Leica CL
Announced November 21, 2017
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Mediocre
The Leica CL is a compact, well-built mirrorless camera that offers impressive image quality and a straightforward, minimalist user experience. While it excels as a portable everyday companion, it remains a premium-priced option that lacks modern features like in-body stabilization, weather sealing, and versatile connectivity ports.
Weighted from 28 reviewer scores
Pros
- Solid, premium build quality that feels compact and portable
- Excellent image quality with sharp detail and rich colors
- Intuitive, minimalist control layout and menu system
- Fast and accurate autofocus performance
- Responsive electronic viewfinder
Cons
- High price point relative to competing models
- Absence of in-body image stabilization
- Lacks essential ports like HDMI, USB, and microphone inputs
- Interface and handling quirks
- Fixed rear LCD screen
- Launch price $2,795 (USD)
- Sensor 24.24MP APS-C CMOS
- Stabilization None
- Burst 10 fps electronic 10 fps mechanical
Expert Reviews
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Anyways, I think you guys get the gist of the fact that I didn't really enjoy this Leica CL very much.
- WIRED 9/10
One of the best compacts on the market.
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[T]he Leica CL is a fantastic APS-C compact system camera with only a couple of relatively minor niggles (some of which could be fixed with firmware upgrades).
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The CL is a superb camera that’s easy to recommend. It’s a great way to get into mirrorless shooting, and a great alternative to the TL2 for those who prefer a smaller camera body.
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There’s stiff competition in APS-C mirrorless cameras and the Leica CL is a pricey option, but the Leica DNA and ‘Made In Germany’ robustness give it a distinctly different appeal.
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The Leica CL is a small, sleek mirrorless camera that delivers excellent images, but its interface needs some refinement.
- CNET 7.8/10
The Leica CL might be forgiven some of its oddities and omissions at a lower price. But if you’ve been waiting for a Leica mirrorless that looks like a traditional Leica and consider its quirks part of the experience, then go forth and spend.
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We much preferred the Leica CL to the TL2 we reviewed in November, partly because of its more conventional styling and controls but mostly because it has an excellent built-in EVF.
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If you want a small, light, gorgeous camera to take with you everywhere… one that has brilliant image quality and capabilities and allows you to use any Leica lens made, and you want to be inspired to get out and take photos then I suggest you take a look at the Leica CL.
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[T]he CL is a camera you want to get out there with and use – for some, that’ll make it worth the extra investment alone.
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After 7 years of using the little APS-C digital Leica CL camera this review will give you all the excuses you need if you are tempted to buy one.
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Now I say Leica CL is probably the most versatile camera from Leica right now.
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The Leica CL is small enough to be a constant companion and competent enough to be a good backup body to an SL or an M10.
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The Leica CL is 353g of solid sexiness! I’ve had several comments on how cool it looks.
- Eric Kim 10/10
[I]f you have the money, I would recommend the Leica CL as the best ‘value’ digital Leica camera available! There is seriously nothing wrong with the camera — I can only sing its praises.
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Leica's [...] much more based on the shooting experience and the overall quality of that experience, and I think in that way, the CL definitely succeeds.
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You see, if someone tells me what Leica camera to get, I don't have the money for an M, I'll say look at the CL.
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Leica’s CL has turned me into a real fan of Leica. [...] I even love it enough to ignore its annoying faults and to justify its multi-thousand-dollar price tag.
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The CL is hands-down Leica’s most compact and versatile interchangeable lens system.
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[...] unless you have at least two lenses or some really specific use cases — macro photography comes to mind — it may be worth considering shelling out the extra cash for one of Leica’s full-frame offerings.
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[Y]eah, if you really like Leica, I can recommend the CL. It's a good camera, but for the rest of us, it's probably a bit too expensive.
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[...] I truly enjoyed my time with the Leica CL. The build quality is definitely up to Leica standards, the ergonomics are excellent, the electronics are up to par, and the image quality of course, is superb.
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This feels, as you'd expect from a Leica camera premium quality in the body, premium quality in the images, just a really all-round lovely piece of kit.
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There are a great many people who are willing to spend the premium for the superb build quality and image quality, that Leica look if you will. These are cameras that are built to last; they are meant to be used for decades rather than be replaced every couple of years.
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So it doesn't just look good, it works really well. That's the important thing.
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If you are a Leica user used to work the Leica M and Hyperfocal/Zone Focus system maybe not. But if you are into autofocus and maybe coming from a DSLR experience than the CL is the perfect camera to get into the Leica universe and enjoy a truly special system.
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I know what I need a camera to do. And the tool that fits that today, for me, is this one. The Leica CL camera is still in my bag.
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All right, the Leica CL crop sensor mirrorless camera, would I recommend it? Generally speaking, no. It's expensive, upwards of three thousand dollars after-tax for what it is.
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