective trans-reflective monochrome LCD, 128 x 128 pixels, viewing angle 120°; anti-fingerprint coating
Shutter type
Electronically controlled focal plane shutter/electronic shutter
Shutter speeds
Mech. shutter: bulb, 30 min to 1⁄8000 s / Electr. shutter function: 60 s to 1⁄16000 s / Flash Synch: up to 1/250 s
Shutter button
Two-stage (1st stage: Activation of the camera electronics including autofocus and exposure metering, 2nd stage: Taking the picture)
Self-timer
Delay time: 2 s or 12 s
Single Continuous Low Speed (2 fps)
Continuous Medium Speed (5 fps)
Continuous High Speed (9 fps without AFc/AE/WB)
Continuous Super Speed (25 fps with electr. shutter function without AFc/AE/WB)
Multishot
Generates 2 DNGs: 1x 24 MP, 1x 96 MP (8 pictures are combined into one high-res image)
Focus Mode
Automatic (Autofocus in modes iAF/AFs/AFc/Touch AF) or manual. With manual setting: Auto Magnification and Focus Peaking optionally available as focus aids
Autofocus system
Based on contrast metering and depth mapping
Autofocus modes
Smart AF (autonomously selects AFs and AFc), AFs (picture taken only after successful focusing), AFc (picture can be taken at any time), AF setting can be saved
Autofocus Metering Methods
Spot (can be shifted), Field (can be shifted), Multi-Field, Zone (can be shifted), Face detection, object Tracking, optional Touch AF
Autofocus Metering Fields
225
Exposure metering
TTL (‚Through The Lens‘ exposure metering)
Exposure Metering Methods
Spot, Center-Weighted, Multi-Field
Exposure modes
Automatic program (P), Aperture priority (A): manual aperture setting, Shutter priority mode (S): manual shutter speed setting Manual (M): manual setting for shutter speed and aperture
Exposure Compensation
±3 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments or 1/2 EV increments
Automatic bracketing
3 or 5 exposures, up to ±3 EV, in 1⁄3 EV increments Shift function: up to ±3 EV
ISO sensitivity range
Auto ISO: ISO 100 to ISO 100000
Manual: ISO 50 to ISO 100000
White balance
Automatic (Auto), Daylight 5200 K, Cloudy 6000 K, Shadow 7000 K, Tungsten 3200 K, HMI 5600 K, Fluorescent Warm 4000 K, Fluorescent Cold 4500 K, Flash 5400 K, Gray Card Live View, Gray Card, Color Temperature 2000 K to 11500 K
Flash unit connector
About the accessory shoe
Flash sync time
flash: 1⁄250 s, slower shutter speeds available, automatic changeover to TTL linear flash mode with HSS-compatible Leica flash units if sync time is undercut
Flash exposure metering
Using center-weighted TTL pre-flash metering with Leica flash units (SF 26, 40, 58, 60, 64) or with system-compatible flash units, flash remote control SF C1
Flash exposure compen- sation
SF 40: ±2 EV in 1⁄2 EV increments
SF 60: ±2 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments
Microphone
Stereo internal + microphone input 3.5 mm stereo jack + power supply voltage (approx. 2.5 V)
Speaker
Mono internal + headphones output 3.5 mm stereo jack
WLAN
The Leica FOTOS app is required to use the WLAN function. The Leica app is available from the Apple App StoreTM or the Google Play StoreTM. Compliant with Wi-Fi IEEE802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz, channel 1-11 (2412-2462 MHz) and Wi-Fi IEEE802.11ac, 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz, channel 39-48 (5180-5240 MHz), channel 52-64 (5260-5320 MHz), channel 100-140 (5500-5700 MHz) (standard WLAN protocol), encryption method: WLAN-compatible WPATM/WPA2TM
Bluetooth
Bluetooth v4.2 (Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)), 2402 to 2480 MHz
Menu languages
English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean
Rechargeable battery (Leica BP-SCL4)
Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, rated voltage: 7.2 V (DC); capacity: 1860 mAh (min.); charging time: approx. 140 min (after deep discharge); manufacturer: Panasonic Energy (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Made in China Approx. 510 shots (according to CIPA standard, with auto power-off 10s), approx. 1430 shots (according to CIPA stan- dard, adjusted shooting cycle*, with auto power-off 5s) *Alternating: switch on, one exposure every 3s, switch off after 10 exposures, 5min waiting time; switch on, one exposu- re every 3s, switch off after 50 exposures, 5min waiting time
USB Power Supply
USB charger function in standby mode or when switched off, USB power supply when switched on
Charger (Leica BC-SCL4)
Input: AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.25 A, automatic switchover; Output: DC 8.4 V 0.85 A; Manufacturer: Salom Electric (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., Made in China
