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Leica Introduces Leica SL Mirrorless System
20 October 2015
Leica has introduced its SL mirrorless system with a 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor matched to its Maestro II series of image processors with a 2-GB buffer to capture 11 frames per second. Fast autofocus, ISO to 50,000, a high-resolution EVF and a touch screen highlight the new design.
The SL's solid-aluminium body components and weather-resistant seals around controls and in the lenses, provide optimum protection against dust, moisture and splashes while the integrated ultrasonic sensor cleaning removes dust and dirt inside the camera. The glass covering the back panel display is scratch-resistant and features an anti-glare coating, too.
The $7,450 body will be matched with a $4,950 Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f2.8-4 ASPH zoom lens when the system ships in November. But it also can mount almost every Leica lens ever made, the company said.
HIGHLIGHTS
Leica listed the highlights of the SL mirrorless system as:
- Largest, fastest and highest resolution EVF
- Fastest burst rate: 11 fps at 24-Mp, 1080p at 120 fps, 4K at 30 fps and Cine4K at 24 fps
- Fastest autofocus in full frame system cameras
- 24-Mp CMOS sensor: ISO 50 to 50,000
- Best in class image quality with all supported Leica lenses (SL, S, R, M, T and Cine)
- Fastest SD standard (UHS II) with a secondary (UHS I) back up SD card slot
- Best video quality: 4K at 30 fps (Super 35), 1080HD at 120fps (10 bit via HDMI out)
- Weather-sealed to protect from spray water and dust
- Shutter speed from 30 min (bulb) to 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 and Sharing app for Android and iOS
- Milled form solid blocks of aluminum in Germany
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the Leica SL include:
LEICA SL SPECIFICATIONS Body Milled Aluminum
Dust and spray water sealingSensor 24-Mp CMOS sensor (24x36 mm)
IR filter, no Lowpass filter
ISO 50 to 50,000Image Processor Leicao Maestro II series Lens Mount Leica L mount Image Formats Stills: JPEG, DNG (14-bit)
Movies: MP4, MOVStorage One UHS II SD slot
One UHS I SD slotFocusing Contrast autofocus
Static, Tracking, Face Detection modesShutter Focal plane shutter
1/8,000 second to 60 seconds,
Time exposures to 30 minutesTouch Screen 2.95-inch LED with anti-scratch coating
1.04 million pixelsConnectivity Built-in WiFi, GPS, USB 3.0, HDMI Power Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
400 shots (CIPA)Dimensions 147x104x39mm WxHxD Weight 771 grams with battery A PDF datasheet is also available will more details.
PRICE, AVAILABILITY
The $7,450 Leica SL and the $4,950 Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f2.8-4 ASPH zoom lens will be available Nov. 16 at your local Leica Store, Leica Boutique or Leica dealer. Additional Leica SL lenses and accessories will be released throughout 2016; the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 1:2, 8-4/90-280mm ASPH will be available in the second quarter and the Leica Summilux-SL 1:1, 4/50mm ASPH will be available in the fourth quarter.
Adorama is accepting pre-orders for the Leica SL and the 24-90mm zoom now.
For more information see the news release below.
Introducing the Leica SL Mirrorless Camera System, Setting Records in Speed, Versatility and Quality
Lightning-Fast Autofocus, High-Performance Processor and Outstanding Built Quality Combine to Create Yet Another Innovative System From Leica
The much anticipated mirrorless camera system designed for professional photographers is here. From legendary German camera maker Leica Camera comes the new Leica SL mirrorless system portfolio, once again ushering a new era of innovation in the photography world. The Leica SL's autofocus -- the fastest on the market -- combined with its high-performance Maestro II series processor and expansive buffer memory, make it possible for photographers to capture images at speeds and resolutions never before attained. Even more ground-breaking, the exceptional compatibility of the Leica SL system allows access to almost every Leica lens ever made.
Unparalleled Advances in Speed
Utilizing 2-GB of buffer memory, the processor makes it possible to capture 24-megapixel exposures at rates of up to 11 frames per second, 4K video at 24 or 30 frames per second and Full-HD video up to 120 frames per second. Pictures can be quickly saved to one or both of the SD memory card slots, in JPEG and Raw DNG formats simultaneously. The primary card slot utilizes the UHS II standard to ensure the main card attains the highest speeds currently possible. The combination of outstanding imaging performance, superior resolution and the fastest autofocus makes working with the Leica SL the ideal experience for the demands of professional photographers.
Striking CMOS Sensor
The Leica SL's 24-Mp CMOS full-frame sensor guarantees impressive dynamic range, excellent contrast rendition, exceptional sharpness, the highest resolution and noise-free images in almost all lighting conditions, with shutter speeds from 30 minutes to 1/8000 second. The sensor reveals its full potential in combination with Leica SL lenses, especially in available-light situations, creating superior-quality atmospheric exposures at sensitivities of up to 50,000 ISO. What also sets this sensor apart is that it is optimized for use with all Leica M-Lenses; in addition to supporting all their functions, it delivers the excellent picture quality synonymous with Leica for more than a century.
Unrivaled Versatility and Adaptability
The Leica SL system's new lenses will boast the superior optical and mechanical precision that users have come to expect from Leica. The ideal standard zoom lens in the portfolio, the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f2.8-4 ASPH, encompasses wide-angle to moderate telephoto perspectives at fast apertures. The speedy Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f2.8-4 will follow in early 2016 and the portfolio will be rounded out by the Leica Summilux-SL 50mm f1.4 ASPH, the new benchmark lens for this focal length, in late 2016.
The exceptional compatibility of the Leica SL system also allows access to almost every Leica lens ever made, giving photographers the ability to use all of the quality Leica lenses they have invested in over time. All lenses for the Leica T camera can be used without an adapter on the Leica SL. In addition, adapters allow Leica S, M and R system lenses, as well as lenses from other manufacturers, to be mounted on the Leica SL. Additional Leica SL Lenses are set to be released in 2016.
Advanced Viewfinder and Touchscreen Display
Developed especially for the Leica SL, the electronic viewfinder is the first of its kind to feature Leica EyeRes technology. With a refresh rate so high the view is always smooth and consistent, an impressive resolution of 4.4 megapixels for amazing detail and a magnification reminiscent of a medium format camera, this electronic viewfinder reveals an entirely new visual experience. By offering a preview of how the settings will apply with just a partial press of the shutter release, the viewfinder provides optimum control over the final picture in any situation. The EyeRes viewfinder is activated simply by looking through it. In addition, the Leica SL also features a 2.95-inch rear display with a viewing angle of up to 170 degrees that enables reliable viewing of pictures and intuitive touchscreen menu navigation.
Professional Video in Cinematic Resolution
Much more than a still-picture camera with video-recording capability, the Leica SL fulfils the most stringent demands of professional cinematographers, enabling the production of professional videos in 4K resolution. Videos can be recorded in Ultra-HD at up to 30 frames per second or in Cine4K at 24 frames per second. In Full-HD, the Leica SL can record video up to 120 frames per second, using the entire sensor area, for beautiful and smooth slow-motion effects.
The Leica SL's logical and intuitive handling allows seamless switchover from stills to motion-picture recording. As soon as the camera is in video mode, the display shows only relevant information for video, such as safe area, aspect ratio, zebra function and the recording level of the microphone. An optional audio adapter allows users to connect an external microphone; the audio-recording level can be set without accessing the menu. Videos can be output in 4:2:2 10-bit format in 4K resolution over HDMI 1.4, allowing cinematographers to get the highest color and video quality and control needed from the camera.
Built for Durability
The "Made in Germany" seal of quality for the Leica SL system guarantees that only the finest materials and craftsmanship are used in its construction. The SL's solid-aluminium body components and precisely engineered weather-resistant seals around controls and in the lenses, provide optimum protection against dust, moisture and splashes. Meanwhile integrated ultrasonic sensor cleaning removes dust and dirt, preventing them from showing up in images. The glass covering the back panel display is extremely scratch-resistant and features an anti-glare coating. All these properties make the camera an ideal tool for use in the unpredictable conditions professional photographers face.
The Leica SL (Type 601) body (SRP: $7,450) and Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f2.8-4 ASPH zoom lens (SRP: $4,950) will be available beginning Nov. 16 at your local Leica Store, Leica Boutique or Leica Dealer. Additional Leica SL lenses and accessories are set to be released throughout 2016; the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 1:2, 8-4/90-280mm ASPH will be available in Q2 and the Leica Summilux-SL 1:1, 4/50mm ASPH will be available Q4.