Image Quality

All of the sample images in this review were taken using the 24 megapixel JPEG setting, which results in an average image size of around 10Mb.

The Leica SL2-S produced still images of excellent quality during the review period.

This camera produces noise-free JPEG images from ISO 50 all the way up to ISO 6400, with significant noise first appearing at ISO 12500. The faster settings of 25000 and 50000 display quite a lot of noise, but they're still fine to use for making smaller prints and web images. You should avoid using the fastest ISO 102400 setting if possible.

The SL2-S proved to very capable in low-light, with the maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds and the Bulb mode allowing you to capture enough light in all situations and the camera's -6EV rating successfully auto-focusing even in near-dark conditions.

Noise

There are 12 ISO settings available on the Leica SL2-S running from ISO 50-100000. Here are some 100% crops which show the noise levels for each ISO setting, with JPEG on the left and RAW on the right.

JPEG	RAW
ISO 50	ISO 50
ISO 100	ISO 100
ISO 200	ISO 200
ISO 400	ISO 400
ISO 800	ISO 800
ISO 1600	ISO 1600
ISO 3200	ISO 3200
ISO 6400	ISO 6400
ISO 12500	ISO 12500
ISO 25000	ISO 25000
ISO 50000	ISO 50000
ISO 100000	ISO 100000

Long Exposures

The Leica SL2-S's maximum shutter speed is 60 seconds in the Manual mode and there's a Bulb mode for up to 30 minute exposures, which is great news if you're seriously interested in night photography. The shot below was taken using a shutter speed of 30 seconds at ISO 50.

Film Styles

The Leica SL2-S has five different Film Styles that are applied to JPEGs only.

Standard

Vivid

Natural

Monochrome

Monochrome High Contrast