Leica SL2-S
Announced December 10, 2020
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 SL2-S is a robust, well-built hybrid camera that offers excellent low-light performance and intuitive ergonomics for those invested in the Leica system. While it delivers impressive image quality and a premium shooting experience, its contrast-based autofocus system and fixed rear screen may frustrate users accustomed to modern, more agile alternatives.
Weighted from 30 reviewer scores
Pros
- Rugged, high-quality build and weather sealing
- Excellent image quality and low-light performance
- Superior electronic viewfinder
- Intuitive menu system and ergonomics
- Versatile video capabilities with no recording limits
Cons
- Unreliable contrast-based autofocus performance
- Fixed rear display lacks articulation
- Large, heavy, and bulky physical design
- High price point for both the body and proprietary accessories
- Launch price $4,895 (USD)
- Sensor 24.6MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS
- Stabilization In-body IS
- Burst 25 fps electronic
What the Reviewers Say
All 30 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
-
I feel like the SL2-S brings a lot more to the table in the video world than the SL2 brought, and so I think if you're a hybrid shooter and video is going to be a big part of your game, this is the best camera that Leica has come out with as a full frame hybrid camera.
-
The Leica SL2-S is a solid product that was designed to be reliable and precise.
-
With the SL2-S, Leica has made an uncompromising professional tool that’s designed to appeal to photographers shooting both stills and video in demanding environments.
-
[I]t is a very well-rounded camera.
-
We enjoyed shooting with the camera, and we're pleased with the results, with great image quality, and excellent noise performance.
-
The new Leica SL2-S is a speedier, stealthier, more sensitive version of 2019's SL2 camera - we'll leave you to work out which one of those "s" words seems most appropriate for the "S" in SL2-S - we'd probably say all three.
-
Ultimately, there’s a lot to like in this camera except for the price point. Then again, it is a Leica and expensive materials and great quality images come at a price.
-
The Leica SL2-S's striking design comes with high-end pricing to match, but it's a lovely mirrorless camera for those who can afford it.
-
The Leica SL2-S is a slightly strange proposition. It’s aimed at videographers with a huge range of video-friendly specs, but misses the mark by not including an articulating screen.
-
[T]he Leica is the best, it's just the best of being Leica for less.
- Photo Review 8.9/10
The Leica SL2-S third-generation ‘hybrid’ model is a professional-level camera that’s been set up to be more versatile than previous versions.
-
In some ways the Leica SL2-S beats its brother when it comes to video specs and speed and justifies that a more modest resolution can be an advantage.
-
What you are going to find is a very capable stills camera, but a very capable stills camera maybe from a couple of years ago, because what Leica is doing here feels like they're painting themselves into a bit of a corner.
-
I'm excited to explore real life at ISO 50,000 and the Leica SL2-S is a wonderful partner for it.
-
So if you are already on board for Leica as experience for their cameras and you want a camera that is the best they've made for video and photo at the same time then this is probably the camera for you.
-
Despite the whole HSS thing, I still love my SL2-S, and were it not for that issue, I would have little to complain about it.
-
I like it, it's beautiful, and it's a Leica, so price secondary, passion, maybe selling a kidney on eBay, that comes first.
-
For those looking for a high quality all-around camera for their own imaging or videography work, I highly recommend the Leica SL2-S.
-
I think this is actually a really great option for something that you might be interested in if you have, of course, the bank for Leica camera, Leica system.
-
I absolutely love this camera. I think the image quality is fantastic despite some of the shortcomings that I mentioned, and I would love to be able to add one of these to my systems.
-
The SL2-S fills a gap in Leica’s full frame mirrorless line-up for users who shoot both video and stills, where the higher resolution 47MP SL2 is overkill for many.
-
Once again Leica have produced a sensible and interesting camera which is going to appeal to a lot of different users, both old and new.
-
[T]his is still a fantastic camera and I've seen some good deals out there, so if you are considering picking up this camera and you don't need really, really, really snappy and sticky autofocus, it's still an amazing camera.
-
It seems that Leica can do no wrong. Performance wise it is up there with the best. Image quality is top drawer. I am fully satisfied with the images I obtained with the camera and lenses.
-
I've used this camera quite a bit. I love the ergonomics, I love the design, I like the quality.
-
So far, I feel like the SL2-S has been a great investment, and it has me second guessing my medium format solution for the work that I do.
-
The Leica SL2-S Reporter looks cool, the other Leica SL cameras look cool too I guess, but yeah, I couldn't recommend it for most people.
-
That new camera as I said in my first video on the Leica SL2-S is a very promising piece of technology.
-
To me, in my personal, humble opinion, this is the most versatile camera that Leica has to offer right now, in their collection of cameras.
-
So yeah, to sum it all up, love the way the camera feels, love the glass, think the resolution it's not enough, the autofocus is impossible, I can't make it work.
