Gear Review
Leica TL2, The Mirrorless Camera
I
t seems fairly apparent now that the
dominance of DSLR cameras over the
market seems to be diminishing at a rather
alarming rate. The insurgence of Mirrorless
cameras into the sphere of consumer
photographic gear, especially into the
professional and high end markets, seem
indicative of this very fact.
A few years ago, DSLRs were manifestly, the
better choice (with their superior dynamic
range and Phase Detection AutoFocus).
Mirrorless Cameras had a lot of catching-up
to do in terms of improving upon its relatively
inferior AutoFocus (Contrast Detection).
Now, these cameras incorporate both
Contrast Detection and Phase Detection
modes of AF and this has given these
Mirrorless Cameras a fair advantage over the
behemoth DSLRs compared to the relatively
smaller, lightweight and consequently easier
to handle, Mirrorless Cameras.
Introductory statements aside, it’s time to
segue into our review of Leica’s newest
addition to its range of premium Mirrorless
Cameras, the TL series. Right off the bat, the
new Leica TL2 ‘s defining feature seems to be
it’s aesthetically proportionate design.
Smooth, with clean lines and a clutter-free
body, Leica seems to have been heavily
influenced by the burgeoning minimalist
aesthetic in camera builds. It is crafted from a
single block of aluminium and comes in black
and silver variants. It comes with a price tag of
$1,950, which is roughly Rs. 1,32,600 for just
the body of the camera.
The Leica packs a 24 megapixel APS-C
CMOS sensor, paired with new Maestro II
series image processor. This enables the TL2
to deliver a truly stellar performance in terms
of dynamic range, sharpness, color
reproduction and contrast. Another worthy
addition to the TL2 is its 4K video support at
30fps. The camera also supports full-HD
video at 60fps and HD at 60fps and 120fps.
The auto- focus, however, seems to be what
Leica is rooting for. Coming in at an
impressive 165 milliseconds, the enhanced
AF speed can be largely attributed to the
heavy-duty image processor. The electronic
shutter speed has been amped up to 1/40,000
seconds and burst shooting mode ranges
from 7fps to a maximum of 20 fps. The
camera supports external light and flash
sources but does not come with its own flash
built into the body of the camera.
Leica seems to stress on the improved
functionality of the menu system (which are
clearly structured). The camera also boasts
“menu personalisation”, where you can
improve upon and precisely configure the
functions to suit your specific photographic
requirements. The TL2 provides a 3.7-inch
fixed touch sensitive LCD display.
The other bells and whistles that the Leica
TL2 comes bundled with are a built-in Wi-Fi,
which can be used to transfer images and
video files directly from the camera onto your
smartphone via the TL app (available on both
Android and iOS platforms).
Currently, the TL series has a total of six
lenses in its arsenal. However, the L-Bayonet
mount ensures the camera’s compatibility
with SL camera lenses.
One of the most glaring drawbacks this
camera seems to have, if not the only
hindrance to its otherwise top-notch
performance, is its limited availability in
40
Vol 5
India.
If you are looking for a Mirrorless Camera
that can handle most of what you throw at it
and looks good doing it, the Leica TL2 is,
unequivocally, our best recommendation.
Specifications:
Camera Type:
Digital APS-C system camera
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
Internal memory:
32 GB
ISO range:
Automatic, ISO 100 to ISO 50000
Monitor:
3.7” TFT LCD, 1.3 million pixels, 854 x 480
per color channel
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
Body dimensions (WxHxD):
134 x 69 x 33 mm
Weight:
Approx. 399 g/355 g (with/without battery)
Review by Chiiz Research Team.
Written By Shreeja Chaterjee
[email protected]
Shreeja Chatterjee is currently an
undergraduate student of English
Literature. She sees herself as an
intrepid Ad mogul, akin to Don Draper, in
the near future.