Leica TL2 – 24MP Compact Camera with Minimalist Uni-Body Design

Leica TL2Product Summary

  • Model name: Leica TL2
  • Release Date: 10th July 2017
  • Focus Type: Autofocus
  • Format : APS-C
  • Mounts: L-Bayonet mount
  • Color: Silver | Black
  • Availability: TBA
  • Price: $1,950
  • Purchase options: Adorama | B&H | Amazon

Key features

  • 24 megapixel APS-C camera
  • Maestro II series image processor
  • L-Bayonet mount
  • 49 autofocus segments
  • ISO 100 to 50,000
  • Full HD and 4K video recording
  • 3.7″ touchscreen display
  • Integrated Wi-Fi module
  • Built-in 32 GB memory
  • Compatible with TL & professional SL Lenses
  • Uni-Body, machined from a solid block of aluminium
  • Developed in collaboration with Audi Design

Based on the Leica TL-System, which has been continuously advanced in terms of speed, ease of handling and flexibility since its market launch, the new Leica TL2 embraces all the perfected features and leads the innovative camera concept into a new generation with additional innovations and new design aspects. The particular hallmark of the Leica TL2 is the unusual design of its compact body. Each camera body is precisely machined from a single block of aluminium in the Leica factory. The use of premium materials and their engineering in an elaborate manufacturing process are unique in the history of camera construction and lend the Leica TL2 an unmistakeable look, feel and solidity.

Brilliant still pictures and video footage

The Leica TL2 is equipped with a newly developed, 24-megapixel CMOS sensor in APS-C format that, in combination with an equally new, Maestro II series high-performance image processor, guarantees outstanding picture quality with impressive dynamic range, excellent contrast and colour rendition, exceptional sharpness and finest resolution of details. However, the Leica TL2 impresses not only with its still picture performance, but also with its video capabilities. The camera’s various video recording modes, such as 4K (3840 x 2160p at 30 frames per second), full HD (1920 x 1080p at 60 frames per second), HD (1280 x 720p at 60 frames per second or slow motion [SLOMO] captured at 120 frames per second), leave absolutely nothing to be desired.

Fast and almost silent

One of the highlights of the Leica TL2 is its enormously improved AF speed and precision. For instance, the camera focuses sharply on subjects in around only 165 milliseconds (CIPA standard; Leica standard zoom lens at its wide-angle setting), and thus focuses up to three times faster than the previous model. The new Leica Maestro II series image processor not only plays a significant role in its faster autofocus, but also to the considerably shorter start-up time. Another new development is an electronically controlled shutter that enables silent exposures at shutter speeds up to 1/40,000 s and an increase in the continuous shooting rate from 7 to a maximum of 20 frames per second.

Connectivity with and without a cable

Thanks to the integrated Wi-Fi module of the Leica TL2 and the function for setting up a mobile hotspot, pictures and video can be conveniently transferred by wireless to smartphones, tablets and desktop PCs from anywhere and then, for example, be shared by email, on Facebook, Instagram or other social media. Data can also be transferred lightning fast by cable with the camera’s integrated HDMI and USB 3.0 ports. The USB port also enables recharging of the Leica TL2 without a battery charger – for example from a laptop computer or an external power bank.

With the TL App available for both iOS and Android devices, smartphones or tablets are transformed into electronic viewfinders and offer remote control of various exposure-relevant parameters such as the shutter speed and aperture. The TL App also makes it much easier to capture photos and video from unusual angles, with a self-timer or with longer shutter speeds.

Modern, intuitive and versatile

By grouping menu items according to related functions, the menu of the Leica TL2 is now more clearly and logically structured and makes camera handling easier and even more intuitive than before. With the MyCamera menu, the user interface can be further personalised to meet the photographer’s preferences or particular needs. This means that the photographer always has fast access to all frequently used features and presets. Thanks to significantly increased reactivity and up to eight times faster response when using the touchscreen, camera handling is now even more efficient and intuitive. At the heart of this is a bright and clearly laid-out 3.7″ LCD touchscreen display that enables both composition and reliable and convenient assessment of subjects before and after exposure. The only other controls are four ergonomically positioned haptic control elements that are intuitive in their operation. This ensures that camera users can concentrate fully on composing their pictures – without any unnecessary distractions.

The best in its class

The comprehensive portfolio of lenses in the Leica TL-System offers an ideal range of focal lengths for all situations and types of photography. The system currently comprises six lenses – three prime lenses and three zooms – that meet the needs of every photographic situation. The two fast prime lenses, the Leica Summicron-TL 23 mm f/2 ASPH. and the Summilux-TL 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH., are classic focal lengths for reportage photography, and the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. complements them ideally as a lens for finely detailed close-up photography. The three compact zoom lenses, the Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-TL 11–23 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH., Vario-Elmar-TL 18–56 mm f/3.5–5.6 ASPH. and APO-Vario-Elmar-TL 55–135 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH., cover an entire range of focal lengths equivalent to 17 to 200 mm (equiv. in 35 mm format) and deliver exposures with rich contrast from corner to corner of each frame.

All Leica TL-Lenses impress with exceptional imaging performance at all distances from  closest focusing distance to infinity and deliver pictures with the inimitable ‘Leica look’ and unique bokeh. Developed by optical design specialists in Wetzlar (Germany), they offer the exceptional imaging performance for which Leica lenses are famed. The combination of optical and precision engineering expertise and the use of finest materials in their construction ensures their constant quality and reliability in use.

Sustainability guaranteed by cross-system compatibility

Thanks to the L-Bayonet mount shared by the Leica TL and SL cameras, SL-Lenses can also be used without an adapter on the Leica TL2. With this, Leica once again carries forward its fundamental principles of cross-system compatibility and sustainability, which is now also reflected in a uniform product designation. Dedicated adapters are available for using Leica M and R lenses on TL-Cameras – the Leica M-Adapter is available in a choice of black or silver finish.

New design in two colour options

The Leica TL2 will be offered in a choice of two different colours from the start. The design of both the silver and black versions of the camera has been slightly revised in comparison with its predecessor. In addition to chamfered edges the body also features redesigned control elements that have been modified not only in visual style, but also provide a new haptic experience.

Functional camera accessories, such as high-quality protectors in Nappa leather, which can stay on the camera when changing the battery, and colour-coordinated carrying straps in stone-grey, black, red, yellow and cemento, are ideal complements to the TL system portfolio.

Product Photo

Leica TL2

Leica TL2

Leica TL2

Leica TL2

Leica TL2

Specification

Digital APS-C system camera
Camera Type Digital APS-C system camera
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 24.96/24.32 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 BP-DC13), charger (Leica BC-DC13) with 6 adapter plugs, USB type C cord
Software Leica TL-App (free download in Apple™ App Store™/Google™ Play Store™)