Today at Das Wesentliche event in Berlin, Germany - Leica Camera AG has unveiled a camera we've been telling you about since as early as May of this year (2015). The Leica SL (Type 601) camera at $7,450 USD.
There are three lenses available for the camera at launch: Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH ($4,950 USD), APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4 and the Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH.
More lenses from the Leica stable can be utilized with the S-Adapter L, M-Adapter L ($348 USD) and the R-Adapter L.
There are also a wide variety of accessories for the Leica SL available, including the Leica Hand Strap S and Leica SL Multifunctional Handgrip.
Download the Leica SL (Typ 601) Instructions, Leica SL (Type 601) Technical Data brief, for a closer look at the specs - or take a look at the Leica SL (Typ 601) Brochure.
See our forum for a continuously updated list of reviews!
A vision of the future
The Leica SL-System marks the beginning of a new era of professional photography. As the first mirrorless system camera of its kind, it offers an impressive range of innovative features and sets entirely new standards with regard to versatility and handling – and rugged resilience.
It simultaneously offers maximum compatibility with the lenses of other Leica systems. Discover the future of photography – made in Germany. Discover the Leica SL-System.
Download the Leica SL Technical Data brief for a closer look at the specs.
| Technical Data | LEICA SL (Typ 601) |
| Lenses | |
| Lens Mount: | Leica L-Mount |
| Applicable lenses: | Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90 mm f/2.8–4 ASPH. Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8–4 Leica Summilux-SL 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lenses from the Leica T Camera System, Leica M-Lenses with Leica M-Adapter T, Leica S-Lenses with Leica S-Adapter L, Leica R-Lenses with Leica R-Adapter L and Leica Cine lenses with Leica PL-Adapter L. |
| Sensor | |
| Type: | 24-MP-CMOS-Sensor (24 x 36 mm) |
| Resolution: | Full Frame (24 MP): 6000 x 4000 Pixel, APS-C (10 MP): 3936 x 2624 Pixel |
| Filter: | IR-Filter, no Lowpass Filter |
| ISO: | ISO 50–ISO 50000 |
| Sensor Cleaning: | Provided |
| Processor | |
| Type: | Leica Maestro II series |
| Internal RAM: | 2 GB: 33 DNGs or 30 JPEGs and DNGs |
| Image | |
| Image Data Format: | JPEG, DNG |
| Colordepth: | 14 bit (DNG), 8 bit (JPEG) |
| JPEG: | Color Space Adobe RGB, ECI RGB, sRGB |
| Motion | |
| File Format: | MP4, MOV |
| Resolution: | 4K (4096 x 2160) @ 24 fps; 4K (3840 x 2160) @ 25 and 30 fps; 1080 @ 24, 25, 30, 50, 60, 100 and 120 fps; 720 @ 24, 25, 30, 50, 60, 100 and 120 fps |
| Bitrate: | 8 bit (recording); 10 bit (HDMI not recording) |
| Color sampling: | 4:2:2/10 bit (HDMI only); 4:2:0/8 bit (recording on SD card) |
| Video: | V-Log L gamma selectable |
| Audio: | Manual/Auto; Stereo microphone, 48 kHz, 16 bit; Wind elimination |
| Audio external via Audio-Adapter: | Audio-In (3.5 mm phone jack), Audio-Out (3.5 mm phone jack) |
| Movie Length: | Max. duration: 29 min, Max. size: 4 GB |
| EVF | |
| Resolution: | SXAG, 4.4 MP |
| Size: | 0.66″ |
| Eye Point: | 20 mm |
| Field of View: | 37° |
| Magnification: | x 0.80 (With 50 mm lens at infinity, −1 dpt) |
| Frame coverage: | 100 % |
| Diopter correction: | − 4 to +2 |
| Eye Sensor: | Yes |
| Live View: | Operating Modes: Video- and Photo-Live-View separated; Frame rate: up to 60 fps; Exposure simulation available, Optional information: Focus Peaking, Histogram, Clipping/Zebra, Level, Grid Overlay (3 x 3, 6 x 4), Aspect Ratio (1.33:1; 1.66:1; 1.78:1; 1.85:1; 2.35:1; 2.4:1), Safe Area (80 %; 90 %; 92.5 %; 95 %) |
| Storage: | SD 1 slot (UHS II) with maximum writing speed 100 MB/s, SD 2 slot (UHS I) with maximum writing speed 30 MB/s |
| Focussing | |
| Type: | Contrast AF |
| Focus Modes: | AF-S (focus priority), AF-C (shutter priority), MF, Touch-AF |
| AF Modes: | Static, Dynamic (tracking), Auto (face detection) |
| AF Size: | Point, Field, Zone (9 Fields) |
| AF Steps: | 37 or 49 Fields |
| AF Assist Lamp: | Built in |
| Exposure | |
| Exposure Modes: | Program Mode (P), Shutter speed priority mode (T), Aperture priority mode (A) and manual mode (M) |
| Exposure Metering Modes: | Center weighted, Multi zone, Spot |
| Exposure Compensation: | ±3 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 EV-steps |
| Exposure Bracketing: | 3/5/7 images in 1/2/3 aperture steps; additional direct JPEG-HDR |
| White Balance: | Preset Auto, Daylight 5200 K, Cloudy 6000 K, Shade 7000 K, Tungsten 3200 K, HMI 5600 K, Fluorescent warm 4000 K, Fluorescent cool 4500 K, Flash 5400 K, Greycard, Manual color temperature 2000 K to 11500 K |
| Shutter | |
| Type: | Focal plain shutter |
| Drive Modes: | Single, Continuous slow S (4 fps), Continuous medium M (7 fps), Continuous fast F (11 fps), Self timer 2 s, Self timer 12 s, Interval, Exposure Bracketing, Time exposures up to 30 min |
| Shutter speed: | 1/8000 s to 60 s, time exposures up to 30 min, Max. frame rate 11 fps, |
| Warranty: | 2 years or 200,000 releases |
| Flash | |
| Interface: | Standard X-jack, Hot shoe with Sync. and TTL-Mode contacts |
| X-Synchronization: | 1/250 s |
| Wi-Fi: | Built in, IEEE 802.11 b/g/n (2.5 GHz) |
| GPS: | Built in, Automatic time and date, Sensitivity < 1° |
| Power supply: | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, Nominal voltage 8.4 V, Capacity at least 1860 mAh; Lifetime per charge (CIPA): approx. 400 shoots; Charging time: approx. 180 min; Charger: 100–240 V 50/60 Hz 0.25 A with adapters |
| Touch Screen: | 2.95″ Touch Back light LED with Anti-fingerprint and Anti-scratch coating; 1.04 Mio. pixels; Format 3:2; View angle: 170°; Colors: 16 Million; Frame coverage: 100 % |
| Top Display: | 1.28″ highly reflective monochrome LCD; 128 x 128 dots; View angle 120°; Anti-fingerprint coating |
| Housing | |
| Material: | Milled Aluminium |
| Dust/Spray water sealing: | Provided |
| Interfaces: | USB 3.0 Micro Type B; HDMI Type A; Multi connector adapter for Audio-Out 3.5 mm/Audio-In 3.5 mm; Multi Connector cable release; ISO accessory shoe with center and control contacts for flash units; Standard X-jack; Multifunctional interface in baseplate for optional handgrip |
| Tripod threat: | A 1/4 DIN 4503 (1/4″) with anti-twist locking pin |
| Dimensions/Weight: | 147 x 104 x 39 mm (W x H x D)/ approx. 771/847 g (with/without battery) |
| Working conditions: | Approx. 0°– 40°C, max. 85 % humidity |
| Scope of delivery: | Camera body, Camera strap, Lens mount cap, Battery, Battery Charger with international adapter, USB 3.0-cable, Manual, Warranty Card, Leica Lens cleaning tissue |
| Software: | Remote Control (USB): Leica Image Shuttle SL; Remote Control (Wi-Fi): Leica SL app (Android/iOS) |
October 20, 2015 – The much anticipated mirrorless camera system designed for professional photographers is here. From legendary German camera maker Leica Camera comes the new Leica SL mirrorless system portfolio, once again ushering a new era of innovation in the photography world. The Leica SL’s autofocus – the fastest on the market – combined with its high-performance Maestro II series processor and expansive buffer memory, make it possible for photographers to capture images at speeds and resolutions never before attained. Even more ground-breaking, the exceptional compatibility of the Leica SL system allows access to almost every Leica lens ever made.
UNPARALELLED ADVANCES IN SPEED
Utilizing 2 GB of buffer memory, the processor makes it possible to capture 24-megapixel exposures at rates of up to 11 frames per second, 4K video at 24 or 30 frames per second, and Full-HD video up to 120 frames per second. Pictures can be quickly saved to one or both of the SD memory card slots, in JPEG and RAW DNG formats simultaneously. The primary card slot utilizes the UHS II standard to ensure the main card attains the highest speeds currently possible. The combination of outstanding imaging performance, superior resolution, and the fastest autofocus makes working with the Leica SL the ideal experience for the demands of professional photographers.
STRIKING CMOS SENSOR
The Leica SL’s 24-megapixel CMOS full-frame sensor guarantees impressive dynamic range, excellent contrast rendition, exceptional sharpness, the highest resolution, and noise-free images in almost all lighting conditions, with shutter speeds from 30 minutes to 1/8000 second. The sensor reveals its full potential in combination with Leica SL lenses, especially in available-light situations, creating superior-quality atmospheric exposures at sensitivities of up to 50,000 ISO. What also sets this sensor apart is that it is optimized for use with all Leica M-Lenses; in addition to supporting all their functions, it delivers the excellent picture quality synonymous with Leica for more than a century.
UNRIVALED VERSATILITY AND ADAPTABILITY
The Leica SL system’s new lenses will boast the superior optical and mechanical precision that users have come to expect from Leica. The ideal standard zoom lens in the portfolio, the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90 mm f/2.8–4 ASPH, encompasses wide-angle to moderate telephoto perspectives at fast apertures. The speedy Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8–4 will follow in early 2016, and the portfolio will be rounded out by the Leica Summilux-SL 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH, the new benchmark lens for this focal length, in late 2016.
The exceptional compatibility of the Leica SL system also allows access to almost every Leica lens ever made, giving photographers the ability to use all of the quality Leica lenses they have invested in over time. All lenses for the Leica T camera can be used without an adapter on the Leica SL. In addition, adapters allow Leica S, M and R system lenses, as well as lenses from other manufacturers, to be mounted on the Leica SL. Additional Leica SL Lenses are set to be released in 2016.
ADVANCED VIEWFINDER AND TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY
Developed especially for the Leica SL, the electronic viewfinder is the first of its kind to feature Leica EyeRes technology. With a refresh rate so high the view is always smooth and consistent, an impressive resolution of 4.4 megapixels for amazing detail, and a magnification reminiscent of a medium format camera, this electronic viewfinder reveals an entirely new visual experience. By offering a preview of how the settings will apply with just a partial press of the shutter release, the viewfinder provides optimum control over the final picture in any situation. The EyeRes viewfinder is activated simply by looking through it. In addition, the Leica SL also features a 2.95-inch rear display with a viewing angle of up to 170 degrees that enables reliable viewing of pictures and intuitive touchscreen menu navigation.
PROFESSIONAL VIDEO IN CINEMATIC RESOLUTION
Much more than a still-picture camera with video-recording capability, the Leica SL fulfils the most stringent demands of professional cinematographers, enabling the production of professional videos in 4K resolution. Videos can be recorded in Ultra-HD at up to 30 frames per second, or in Cine4K at 24 frames per second. In Full-HD, the Leica SL can record video up to 120 frames per second, using the entire sensor area, for beautiful and smooth slow-motion effects.
The Leica SL’s logical and intuitive handling allows seamless switchover from stills to motion-picture recording. As soon as the camera is in video mode, the display shows only relevant information for video, such as safe area, aspect ratio, zebra function and the recording level of the microphone. An optional audio adapter allows users to connect an external microphone; the audio-recording level can be set without accessing the menu. Videos can be output in 4:2:2 10-bit format in 4K resolution over HDMI 1.4, allowing cinematographers to get the highest color and video quality and control needed from the camera.
BUILT FOR DURABILITY
The “Made in Germany” seal of quality for the Leica SL system guarantees that only the finest materials and craftsmanship are used in its construction. The SL’s solid-aluminium body components, and precisely engineered weather-resistant seals around controls and in the lenses, provide optimum protection against dust, moisture and splashes. Meanwhile integrated ultrasonic sensor cleaning removes dust and dirt, preventing them from showing up in images. The glass covering the back panel display is extremely scratch-resistant and features an anti-glare coating. All these properties make the camera an ideal tool for use in the unpredictable conditions professional photographers face.
The Leica SL (Type 601) body (SRP: $7,450) and Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90 mm f/2.8–4 ASPH zoom lens (SRP: $4,950) will be available beginning November 16 at your local Leica Store, Leica Boutique or Leica Dealer. Additional Leica SL lenses and accessories are set to be released throughout 2016; the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 1:2, 8-4/90-280mm ASPH will be available in Q2, and the Leica Summilux-SL 1:1, 4/50mm ASPH will be available Q4.
About Leica Camera
Passion for creating perfect pictures. Leica represents a union of craftsmanship, design and experience. It is a beautiful collision of art and engineering, and the future of form and functionality. Leica Camera is an internationally operating, premium-segment manufacturer of cameras and sport optics products. The legendary status of the Leica brand is founded on a long tradition of excellence in the supreme quality and performance of cameras and lenses, and the iconic images that artists and photojournalists everywhere captured with them. Leica Camera AG is headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany. For more information about Leica visit www.leica-camera.com, or follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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