Leica SL2-S Review

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 |
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ISO 100 |
ISO 100 |
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ISO 200 |
ISO 200 |
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ISO 400 |
ISO 400 |
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ISO 800 |
ISO 800 |
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ISO 1600 |
ISO 1600 |
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ISO 3200 |
ISO 3200 |
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ISO 6400 |
ISO 6400 |
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ISO 12500 |
ISO 12500 |
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ISO 25000 |
ISO 25000 |
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ISO 50000 |
ISO 50000 |
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ISO 100000 |
ISO 100000 |
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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