Thanks to the ongoing “mirrorless revolution”, we’ve finally seen a rapid development in professional camera technology. Both Sony and Fujifilm has been leading the race and has put tons of pressure to the then dominators of the industry. But Leica, a high-end camera manufacturer, is trying to cope up and their new Leica TL2 mirrorless camera is a testament to that.
The Leica TL2 is the latest addition to their TL-mount series of cameras. Inside there’s a newly developed 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that captures everything. The raw information is then handled by their new Maestro II image processor. As per Leica, not only that it “guarantees outstanding picture quality” but it also has impressive video capture capabilities.
The TL2 can shoot videos with up to 4K resolution at 30fps. It can also do slow-mo videos at 120fps in 720p. And speaking of fast shutter speeds, Leica also said that the TL2 has an improved autofocus system thanks to the new Maestro II processor. The camera focus speed is 3x better than the previous version, rating at 160-miliseconds.
And it wouldn’t be a real dated camera if it’s not well connected. The Leica TL2 has HDMI and USB 3.0 ports, and a built-in WiFi that connects you to the camera’s smartphone companion app. It would have been nice to see headphone and microphone ports considering its video quality prowess, but I guess an external audio source is really required today.
Leica also parts ways with the retro look that some of their modern cameras have. Unlike the M10, the TL2 drops the leather-wrap look. Leica also toned-down the old-fashioned buttons and knobs — which is now replaced with a more subtle, and minimalistic-looking switch. The optical viewfinder has also been removed, making it look like your casual go-to camera. This also means that you’ll be only replying with its 3.7-inch touchscreen that doesn’t tilt nor swivels.
Leica TL2 Specs
- Aluminum body
- 24-megaixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- TL-mount lenses
- Max stills resolution: 6016 x 4014
- Max video resolution: 4K @ 30fps
- 120fps slow-mo @ 720p
- ISO 100-50000
- 1/4000 max shutter speed
- 49 focus points
- 3.7-inch TFT LCD touchscnreen, non-articulated
- External flash support
- USB 3.0, HDMI
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- Dimensions: 134 x 69 x 33mm
- Weight: 399g
- Black, Silver
- BP-DC13 Li-Ion battery
The Leica TL2 will be available for $1,950 (around Php98,500) for the body only. Sony’s a6500 might offer a better overall value for the price and is relatively cheaper, but it’s for you to decide.