Leica TL2

The Leica TL2 is a high-quality mirrorless camera in Leica’s L-mount system, and an update to the original Leica TL. Key features include:

• 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Maestro II processor

• Improved on-sensor contrast-detection autofocus

• 3.7-inch 1.3m-dot TFT LCD touchscreen

• Improved aluminum alloy unibody design

What’s New? The Leica TL2 offers several marked improvements over its predecessor, the TL. It features a newly developed 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, a faster processor, faster autofocus, up to 20 fps shooting, UHD 4K/30p capture, a Type-C USB 3.0 connector, HDMI output, a more comfortable build, and an improved, icon-based menu system. It’s not all great news, though: the TL2 gives you slightly less battery life than its predecessor, and it loses that camera’s pop-up flash.

24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor. This improved sensor produces high-quality images in a wide range of lighting conditions thanks to its ISO range of 100-50,000. The upgraded on-sensor 49-point contrast-detection autofocus system ensures fast, accurate performance, but doesn’t have any sort of phase detection. You get a DNG-only shooting mode, and you can capture UHD 4K video at 30 fps and Full HD video at 60 fps.

Leica TL Mount. Leica’s T-series L-mount lenses (separate rental items) are high-quality lenses you’d expect to bear the Leica name, and they feature autofocus capability this time around. The Leica TL2 does not natively accept Leica M-mount lenses, but you can use the (separate rental item) to adapt them.

High-Quality Build, Minimalist Design. While image quality is obviously an important feature in a camera, the Leica TL2’s handmade build makes it unique. It has only four physical controls (two dials, a shutter button, and a record button), and all of its other functions are controlled via the large 3.7-inch 1.3m-dot LCD touchscreen. The TL2’s standard ISO hot shoe lets you attach an external flash, which is useful because it doesn’t have a built-in flash. Finally, its milled aluminum body has been redesigned to be easier on your fingers—a welcome improvement on long shoots.

Other Notable Features. The Leica TL2 features cross-platform compatibility with SL lenses. It has built-in IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity for image transfer and camera control from smartphone or computer. The camera takes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that’s rated for about 250 shots per charge. For image storage, the camera has 32 GB of internal memory and accepts up to UHS-II speed class for additional storage.