Today, Leica Camera has released a groundbreaking new product: the Leica SL (Typ 601) mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. With a full frame, 24 megapixel self-cleaning CMOS sensor, the SL (Typ 601) is packed with advanced features such as a 4.4 megapixel electronic viewfinder (best in the industry), Wi-Fi and GPS, the fastest auto focus of any full-frame system camera, weather and dust sealing, 11 frames-per-second burst shooting, dual SD card slots, and 4k video. The Leica SL shares a lens mount with the Leica T, with three new lenses announced: The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH (available at launch), APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4.0, and the Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. Both zoom lenses feature Leica Optical Image Stabilization. Adapters will be available to use Leica Cine (PL mount), R, S, and M lenses on the SL as well. T lenses will mount directly onto the SL and activate a 10 megapixel APS-C crop mode.
To learn more about the Leica SL (Typ 601), or to place an order, you can check it out online here: Leica SL (Typ 601). Don't hesitate to give us a call at 305-921-4433 or email us with any questions.
The full press release, from Leica:
Leica Camera presents the Leica SL (Typ 601), the new professional camera system which pairs cutting-edge mirrorless technology with speed and optical performance. The Leica SL is a new generation of a true Leica which promises to challenge the status quo of modern photography.
Featuring a 4.4 megapixel EyeRes Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) with a 0.8x magnification, the Leica SL’s autofocus is the fastest in the full-frame camera category. In addition to the new SL lenses, the Leica SL can be used with S, R, M, T & Cine lenses with the appropriate adapter. If you look through the Leica SL’s EyeRes Viewfinder, you see the future of photography.
Leica Camera will begin shipping the Leica SL in mid-November. The Leica SL has a two-year warranty
Features & Benefits at a Glance:
- Largest, fastest & highest resolution EVF (4.4 MP@60FPS / X 0.8 magnification)
- Fastest burst rate: 11 fps@ 24 MP, 1080p@120 fps, 4 k (UHD) @ 30 fps & Cine4K @ 24 fps
- Fastest AF in full frame system cameras
- 24-MP CMOS sensor: ISO 50-50,000 for highest performance under every lighting condition
- Best in class image quality with all supported Leica lenses (SL, S, R, M, T & Cine)
- Fastest SD standard (UHS2) with a secondary (UHS1) back up SD card slot
- Best video quality: 4k at 30 fps (Super 35), 1080HD@120fps (FF) (10 bit via HDMI out)
- Weather sealed to protect from spray water and dust
- Shutter speed from 30 min (bulb) – 1/8,000s (mechanical)
- Ultrasonic sensor cleaning
- Latest generation of Leica Professional user interface with hybrid touch operation
- Integrated WiFi and GPS module
- State of the art connectivity: Remote control, Viewer & Sharing App for iOS & Android
- Made in Germany
The Leica SL is the perfect tool for professional photographers and gives the photographer complete control be it nature, sports, action or press photography. The integrated 4.4 megapixel electronic viewfinder gives the photographer a huge field of view with the highest resolution and a bright and clear overview of the scene. The intuitive operating menu allows a straightforward handling of technical functions. Combined with its fast autofocus and high speed burst rate of 11 fps at full resolution, the photographer will never miss a decisive moment.
With its full-frame sensor, the Leica SL sets new standards in professional camera systems category thanks to the combination of outstanding speed and unrivaled optical performance. With the fastest autofocus in its class and the exceptional Leica image quality, photographers always achieve brilliant imaging results – in still images and in 4k video.
Made in Germany, the Leica SL is milled from aluminum and the Leica SL lenses have the water repellant Aqua Dura coating. In addition to the SL lenses, the Leica SL can be used with other Leica lenses (S, R, M, T & Cine) and 3rd party lenses via adapters even for video applications, making it ideal for any photographic situation.
Craftsmanship and Design
The body of the Leica SL is machined from two solid blocks of aluminum and hand-finished to
create a unique piece of work. The material used in the construction of the Leica SL guarantees exceptional endurance. The Leica SL and its lenses are sealed against dust and water. This ensures that the SL system is reliable under the toughest conditions
Video Recording
The Leica SL allows video recordings in FullHD & 4k for professional movie footage. It offers 1080p @ up to 120 fps, 4k (UHD) @ 30 fps & 4k (cine) @ 24 fps. The Leica SL records high-quality moving pictures on the internal SD cards in 4:2:0 8 bit. The HDMI delivers 4:2:2 10 bit for external recorders. With the PL Adapters, the cinematographer can use the Leica Summicron-C and Leica Summilux-C Cine lenses.
WiFi, SL App
The Leica SL has an integrated WiFi module. The Leica SL App is available as a free
download from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. The App allows the user to
remotely control the camera via a phone or tablet. The user will be able to set the shutter
speed and aperture and capture the scene via the tablet or phone. This makes it easy to
shoot remotely from unusual angles.
24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor
The Leica SL has a 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. The newly developed processor from the Leica Maestro II series processes the data arriving from the sensor with such speed that it allows continuous shooting at a rate of 11 frames per second at full resolution, much faster than other comparable cameras.
The full frame CMOS sensor offers the best picture and the following benefits:
- Fastest frame rate of 11 fps at full resolution of 24 MP
- Fastest SD Standard UHS II, unlimited burst shooting in JPEG mode
- Ultrasonic Sensor Cleaning
- Best video quality with Full HD & 4K video recordings
- Optimized for all Leica lenses
Leica SL Lenses
The Leica SL lenses are full-frame AF lenses designed for professional needs. With the highest image performance at every aperture and distance, the new Leica SL Autofocus is the fastest AF available for full-frame system cameras. The SL lenses are silent and offer precise AF. All SL lenses have an AquaDura hydrophobic coating on the outer lens elements. The lenses are sealed to protect from dust and water.
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90/f2.8-4 ASPH
With a super versatile focal length from 24 mm – 90 mm, the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL is discrete, precise and with a fast auto-focus. The lens offers the highest image performance at every aperture and distance and Leica Optical Image Stabilization. The lens offers excellent close focus distance at 0.3 m / 1 foot. The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90/f2.8-4 ASPH is available from mid-November 2015 and weighs 1150g or 40.57ounces.
Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280/f2.8-4
The Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280/f2.8-4 offers the highest image performance at every aperture and distance. It is precise and has a fast auto-focus with Leica Optical Image Stabilization. With a focal length from 90-280 mm, the lens can focus closely at 0.81 m or 2.7 feet. It has a detachable tripod mount and click stops at 90º. The Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL
is expected to be available in June 2016.
Leica Summilux-SL 50/f1.4 ASPH
This professional SL prime lens sets new standards for optical performance. With a unique combination of performance and usability, the Leica Summilux-SL 50/f1.4 ASPH is the best 50 mm AF lens. It is expected to be available in December 2016.
Leica L-Mount
The Leica SL and the Leica T share the same lens mount, now named the Leica L-Mount. The Leica T and future Leica TL lenses are compatible with the Leica SL camera. The SL changes the sensor format automatically to APS-C size. Leica SL lenses can be used in the future on Leica T cameras.
Currently, with the Leica M-Adapter T, there are 48 M lenses which can be used on the Leica SL. With the Leica S-Adapter L, there are 16 S lenses which can be used on the Leica SL while 51 R lenses can be used on the Leica SL with the Leica R-Adapter L. There are 21 Cine lenses which can be used on the Leica SL with the Leica PL-Adapter L. The different adapters make the Leica SL camera one of the most versatile cameras available to a professional photographer.
Leica SL System Accessories
A new range of SL System Accessories will be available in the near future. Among the accessories are the multifunction handgrip, flash, range of filters, straps, batteries and chargers. Some of these accessories will be available from November 2015 while the others will be available from June 2016.
Hello, I am Professional landscape photographer from Nepal. Mostly I do photography on high Himalayan region (sometime extreme cold conditions). I am the user of Linhof Master Technika 4×5 Classic, Mamiya RB67, Nikon D3X, Nikon D810 Cameras.
I am always a Leica lover too. I came to know that Leica have introduced LEICA SL and its LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-SL 24–90 lens. As a professional landscape photographer, I am really excited about it. I am really impressed with it. But i have few questions/ confusions, one of those is:
I have seen someone’s video tutorial of SL body with M lens: As he said on his tutorial, we need to full open the f stop then only we can focus nicely, and after focus then only we need to fix the correct f stop. I mean to say, we can’t use M lenses on SL body as we use M lenses on M body. Its quite complicated. Is it correct?
And How about the plan for Leica SL wide angle lenses (15mm or 18mm…) or wide angle full frame zoom lens?