What’s Changed? The Leica SL2 boasts some serious improvements over its predecessor, the SL – Typ 601. Its 47MP full-frame sensor is almost twice the size of the original SL’s, and the updated Maestro III processor makes for faster autofocusing and improved burst shooting. It can capture cropped 5K footage at 30 fps, DCI and UHD 4K footage at 60 fps, and Full HD footage at 180 fps. You also get built-in sensor-shift image stabilization, a larger touchscreen LCD, and a higher-resolution EVF. Finally, its body has been completely redesigned with an eye toward comfort and ease of use.

47MP Full-Frame Sensor. At the heart of the Leica SL2 is a 47MP full-frame CMOS sensor. Leica has removed any and all low-pass filtration to deliver sharp, incredibly detailed imagery.

More Powerful Processor. The updated Maestro III processor delivers a sensitivity range of ISO 50-50,000 and clocks in with impressive speed-burst shooting at up to 20 fps with an electronic shutter, up to 10 fps with a mechanical shutter, and up to 6 fps with a mechanical shutter and AF-C, all for up to 78 consecutive DNG images and a bottomless pit of unlimited JPEGs.

Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization. The SL2’s five-axis image-stabilization system keeps things ultra-sharp even when you’re shooting hand-held. The Multishot Mode uses this camera’s sensor-shift stabilization technology to capture and compile eight separate exposures into a single 187MP RAW or JPEG file. Multishot Mode is great when using a tripod or when you’re shooting stationary subjects, since it gives you a more color-accurate, highly detailed image than a single shot would.

Object-Detection Autofocus. Leica’s extremely fast and accurate Object-Detection autofocus system is capable of face and body detection, and the Intelligent-AF Mode focuses on stationary subjects and starts tracking them as soon as they move. Full-time manual override allows for additional precision adjustments.

Legendary Lensing. The Leica L-mount system offers users an incredible amount of flexibility when it comes to lensing. The native full-frame SL-series glass benefits from electronic communication for fast autofocus, electronic aperture control, and optical image stabilization. And then there are the adapters—this camera supports Leica M, S, R, and TL lenses. Please note that TL lenses will only cover the APS-C/Super 35mm sensor area.

5K and 4K Video. The SL2 shoots 5K, Full DCI 4K, UHD, and myriad HD-video options. You can record 5K (4992 × 3744) at 30 fps, DCI and UHD 4K at 60 fps, and Full HD in a full-frame format at speeds of up to 180 fps for smooth slow motion. All internally recorded video is 10-bit, as is output to an external recorder via HDMI. You can use the dedicated Hybrid Log Gamma Photo Style mode and L-Log gamma profile to expand highlight and shadow details for greater flexibility when color grading.

User-Friendly Redesign. The SL2 was redesigned to be even more intuitive and user friendly than its predecessor. Its ergonomics have been improved so you can comfortably shoot for long periods of time, and it boasts a streamlined control interface. A large, 3.2-inch, 2.1m-dot rear touchscreen allows you to swipe through settings and images and to focus on any part of the image with a quick tap. A small black-and-white LCD on top of the camera allows you to quickly check and change your current settings without having to use the rear screen or peek into the viewfinder. The 5.76m-dot EyeRes EVF combines 0.8x magnification and 100% coverage to give you a beautiful view. You get a USB Type-C port for fast file transfer and high-speed in-camera battery charging, an HDMI Type-A port that’s great for video, and 3.5mm mic and headphone jacks for pro-grade audio recording.

Power and Memory. Like its predecessor, this camera uses the rechargeable BP-SCL4 lithium-ion battery, which is rated for approximately 370 shots per charge when you’re using the rear monitor. You get dual UHS-II memory-card slots for flexible image-storage options, letting you store RAW and JPEG files on different cards, save the same files to both cards, or use one card as overflow storage after the other is full.