• Resets the tone for the mirrorless market, taking its place as the quintessential instrument for the picture-worthy lifestyle

• Handcrafted photography Collector’s item with exceptional quality and everlasting values that is highly sought after globally

• Steve McCurry’s exhibition photographed with the Leica SL2 titled China is on display for a limited time till 14 January 2020 at Leica Galerie Singapore

Listed in the top 10 luxury brands in Germany, Leica Camera has again reset the tone for the mirrorless market with the introduction of the new Leica SL2. Quality, refinement and craftsmanship – these are the essential elements of luxury, now embodied in the new Leica SL2.

Masterfully handcrafted with German precision for quality that lasts

The SL2 is the only mirrorless full format camera designed and crafted in Germany, with an unmatched all-metal solid construction and elegant leather wrap. It is not just a covetable possession to admire and behold, but a reliable and trustworthy companion. The sustainability guaranteed by consistent firmware updates ensures that it delivers years of photographic pleasure.

Elegant simplicity with a streamlined design

With an innovative user interface boasting efficient design, photographers can focus their attention on the creative process. The design alignment with the existing M and Q systems makes the adjustment even easier for existing Leica photographers. The main recording parameters can be viewed on the rear display and adjusted quickly with a simple finger tap. A click wheel, a joystick and three strategically placed, individually configurable buttons also contribute to a straightforward operation. With two dedicated status menus for stills and video recording, the parameters for either shooting mode can be adjusted entirely separately from each other.

Owned and used by famed photographers and celebrities worldwide, Leica Camera today launched the perfect all-purpose camera – Leica SL2 in Singapore in conjunction with a special guest appearance by veteran photographer Steve McCurry to an exclusive group of media and photography enthusiasts. Renowned in the world of contemporary photography, McCurry personifies excellence – his iconic work spans over four decades and is today seen as a reference and benchmark for generations of photographers.

Being one of the new camera’s first testers and choosing China as his destination, McCurry said: “China is a visually rich country and has great traditions, art and culture. It is actually one of the easiest places to photograph in the world – people are very accommodating, it’s very safe. It is just a rich environment for pictures.” To commemorate the launch, the resulting photographs will be displayed in his exhibition, titled China, at Leica Galerie Singapore, Raffles Hotel Arcade for a limited time from 9 November 2019 to 14 January 2020.

By listening closely to the valued feedback of photographers and existing SL owners, Leica pushes the envelope with the SL2. As the natural evolution of the innovative SL, it embraces the future of digital photography and videography while paying homage to its respected history and lineage. Not just a technical marvel of pure performance and unmatched build quality, the SL2 is also a pleasure to use with improved ergonomics and more comfortable grip married to the well-established, simplified three-button control layout – keeping consistent with the Leica design language across multiple product lines.

“To me, there was no comparison — the quality is unparalleled,” said McCurry. “Everything seemed really logical and very simple to use. But the main reason really was this incredible, unbelievable picture quality. You really have to see it to believe it!”

“Leica Camera is the brand of choice for famed photographers and celebrities and the SL2 is made no less for those who truly recognize and appreciate the finer things in life. We are thrilled to introduce the SL2 as the latest addition to Leica Camera’s legacy of excellence. The supreme quality that comes with everlasting values combining with an exceptional design, the SL2 embodies true craftsmanship and brings the pure pleasure of photography to life.,” commented Sunil Kaul, Managing Director of Leica Camera Asia Pacific.

 

Stunning visuals for all occasions

From laidback indoor shoots with the family to glitzy evening get-togethers, the SL2 ensures outstanding image quality in all lighting conditions with enormous dynamic range, a color depth of 14 bits per RGB channel and a sensitivity of up to ISO 50,000. The unprecedented resolution of the 47 megapixel-CMOS image sensor in full-frame format delivers unparalleled level of detail rendition and image quality. Even when combined with Leica TL lenses, designed for the smaller sensor format of the Leica TL2 and CL, the SL2’s sensor still produces an excellent image resolution of over 20 megapixels.

Enjoyable shooting anytime, anywhere with refined ergonomics

Despite significant technical improvements and the presence of in-body stabilization, the Leica SL2 is the same size as its predecessor and feels particularly compact to handle. Improved body design, paired with increased durability, makes the SL2 the perfect companion for all forms of shooting. The SL2’s IP54 certification ensures an elevated weather sealing for more rugged situations, while a new option to turn off noise reduction during long exposures allows for more hands-free shooting. Less worry about the weather and environmental situations means photographers can focus more on getting the shot. Overall, the design recalls the iconic Leica identity and traditional design DNA elements that the brand has become known and loved for.

Swift and sharp shooting for the moments that count

The best moments in life are often spontaneous and fleeting – never miss a picture-perfect moment and overcome the challenge of a moving subject with the new Leica Object Detention AF, which ensures a fast and reliable AF. In addition to an array of modes and features, including face recognition, the SL2’s high-performance AF system also automatically detects whether a subject is stationary or in motion, subsequently switching between motion and focus priority.

In addition, the new Maestro III processor facilitates a superior operating speed that shines in many aspects of the SL2’s performance. Significantly swifter autofocus allows for a virtually lag-free shutter release in any situation, which is further complemented by the new Smart AF mode, which autonomously switches between focus priority and shutter release priority. Full-resolution recordings of consecutive images are possible at 10 frames per second with the focal plane shutter, and 20 frames per second with the electronic shutter. Thanks to two UHS-II-compatible SD card slots, raw files can be saved simultaneously in DNG and JPEG format.

Remarkable image clarity with sensor-shift technology

In a major evolution of the SL, the Leica SL2 features a suspended sensor which adjusts its position in order to quickly and efficiently compensate for camera shake. This in-camera method even makes image stabilization available to lenses that are not equipped with their own. In multishot mode, the tripod-mounted camera can record up to eight consecutive frames, whereby the sensor is shifted in half-pixel increments in between every exposure. This results in images with an incredible quadrupled resolution of around 187 megapixels, leading to an extreme increase in detail resolution.

Leica EyeRes® viewfinder with even higher resolution

The camera’s electronic viewfinder now boasts a resolution of 5.76 megapixels, allowing for a large, entirely natural-looking viewfinder image. Simultaneously, the experience is further enhanced when using the touchscreen, which has increased in size to a 3.2-inch diagonal, and now offers a significantly higher resolution of 2.1 megapixels.

For the cherished experiences worth reliving

Share your favourite memories in engaging video format — the Leica SL2 is able to record up to 60 frames per second in Cine 4K mode, and up to 180 frames per second in Full-HD mode. Activating Cine mode transforms the SL2 into a manually controlled cine camera as ISO becomes ASA, the shutter speed is marked in degrees on the rotary disk shutter, and the f-stops indicating the aperture ratio are replaced by T-stops, which measure the actual amount of light transmitted through the lens. Enjoy adapter-free connection to audio equipment with built-in headphones and mic jack, complemented by a fully fledged HDMI connector for external monitors.

Versality for every occasion with unlimited lens options

Featuring an L bayonet lens mount, the Leica SL2 is not only compatible with the evergrowing portfolio of SL-System lenses, but also with lenses of the TL-System and with the legendary lenses of Leica’s M, S and R-Systems via adapter, providing over 170 Leica lens options, guaranteed to offer the right fit for any photographic scenario. The L-Mount Alliance expands this scope of possibilities even further, by giving SL2 photographers access to Lmount-compatible lenses from Sigma and Panasonic.

Easy connectivity with the Leica FOTOS App

Of course, the new Leica SL2 is supported by the Leica FOTOS app available for Android and iOS Smartphones. Leica FOTOS connects directly to the camera via Wi-Fi (Bluetooth® is supported where available) and saves the registration details to make future connections between the camera and the app as fast and convenient as possible. Access the Live View function of the camera and remotely change exposure-relevant settings such as aperture, ISO value, shutter speed and exposure compensation from your smartphone. It naturally also allows wireless control of the shutter release, which opens up entirely new creative opportunities.

View your pictures immediately at full size on the high-resolution display of your smartphone to assess their sharpness. The exposure parameters are also displayed, which can be extremely helpful for adjusting the settings for subsequent exposures. Once a personal selection has been made, the pictures can either be shared in social networks or saved for mobile postprocessing in the smartphone. Leica FOTOS can be used for this in combination with many popular post-processing apps. Enjoy the full potential of digital image processing and transfer photos to the respective app in DNG RAW data format. Finally, save the finished pictures after processing to a separate Leica Gallery on your smartphone – this keeps painstakingly composed and processed pictures from the Leica FOTOS app separate from simple snapshots.

Expect many new features and a whole new mobile workflow experience on the iPad when
Leica FOTOS will be available in version 2.0 from 21 November 2019.

The Leica SL2 is available beginning 21 November 2019, at a recommended retail price of SGD9,400.

TECHNICAL DATA LEICA SL2

Camera type Mirrorless full-frame system camera

Type no. 2998

Order No. 10 854 EU/JP/US (black), 10 856 ROW (black)

Buffer memory 4 GB: DNG™: 78 recordings / JPG: > 100 recordings

Storage medium UHS-II (recommended), UHS-I, SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card

Material Full-metal housing made of aluminum and magnesium, leatherette, cover, splash-water protected in compliance with IEC standard 60529 (protection type IP54).

Lens mount Leica L bayonet with contact strip for communication between lens and camera

Operating conditions -10 to +40°C

Interfaces ISO accessory shoe with additional control contacts, HDMI jack 2.0b Type A, USB 3.1 Gen1 Type C, Audio-Out 3.5 mm/Audio-In 3.5 mm, communication interface in the base cover for multifunction hand grip

Tripod thread A 1⁄4 DIN 4503 (1⁄4”) with stainless steel in the base

Dimensions (WxHxD) 146 x 107 x 42 mm

Weight approx. 835 g (without battery)

SENSOR

Sensor size CMOS sensor, pixel pitch: 4.3 μm / Fullframe (47.3 MP): 8368 x 5584 pixels / APS-C (20.2 MP): 5504 x 3664 pixels

Image Stabilization 5 axis Body Image Stabilization. Camera stabilizes up to 5.5 stops.

Filter RGB color filter, UV/IR filter, no low-pass filter

Processor Leica Maestro series (Maestro III)

File formats Photo: DNG™ (raw data), DNG + JPG, JPG (DCF, Exif 2.31) Video: MP4: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC (Audio Format: 2ch 48 kHz/16 bit, AAC), MOV: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC (Audio Format: 2ch 48 kHz/16 bit, AC-3)

Picture resolution DNG™: 8368 x 5584 pixels (46.7 MP) JPG: 8368 x 5584 pixels (46.7 MP), 6000 x 4000 pixels (24 MP), 4272 x 2848 pixels (12 MP)

Color depth DNG™: 14 bit, JPG: 8 bit

Color space Picture: sRGB, ECI-RGB v2.0, Adobe RGB Video: Rec. 709/Rec. 2020 (HLG)/L-Log

File size DNG™: 84.4 MB JPG: depending on resolution and image content Video: max. length: 29 min, max. file size: 96 GB

Recording Mode Video Video mode: P – A – S – M / Cine mode: M

Video resolution/frame rate MOV 5K: 29.97 fps, 25 fps, 23.98 fps / MOV C4K: 59.94 fps, 50 fps, 29.97 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps / MOV 4K: 59.94 fps, 50 fps, 29.97 fps, 25 fps, 23.98 fps / MOV FHD: 180 fps, 150 fps, 120 fps, 100 fps, 59.94 fps, 50 fps, 29.97 fps, 25 fps, 23.98 fps / MP4 4 K: 59.94 fps, 50 fps, 29.97 fps, 25 fps, 23.98 fps / MP4 FHD: 180 fps, 150 fps, 120 fps, 100 fps, 59.94 fps, 50 fps, 29.97 fps, 25 fps, 23.98 fps
Bit Rate 8/10 bit for recordings on SD card, 10 bit via HDMI output

Video Gamma Rec. 709, L-Log Rec. 2020, HLG Rec. 2020

Viewfinder (EVF) Resolution: 5,760,000 dots, 120 fps, magnification: 0.78x, aspect ratio: 4:3, frame coverage: 100%, exit pupil position: 21 mm, setting range +2/-4 diopters, with eye sensor for automatic switchover between viewfinder and LCD panel, time delay 0.005 s

LCD panel 3.2″ (backlight LED) with anti-fingerprint and anti-scratch coating, 2,100,000 pixels (dots), format 3:2, touch control available

Top display 1.28″ highly reflective trans-reflective monochrome LCD, 128 x 128 pixels, viewing angle 120°; anti-fingerprint coating

SHUTTER

Shutter type Electronically controlled focal plane shutter/electronic shutter

Shutter speeds Mech. shutter: 30 min to 1⁄8000 s / Electr. shutter function: 1 s to 1⁄40000 s / Flash Synch: up to 1/250 s

Shutter button Two-stage (1st stage: Activation of the camera electronics including autofocus and exposure metering, 2nd stage: Taking the picture)

Self-timer Delay time: 2 s or 12 s

Picture Series Single Continuous Low Speed (3 fps), Continuous Medium Speed (6 fps), Continuous High Speed (10 fps without AFc/AE/WB), Continuous Super Speed (20 fps with electr. shutter function without AFc/AE/WB), Interval Shooting, Exposure Bracketing, Multishot

Multishot Generates 2 DNGs: 1x 47 MP, 1x 187 MP (8 pictures are combined into one high-res image)

FOCUSING

Working range 30cm to ∞, With macro setting: from 17 cm

Focus Mode Automatic (Autofocus in modes iAF/AFs/AFc/Touch AF) or manual. With manual setting: Auto Magnification and Focus Peaking optionally available as focus aids

Autofocus system Based on contrast metering and depth mapping

Autofocus modes Smart AF (autonomously selects AFs and AFc), AFs (picture taken only after successful focusing), AFc (picture can be taken at any time), AF setting can be saved

Autofocus Metering methods Spot (can be shifted), Field (can be shifted), Multi-Field, Zone, Face detection, object Tracking, optional Touch AF

Autofocus Metering Fields 225

EXPOSURE

Exposure metering TTL (‘Through The Lens’ exposure metering)

Exposure Metering Methods Spot, Center-Weighted, Multi-Field

Exposure modes Automatic program (P), Aperture priority (A): manual aperture setting, Shutter priority mode (S): manual shutter speed setting Manual (M): manual setting for shutter speed and aperture

Exposure Compensation ±3 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments or 1/2 EV increments

Automatic bracketing 3 or 5 exposures, up to ±3 EV, in 1⁄3 EV increments Shift function: up to ±3 EV, additional LPG-HDR

ISO sensitivity range Auto ISO: ISO 100 to ISO 50000, Manual: ISO 50 to ISO 50000

White balance Automatic (Auto), Daylight 5200 K, Cloudy 6000 K, Shadow 7000 K, Tungsten 3200 K, HMI 5600 K, Fluorescent Warm 4000 K, Fluorescent Cold 4500 K, Flash 5400 K, Gray Card Live View, Gray Card, Color Temperature 2000 K to 11500 K

FLASH

Flash unit connector
About the accessory shoe

Flash sync time 1⁄250 s, slower shutter speeds available, automatic changeover to TTL linear flash mode with HSS-compatible Leica flash units if sync time is undercut
Flash exposure metering Using center-weighted TTL pre-flash metering with Leica flash units (SF 26, 40, 40MkII, 58, 60, 64) or with system-compatible flash units, flash remote control SF C1

Flash exposure compensation SF 40: ±2 EV in 1⁄2 EV increments, SF 60: ±2 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments

EQUIPMENT

Microphone Stereo internal + microphone input 3.5 mm stereo jack

Speaker Mono internal + headphones output 3.5 mm stereo jack

WLAN The Leica FOTOS app is required to use the WLAN function. The Leica app is available from the Apple App Store™ or the Google Play Store™. Compliant with Wi-Fi IEEE802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz, channel 1-11 (2412-2462 MHz) and Wi-Fi IEEE802.11ac, 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz, channel 39-48 (5180-5240 MHz), channel 52-64 (5260-5320 MHz), channel 100-140 (5500-5700 MHz) (standard WLAN protocol), encryption method: WLANcompatible WPA™/WPA2™

Bluetooth Bluetooth v4.2 (Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)), 2402 to 2480 MHz

GPS Via Leica FOTOS app

Menu languages English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean

POWER SUPPLY

Rechargeable battery (Leica BP-SCL4) Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, rated voltage: 7.2 V (DC); capacity: 1860 mAh (min.), approx. 370 recordings (based on CIPA standard, without EVF); charging time: approx. 140 min (after deep discharge); manufacturer: Panasonic Energy (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Made in China

USB Power Supply USB charger function in standby mode or when switched off, USB power supply when switched on

Charger (Leica BC-SCL4) Input: AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.25 A, automatic switchover; Output: DC 8.4 V 0.85 A; Manufacturer: Salom Electric (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., Made in China