Leica SL (Typ 601)

As with many previous Leica cameras, it's hard to rationally recommend the Leica SL to a person based strictly on its merits as a photographic tool. For less money, there are cameras that have more sophisticated autofocus systems, higher resolution, a...

High quality build ; Extensive Leica lens compatibility – some via adaptors ; High quality components

Large and heavy ; High price ; Slight banding visible in some high ISO images

The SL has some great technology and lovely build quality. It can also produce superb images, but it's too big and heavy in comparison with the CSC competition. The only directly compatible lens to date is also very large and does not have a constant...

Full-frame image sensor. Responsive, accurate autofocus system. 10.5fps shooting rate. Dust- and splash-proof design. Aluminum body. Huge, sharp EVF. Touch-screen LCD. In-camera Wi-Fi and GPS. Dual SD slots. 4K video recording. Uncompressed 4K HDMI...

Expensive. Lens system in its infancy. Some controls can't be remapped. Omits built-in flash.

Conclusions The Leica SL (Typ 601) is a strong performer, offering 4K video, a full-frame 24-megapixel image sensor, fast, accurate autofocus, and superb build quality. But you pay for it. Leica cameras are expensive—chalk that up to boutique appeal...

Immense build quality, super-fast autofocus, outstanding electronic viewfinder, adept with video (4K30/1090p120)

It's a big chunk of design, wildly expensive, not especially ergonomic

Compatible with many Leica lens via adapter ; Fast autofocus and handling ; Impressive electronic viewfinder ; Largely excellent image quality ; Superb build quality

Very expensive ; Heavy and large for its category ; Only one fully compatible lens at launch

A professional camera with the price to match

The Leica SL's photo and video quality are first-rate, its continuous shooting is fast with excellent autofocus in good light, and it has almost all the features you might want. Plus it has some very streamlined aspects to its design and operation.

The grip is really uncomfortable, very-low-light autofocus is a bit slow, and the body and lenses are huge for a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera.

With Leica-quality photo and video plus fast performance, the Leica SL has a lot to recommend. But the uncomfortable grip, big body and lens, and high price might make many buyers hesitate.