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Leica SL vs Leica SL2-S

Portability
67
Imaging
72
Features
78
Overall
74
Leica SL front
 
Leica SL2-S front
Portability
55
Imaging
76
Features
84
Overall
79

Leica SL vs Leica SL2-S Key Specs

Leica SL
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 50 - 50000
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 4096 x 2160 video
  • Leica L Mount
  • 847g - 147 x 104 x 39mm
  • Released October 2015
  • Additionally Known as Typ 601
  • Newer Model is Leica SL2
Leica SL2-S
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 50000
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 4096 x 2160 video
  • Leica L Mount
  • 931g - 146 x 107 x 83mm
  • Introduced December 2020
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Leica SL vs Leica SL2-S Overview

On this page, we are looking at the Leica SL and Leica SL2-S, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras and both are created by Leica. The image resolution of the SL (24MP) and the SL2-S (24MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras provide the same sensor measurements (Full frame).

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The SL was brought out 6 years prior to the SL2-S which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (SLR-style mirrorless).

Before diving right into a full comparison, here is a quick overview of how the SL matches up against the SL2-S for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Leica SL over the Leica SL2-S

 SL SL2-S 

Reasons to pick Leica SL2-S over the Leica SL

 SL2-S SL 
IntroducedDecember 2020October 2015Newer by 62 months
Display dimensions3.2"3"Larger display (+0.2")
Display resolution2100k1040kClearer display (+1060k dot)

Common features in the Leica SL and Leica SL2-S

 SL SL2-S 
Manually focus Dial precise focusing
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Selfie screen Neither contains selfie screen
Touch display Easily navigate

Leica SL vs Leica SL2-S Physical Comparison

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and volume. The Leica SL has got physical measurements of 147mm x 104mm x 39mm (5.8" x 4.1" x 1.5") and a weight of 847 grams (1.87 lbs) and the Leica SL2-S has sizing of 146mm x 107mm x 83mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.3") and a weight of 931 grams (2.05 lbs).

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Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the SL against the SL2-S.

Leica SL vs Leica SL2-S size comparison

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SL and SL2-S is 67 and 55 respectively.

Leica SL vs Leica SL2-S top view buttons comparison

Leica SL vs Leica SL2-S Sensor Comparison

Generally, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions merely by checking technical specs. The image here may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SL and SL2-S.

As you can tell, both of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same exact megapixels and you should expect similar quality of photographs however you should take the release date of the products into consideration. The more aged SL is going to be behind in sensor technology.

Leica SL vs Leica SL2-S sensor size comparison

Leica SL vs Leica SL2-S Screen and ViewFinder

Leica SL vs Leica SL2-S Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Leica SL Portrait photography information
Leica SL2-S Portrait photography information
83
has manual focus
sensor resolution is decent (24 megapixels)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
features face detection autofocus
supports RAW files
85
focusing manually
decent megapixels (24MP)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
comes with face detect focusing
supports RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Leica SL as a Street photography camera
Leica SL2-S as a Street photography camera
69
sensor size is big (Full frame)
supports RAW files
includes focus via touch
environment sealing
good high ISO (50,000)
fixed screen
no image stabilization
66
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
supports RAW formats
features touch to focus
environment sealing
great ISO range (50,000)
no moving screen
more heavy than competition (931 grams)
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Sports Comparison

Leica SL Sports photography info
Leica SL2-S Sports photography info
67
max shutter speed is good (1/8,000 seconds)
sensor resolution is decent (24MP)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
features tracking autofocus
environment sealing
no image stabilization
terrible battery pack (400 per charge)
lack of phase detect autofocus
83
great max shutter speed (1/8,000s)
silent mode (1/16,000s)
fast continuous shooting (20.0 fps)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent megapixels (24MP)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
comes with tracking focus
environment sealing
great battery pack (510 per charge)
has no phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Leica SL Travel photography details
Leica SL2-S Travel photography details
65
environment sealing
includes focus via touch
sensor resolution is decent (24 megapixels)
terrible battery pack (400 shots)
does not contain selfie friendly screen
65
great battery pack (510 CIPA)
environment sealing
connects via bluetooth
features touch to focus
decent megapixels (24 megapixels)
more heavy than competition (931 grams)
screen is not selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Leica SL Landscape photography factors
Leica SL2-S Landscape photography factors
77
has manual focus
change lenses (Leica L mount)
pretty good screen size (3")
sensor resolution is decent (24 megapixels)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
no anti-alias filter
good high ISO (50,000)
supports RAW files
environment sealing
has dual storage slots
no image stabilization
terrible battery pack (400 CIPA)
85
focusing manually
swap lenses (Leica L mount)
screen is a decent size (3.2 inch)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent megapixels (24 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
does not have anti-alias filter
great ISO range (50,000)
supports RAW formats
environment sealing
great battery pack (510 shots)
2 card slots
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Vlogging Comparison

Leica SL Vlogging highlights
Leica SL2-S Vlogging highlights
33
touchscreen
features face detection autofocus
video resolution high (4096 x 2160 resolution)
has external microphone jack
does not contain selfie friendly screen
no image stabilization
32
touchscreen
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
comes with face detect focusing
video resolution high (4096 x 2160 pxls)
comes with microphone support
screen is not selfie friendly
more heavy than competition (931 grams)
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Leica SL vs Leica SL2-S Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Leica SL and Leica SL2-S
 Leica SLLeica SL2-S
General Information
Manufacturer Leica Leica
Model type Leica SL Leica SL2-S
Also called as Typ 601 -
Category Pro Mirrorless Pro Mirrorless
Released 2015-10-21 2020-12-10
Physical type SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Processor Chip Maestro II -
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Full frame Full frame
Sensor measurements 36 x 24mm 36 x 24mm
Sensor surface area 864.0mm² 864.0mm²
Sensor resolution 24 megapixels 24 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2
Peak resolution 6000 x 4000 6000 x 4000
Highest native ISO 50000 50000
Minimum native ISO 50 100
RAW data
Minimum enhanced ISO - 50
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
AF touch
AF continuous
Single AF
AF tracking
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Total focus points 49 225
Lens
Lens mount type Leica L Leica L
Total lenses 30 36
Focal length multiplier 1 1
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 3 inch 3.2 inch
Resolution of screen 1,040k dots 2,100k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder resolution 4,400k dots 5,760k dots
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.8x 0.78x
Features
Min shutter speed 60s 1800s
Max shutter speed 1/8000s 1/8000s
Max silent shutter speed - 1/16000s
Continuous shutter rate 11.0fps 20.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance no built-in flash no built-in flash
Flash options no built-in flash no built-in flash
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Max flash synchronize - 1/250s
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions 4096 x 2160 (24p), 3840 x 2160 (30p), 1920 x 1080 (120p, 60p, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (120p, 60p, 30p, 24p) 4096 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 25p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 20 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p / 20 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Highest video resolution 4096x2160 4096x2160
Video format MPEG-4 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
GPS BuiltIn None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 847 grams (1.87 lb) 931 grams (2.05 lb)
Physical dimensions 147 x 104 x 39mm (5.8" x 4.1" x 1.5") 146 x 107 x 83mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.3")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating 88 not tested
DXO Color Depth rating 25.0 not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating 13.4 not tested
DXO Low light rating 1821 not tested
Other
Battery life 400 shots 510 shots
Form of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID BP-SCL4 BP-SCL4
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 secs) Yes (12 or 2 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Storage type Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported on slot 1) Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported on slot 1)
Card slots Dual Dual
Pricing at release $7,450 $4,895