Leica SL (Typ 601) Mirrorless Digital Camera

Leica SL (Typ 601) Mirror less Digital Camera
Includes original box, instruction manuals, lens cap, strap, battery

The Leica SL (Typ 601) is a high-end, full-frame mirrorless digital camera designed for professional photographers and advanced enthusiasts. It combines Leica's renowned craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional image quality and performance.

Design and Build

The Leica SL is constructed from a single block of milled aluminum, giving it a robust and durable build. The camera is weather-sealed, providing protection against dust and moisture, making it suitable for use in various environmental conditions. The design is sleek and minimalist, with a focus on functionality and ease of use. The body features a large, ergonomic grip that ensures comfortable handling, even during extended shooting sessions.

Sensor and Image Quality

At the heart of the Leica SL is a 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, similar to the one found in the Leica Q. This sensor, combined with the Maestro II image processor, delivers stunning image quality with excellent detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy. The camera supports a native ISO range of 50-50,000, allowing for versatile shooting in different lighting conditions. The SL captures images in both JPEG and DNG (RAW) formats, providing flexibility for post-processing.

Autofocus and Performance

The Leica SL features a 49-point contrast-detect autofocus system that is fast and accurate. The autofocus points cover a wide area of the frame, ensuring precise focusing even on moving subjects. The camera also includes a joystick for easy selection of focus points. The SL can shoot continuously at up to 11 frames per second, making it suitable for capturing fast-paced action.

Viewfinder and LCD

One of the standout features of the Leica SL is its EyeRes electronic viewfinder (EVF). This EVF boasts an impressive 4.4 million dots of resolution and a magnification of 0.80x, providing a clear and detailed view of the scene. The EVF offers 100% coverage, ensuring accurate framing and composition. Additionally, the camera has a 3-inch touchscreen LCD with 1.04 million dots. The screen is fixed but provides a bright and responsive interface for navigating menus and reviewing images.

Video Capabilities

The Leica SL is not just a stills camera; it also excels in video recording. It can capture 4K video at both 24p (4096 x 2160) and 30p (3840 x 2160) resolutions. The camera supports 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output, allowing for high-quality external recording. The SL includes features such as focus peaking, zebra patterns, and timecode, making it a powerful tool for professional videographers.

Connectivity and Storage

The SL offers a range of connectivity options, including built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. These features enable easy sharing of images and geotagging of photos. The camera also includes a USB 3.0 port for fast data transfer and a 1.28-inch top plate LCD that displays essential shooting information. The SL has dual SD card slots, with one slot supporting UHS-II cards for faster write speeds and greater storage capacity.

Battery Life

The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (BP-SCL4), which provides a decent battery life for a full day of shooting. The battery is easily replaceable, and the camera includes a battery charger for convenient recharging.

Lens Compatibility

The Leica SL uses the L-mount, which is compatible with both SL and TL lenses. This mount system provides access to a wide range of high-quality lenses, including Leica's renowned prime and zoom lenses. Additionally, with the use of adapters, the SL can also be used with Leica M, R, and S lenses, offering even greater versatility.

Additional Features

  • Customizable Buttons: The camera features customizable buttons that can be assigned to various functions, allowing for a personalized shooting experience.
  • High-Resolution Top Plate LCD: The top plate LCD provides quick access to key settings and shooting information, enhancing the overall usability of the camera.
  • Durable and Weather-Sealed: The robust construction and weather sealing ensure that the camera can withstand challenging shooting conditions.

Conclusion

The Leica SL (Typ 601) is a premium mirrorless camera that combines exceptional build quality with advanced technology. Its high-resolution sensor, fast autofocus, and versatile video capabilities make it a powerful tool for both photographers and videographers. Whether you're shooting in the studio or out in the field, the Leica SL delivers outstanding performance and image quality, making it a worthy investment for professionals and serious enthusiasts.

New or Used: Used