The Gen XY Lifestyle
Leica goes mirrorless with the new SL
Who would have thought that Leica would now have their own “DLSR” – or in this case, a solid aluminum and weatherproofed mirrorless system camera in the same class?
Leica may be better known for their expertise in lenses and image quality, but they’re now adding other bullet points in the technical department.
Leica claims the fastest autofocus in the professional full frame camera class, and also a newly developed Leica EyeRes tech viewfinder, which boasts a latency time beyond human detection, impressive 4.4 million pixels resolution, and a magnification that’s similar to a medium format camera.
On paper, the camera seems competent, with a shutter speed range of 30 minutes to 1/8000 seconds, and a maximum ISO ceiling of 50,000.
Other creature comforts include being able to view the final image before you release the shutter so that adjustments can be quickly made, as well as a comfortable, 2.95-inch rear touchscreen display with a wide viewing angle of up to 170°.
Leica also attributes its speedy performance to the high performance Maestro II series processor. Coupled with a 2GB memory buffer, the SL can capture pictures at up to 11 frames per second at full 24-megapixel resolution.
Likewise, it is also able to handle demanding high resolution videos, and can do 4K video at 30 frames per second (fps), or Cine4K in 24 fps. It’s also capable of filming high speed, 120 fps video in full HD while utilising the entire sensor. Leica has surprisingly made it a possible video option for photographers, and Videos can be output in 4:2:2 10-bit format in 4K resolution over HDMI 1.4 (if you must know).
The Lecia SL is also introduced with a new line of SL lenses, numbering three at launch: Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90 mm f/2.8–4, ASPH APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8–4, and the Summilux-SL 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH.
The SL is fully compatible with the T/TL line of lenses, and with optional adapters, the S, M, and R line of lenses – no worries about a lack of usable lenses there.
The Leica SL (Type 601) body (S$11,000) and the SL series 24–90mm zoom lens (S$6,850)are now available at the Leica store and dealers. As for the remaining two lenses that were announced, the 90-280mm will be available Q2 of 2016, and the 50mm will be available Q4 of 2016. The price for both lenses will be announced closer to their release.
