The new Leica SL surely is expensive (preorders and specs at BHphoto) but it’s also surprisingly capable! Leica claims that the SL is the world’s fastest autofocusing camera. It records 4K video, plus it has a massive 4.4MP EVF and 11 fps. If it wouldn’t be for the very high price the camera would certainly be a strong Sony competitor!
All news about that camera can be read at Mirrorlessrumors.com now!
Leica SL camera and lens specs at BH/Adorama:
Leica SL camera at BHphoto (Click here) and Adorama (Click here).
Leica SL 24-90mm at BHphoto (Click here) and Adorama (Click here).
UPDATE: What we failed to see about Leica by Jorge Torralba.
500 Responses
it’s huuuge and ugly 🙂
but on the other hand, I can imagine it’s built like a tank, which is a good thing and the VF is large
I think that EVF is probably the only aspect their buyers will get their money’s worth.
Everything else about that camera is just way overpriced.
The fps are good too. 11 fps is a very good speed
11fps is for JPG, not RAW
What?? And Leica dares advertise it as 11fps?? They expect the pros to be satisfied with JPG??
is it really that hard to look at specs?
It said 11fps but only as “Continuous fast F (11 fps)”. This is the Leica official site I’m talking about.
also Ming is reporting 11fps for DNG, interesting, CNET’s preview said 7
I don’t see the magnification ratio in the press text or anywhere on their site.
Sorry found it, 0.8x.
According the specs this beast should withstand a .223 Rem bullet. Not too shabby for a mirrorless. Completely justifies the size and weight.
Because people will be shooting at it rather than shooting with it right?
Mega-ugly!
They always forget the word “world’s fastest MIRRORLESS AF”, same with A6000, A7RII and others
the AF doesn’t seem to be that hot according to review on leicarumors
It should snap quickly, but doesn’t mean it will track fast, that’s basically the nature of the DFD tech.
They didn’t test the 90-280, which is the lens claimed to have fastest AF.
“[…] In combination with the LEICA APO VARIO-ELMARIT-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8–4,
the Leica SL has the fastest autofocus of any professional camera –
including SLRs. The full travel of the lens, from infinity to its
closest focusing distance, takes place in less than 110 milliseconds. […]”
That is what they claim.
Then that relies heavily on lens design, this will limit their design flexibility in all lenses for the SL system, unless they only need one status lens and the rest are ok to be slow.
My God. Hideous.
Congratulations Panasonic for making this beast.
I think now you guys can understand why they should forget A-mount and stay focused on e-mount. An mirrorles can handle fat lenses as good as any DSLR.
120fps is only 1080p. Impressive but not 4K. Also the 11fps is locked AF. Again, better than Sony but with the mark2 cameras Sony is (thankfully) moving away from this crippled high frame rate. My understanding is the Copal shutter was the limiting factor on the A7 series. Curious what Leica is doing different.
Most cameras are alike.
Honestly, this kinda makes me sad. I think Leica is a cool platform and I know many Leica photographers who take stunning photos. But this effort has fallen so far short of the Sony A7rii. It’s like a “me too” product, rather than something radically different. I think it hurts a magical brand.
I know Practika SLR (remember those ?) photographers who took stunning photos.
I had to look that one up, Jerry. Funky brand for sure.
Oh, “EyeRes” … LOL. Another niche filled that no one knew existed 😉
Guess just keep waiting for the M with an EVF, or the Q with an M-mount.
Yowza, $12.5K for camera plus the 24-90 native mount lens in the USA.
Mirrorless is now primetime.
Stop comparing it to A7 system, dummies. This is a PRO DSLR system copetitor. I like what I’m seeing. If the QA holds up it will sell like hotcakes, PRO’s that use the Leica glass will eat this up. Many Leica PRO’s that use Leica MF will be all over this. Different market. I think Leica is doing exactly what they should be. Exciting times we live in! If the “dead” A-mount resurrects itself somehow, it should resemble this body and features with the A7Rii sensor and IBIS.
no “pro” is buying this:
– touchscreen indicates this thing to be a toy
– far too less buttons – because it is a toy
touch is optional, you have 4 programable buttons – how many more do you need?
A7 ii has 3 buttons on top, 7 on the back, 1 on the side and 5 wheels.
And even A7ii has too less, if a “pro” from Canikon-island is asked about this 🙂
yeah and user manual think as bible –rolleyes–
Every accidentally mashed 3 buttons at once? You can only do that with a Sony A7 series. Larger multi-buttoned cameras from Nikon and Canon have better, more thought-out spacing of their buttons.
The Leica has few buttons, but then again, how many do you really need? When I shot events with a Nikon (sports, school trips, weddings), I used:
1. AF selector
2. aperture
3. play/delete
4. ISO (sometimes)
5. Grey-card sync
In that order. But mostly, I didn’t change anything. Set it and forget it. This idea that you need a dedicated button for everything sounds great at first. And then it hits you: you’ve accidentally hit so many buttons.
Even my wife’s slim hands accidentally change the X-T1’s metering and drive modes all the time. Camera designers should focus on simplicity and direct access to only the most-needed controls, especially for pros. I think many enthusiasts are more into changing settings.
– Shutter-speed (dial)
– Exposure-setting (dial)
– PASM Mode-select (dial)
– Self-timer
– Shooting mode (single / burst / continuous / …)
– record movie
– Back-button-focus
– Focus-magnifier
– Flash-mode (first curtain / 2nd curtain / …)
Okay, I’ll shoot:
1. shutter speed: you’re covered
2. Exposure-setting: what’s exposure setting?
3. PASM Mode-select: good question
4. self timer: do you really need to access this super quick?
5. shooting mode: good question
6. record movie: it’s got it’s own button
7. back-button focus: it’s there, on the back button, on the 5-axis joystick
8. I think we won’t know until this camera is out, but it will be there.
9. this is a good question, but not a single camera I’ve used has it immediately accessible. If you programme it, that’s a thing, but this camera is programmable.
2. Exposure setting? the right dial: (I hope it’s called “exposure”)
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TK3pOMCiyYo/U6BLOmVW8xI/AAAAAAAAK_o/_c1FJ6Tazms/s1600/20140617FujifilmXT1-3398_1200_MP.jpg
4. not super quick, but I don’t want to cram inside a menu. quick
I completely agree. Still waiting and still convinced there is room for a very simple hybrid viewfinder camera.
24/36mp Full frame
VSCO equipped
manual focus, digital needle exposure
ISO dial (back)
shutter speed dial
on-the-lens ring aperture
5 buttons: play image, delete image, exposure lock, flash on/off, wb
A lot of people (and good photographers) in their 60s are fed up with menus, sub-menus and specs
LOL, you’re clueless dude…
Stop being so agressive with everybody !!!
Am I? Alrighty then!
Yes, you are a little harsh. No need for this, because you have good arguments. 😉
Point taken!
Sorry – I am on a sarcasm trip…
Everytime I mention touchscreen there is a “pro” teaching me, that touchscreen is a smartphone-like toy and no “pro” would use it. And the proof that a touchscreen is a toy is made with High-End Canikon bodies, because they lack a touchscreen either. And of course there must be a “pro” reason why there is no touchscreen.
Phase On IQ series, Leaf’s top series both have touch screens. Unless you’re a rich collector, if you own either, you are a pro. This idea that touch screens are only toys is ridiculous and short sighted, if not completely ignorant of any camera market.
THIS should be the reasont to stop whinning about the dead A-mount, and this is what the A9 is going to be, a full featured rugged body.
I’ve worked in commercial professional photography for 10 years all over the USA. I’ve met a few of my peers that own a Leica for personal work, or specific pro applications, but NOBODY I know uses any Leica as their go-to pro system. And this is NYC, one of the world’s largest photo markets. Rental houses rarely carry S cameras, and nobody but well heeled amateurs actually buy them. There is nothing pro about this camera. I wouldn’t add it to my kit if it were half the price. It is out classed even by the A7II for actual usability. The only thing I’m jealous of is the EVF quality.
and 11 fps burst mode 🙂
No one’s arguing that A7Rii is technically superior… shoot, I have 3 of the MK2 bodies myself. But to say “there’s nothing pro about this camera” is just wrong. Again, we’re all going off about an hour of internet details, but first impressions are… impressive, at least to me. Would I consider this system – not at all, but I can see the appeal and practical application for the Leica base. Some of the fellow photogs I know have been looking for this very system for a long time.
Good one. You should do stand-up comedy. If Leicas sold like hotcakes, Leica buyers would stop buying them. They are priced so they do not sell like hotcakes.
Jerry – you’re forgetting this is Leica, not your run of the mill pro. The small number of users will gladly fork off $20K for this kit when they have close a $100K in their other bodies and glass…
They can’t just give the magnification ratio, so the claim that the EVF’s big is kind of hollow. It also says nothing about color, response etc.
I think you’re just saying this cause you keep asking for bigger bodies and this is probably the biggest mirrorless you could get.
ok, the size of the EVF is 0.66″ -> that’s larger than A7RII, is it not?
…isn’t the magnification ratio easier to comprehend? To my (baseless)understanding the 0.66″ refers to the panel size, so with better optics the same panel could be made to seem larger…so it’s not an easy comparison.
It should still be larger to the eye of course, that’s their claim, they call it “The next generation”
The magnification is 0.80x.
Um, yeah, that’s what I said too.
Pro DSLR’s have bodies built to take tons of abuse, lot of lenses, an extensive flash system and batteries that can fire off a few thousand more frames than 400 shots. This has none of those.
Camera jewelry at its finest. Leica does know its customer well.
I’d say this is a sound camera, compared to what Hasselblad had.
Did you even read anything about it before spewing your nonsense?
Go do some reading on the body, battery, and all their glass. Good lord man, read first.
A 5d3 + 1dc + F/2.8 zooms would serve any pro much better than this.
I’m sure Leica will sell a few dozen of these to non-celebrity types and then we’ll see the $15k platinum special editions being toted around SoHo over Taylor Swift’s shoulder.
One FF lens at launch, a few overpriced crop lenses that are nothing special, and a bunch of MF glass – the last thing pros are going to do is line up for one of these.
It is worth a good laugh though.
If by Pro, you mean Wedding Photographer, you may be right … 😎
Weddings are big biz man. Many of my peers outpace commercial shooters on ‘day rate’ and have a larger take away. Sure there are the punks at the bottom but that’s true for studio too. A rich dude’s daughter has a bigger budget than a lot of ad jobs. 🙂
Yes, but weddings are often shoot by less skilled pros or wannabe-pros just for the lower costs. Many customers will surely regret it afterwards.
However don’t underestimate the many people who can barely afford the costs of even a spartanic wedding and therefore try to avoid to pay a few grands for a skilled pro.
That’s why wedding photography has a quite ambiguous reputation.
But I totally agree with you, for those who know what they are doing, it’s big biz.
You could say the same thing of ad jobs these days. For every AMEX corporate report or Coke piece there are 1000 small business ads for who-knows-where shot by ‘guy-with-camera.’ Wedding folks get the bad name because we’re the ones people have the most common interactions with. Most of my clients are spending about $250k on their wedding as a whole, which sounds a lot like a minor ad budget to me! As an aside, even though I serve what is probably toward the medium-high end for NYC, I can’t justify the SL in my expenses. I could maybe justify a used M or Mono if I sold all my film equipment (which is near and dear to my heart), but not something that only outpaces my A7II via the viewfinder and battery life. Just not worth it. Next gen Sony’s will probably have the 4.4mp finder anyways and there will be even more dope Zeiss lenses for it, all at about $1700 bucks. I don’t even need the extra glass because I pretty much have a ZF 50/1.4 Planar glued to it. It’s only the better finder that I want.
Yep, its the same with ad jobs.
However, to be honest, NYC is hardly what you can call “normal”. $250k weddings are not the regular job opportunity even for highly skilled photographers. I recently read, that the average apartment rent within 10 miles of New York, NY is $3642. I’m from Europe, this sounds pretty f*cked up for me. So, I think NYC is not the right example. 😉
Have you ever had a Leica (M,S,R) in your hands? I’m 100% convinced Leica cameras are not worth the outrageous prices, but in terms of build quality and ruggedness, they are top.
Due to the legendary Leica reputation combined with good marketing and exclusive pricing, these cameras end up in glass boxes and padded croco leather pouches, like jewelry, but they aren’t jewelry. Big difference.
Sorry, you don’t know what you are talking about.
Leica’s bodies have plenty of QC issues, their digital reputation is laughably bad – and its well earned. The only products that are reliable are rebadged Panasonic’s – or the cheaper jewelry they sell.
I was digging up some past research on their 90’s film cameras. Plagued with issues such as the Minilux with the EO2 error. I’ve heard the same for the recent M240 so I doubt much has changed. BMW all over again.
I thought I made myself clear that I do not talk about cameras like the Minilux, which is a japanese plastic point-and-shoot.
Plastic! I hope not. It looked metal to me. Meh, I’m going to buy a Contax T2 anyway.
It is mostly plastic. It is covered with thin metal parts outside, just for the better freeling and the looks. Same as other premium point-and-shoots of that time, including the Contax T2.
My Ricoh GR has a casing almost completely made of cast aluminum. Feels very rugged at the first sight. The camera is still a plastic point-and-shoot and feels very fragile compared to, say, a Leica M.
Hmm, I learned something today. Interesting.
But dont get me wrong. I love cameras like the Contax T2 or the old film Ricoh GR1. But they are absolutely different (in terms of build quality) from a Leica M (or an Nikon F, or an Canon F1 etc.).
I’ve dropped my M240 at least 5 times – raining, slippery hands – no problems at all. I don’t know where you’re getting these QC issues but definitely doesn’t sound like your own experience.
What??? LMFAO
Chris, I don’t see where you’re getting this. Yes, there are issues, but most are fixed with the M240. Hardware things like rangefinder misalignment occurs with every rangefinder.
After using a brand new A7R, a brand new XT-1 and X-Pro 1 and several well-used Ms, I can say (it is anecdotal though) that the Leicas are as problematic as any of their Japanese competitors. I’ve had each model in the shop at least once, and the X-T1 is the least used of all.
All cameras have issues, including Sony. This BS “legendary German engineering” stuff is baloney. It may have been great at one time, but it’s no world beater these days.
Guess what: so is Japanese engineering BS.
I think you need to look a bit deeper. Engineering doesn’t only mean electronics. It extends to interfaces, to ease of use, to material usage and design.
I agree: German engineers are behind Japanese, for instance, in electronic quality. But it is generally ahead in interface simplicity and reliability not to mention repeatability.
There is no one catch-all. Japanese engineering is about as bad as it gets for plumbing. Horrible, stinky mess. Hard to use. German engineering often complicates simple underpinnings, and can be less reliable. But it is often much easier to use, and far less inscrutable.
I’ve mentioned this before: I’d love for the underlying simplicity of motion that the Japanese have perfected to marry German interfaces.
The Leica SL should work as well with Profoto packs as the S does. If you don’t like Profoto, Broncolor will do a good job. SO NO LACK of flash system.
The body is milled from a single piece of aluminum, is the α7 series milled from a single block of aluminum???
I didn’t say anything about the A7 series. Doesn’t matter what the body is made from if the electronics inside are full of bugs.
Unless its jewelry, then problems with the camera freezing up, requiring it to be sent in for a few weeks to get serviced won’t matter as it’ll be tossed for a newer, more blinged version.
Since you brought it up, you can buy 5 A7II’s for the same price and batteries are not $250. Those 5 cameras should last awhile.
Who eats 7K hotcakes?
Not me. But an acquaintance of mine has over $100K in Leica glass alone. It’s a bit of a different world. Just like the folks who drive certain cars…there are numerous Ferraris and other exotics that you can’t even buy unless you’re previous owner with several other models and things like proven track times, etc. I put Leica systems in that category… defies typical logic…
Even if I had the money I wouldn’t buy into Leica. I can appreciate why people enjoy them though.
Go borrow one and use it for about a week. You’ll see the difference. Its about functionality
When it comes to Pros, it’s all about ROI. Cost doesn’t matter if an expensive item will make you money.
That overlay comparison with the A7 is useful, but quite unfair, because Sony has also made the A7ii significantly bulkier. To be fair, the comparison should have been with the A7ii. Then it would be not that easy to yell about the size of the SL.
According to camerasize A7 II it’s the same width (126,9mm) but a bit taller (1,3mm). So almost irrelevant
exactly – and the added thickness you can’t see from the front
Did you see any hands on video? The overlay is still wrong, the camera is much more bigger.
https://youtu.be/p5d_LBP0P8c?t=660
Yeah. That’s about the size I’d hope for an A9- maybe a bit smaller with a deeper grip.
You won’t be happy — its still only CIPA rated at 400 frames.
Nice user interface.
It certainly has the ugliest body!
It’s not made to be looked at up front, I think.
after i’ve looked at few other previews/reviews it started to grow on me. it’s definitely something between S and T
Yes, the first leaked image from the front was what hurts my eyes the most.
Exactly. Straight from the front it’s the ugliest.
No, its beautiful, simple & elegant, look at that top-plate.
Too less buttons and dials, as opposed to X-T1 which as too many, at least too many visible to make it ugly.
X-T1 has the perfect amount of buttons for the photographer that loves fast control and not menu searching. Leica has listens to those who complained about Sony’s haphazard menu system
Maybe, but they look very cramped on that body and it makes me feel uncomfortable looking at it for long periods of time.
Leica’s layout has nothing to do with Sony, it’s been like that for a long time.
The menu system…. probably will be the best
it’s not a sony competitor at that price. like nissan GTR (sony) versus lambo (leica). only see the difference on a race track. for everyday street racing, GTR wins every time
And honestly, the difference on the track really isn’t that much. Only a truly experienced/seasoned track driver will be able to to show the full capabilities. So really it just come down to the photographers talent.
the equipment is only as good as the user’s skills and eye. but it’s better to have equipment beyond one’s skills than having your talent limited by the equipment
This Leica is not a lambo, its more like the Bentley Bentayga: luxurious and monstrous.
http://www.bentleymotors.com/en/models/bentayga/bentayga.html
That Bentley is actually a rebadged VW Touareg, same with Porsche Cayenne
Regards
That doesn’t discount the luxurious and pricey nature of the vehicle and in this case, camera. How much difference is there between the internals of cameras?
There’s the body size for a bigger battery and larger battery so many complain about. Geez it looks enormous with the 24-90.
Some like it larger 🙂
No image stabilization? not even on the lenses?
Of course the lenses are stabilized.
even f/1.5 prime?
The lens is stabilized.
The USArmy taught me to hit a target at 100 yards—no 5 axis stabilization needed. If you know how to hold a camera, image stabilization isn’t needed. Nice to have, but not really needed.
I think now Sony have obvious goals for the A9, it doesn’t need much, they are already pretty close.
Dec. A7III will have worlds fastest AF. You heard it hear first!
Or worlds fastest depreciation.. I can’t remember which one it was….
Pfft. A99II will take that crown. Juuuuust a few more weeks.
What A99ii ???
The crown of being the biggest body?
The french review les numériques says that the Leica 601 is better than the A7 RII in the following aspects:
OFF-ON speed
Autofocus speed in low lights
Time between two pictures (buffer)
Image quality
GPS
Touch Screen
Interface very intuitive
autonomy (500 vs 200)
In favor to the A 7 RII
weight
42Mpx vs 25Mpx
swivel screen
price
http://goo.gl/N2uv9l
http://goo.gl/GmW7at
it looks like the Leica is a winner and the real new competitor of the A7.
I’m waiting the response from Sony (A7 RIII) to upgrade my A7r or the new medium format
also as I’m listening from the video published here it has double slot for immediate backup (even if I never had a problem with a card..)
I never trust french reviews unless it has something to do with cheese.
lol not even wine?
Only chiraz..non of that fancy sweet wine.
Ok that a personal point of view but the one who has made this sweet wine is Parker. I live in Switzerland and we have some wine that surpass the frenchies 🙂
Ha ha par ce que tu ne parles pas français 🙂
French, Spanish, Italian, German, who cares the language of the review is serious.
Nope- I don’t speak french. I do however have an advanced degree in google translation.
:-))
Next time you should bash DxOMark it’s french too.
“Image quality”? That’s vague to say the least. Unless they mean in every aspect including resolution which is highly unlikely.
99% of the pictures are printed less than A4 so it’s relative. The image quality aspect is related to the rightness of the colors.
Color fidelity? Hmmm, might be important, but it might not. I for one definitely prefer color “skewed” in a particular way.
I think I should add another one to the a7RII: Image stabilization with their M lenses 😉
For that kind of money I would expect the LCD to tilt and some vegan cheese to go with it.
Did you ever noticed that every rugged camera lacks a swivel LCD?
(Please don’t tell me the A99 is rugged.)
I gotta disagree with you. Unless you’re talking about military-grade toughness, I think the a99 is right there with its competitors. The D750 has a flip out screen and it’s definitely a hard working tool. Canon apparently agrees with you, but given what’s being accomplished with camera tech and bodies (outside Canon’s puzzle factory) I don’t see why a tilting screen can’t be made as durable as anything else that flips, moves or opens on the camera.
There is a downside to more rugged design too. The heavier it is, the more force it needs to dissipate when it hits the ground after being dropped 🙂
Errrmm…
It is rugged-ish
lesnumériques / digitalversus reviews are junk whatever they reviews.
We won’t have to wait for long before we have more reliable comparison, but it would be nice to see Leica doing even better than sony, so they would either release an even more amazing A7R III or insane A9.
At this price and size it should be medium frame competitor, not A7’s!
But it would not come anywhere close to their IQ. I would take Pentax 645Z any day over this.
According to two reviews so far the AF speed is over stated by Leica. The Gizmodo review even went so far as to say that the A7RII is clearly faster. The DPreview team and the Gizmodo team both found the camera very unintuitive. I have a really really hard time believing that the Leica sensor can beat the A7RII on quality. Maybe they make a better zoom than Sony but not a better sensor.
lesnumeriques review are bullshit and biased and not only for camera.
Just look at the pro and cons of the Leica SL and compare them to the A7R II, some cons are ridiculous and could be added to the leica too.
Just for instance they kept critize sony A7 because they do not have embedded flash but it didn’t bother them on the Leica SL for some reason.
Their reviews looks like they’ve used camera for like 15 mins.
Wow, I just read that again. 4.4MP viewfinder? Geez. My retinas can’t handle that. That’s almost half the resolution of real life. This is Star Wars stuff here. Wow..simply wow.
Holy shite. I encourage people to check out the preview at dpreview. This camera is massive. It almost looks cartoonishly large, like a medium format. At least the Sony is semi-portable. This thing looks like it needs a dolly and a crane.
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7448206943/a-lot-to-leica-hands-on-with-the-leica-sl-typ-601?slide=3
Hey Leica- how about enough of the expensive rip offs. Why not a REAL medium format camera. Heck, I’ll take a real digital Mamiya 7 with crazy insane hurt my eyes resolution and I want it now. You want my money – then cough up the goods. I don’t want the A7’s fat twin brother.
+1
really does look like the A7 with a a7 costume on.
Everything what I have read so far, sounds good. Very good. Except the insane price tag of course.
The only thing that is getting a bit on my nerves is the totally overblown marketing speech. “The EyeRes viewfinder … is superior to optical viewfinders in every respect.” Such bullsh*t coming from Leica really puts me down a little. An optical viewfinder will ever have its benefits. No one knows that better than Leica. But they write this bullsh*t even as they know this is wrong.
But that’s it. the rest sounds good to me.
Everything I saw, just hurts my eyes. (For Leica standards, it is not uglier than a Panasonic) I like the puristic controls, but aesthetically it sucks.
I wouldn’t mind AT ALL if the A99II had the same specs (ugly design included). I would mind if it had the same price though.
It’s completely opposite for me.
To me, that Viewfinder is the only thing in this camera that is best in its class. That’s the only thing that trumps other cameras. Everything else is just bad.
Generally I think you should try the viewfinder first before making the judgement compared to the smaller Canon/Nikon viewfinders.
According to S.Yu, the Leica EVF’s magnification is 0.8x, way, way larger than anything offered by the DSLRs.
Not according to me, according to Leica’s official site 🙂
You got me wrong. I’m absolutely sure this will be the best EVF in class. No doubt.
But they didn’t say ist better than any EVF, they said it’s better than every optical viewfinder. I’m think this is utterly bullsh*t, even if I havn’t seen the EVF yet.
BTW: The benefit of OVF’s is not the magnification. 😉
It better not be, because the magnification of current DSLRs are an embarrassment compared to Sony and Leica.
Of course, the bigger the better. But that’s not something unique to OVF’s.
I think the next cam from Sony is A9, not A99II. The timing would be perfect.
Last time Leica announced something, Sony stabbed back with the A7rII one day later 😀
Like with what? Q is selling extremely well and is brilliant camera
Yeah, not really the same category.
fastest af? something dpreview found it not true:
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7448206943/a-lot-to-leica-hands-on-with-the-leica-sl-typ-601?slide=5
I believe the claim is made with only the 90-280, so the claim itself could still be true.
and interestingly, it is only based on contrast AF.
DFD AF from Panasonic, it can go really lowlight too.
But it surely won’t be able to track well.
It seems to mainly rely on the focusing elements moving faster than usual.
ISO 50–ISO 50000 native(impressive) or extended(not)?
Sounds good but not that impressive, because it is obviously the same sensor as in the Q, which starts to show ugly banding at extreme ISO’s. (Which Sony’s sensors don’t.)
Well I hope that’s not true if Leica still wants to compete on the same field.
I like the design. Logically, since I like the A7 series too. They also had to grow on me for some time. It has a beautiful top display, but I don’t like the bulge on the left side of the EVF. Beautiful product, but way too expensive for me.
I can see how this can be the successful pro’s camera, if the lenses are there next year.
I’ve been thinking about this and I think I got it.
This is a backup camera for the S system users!
Let’s see the facts:
-It can use S system lenses, they already have many good lenses in that system and all of them cover this FF sensor, easily.
-Some of those S lenses have leaf shutters (CS), good for flash photography.
-This thing shoots video, something the S can do also so if you were thinking about buying this to add video capability to your S system, that wasn’t really necessary.
-If you want to go lightweight, you can use this camera with your M lenses too. You know, instead of buying an actualy M camera, just buy this. You can use this one with your S lenses too. Wait you already have an Leica S for that…
-It has two card slots! Take that A7!
Yes, compared to the S system, this is a lot cheaper, and consequently, I would expect this sells better.
The two card slots are the least they could’ve done for the price.
Uh the S-E or S Type 006 are the back up for the S (type 007).
This guy gets it.
http://41.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4z9skMpBu1qex654o1_1280.jpg
Massive body. Like it much. But moreover I like some of the specs that I’d have expected with the A7RII.
– EVF with 4.4MP
– USB 3.0
– Bigger batterie
– Dual card slot
– Slot 1 with UHS-II support
Micro-USB 3.0 is the worst, a dead standard that will be almost impossible to find in the market, I agree with everything else.
I hope Sony jump from micro-USB 2.0 to USB Type-C 3.1, it is a lot more future proof and capable standard.
But the Leica SL has no dual card slots. Just sayin.
Ha, IM WRONG. Just saw a picture. It has two. :))))
Yep, it has. Check it.
It has a full sized HDMI socket. Sony is dead.
Didn’t know that a HDMI cable costs $4000
A7rII has a cable lock.
And a better sensor.
Sony lives.
Saw it in a picture. COOL
That EVF isn’t very usable though.
There are already complaints from reviewers who accidentally bump their nose into the backside buttons when they use EVF. Look at CNET’s review.
and then look at smart reviewers who don’t. seriously, you can customise each of them to do whatever you want, CNET should RTFM
That’s not good enough.
Disable button-> use EVF->Enable button->use camera
vs.
use EVF->use camera
Nobody would want to deal with the former.
Isn’t that the case with every EVF that is in the center of the camera?
No. Leica specifically placed two buttons right where your nose bump into when you use EVF.
This was a clear design mistake. Look at photos of the backside of the camera.
Many cameras with buttons alongside the LCD out there…
I didn’t indicate I’d like the position – It was meant to be related to its higher resolution.
Bigger news for us: http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2015/10/sony-e-mount-lens-sharpness-bench-tests
Yes indeed. Seems the 90 macro hype train is about to get derailed.
That overlayed picture makes the Leica look enormous. If it’s really twice as big (in volume) then it’s kinda lacking the “portability” factor– something that defines what the a7’s mirrorless full-frame segment is about as much as any other feature, IMO.
Both can do Both, and they should, Sony should make a A9 a big enough for serious cooling solution.
Come on, its not THAT big…
Sarcasm. Image from one of the videos posted.
Compare it to a canon 5d3 size then decide.
Compare the Leica to a larger, irrelevant camera to gain a better appreciation for its inability to compete on size with the a7 line?
No, just a standard size camera for somethings called context.
DFD works the better, the bigger sensor is. m43 DFD matches Sony A6000 in normal light and destroys it in low light
FF DFD should be better than anything else.
Yeah, ingnoring the fact that it won’t work with anything other than Leica.
OK, I take it all back, I have to admit, it is BIG.
HUGE !!!
Not a competitor.
Not the size category.
Not the same price bracket.
Not the same clientele focus.
But the Game changer !!!! to make the competitors copycat it in a right category at a right price bracket for the right clientele focus
We’re the Sony A7 series cameras not the game changer ?
Exactly.
very big O_O
That lens is big, sure. but it will be sensational. Put the M primes on the body, or the new L Primes and the camera will be the perfect size, IMO. I’ve always thought the Sony’s are too small.
Actually DigitalVersus tested the lens and it’s really not great !!!
I’d love to read that article. Have you a link? I’ve never heard of DigitalVersus.
I always thought that the Sony were the right size = film reflex size.
But each to their own preferences…
http://www.dpreview.com/files/p/articles/7448206943/Leica-SL_Leica-APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL_90-280_ASPH_top.jpeg
Interesting…compare Ming Thein’s review with DPReview (or just about anyone else’s currently out). The claims it is super fast and get’s 700+ shots per battery. Strange since he can’t seem to focus his A7RII and only gets half the CIPA standard for that camera.
Still there’s a lot to like about the SL. I’d love a higher res finder (of course) and the micro joystick and touch screen seems like obvious additions to the A7 line that Sony has ignored. Maybe that will change now?
Joystick and UHS-II hardware for improved speed would be nice.
I’ll still take the superior sensor in the A7rII.
Can’t wait to buy the Panasonic version for $3000.
aint gonna happen
first rumor of Leica SL price was about 10000$ now we got 6900$. …. maybe a one or two years old second camera will cost A7RII price :D….
Like for tablets market : Apple made them and the others tried to beat them 😀 Without Apple tablet we would still have no real improvements years after years
The 10000$ was with lens. As it turns out, it will be &12500 for both the body and 24-90 lens, more expensive than anticipated.
I’m definitly not used of lens as expensive as usual high end camera body 😉 especially for a zoom lens :p….
If its Panasonic internals as rumored, after a year or so we’ll see this and the Q in Panasonic form. It won’t deter Leica’s core – the camera jewelry crowd – from buying the red dot version anyway. Win-win.
No, we won’t.
Sure we will. Panasonic doesn’t develop one off sensors for small niche market cameras or hand out its V-log like candy. One year and we see a new Panny line.
You are deluded.
You’re right. Thanks for the update.
You don’t know Leica owners do you?
Doesn’t matter, there aren’t enough of them to justify a completely new sensor for a small volume camera, Leica doesn’t have pockets that deep. Anyone that thinks this won’t surface in another camera really needs to pull their head out of the sand. The internals of this camera are destined for a bigger seller than Leica move.
That wasn’t my question. I asked if you knew Leica owners. You’d be surprised who owns Leicas and why. I shoot jewellery professionally, but beside my wedding ring and a Casio Databank, don’t wear it. I own a Leica, which I use to shoot events at embassies, sponsored audio events, and even the odd wedding anniversary.
Unfortunately, I’m not alone. Leica systems are a bit harder to get into, but once in, they are harder to get out of. If you ned AF, until now, there were next to no Leica options unless you went MF with the S.
Those days are over.
The problem with your line of reasoning is that it is price only that moves this camera from serious tool to toy. And, if Panasonic used the same materials and built it to the same degree of quality, they would not sell it for less than 5000$.
If they compromised its build quality, sure. But make no mistake, you can’t compare a Leica to a Panasonic unless first qualifying the measure. If that measure is only electronics, I have no doubt that a same-spec Panasonic would be cheaper. But it isn’t all about electronics. Never has been. Never will be.
Sad but true.
This is the camera that every big company Sony, Canon, Nikon should have made, could have made, but didn’t, a Pro spec mirrorless. It’s amazing and I want it.
Sony cannot be faulted for lack of effort in the mirrorless market. Everyone thinks the newest, unreleased object is the best.
If it weren’t for Sony we would still be in the dark ages, IMO.
As much as I dislike the shape, this camera looks better and better to me (in terms of build, ergonomics, specs). Looks really like a mirrorless, seriously constructed like a Leica S.
Possibly the first pro grade mirrorless.
Yep. At first I thought oh dear, but after a getting a look at some other angles it’s grown on me.
Same. The simplicity of the interface (once you get used to its functionality) attracts me. The A7rII attracts me just for its performance, but still having to deal with its hardware interface has me conflicted. I have used the A7r for the bulk of my advertising photography for about two years. Great output. And then there’s everything else.
Ming Thein says:
“It is an interesting time to be a photographer. We have an embarrassment
of hardware riches, all accessible to the working pro or the reasonably
affluent amateur. There is the all-rounder Nikon D810, the resolution-champ Canon 5DSR, the tech-heavy Sony A7RII, medium-format-on-a-budget Pentax 645Z and now the Leica SL. You’re looking at a similar financial outlay to make a meaningful system of any of these cameras”
No, you are not looking at a similar financial outlay.
Surely a Canon 5Ds+24-70+70-200 is WAY cheaper than the SL with similar combo and SURELY if you wanted to make the best out of your money, you would see you do not need to buy the lenses NEW when you don’t need to and save more.
Ditto for Sony and Nikon.
Why don’t you reply to Ming instead of writing about his opinion here?
Dammit, I wanna try this thing! It excites me way more than the A7Rii at launch.
This can output 4K @ 24FPS, and 1080P @ 120FPS, in 10bit V-Log. Will be interesting to see rolling-shutter, ISO, and dynamic-range tests.
wow, that looks fake its so big or maybe the person holding it has very small hands.
That’s what she said.
Does it have 6 times more resolution than the A7’s EVF? Or what?
It is nice to know that there will be such high res EVFs in A7 series.
I think not. They count the dots, like any other manufacturer. So it means less than 2x.
Hmm, not a big – great improvement then…
This is the Panasonic’s Trojan horse
Exactly. Let the Leica early adopters iron out all the bugs. Then release a new line with the same internals.
Exactly. You could easily fit a few soldiers inside this camera.
Like many I have lusted after Leica Cameras for a long time. However, it truly is the photographer not the equipment that makes the great image. Do I like this camera? Yes. Do I want to spend this much money on a camera as a full time pro? He&$ NO. When my A7 series cameras get bumped at a wedding etc I already want to freak out. I would have to shoot with this camera wrapped in bubble wrap just for peace of mind. I think it all comes down to this… even if this camera gives that amazing Leica look we all love, my Sony A7 will give me and my clients spectacular results. I need a tool that gives me amazing results but I also need a tool I can take anywhere without worrying about damaging a $7,000 plus machine. I am already getting the amazing results I need and a $7,000 status symbol would change nothing. Not to knock those who need a status symbol that is. I am just not built that way.
Here we go again, that A7RII + Distagon 35mm 1.4 = roughly $5200. It isn’t exactly dirt cheap. You needed to spend $5200 to get amazing results? Of course not. Don’t judge folks that are more fortunate than yourself. I am happy for you getting the results that you need. Others are getting results likewise, and are enjoying their cameras that are different than the one you own. Shouldn’t we be happy for those that have been fortunate. For all you know there may be someone just as yourself, who has always wanted a Leica, and may now have the chance to purchase one.
Don’t ruin it for that person
“..who need a status symbol that is” (condescending). Just because you haven’t had that fortune.
https://fstoppers.com/business/down-and-dirty-photographers-insurance-55324
I don’t shoot with the A7Rii for your info and yes with all the cameras and equipment I have purchased over the years I could have bought several of these Leica cameras. I am very fortunate that I have been successful in my photography business, especially in an industry where photographers come and go constantly. My point is this… too many people (and I have made this mistake too) spend way too much on equipment that won’t make you a better artist. I am trying to help those not make mistakes a lot of us have made. Go spend money on any Leica camera you want! It just will not make you any better as a photographer. Some people are fine driving a BMW while some people have to have a Bentley. Both will get you to the same destination in spectacular fashion.
Our bro MT (Ming Thein) also says:
“The SL is not a cheap camera – EUR6,000+ for the body and a further
EUR4,000+ for each lens makes this the preserve of the very wealthy,
though in reality I suspect most of Leica’s existing audience will see
this one as a no-brainer. M lenses are now virtually native, as are R
lenses; they’re easy to focus and image quality is better than from the M
cameras”
So, now we can say how inferior is the M system IQ because yesterday it wasn’t, it was Leica this and Leica that, Leica colours and Leica feel.
Earlier today when I was reading about this my thought was: “OK. Leica has it’s own market and they will surely pay attention to this, not least because the price tag of the item is relative to the affluence of their main audience.”
But after reading all the opinion pieces on it I feel sick because I feel that they are selling a dream, like fashion does, that if you were to own this your prints will glow in the dark or your photos will show the ghost of Robert Capa and Henri Cartier-Bresson giving you two thumbs up because you’re as smart and as skilled as they are.
I feel sorry for the people that have to seek online literature to solidify their self confidence after a ridiculous outlay of money for something that will not improve their photography.
A Ferrari doesn’t improve one’s driving but that is hardly the point.
why would somebody write so much about something he/she despises? beyond my comprehension
Why do you care so much what other people might buy? If a dentist or lawyer wants to buy this camera, I have no problem with that.
Just because there are better value alternatives, doesn’t make the purchase of this any less valid than your investment in cameras.
Never said my investment in cameras was of any validity to anyone. I’m not self absorbed. I am also not complaining about the money or the value to others. Read carefully.
I did. My comment stands.
I’m neither a dentist nor a lawyer, and I’m considering it perhaps for an AF camera next year.
lol… yeah, the dentist or lawyer comment was more for amusement than anything else.
I’ve been following your posts. I know that you meant it tongue-in-cheek, probably in reference to ridiculous posts by others.
Your reasoning is sound. But I’d just not give feed to idiots that think only dentists and lawyers and jewellery hounds own Leica.
Get real. I don’t think that speaks of many Leica owners though. Sorry, Leica owners aren’t thinking that way. If they’ve been fortunate to be able to purchase a Leica, who are you to judge their fortunes? You are better because you purchased a lesser priced item? And it make your feel sick? I feel sorry that you feel this way. Maybe you want everything to be priced so that you can afford it. The world would be quite borring.
Nothing to work hard for, because everything is affordable.
How many of us Sony A7 owners purchased the A7rII to improve our photography? A few weeks ago we were justifying spending $3200. Now we are upset that its not the most expensive mirrorless FF? And saying folks with a lot more money than ourselves lack self confidence. Whaaa? If it were not for the internet, you woudn’t even care.
This is the camera Canon should have been making all along in both DSLR and mirrorless form. 11fps, 4k video, dual slot? The dynamic range has to be better than Canon.
It’s easy to have DR better than Canon 😉 from what i read for ages here 😀
I hope NOT. This is a joke. It will be better for Leica to plead with Merkel that October 20th be nominated official joke day in Germany, so they can easily denounce this camera or at least strip the Leica badge. This is despicable
Ok, calm down. We get you don’t like it. Geez.
do you have rabies?
There may be a chance you’re overreacting. Just breathe!
Hahahaha, remove the red dot and it pretty much looks like a Sony to most casual observers. But it probably feels better in ones hands. Not toy like. They listened and recognized the obvious. There are plenty of users who prefer a body larger than the A7
Apart from a curved left side, it looks nothing like the A7. I don’t see this at all. If this looks like the A7, then all SLR-inspired cameras look exactly alike.
If Sony A7 series are toy size, where all reflex cameras similarly sized toys too ?
exactly! this thing is incredible and something that Canon, Nikon, Sony should have made.
This is by far the ugliest camera released to date. It is the biggest mirrorless by far. Overall my assessment of this thing (I would not call it a camera) is “joke”
You think this is worse than the Sony/Hasselblad’s?
I wasn’t sure at first, but it’s grown on me now. I like it.
By far worse. The Hasselblads were not bad just stupid rebadging of Sony cameras, yet they were still worthy cameras. This is not a camera. This is a joke. Just look at the DPR preview photos. This thing is humongous. The lens is like 2.8-4 and bigger than any 2.8 lens of similar focal length…..
there are very few controls. Ok call it minimalist but how would you change the 3 essential settings – aperture, iso and speed without clicking many buttons and may be even through menus. Please don’t tell me it will need use of the touchscreen.
I just cannot believe Leica put their name on this thing.
For aperture, speed, you have two dails like any other modern camera. I like physical dails better, but I can’t see that this makes the SL a “toy”.
Sorry, I still think you are overreacting.
I don’t know ISO, but you have a dial up top for exposure. You have a real dial just like Nikon and Canon for aperture.
What else do you really need to constantly access?
The biggest modern mirrorless isn’t this. It is probably the Sinar P3. But this is not aimed at being small. If you think Leica designed this lens to be small, you’ve not thought long and hard about it.
It is nowhere in Leica’s marketing or advertising literature that they made the SL to be small.
If this camera does well with R lenses, especially manual focussing with that new EVF, it will be killer. I should buy some R lenses on ebay, before the prices explode.
Prices have gone up already, after M240 launch and some of them are really hard to find – this new SL will make it even worse.
Yep but still way lower than M lenses.
the question is for how long 😉
Did you actually see the back of this “thing” (don’t call it camera please)
Yes, and I’m impressed. That’s the way I like it. Did you ever tried a Leica S?
Return to your logic lessons. This camera is a joke. I can’t care less of any other camera. Sure there might have been uglier cameras but this would not make this THING look more like a camera.
I guess Leica shareholders are now looking urgently for Chinese buyer and new CEO
Just come to your senses this thing is not a camera.
I totally understand that. I think the design is ugly in terms of aesthetics. But I like what I see in terms of ergonomics and build. You don’t. Tastes are different. No contradiction.
Kiril seems to be on a campaign to malign this camera. I’ve seen him ‘explode’ on several different forums. lol
Explain how the SL is a ‘joke’.
If you have the money for this camera, you will have money for the native T-mount lenses and smaller M-mount lenses. Why go for the cheap and lowly R lenses? (sarcasm)
Wrong. Absolutely wrong logic.
Logic can’t be wrong, otherwise it wouldn’t be logic. Please elaborate.
What is called “logic” is the mathematical field, not the logical proposition or the result of it. With wrong logic, i meant, your logical conclusion is false, or flawed. I think you know what I meant. I studied 2 semester computational logic. And I was pretty good at it.
I meant you made the wrong conclusion: The fact that I can or would afford a Leica SL, does NOT mean that I can afford the SL lenses.
True, but it is expected that the main target group of this camera is in the position of buying compatible native lenses. What else is the purpose of buying this camera?
The sheer exitement about the camera, but not the big a*s native lenses? These lenses are huuuuuge. OK, maybe they will come out with compact primes later.
But, I’m just playing , “what if”. I think I would not buy this camera for real. If I could ever justify to spend 7 grand on a camera, it would definitely be a Monochrom. I still have some M glass and you know, Voigtlander is your friend. 😉
The upcoming 35mm f/1.4 for this looks more reasonably proportioned. I hope this system does well for them. I’ll be looking at it more closely in a few years if it does.
No. I can’t sell the second kidney! (sarcasm)
but you can do that with A7 series, can’t you?
Sony A7 does already well with R lenses. All of them. It is the M wide angles lenses, that the Sony has difficulty with.
The question from me will be: will the Leica electronic adapter have active hardware to keep the aperture open until the moment of exposure or not. If not, I can’t see this being a better system for R lenses than any other mirrorless, which, from a lens-feature standpoint, is quite poor even if the output quality from them is great.
I can’t wait to see Sony’s answer to this. I hope they make bigger pro spec mirrorless, and I hope it’s soon.
I know their answer – Sony execd are falling off of their chairs with laughter. This is a joke camera. It looks as if Leica stole this from Toys’R’Us
i had to check my calendar to make sure it wasn’t April 1
Sony answered before the questions was posed to them.
Good one ! hahaha
They don’t need an answer to it, at the price of the Leica they are playing to an almost non-overlapping customer base.
They are two different markets. Leica are doing the Leica thing aimed more at pro full-size dSLRs. Sony obviously are aiming at different market.
Still, when the A7RII price was announced, my first reaction was the same as what’s rocketing off here. In Japan, it launched at, what in the local currency, was equivalent of 4200$ USD. Crazy. Leica: we expect higher prices.
I’d like to know what the next M will be, this is too large for me
From what I read, the next M will have a fully electronic rangefinder, but still the same OVF. I do not expect a different body shape.
They could’ve put a sane price tag on it and kick Sony out of the market completely.
Agreed. However I would still hold it in my hands first.
well, they could certainly make Sony trip, with the size of that thing
Sony could easily build a medium format camera in that form factor.
And for cheaper ! Ha !
Your sentence should have been prefaced with “If they”. They can’t and they won’t, stop dreaming.
Mmmmm, I like dreaming. 🙂
Why should anyone “kick Sony out of the market”.
A competitor is a similar product and won’t be able to eliminate anybody at the first shot.
Competition is good for us.
Yes, agreed, but that’s probably not what he meant. I think he meant, that with a sane price tag, the SL is a better overall camera than Sony ever made. (Im not talking about single specs or the sensor.)
Agree on BQ and support.
Although the latest A7x bodies are quite well made – BQ wise they can’t compete against such a perdurable masterpiece of precision engineering.
This “made for eternity” magic with their products is part of their success independently on their price tag.
That won’t be Leica then 🙂 Sane price tag != Leica. Panasonic can make it though.
Sadly, I have to agree. Sane price tag != Leica. LOL
Did you see the size? It is very, very, yes very huge compared to the Sony cameras. I don’t think that at the same price of the Sony it would be a real winner. sony is much smaller.
Leica is better build, but the technology is outdated in what, one year? then you have to buy a new camera to be at the front. And did you look at the lenses, they are like a canon (the weapon not the camera brand). No how good this camera is, it will not win over many people. why go for this camera instead of a similar sized FF DSLR or a much smaller ff mirrorless?
The price is insane, but so is the size, both for body and lenses. Yes the IQ might be good, but will it be that much better then the Sony? Remember, you need the extra aperture to get the same IQ as the 7rII gets at one or two stops higher ISO!
This camera is a Leica, so a nice build camera, but no future in the market.
They had better developed more lenses for their T model, or made a better T model, instead of coming with an other, not really needed camera!
Two quick points –
1) Some people prefer a bigger camera. I have an A7R and wish it was bigger (and had two card slots). Smaller isn’t always better.
2) No-one has to buy a new camera every year to stay ‘out in front’. If your work doesn’t sell, it’s not because you have a year old camera. 😉
Don’t get me wrong, the price of this camera is high, but it’s up to Leica how much they want to charge. Also, given the considerably smaller volumes Leica sells compared to Sony, you have to expect a higher price. It’s not designed to win over lots of people.
…for people who are looking for large and heavy cameras… Which may not apply to many travelers or people unkeen to carry bulky loads around…
So disappointed about Sony’s EVF, where are the 3.8 M the rumor “mill predicted”. But now that leica did 4,4, Sony should do 6 (and please at 0,8x also). Also we need touch LCD
the evf is superb on the a7r2…
That is relative. No doubt, compared to other EVFs the one in the A7Rii is superb. Compared to a good OVF, I never ever saw a superb EVF. I just get headaches from the lag, the flickering, the pixelation, the contrast. The experience is still far away from seeing the real thing. I guess the new Leica SL EVF will be a step forward, but still no difference in this regard.
Remember, this is my personal opinion.
You can get 4 Mp EVF with 0.8x magnification if you’re willing to pay the cost. 7400 dollars.
If you can’t pay that, then don’t demand that from cheaper cameras. The problem is your wallet’s limitation, not the camera makers.
Sony had the very best EVF available then a new camera comes out at over twice the price and has a better EVF, this makes you “so disappointed”. Really? Sony still has a much superior sensor, I’ll take that anyday over a superior EVF.
The nose activated touch LCD is a great feature. LOL
Completely rules this camera out for me – my schnozzle is just too large!
Just like the T and Q, it probably can be turned off and on. The 5-axis jog dial can select and activate AF.
+1 !!!!
It’s sounds like you’ve not looked through the EVF of the A7RII, and I know you haven’t looked through the SL’s one. Your comment suggests you’re more interested in specs on paper than photography.
Which kind of makes you comment idiotic.
No I haven’t looked through A7RII, but yes I know it’s better than A7, which I looked into. But at the same time, Leica Q was deemed to be the best EVF so far by many reviewers, an this one is even better according to hand on previews. So sony is not anymore the king of EVF (panasonic, olympus with natural low contrast mode evf also have an edge), which I find sad as having the best EVF is clearly very important to gain DSLR switchers for Sony, and Sony is certainly much more tech savvy than Leica. So clearly Sony must improve their EVF a lot.
I’m a DSLR shooter, I love the optical viewfinder, but I want to go mirrorless, I will when the EVF will be good enough, and Leica is the only one really pushing the enveloppe here
If you want to gain DSLR switchers, you need your EVF to be better than the DSLRs.
You don’t need your EVF to be better than Leica’s 8000 dollar camera. You don’t need your EVF to be better than some random company’s 100000 dollar camera.
Being better than Nikon’s little 0.7x viewfinder on the D810, is good enough.
EVF is better then OVF since A77 or a99. had lots of chances to prove it
I’m not really bothered who is King of the EVF, as you put it. The EVF in the A7R is good enough for me, and I have no problem switching between it and the OVF in my D800. Will there be better EVF’s in the future? Sure there will, but that’s not my main criteria when buying new cameras.
Weird comment… A friend of mine who is a pro photographer and film maker had a look at my A7r2 today and he was amazed by the EVF. The A7r2 literally blew him away… and he is a seasoned professional…
The thing I’m excited about in the SL is the position of the eye sensor. On the Sony, it is right above the LCD. Any hand waving or button pressing near it flicks off the LCD for image review and turns on the EVF. Sony design impeccable electronics. Their interfaces need work.
Agreed. My main gripe with my Sony kit is the interface.
The menus are messy. The first thing is that the stills settings and video settings should be segregated.
Dual card slots? Check. Faster than f/4 zooms? Check.
So disappointed that the lens in not a true F4 continuous aperture, the 24-90mm F2.8 – F4 costing $4950. Sad 🙁
For that size and weight it should be an f/2.8 lens through the zoom range.
kit lenses are seldom constant apertures
Kit lenses are seldom $4950
There isn’t a zoom of that range, no matter what. It is possible that the f stop stays pretty constant through most of the range, but moves closer to f/4 when it hits around 90. That is an extra 15mm over Canon and Nikon’s most recent zooms, and 10mm more on the long end and 4mm on the wide end VS older zooms.
I see no problem. Double the price? So what? It’s Leica.
I’m willingt to bet the Canon 24-70 and 70-200 2.8 II’s outperform this lens. And combined they almost equal the size and weight while being cheaper. The only sensor crappier than Canon’s is Leicas. Even if this is a good lens, it would need to be mounted on a A7rII to reach its potential.
Chris: we have a problem. No one makes a 24-90 2,8-4 professional zoom. Already, Nikon’s and Canon’s 24-70 (20mm shorter on the tele end) cost more than 2000$. Of course Leica is more expensive. They don’t market themselves to the same crowd. And they shouldn’t.
But if Nikon or Canon extended their pro kit lenses to 90 mm on the tele end, you’d find them more expensive still. Would they be 2750$? Would they be 3000$? Probably. Then, the difference would be 2000$. That is chump change if you shoot for a living. Chump change.
In which case, it all comes down to the enthusiast, or the tech geek. Which MUST be where you are basing your comments.
No, Leica cameras aren’t cheap. But system built to pro (D4/D1) spec is cheap. That Leica price their stuff further afield than Canon and Nikon is their prerogative. But it is not prohibitively more expensive.
LOL, a $5000 kit lens!!! Surely you jest!
So disappointed the second card slot is very slow compared to the primary one. Sad 🙁
It’s used for JPEGs as backup. Waaaaaaay better than no 2nd card slot I would say.
I know, just giving TeddyBear some of his own medicine. There is no perfect camera, even ones costing $7000+ dollars.
True.
Yeah, let’s see what Sony brings (or not) for PhotoPlus
Nikon system? Check
Canon system? Check
Sony A-mount system? Check
It’s not new and or unique in those aspects.
It’s like a full sized DSLR, just not that deep. But not like MF. Same size as a Nikon DF, but not nearly as deep. The lens looks indeed insanely huge.
Pretty much. Seems like they don’t care at all about size with this system, which is making a statement of its own. I was watching a video preview and it looks like Leica took the complaints about the Sony and did away with them.
Dual card slots? Check.
Beefier feel? Check.
Larger battery? Check
Touchscreen? Check
Higher burst rate? Check.
I would say this would be a great competitor for the Sony but for the price. Regardless, the innovations here hopefully will motivate Sony to make some changes. That EVF sounds particularly nice, especially since the much-ballyhooed A7R2 EVF fails to impress.
A traditional screw in flash sync cable port. Check!
Couldn’t have said it better…
“…The Leica SL is the next major milestone in the evolution of digital photography. Not everyone will be able to afford this beautiful expression of German engineering, but everyone will be affected by its presence in the market. In that regard, the Leica SL is worth praise and admonition and it will be remembered as a turning point in photographic history…”
http://www.digitalphotopro.com/reviews/hands-on-with-the-new-leica-sl-mirrorless-camera
“German” engineering.
Don’t get the turning point thing though…
This doesn’t raise the bar above the A7rII, have you seen the samples at 1600 and 3200? The best FF sensor on the planet still resides in Sony and Nikon bodies. A better EVF and dual card slots are the big additions – at the expense of the gargantuan body that lacks IBIS. Video doesn’t look any better either.
The more the merrier, competition is good in any form. This camera is hardly a turning point, the A7’s have much more of an impact.
I’m sick and tired of that German engineering, German engineering, German engineering, German engineering!
Wow, show me that engineering for 3000€. Anyone can make a camera with such high price and talk about “engineering”. Look at 1DX, that’s what I called engineering.
Regards
Canon is not anyone. Nikon is not anyone. The most prominent example of an “anyone” who is not able to archive this kind of engeneering is Sony.
It’s nothing only Germans could do. 100% agreed. But not anyone. By far not!
Sir you are confused, Sony is totaly able to do it, they just don’t want to.
Looking at the size of this monster medium format sized camera, comparing to A7r2 probably Sony would have made it much better, without overheating.
Sure, but they don’t.
want to.
MF sized? It is similar to size to FF DSLRs.
Exactly. How does someone think it is near medium format size?
Yeah, search for leica S.
The SL is the same size of any FF DSLR, even much less deep. The Leica S is bigger.
It’s not even a 100% german development.
You’re lucky to have options.
Here in Japan, even constantly clogging, moulding, stinky sinks are brilliant because they are Japanese. Toilets that can’t be pumped, bathrooms that have to be completely re-installed if anything breaks, homes that don’t keep heat in, crazy sewage systems that emit noxious fumes, huge city drains necessary because of poor city design, all bragged about. They are made, designed, and used in Japan. Japan is everything! You get it so much that if you think of buying a computer, a bowl, a headphone, a toothpick, you are inundated with advertising that it is Japanese.
Even spoons and baby wipes. You don’t like ‘german engineering’ probably because it isn’t your nationality, or because you’re beyond nationalities. The last one is good.
Most countries with a bit of pride, do the ‘made in’ or ‘designed in’ pride thing. It is annoying, but in the case of German engineering, there are both amazing accolades, and some serious downsides to it.
Usually, German design is interface-derived, and easy to use. But it usually is comprised of complicated underpinnings that are less reliable than the Japanese equivalent. The Japanese simplify the underpinnings and make hard-to-use, or fiddly interfaces.
I wish they’d marry.
I don’t agree with your generalisations in the last paragraph, but otherwise, well said!
eg Volkswagen.
“Turning point in photographic history?” That praise is boldly misplaced. Even ignoring price, Leica has done little here than to satisfy some oft-requested features such as dual card slots and proper sealing, fast autofocus and [borrowed] internal 4k. But…not one of those is ground-breaking now. The single element that seems to be technologically exceptional is the EVF…and that’s merely going to be heads above the competition for a single season (plus, Sony was heads-above for how many seasons now?).
I’m, surprisingly, not much of a Sony fanboy, yet: If tomorrow Sony went bankrupt it is Sony still that will be most recognized for the mirrorless revolution, and to an almost equal degree Panasonic. If history were written now, Olympus, Samsung, Fuji and Leica would make a four-way tie for a very distant third-place.
Regardless of the current health of the company (always a misleading metric)…Maybe Leica has a future, maybe not, but with this one release it certainly hasn’t managed to steal even the marketing thunder of the other mirrorless players, much less outweigh their claim to be the spear-header of this movement. That’s…truly absurd.
Well, Leica did most of the things i and many others were asking for Sony to do for almost 5 years or more.
They are listening more than Sony.
Hope A9 to be better in all aspects, but the lenses…
This camera competes with d4s and 1dx with its 11fps, bigger, weather sealed, rugged aluminium body, * fast AF, dual card slots, very good and big evf(not OLED), USB 3, Full HDMI port, 4k, Cine 4k, *great dynamic range, tonal range, color rendition, pro lenses…
Direct acess to af points*
Sony has to respond.
Unfortunately the sensor is mediocre by today’s standards, other than that it’s an impressive camera.
Why is it mediocre?
Well for it’s price you expect to get the state of the art sensor.
It performs about equal to a three year old Sony 24 megapixel sensor that’s available in a $1400 camera, hardly cutting edge and certainly not what’s expected in a $7000+ dollar camera. Go the Dpreview and compare it to the latest and greatest, performance is mediocre.
If it is as fast as a 1dx that is the opposite of mediocre. A camera is more than a sensor. 1dx speed & performance with IQ as good or better than an a7II is great. This could be what many hope from an a99 successor or the imaginary high performance a9.
I didn’t know the old Sony 24 megapixel sensor can do 4k video. The Leica sensor is not up to the A7Rii sensor, but mediocre?
wait for reviews before judging
Did that: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/image-comparison?attr18=daylight&attr13_0=leica_sl_typ601&attr13_1=leica_q116&attr13_2=nikon_d750&attr13_3=sony_a7_ii&attr15_0=jpeg&attr15_1=jpeg&attr15_2=jpeg&attr15_3=jpeg&attr16_0=50&attr16_1=100&attr16_2=100&attr16_3=100&normalization=full&widget=1&x=0&y=0
Woah – didn’t expect DPreview being so fast- thanks.
Leica is way better than A7ii, but a bit weaker than D750 and it cannot compete with A7Rii. But I wouldn’t call it just mediocre. Leica is at least extraordinary mediocre.
Reviewers around already said that it is hardly the fastest and the A7rII or even a A7sII do a better job. Not to mention that PDAF is better for tracking, and DFD only works with compatible lenses.
I agree with other things, but I would much rather see them using USB Type-C 3.1, that way one port can do everything, from power to video and accessories.
And if their A9 do that kind of video, expect to pay more than a FS5.
It can’t track at 11 FPS, top end DSLR’s easily outclass this. The 1dc has a similar spec and can be had for far less. The upcoming 1dx will take it further.
right, and size is kind of the same too, it seems! strange camera
No silent shutter, no five-axis stabilization, ISO range is EIGHT times smaller than on the A7s, it’s considerably larger and heavier, and it’s 3-7 times as expensive as any of the A7 cameras. Uh, no, Sony is doing great, and any photographer with half a brain will balk at this overpriced A7 imitation. People have been asking Leica to follow Sony’s lead for years, and this is the best they can do? Weak sauce.
No one said its perfect, but is nearer to what have been asked, at least for me and some others…
I still think A7 series is on the small side but a little bit out of the comfort zone, why no A7 FF until now has at least 7 fps, no dual card slots?
im not talking about huge steps foward. This leica is out of my reach but we have aknowledge that is great camera and closes most of what lacks on sony A7 now.
It is 4x more expensive than the cheapest current A7, not 7x.
+1 ! People want big size and weight, they’ll have both to carry around !
Now here’s the turd, what if the 1dxii is not much better than the Leica spec wise and you know if will be priced similar. The original 1dx was 7 grand . Will Canon finally put wifi in their top camera? The lens investment -selection will be the kicker for someone to switch. Sony would probably add higher FPS on upcoming models or A7iii
The wifi transmitter for the 1dx is expensive but it is also the best. The built in wifi in a7 cameras is okay for sharing a handful of selfies. In the time it takes to get out a couple of photos, I can get out 100 photos via 1dx over FTP that sends to multiple computers and Dropbox. I wanted the a7 wifi to work out but the implementation is too limited to be of use for high volume work.
Everything looks great except for size. I would expect something smaller from Leica. It seems to be considerably bigger than the a7 cameras.
Now, can you imagine when Sony came up with the A9?
People are freaking out for a camera that is smaller than a D810 but as fast as a D4s, while having more resolution…
Buying this camera is an opportunity. To sell your car and use that money to finance this camera system.. That means instead of driving, you will have to walk everywhere you want to go. And why walk alone when you can carry this camera with you? This will increase your ability to capture photos as you travel from point A to point B. Where once your hands had a grip on a steering wheel, they can now grip the Leica SL. It’s a win win situation that will only help you capture more photos. Go forth.
And will be better for your health too. And thats not all! With the 24-90 or the 70-280 you can use it to exercise your muscles when and where you want to!
This camera is so rugged that even the most dangerous criminals will think twice before robbing you! Take the phone and buy now! If you buy in the first hour you get an exclusive red dot brush in aluminum and 3 red dot stickers to transform any camera you have on a Leica! Your friends will envy you for the rest of your life!
Sounds like something Ken Rockwell would say, lol!
I am actually trying to sell my car ;-). Opel Vectra V6 TURBO SPORT WAGON. Anyone interested?
I’ll give you an original Leica lens hood (35mm) and a used Leica camera brochure in good condition.
Weather sealing? Check.
Check THIS!!! –> (__|__)
ᶘ ᵒᴥᵒᶅ
Overpriced accessories? Check.
Any news from the Sony event? It should’ve ended by now.
What is 100% developed in a single country anymore?
Will it blend?
Leica smoke!
Solid block of aluminium. No it won’t.
Who actually buys this stuff at these prices? I wonder how many they’ll sell.
US$4950 for the kit zoom. Did I read that correctly?
Oh man, they will sell a lot…
Have you seen the size of this monstrosity?
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7448206943/a-lot-to-leica-hands-on-with-the-leica-sl-typ-601
It’s HUGE !!! Not for me, too large to travel with and certainly too heavy. Furthermore I would not invest high Leica budget in a usually fast depreciating electronic device.
The Leica SL looks like a great camera. I appreciate the no nonsense design that doesn’t try to be retro or futuristic. They kept is simple and functional.
I agree! Ironic that Leica, a company built on tradition and heritage has created such a futuristic design. I really feel this will set the pace.
T-type style, in a way. Just slightly bigger.
also world’s biggest and heaviest mirrorles..
That thing is ridiculously HUGE!
nope, it has the right size. My hand hurts from holding the a7m2 + sal24240 because the buttom edge of the grip is putting pressure on my palm. I don’t have this issue with the a850 or a99.
I don’t get why some people are so obsessed with tiny bodies. Let people pick if they want a big or small body!
exactly. If Sony had of made this every one would be cheering. i can’t stand the stupid toy size of Sony cameras, . This is the camera they should have made.
I don’t see Sony’s A7 cameras as “toy size” since they are the size of film reflex camera which were not toys or where these toys too ?
Exactly ! There are small cameras for people who like these compact and large heavy ones for people who prefer larger and heavy cameras. I prefer the small and lighter form factor which Sony delivers but that’s my own preference.
With Otus-sized primes, why does it need to be smaller?
And anyway, nothing prevents them from launching small camera later with same T-mount.
right. but i really have a hard time undertanding the benefit of mirrorless unless it’s small, when you’re a stills photographer, that is. For a videographer the benefits are obvious.
This is a full Pro level wedding ready SLR replacement. 28-40 lens, 10fps, fast AF, dual SD, battery, video. etc This is NOT a compact camera. Its just a FF do it all Camera. More of a competitor to the A99 etc.
Maybe 11 fps will move Sony to unlock high fps on A7x cameras.
Diminishing return.
The image sensor is the most important part of a camera body. I am skeptical that the sensor in this camera is worth $thousands more than the other options. So you’re essentially paying $7k for a processor, LCD, and shutter mechanism in a metal brick. Oh, I forgot to mention the Leica badge.
Ming Thein reviewed it today. In his opinion it is faster than the A7 series in most aspects (AFC wasn’t tested). Too expensive for me.
Faster?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5d_LBP0P8c
at 11:07
Faster start-up time than my A7ii.
True. But they said fastest AF not fastest start-up time. And miss a shot.
The marketing at its best (similar to Fuji’s fastest AF and A6000’s fastest AF …). MT claims it to be as fast as the OMD EM1. We will see what others find out.
I want that EVF. The Sony EVF is not good enough resolution wise IMHO.
I am looking forward to the time when these cameras have EVFs with huge magnification and perfect resolution. 0.8x is still not there IMO. How about a 2x magnification EVF with 5k resolution?
And your next idea is asking for fisheye VF for even more “sight”?
you better open a window for a clear sight
Agreed. Especially for me because I love the A7II for manual lenses. Imagine when they’re full HD or even 2k+. I’d even think about selling my D750 for a SLT Sony if it could compete on AF and low light. I’m completely an EVF convert. My exposures and compositions are much better with them.
Ming Thein has a full review on it (well not complete, since he didn’t test AFC). The weight is immense with lenses, but performance-wise it seems to be very good and very responsive (great EVF). Still, too expensive.
This halo product is great marketing for the Sony A7 series. Sony must be so happy right now.
because theirs looks like a toy in comparison?
Because the A7rII will produce better images – more DR and more resolution – at less than half the price?
No, those things don’t produce better images…
Put them side by side shooting the same subject and the Sony will easily outclass the IQ of any Leica below the Medium format cam, including the SL. Samples are mediocre, and very noisy starting at just 1600.
It’s huge, lacks manual controls, doesn’t offer any IQ advantage over a number of DSLR’s and the A7’s, and will sell in such low numbers new lenses will be sparse, much like the goofy T. Kudos to Leica for stepping into the 21st century, but there are far better options for better IQ in stills or video.
Cheers
Do your research. It has ample manual controls. Check out the controls and handling section. You can always tell the folks that haven’t peeped the entire product literature. They make statements that aren’t true. This bad boy has all the controls and buttons you need. They just aren’t IN your face. They are where they are supposed to be. Next to your finger. Pay attention to the handling section.
http://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-SL/Details
I watched some of the videos. Two dials, a stick and a button aren’t going to handle shoot modes, ISO, SS, Fstop, focus modes and a number of other parameters that you use regularly without playing with the touch screen or those goofy buttons next to the LCD, meaning you’re not making changes on the fly when shooting. Fine for studio work, not so good at events. YMMV.
The handling concept of the Leica SL is true to the Leica principle of concentration on essentials – “das Wesentliche.” As a result, the Leica SL can be used intuitively by any photographer. Fewer controls and sophisticated, clear menus let you find the settings you need much faster. Numerous functions can be controlled directly and customized according to your personal preferences.
With the aid of the Favorites menu, you can then access your most important settings with a single click. The four buttons around the back panel display and two further function buttons can all be freely programmed. Navigation within menus is controlled by either the click wheel or the joystick. The required aperture and shutter speed are set with two separate dials. In addition to the shutter release and the dedicated video recording button, you will also find a button for switching between photo and video mode on the top plate of the camera. The stop-down button used to assess exposure and depth of focus is located on the front of the camera. Thanks to the touch screen, browsing through your exposures is child’s play. The handling concept of the Leica SL assists you in your work in the best possible way: the way you always wanted it to be.
Keep drinking the kook aid.
))) it’s from their brochure. I could care less. Sony’s cool aid is kinda bitter, i tried that before)
People who shoot weddings with zoom lenses = lazy wedding photographer.
^^ Of course since weddings are the same around the world ! 😛
In my country weddings are long and fast paced. Shooting just primes is very challenging and difficult. With so many functions and rituals unless you have a big team you are going to need to use a zoom lens.
Depends on how you do it. We have two cams each with different primes, then it works nicely. But if you just use one cam or are alone it gets difficult in many situations.
Maybe, you are very slow?
Sure why not ! Obviously you seem to know everything !!! 😀
People who make highly generalized statements about how other people should work = jack@ss trolls. There you are fed now go take a dump.
Ah, ah, ah !!!
People who use autofocus= Lazy photographer.
People who use camera meter= Lazy.
People who shoot digital = Lazy.
People who shoot 35mm instead of medium= Lazy
people who use computers over typewriters =Lazy writer
this really gets old
+1 !!! Excellent !!!
I Like the body size, not so much about the lenses. Those are truly massive. I was expecting them to launch at least a smaller 35/2 or f2.8 to begin with.
Holy smokes, that’s a lot of comments on a Leica at a SonyAlpha forum. =)
Holy smokes, that’s a lot of camera in a weird shape. =)
Do you really think Sony capable of making a comparable camera? If they would sell their newest sensors to everyone, that would be the day.
Yeah, they were all very quiet and upset I hear.
without 35 1.4, 24 2+ this is not for wedding at all. using a mediocre zoom on such expensive camera is a pervertion =)
You are VERY wrong. I know and shot along side a man using nothing but 24-105mm F4 and a good command of studio light on location. He rocks.
Rockwell is a Leica hater. if the Leica came out before the SONY, Ken would be calling the A7Rii the camera of the year
I’m not sure but I think he’s not. He just writes extreme bullsh*t mixed with very useful information, regardles of the brand.
I wonder how battery life is
I thought I read 700 somewhere.
20 shots
Isn’t the price of the battery something over $200.00?
I’d say $375 plus taxes for the battery. It’s a Leica !
And a Nissan competes with a Rolls Royce.
Another great day for Sony. First it was “competition” from the Canon EOSM. Now this.
I’d say Sony needs competition to keep them innovating furiously, but they have none. And don’t seem to need the motivation
As much as I would prefer this SL over an A7Dii, I have to agree with you, Sony has nothing to fear from Leica. Not so sure about Canon.
Leicawise.
I’d deluded myself into briefly believing that Panasonic manufacturing would help Leica reenter the mainstream. And it probably could.
Leica chooses to serve the one percent.
Pity. I’d have paid more for the SL than the A7Rii.
But not “luxury” more.
hmm, I did the math. At $7000 – $3200 (A7rII) isn’t such a big deal for myself. I can sell some gear and a couple of my long lenses and rent them when needed, to soften the blow. You’re getting 11fps at the 24meg in contrast to 5fps.
I prefer the speed not more megapixels. Most photogs have tons of gear that they could sell. The ones that are standing on the side lines at sporting events. Think I will test drive one rather than looking at pics. The “Controls and handling” section already has me curious. Don’t realy care what everyone else thinks. I can think for myself.
So you just wait for A7 MIII and it will certainly have 24Mpxl@10fps stabilized 4K and all @ 1500$…
@Admin
You’ve gotta be kidding me calling this a Sony A7 competitor!!! This camera is unworldly. I wish I could afford it. By seeing this, I hope other mirrorless manufacturers pay attention to the fact that mirroless cameras shouldn’t be necessarily small, especially those designed with serious photographers in mind. I wish A7R II was in this size.
I wish the A7r and A7r2 be smaller than they are because I am traveling and I do not like extra large cameras _ I would not buy them. So if you like large size you can buy this Leica.
The comments about this being a “pro” mirrorless are laughable with almost no manual controls, no mode dial, nothing to control shooting modes, AF parameters unless you go menu diving. Even with an ergonomic mess like the A7rII I can change ISO, shooting mode, single shot or burst, AF modes and so on without taking my eye from the viewfinder, and I can add other features to the various custom buttons. Given the size of the body, there’s plenty of space for more controls, makes no sense.
Clearly, you haven’t done your research. http://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-SL/Details
And, you won’t have to menu dive. Because there’s a favorite menu
Quite intuitive. I’ve been asking for this for quite some time from Sony. Its your custom menu.
You do exactly what most “pros” do with the A7s and 5dmkIII, You program your buttons. I program my A7 buttons to match their equivalent location on my 5dmkIII. You only need to program your thumbwheel for ISO. Thats where mine is on my 5dmkIII and will be on my A7sII. The stop down button on top is where you do the rest. wa la
11 FPS that can’t track is worthless, ask NX1 users about the 15fps that also can’t track subjects, low keeper percentage. The 1dc can do everything this thing does and has a decent selection of AF lenses.
I watched the videos, you still can’t access all major shooting parameters directly, the Fn menu isn’t a one button operation.
Yawn
I’m sure the $3000 Panasonic version of this will have the controls sorted much better when it’s released next year.
This is thing is as streamlined as it gets, watch some presentation videos.
What wedding shooter wants a camera with no manual controls? I know when I’m shooting events I want to play with a touchscreen instead of shooting.
Fail.
Thanks to the A7 “competitor”, we might now expect Sony A7 mark III versions to have touch screens and dual card slots! Let’s hope.
And 11fps or close to it
Ok for the touch screen providing it can be disabled. I don’t use these much.
Internal DCI 4K Video & V-Log L Gamma
Two SD Card Slots; 1.3″ Top LCD Screen
Weather-Resistant Milled Aluminum Body
Well, no wonder why it’s bigger. And if it has better battery life, that’s good to.
For the price of the A7Rii I expect a state of the art camera, which the A7Rii isn’t.
For the price of the Leica SL I expect two state of the art cameras. Leica delivers at least one.
So, in my book, both deliver less than the price suggests. I’m sure you “waste” more money on the Leica, but the question is: Which is worse? or: What is better for you/me/someone else?
Questions, questions….
Agreed. There are characteristics on this beast that Sony should pay attention to.
I can certainly sell a couple of my 70-200 lenses and a couple of my cameras to soften the blow. I like it, I like it. They paid attention to the details (Controls and handling). Kinda like Bavarian Motor Works hahahaha. I peeped the details page, and checked out the controls and handling section. Can’t wait to test drive one.
http://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-SL/Details
After reading a lot of comments here and other photography related sites and watching lots of camera reviews I question if people have forgoten what cameras are supposed to do…
Capture photographs. So the fucking main purpose of a camera is to create a good Image!!
Lens, sensor & processor. Anything else should be secondary.
AF, VF, Ergonomics, User interface, Battery life, card Slots, screen, IS, WiFi…. can all suck my dick.
I trade them all in for the tinniest improvement in IQ.
The Leica SL has great lenses and a nice color rendition. But resolution, DR and noise performance is a bad joke for this price.
The images this camera creates aren’t any better than a camera costing a fraction.
I’m tired of this industry and its cows.
Cheers and good light.
It also has 10-bit 4:2:2 HDMI output. This camera packs in a lot of useful features.
You will be amazed at how many people will actually buy it! It’s pricey, but something tells me this is a PROPER camera, no nonsense. Pure photography tool. Let it settle down for 6 months and we will see
It says the time has come to deliver the future of photography. The future is computational photography. It will look nothing like this. It will be a mess of multi-lens designed gadgets that work of compositing numerous images producing insane amounts of resolution and perspective flexibility PP.
The marketing is poor. Agreed fully. And the website is poor. The camera is intriguing, however.
Sony A7x serie was the pioneer ;)…. now with Leica we have another big manufacturer which moves to high end mirrorless camera, another way to thumb the nose at Canikon
This camera looks huge… A kind of DSLR body which was flatten in depth dimension ( Z axis) by removing the mirror box…. It’s totally unsightly as it looks like a mashup of DSLR and Mirrorless camera. However the specs are interesting…