Leica SL (Typ 601) – Premium Mirrorless Camera That Outputs 4K 10bit 4:2:2

October 22^nd, 20158

Leica SL (Typ 601) - Premium Mirrorless Camera That Outputs 4K 10bit 4:2:2

by Tim FokOctober 22^nd, 2015

Leica has been attempting the break in the Internet today with the announcement of its new mirrorless camera. The Leica SL (Typ 601) shoots 4K video in V log gamma, outputs 10bit 4:2:2, is weather sealed and shoots up to 120fps FullHD video.

The Leica SL (Typ 601) is a premium mirrorless camera; a feature rich, weather sealed body that comes with a hefty price tag of just under $7500.

It seems the video side of the camera is getting an equal amount of marketing compared to the stills side, interesting for a camera in this sector. Lets take a look at those features designed for Leica SL_6 moving images.

Both flavours of 4K are included. DCI 4K (4096X2160) and Ultra HD (3840X2160), you’ll get up to 30p here. 1920X1080 will get you up to 120fps, a new standard set by the Sony A7S II that I hope many will start using as a benchmark.

Leica SL_3 The Leica SL records 8 bit 4:2:0 internally to dual SD cards (nice) that you can tandem or continuous record, it also outputs an impressive 10bit 4:2:2 via HDMI out. V-log l gamma is supported for log recording.

Audio input is supported by a 3.5mm jack that along with a 3.5mm output for headphones is accessible via the AA-SCL4 Audio Adapter.

Leica SL_5 The sensor is a full frame 24 Megapixel sensor and it looks as if 4K will utilize a super35mm portion of the imager.

ISO range is 50-50,000, it features a 2.95″ LED touchscreen and a 4.4MP EyeRes Electronic Viewfinder.

At over twice the price of the Sony A7S II, the Leica enters a new class of its own. Leica SL_7 You get the build quality you expect for the price; an all aluminium weather sealed body.

Video assist features like peaking and zebras are mentioned as well as aspect ratio overlays.

The Leica SL (Typ 601) has a Leica L Mount, there’s a handful of variable aperture zooms already available with a punchy Leica price tag. Check out the below promo video, towards the end it demonstrates lens expansion through lens adaptors for Leica M,S and R as well as what looks like a PL mount in there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY_di9Haw70

Here’s a video bias specific list of the Leica SL (Typ 601)

Lens Mount: Leica L
Sensor: 24MP Full-Frame
Sensor Type / Size CMOS, 24 x 36 mm
Movies: MOV, MP4
Memory Card Type: Dual SDXC/SDHC/SD
Resolutions & Framerates: 4096×2160: 24 fps, 3840×2160: 30 fps, 25 fps, 1920×1080 & 1280X720: 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 50 fps, 60 fps, 100, 120 fps
Video Clip Length: Up to 29 Minutes
Audio Recording Built-in Mic: With Video, Stereo
Optional External Mic: With Video, Stereo + Mono
Focus Mode: Continuous-servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M), Single-servo AF (S), Touch AF & Shutter
Viewfinder Type: Electronic 4.4M pixel 0.66″
Screen Type: 2.95″ Touchscreen LED (1,040,000)
ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 50-50000
Shutter Speed: 1/8000 – 60 second
Interval Recording Yes
Connectivity” 1/8″ Headphone, 1/8″ Microphone, HDMI A (Full Size), USB 3.0, X-Sync Socket
Wi-Fi Capable Yes
Battery: 1x BP-SCL4 Lithium-ion Battery Pack, 8.4 VDC, 1860 mAh
Dimensions: (WxHxD) 5.8 x 4.1 x 1.5″ / 147.0 x 104.0 x 39.0 mm
Weight: 1.86 lb / 847 g with battery

It’s likely that this is not going to be an industry workhorse, more of a premium owners camera, but we’ll see. I’m hoping it is a sign of what’s to come in that every type of new stills camera (cheap point & shoot or premium mirrorless camera) will support credible video features, it’s just a case of the user picking their favourite format.

Pre-Order the Leica SL (Typ 601) below if it tickles your fancy.