The Leica SL (typ 601) is here and it is fantastic! For sample images just scroll all the way down. I'm working on the review now and will have more of it finished soon.
The Leica SL, a camera nobody really expected, has suddenly arrived. Now, just because nobody expected it doesn't mean it isn't a great camera. Usually companies make decisions on new products based on consumer demand and what the competitors are offering. What is so great about Leica is that, as with Steve Jobs at Apple for many years, they design and build things that nobody knew they wanted or needed. They create devices which are just plain better than anything else, unique / different, and usually able to completely surprise everyone. The Leica SL is definitely the future of the photography industry, and Leica is leading the way.
* This is a "rolling" review, meaning I will be constantly updating it over time.
If you read the specifications it looks like some madman's wishlist of everything ideal to put into a camera (and the new zoom lens as well). In fact, no camera company has ever put this many different popular features together in one single camera, for example, the Leica SL has both GPS and WiFi built into the camera, instead of just one or the other. As far as I know, the only other semi-serious camera to have both of those functions is the Canon 6D (although curiously none of the higher-end Canon or Nikon cameras such as the 5D III / 1DX or the D810 / D4S have either capability). The autofocus is extremely fast. The LCD screen and electronic viewfinder have no visible lag or delay at all. The camera is fully weather sealed, robust, solid. Most consumer cameras are not, except for the few I just mentioned which are the best Nikon and Canon make. Those, until now, were the only cameras I would put any real faith in with regard to durability and "survivability" in extreme conditions.
Inside, the Leica SL is much the same as the new Leica Q, with a 24 megapixel full-frame sensor and Maestro series processor. On the outside, however, it is a different animal entirely. While still managing to be smaller than the S series, which isn't hard, the new SL is still quite substantial, particularly when paired with the new 24-90mm zoom lens. On the outside, it has a fantastic eyepiece for the EVF and a very nice "transflective" display on top which is easily visible even in bright sunlight. Even with Leica's minimal interface, borrowed from the S series, it's quite easy to learn what each of the unlabeled buttons does and if you get lost just press any of them. A little hint icon will pop up next to each one, and these vary based on being in shooting mode (live view) or playback of photos already taken.
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* I will be adding much more to this review soon, once I've had sufficient time to shoot with the SL a bit more. Also lots more sample images coming soon!
PROS:
- Image quality. Just fantastic. That's why you buy (and carry) a camera like this.
- Fast, silent (truly silent) autofocus.
- Build quality is top notch, and every button and dial feels perfect to use.
- The 24-90mm zoom lens is just optically incredible, no noticeable distortion and extremely sharp edge to edge throughout the zoom range.
- I'm just going to go ahead and put image quality again.
CONS:
- This is major, the bottom edge of the camera digs into my side / hip as I'm carrying it slung on my shoulder. It is a very sharp metal edge, not rounded like pro DSLRs are at the bottom. I understand the desire for clean, crisp lines but it negatively impacts the comfort and ergonomics of this camera.
- I wouldn't exactly consider either the price or weight as a con because it really just depends on the individual. What's heavy and expensive to one person is just professional quality and construction to another. But it is certainly not light. Or inexpensive.
- Very small complaint, but this anodized black aluminum for the body and lens are just absolute fingerprint magnets. Also tends to get condensation all over when you transition from cool indoor areas to tropical humidity here in Miami.
