Leica announces the Leica SL2-S
Leica has announced the latest version of the Leica SL2, the SL2-S. The new model, which adopts the familiar body of the original SL2, launched late last year, features a newly developed 24 Mp BSI-CMOS sensor for improved low-light performance, and likely higher dynamic range – though we’ll have to wait to see.
According to the specs provided by Leica, the SL2-S can capture both 4K DCI and UHD footage from the full width of the sensor, oversampled from 6K.
Here’s a summary of the new features, from Leica:
High-quality sensor
The core element of the Leica SL2-S is the newly developed BSI-CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 24 megapixels, designed to deliver the legendary Leica look for both photo and video. The data collected by the sensor is processed by the camera’s Maestro-III processor with a 4-gigabyte buffer memory. For the first time, this enables open-ended burst recordings at up to 9 frames per second, whereby the burst length in JPEG format is limited to the storage capacity of the installed memory cards.
Perfect for creative videographers
The SL2-S can perform exceptionally demanding video production tasks recording 4K at 10bit 4:2:2 and C4k at 10bit 4:2:2 video, combined with the superior Leica L-Log and integrated viewing LUTs (Look Up Tables) – which lets the user have full control throughout the recording and makes the compact Leica SL2-S a great alternative to bulkier film cameras. Another pro-level trait is the camera’s unlimited recording time for videos, which means that the video length is only limited by the respective (internal or external) memory. In the future, the camera will also support the highly efficient HEVC video compression standard for 10-bit recordings up to 4K/60p. This will allow videos to be split into one-minute segments, minimising the risk of data loss. Other enhancing features, such as the integrated waveform monitor and the automatic Follow Focus, will be added with the next firmware update – further enhancing the camera’s suitability for professional applications.
Optimal integration
The Leica SL2-S is the first SL model to enable direct tethered shooting with Capture One 21. This allows the user to fully control the camera remotely via the computer. In addition, the SL2-S can also be tethered to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic. A time-limited Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan is included when purchasing the camera.
Limitless compatibility
The camera’s L-Mount makes the Leica SL2-S fully compatible with not just the SL-System’s extensive lens portfolio, but also with 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. In addition, Leitz Cine lenses – which are highly coveted among filmmakers across the board – can also be adapted to the Leica SL2-S.
Image stabilisation
The Leica SL2-S features a suspended image sensor, which provides a highly efficient, multi-axis image stabilisation in connection with any Leica lens. This sensor-shift technology also facilitates multi-shot capturing, where eight shots are calculated 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 stabilisation – enables photographers to capture excellent images in almost all types of light.
The Leica SL2-S is on sale from today at Leica Stores and authorised Leica dealers at £3,975.00.
Pre-orders are open at the following retailers:
One Comment
Pingback: