Leica SL (Typ 601)
Announced October 20, 2015
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
Strong
The Leica SL (Typ 601) is a robust, full-frame mirrorless camera that pairs an exceptionally clear electronic viewfinder with high-quality build materials and versatile performance. That said, it is a significantly large and heavy system that commands a premium price while offering a limited selection of native lenses.
Weighted from 26 reviewer scores
Pros
- Solid, weather-sealed aluminum chassis
- High-quality image and 4K video output
- Exceptional electronic viewfinder clarity and resolution
- Fast burst shooting with dual SD card slots
- Intuitive physical layout and ergonomic design
Cons
- Large, heavy, and bulky form factor
- High price and limited native lens ecosystem
- Uncomfortable or unintuitive control and grip ergonomics
- Autofocus performance limitations in low light or for tracking
- Fixed LCD screen lacking articulation
- Launch price $7,450 (USD)
- Sensor 24MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 4K 30p
- Stabilization In-body IS
- Burst 11 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 26 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 84/100
The Leica SL is a competent, capable camera for a variety of uses at a premium price.
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Like anything Leica, the SL comes at a very high price. But for those willing to foot the bill, it’s a versatile, beautifully built, high-performance professional mirrorless camera whose only significant weakness would be sports photography.
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This camera is very interesting. Personally, I was at first very put off by the limited dynamic range and weird automatic noise reduction starting at ISO 800.
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From the moment you set eyes on the Leica SL, it’s clear this is no ordinary camera.
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[T]he Leica SL (Typ 601) delivers excellent performance, with advanced features and controls, and for those with the financial backing to invest in the camera, it should provide many years of highly satisfying results.
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The Leica SL (Typ 601) is a very difficult camera to pigeon-hole, offering some cutting-edge mirrorless camera technologies in a body that's as large as a pro-DSLR, with impeccable build quality and a price-tag to match.
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A Leica comes a certain degree of exclusivity and prestige, but you pay a lot extra for these attributes.
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The Leica SL (Typ 601) is an expensive, forward-thinking full-frame mirrorless camera that is a joy to use.
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The SL has some great technology and lovely build quality. It can also produce superb images, but it's too big and heavy in comparison with the CSC competition.
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Having said that though, this is Leica's foray into full-frame mirrorless and I think it is an excellent start.
- CNET 8.1/10
Leica misses the mark on one of the important reasons people use a mirrorless ILC: the systems — body plus lenses — are smaller.
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Everything else I have to say will have to wait for the full review. The last thing I can talk about is of course the price.
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If your back can bear the weight, this is the luxury camera to have as a daily carry.
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The SL is without question the best digital camera from Leica I have ever used. In fact, and this is a HUGE statement, it is my favorite camera I have ever tested and it knocked my Sony A7RII to #2.
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Once you’ve tried it you have to buy it.
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It's just nice.
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For those who appreciate a classy camera and top notch image quality, the SL does deliver by the truck loads. Just have the money ready.
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For situations requiring speed and versatility, the SL will be hard to beat. With more SL lenses in the pipeline, the system will continue to grow and mature rapidly over the next few years.
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I admit I find myself somewhat conflicted with the SL: with a few firmware tweaks (fast exposure compensation mainly) and a chunkier handgrip, this camera would be pure joy to shoot.
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So far, I really enjoy shooting with this.
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In my opinion, this camera is for studio photographers and videographers, until the prime lens selection gets flesh out, unless you are a diehard DSLR fan that’s ready to jump ship and go mirrorless.
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[T]his is the best mirrorless camera I have ever shot with. In fact, it's probably one of the best cameras I've ever shot with.
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The Leica SL is an absolutely beautiful camera, from the design of the camera itself through to the images it produced.
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[...] I'm gonna look to a classic 80s movie to sum up my thoughts on the Leica SL Typ 601: a clever young man once said, if you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.
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[L]eica have decided not to produce a direct competitor to the Sony A7, but to build the first really substantial mirrorless camera.
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The Leica SL is a superb camera providing very high quality photographs and a great user experience. But it is not a camera system for everybody.
