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Leica SL product photos (pictures)

There are equal parts good and not-so-good in the design of the Leica SL.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Lori Grunin
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Full-frame mirrorless

Leica mirrorless system camera doesn't include "compact" in the description.

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Size comparsion

Compared to its main competitor, the Sony A7 series, the SL is quite large.

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First lens

Although the SL mount is based on the older T mount, the first full-frame-specific lens is the 24-90mm f2.8-4, which is the same size and weight as a dSLR lens.

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Big system

Add on the lens hood, and it might as well be a dSLR.

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Grip

The grip doesn't have any contouring, which makes it pretty uncomfortable, and the front/top adjustment dial feels like it's set back a little too far for comfort, at least for my hands.

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Lenses

The first L-mount lens is the 24-90mm f2.8-4; Leica expects to ship ship two more lenses in 2016.

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Viewfinder

The electronic viewfinder is great, with one of the nicest diopter adjustment controls I've seen. It's large with obvious tick marks so that it's easy to reproduce the positioning if it moves. The eyecup is large, and the display is large and bright.

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Top controls

The status LCD is high contrast and the Live View (left) and record (right) buttons are relatively easy to feel and press.

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Back

The back controls and operation are the same as that of the Leica S medium-format camera.

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Buttons

There are four big buttons that bring up menu options with a short press; you can program them to bring up user-selected settings with a  long press.

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Joystick

You navigate the menus or select autofocus points with the joystick. Its operates smoothly, but it's also too easy to accidentally nudge it.

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Connectors

The camera's big enough for full-size USB 3.0 and HDMI connectors. There's also a multipurpose connector for audio and a wired remote release jack.

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Dual card slots

The Leica has two SD card slots, though only one supports UHS II cards.

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Rounded aperture

As you'd expect from a $4,000-plus lens, the 24-90mm has a nice rounded aperture.

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Profile

Though the camera is large, it has a relatively narrow profile.

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Other profile

The view from the grip side.

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