Reviews |Leica TL2: price, specs, release date revealed

Leica TL2: price, specs, release date revealed

Leica TL2: price, specs, release date revealed
News

Leica has launched a new camera within its TL System, introducing the 4K-capable, 24-megapixel Leica TL2, price tag £1700.

The Leica TL2 boasts a newly developed 24-megapixel APS-C-format CMOS sensor which is coupled with the company’s new Maestro II image processor.

The Leica TL2 also brings 4K resolution to the system. The TL2 can record 4K video in 3840 x 2160p at 30 frames per second, as well as full HD at 1920 x 1080p at 60fps. You can also use the Leica TL2 to record slow motion videos, recording in 1280 x 720p at 120fps.

Leica claims it has also “enormously” improved the AF speed and precision in the TL2, thanks to the Maestro II processor. Leica says the TL2 can lock focus on a subject in 165 milliseconds.

Meanwhile, a new electronic shutter affords shutter speeds at up to a maximum of 1/40,000sec and has boosted the continuous shooting rate from 7 to 20fps.

On the back of the Leica TL2 is a new 3.7in LCD touchscreen display, while a new MyCamera menu offers photographers the opportunity to personalise their interface on the LCD with quicker access to frequently used features and presets.

Leica has also added WiFi to the TL2, allowing you to transfer images to smartphones and desktop PCs. It also offers HDMI and USB 3.0 ports – the latter which you can use to charge the Leica TL2’s battery.

You can also use Leica’s TL app – available for both iOS and Android – to turn the TL2 into a remote control via which you can preview images and make adjustments to exposure settings.

Leica TL2 Body

The Leica TL2 carries on the system’s design hallmark of premium materials in a compact body design.

Each Leica TL2 body is carved from a single blog of aluminium in Leica’s factory in Wetzlar, Germany.

And thanks to the L-Bayonet mount shared by the Leica TL and SL cameras, Leica’s SL-Lenses can also be used without an adapter on the Leica TL2.

The Leica TL2 body will be available in both silver and black versions.

Leica TL2 Price & Release Date

The Leica TL2 price tag will be £1700 for the body only. Leica TL lenses start from £1300.

Leica TL2 Specifications

Camera type Digital APS-C system camera
Type-No. 5370
Order no. 18 188 (silbern), 18 187 (schwarz)
Lens mount Leica L bayonet with contact strip for communication between lens and camera
Compatible lenses Lenses with Leica L-Mount, Leica M/R lenses using the Leica M-Adapter L/R-Adapter L
Sensor APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.7 mm) with 24.96/24.24 million pixels (total/effective), aspect ratio 3:2
Photo Resolution DNG: 6016 x 4014 Pixels (24 Megapixels), JPEG: optional 6000 x 4000 Pixels (24 Megapixels), or 4272 x 2856 Pixels (12 Megapixels), or 3024 x 2016 Pixels (6 Megapixels)
Photo file formats/compression rates
Optional: JPG, DNG, or DNG + JPG, DNG optionally uncompressed or compressed (lossless)
Video recording format MP4
Video resolution/frame rate
3840 x 2160 p (4K) 30fps, 1920 x 1080 p (FHD) 60 fps or 1280 x 720 p (HD) fps or 1280 x 720 p (HD) 120 fps (SLOMO)
Video recording time
Depending on ambient or housing temperature video recordings are possible up to a maximum length of 29 minutes, maximum file size is 4 GB, if a recording exceeds this limit, the respective part is automatically stored in another file
Internal memory
32 GB
Storage media
SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, multimedia cards, UHS II-standard is supported
ISO range
Automatic, ISO 100 to ISO 50000
White balance
Automatic, presets for daylight, cloudy, halogen lighting, shadow, electronic flash, two memory slots for manually metered settings, manual color temperature setting
Autofocus system
Contrast-based
Autofocus metering methods
Single point, multi-zone, spot, face detection, touch AF
Exposure modes
Automatic program, aperture priority, shutter speed priority, and manual setting, Fully automatic, sport, portrait, landscape, night portrait, snow/beach, fireworks, candlelight, sunset, digiscoping
Exposure Metering Methods
Multi-zone, center-weighted, spot
Exposure compensation
±3 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments
Automatic exposure bracketing
Three pictures in graduations up to ± 3EV, adjustable in 1⁄3 EV increments
Shutter speed range
30 s to 1⁄40000 s (up to 1⁄4000 s with mechanical, beyond that with electronic shutter)
Picture sequence
Approx. 7 fps (with mechanical shutter) and 20 fps (with electronic shutter), 29 pictures at full speed, then depending on memory card properties
Flash modes
Adjustable with attached, system compatible flash
Flash exposure compensation
±3 EV in 1⁄3 EV increments
Flash synchronization
1⁄180 s
Monitor
3.7” TFT LCD, 1.3 million pixels, 854 x 480 per color channel
Self-Timer
Selectable delay time 2 or 12 s
WLAN
Complies with IEEE 802.11b/g/n standard (standard WLAN protocol), channel 1-11, encryption method: WiFi-compatible WPA™/WPA2™
Power supply
Leica BP-DC13 lithium ion battery, rated voltage 7.2 V, capacity 985 mAh (min.) (based on CIPA standard): approx. 250 pictures, charging time (after total diwscharge): approx. 160 min Manufacturer: Panasonic Energy (Wuxi) Co, Ltd. Made in China
Interfaces
Micro (type D) HDMI port, HDMI 1.4b standard is supported, USB type C port, USB 3.0 Super Speed standard is supported, battery charging via USB connection possible with max. 1 A, accessory shoe with Leica flash interface with integrated connection for optional accessories
Charger
Leica BC-DC13, input: AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz, 0.145 A (100 V)-0.08 A (240 V), automatic reversing, DC 8.4 V, 0.65 A, Weight: approx. 90 g/3.2 oz, Dimensions: approx. 96 x 68 x 28 mm, Manufacturer: Shenzen Eng Electronics Co., Ltd., Made in China
Body
Leica unibody aluminum design, attachment system for carrying straps and other accessories, ISO accessory shoe with center and control contacts for flash units or Leica Visoflex electronic viewfinders
Tripod thread
A 1⁄4 DIN 4503 (1⁄4“)
Body dimensions
(WxHxD)
134 x 69 x 33 mm
Weight Approx. 399 g/355 g (with/without battery)
Scope of delivery Camera body, carrying strap, 2 release keys for removing the dummy plugs or e.g. the carrying strap, battery (Leica BPDC13), charger (Leica BC-DC13) with 6 adapter plugs, USB type C cord
Software
Leica App (free download in Apple™ App Store™/Google™ Play Store™)