Leica SL Typ 601 Camera Reviews and Samples

First reviews of the new Leica SL Typ 601 full-frame mirrorless camera now available online with plenty of sample images.

First Leica SL ($7,450 – Amazon | B&H | Adorama) reviews posted by Kristian Dowling, Ming Thein, Jay Cassario, Nick Rains. Leica SL (Typ 601) hands-on review can be seen at Digitalcameraworld and first look review at Shutterbug. See below for the conclusions.

More Leica SL Typ 601 samples can be seen at Focus-numerique, this Flickr set and in our previous post.

Leica SL Typ 601 Camera Reviews and Samples

The Leica SL Typ 601 features a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor adapted from the Leica Q and offers a built-in SXAG 4.4MP resolution EVF and a 2.95″ touch-sensitive LCD with 1.04M pixels, complemented by a top panel 1.28″ monochrome status LCD. The Leica SL Typ 601 is capable of 4096 x 2160 4K video at 24 fps, offering 4:2:0 internal recording or 4:2:2 over HDMI.

From Digitalcameraworld review:

“That said, the SL’s viewfinder is better and it is the first full-frame interchangeable lens system to include touchscreen technology. While it has a solid build and a sensibly organised interface, it’s bulkier and weighs more than the Sony Alpha 7 series and a less functional design than a top end Canon or Nikon SLR. Leica is known for its high quality, compact optics. Although the M-mount lenses are manual focus only, the Q lens was neatly sized, so we were surprised to see that their first full-frame L mount lens is rather bulky.”

From Shutterbug review:

“Leica cameras are expensive, no other way to say it. In the past I always felt comfortable suggesting that potential buyers could justify the cost because of the build-quality, pride of ownership, superlative tactile feedback and indisputably excellent optics. This is the first time I can add outstanding performance and exceptional image quality to the rationale. The Leica SL is a pleasure to use. More importantly, it captures extraordinary images shot after shot.”

From Ming Thein review:

“I admit I find myself somewhat conflicted with the SL: with a few firmware tweaks (fast exposure compensation mainly) and a chunkier handgrip, this camera would be pure joy to shoot. Even so, it still shows the way to the competition in many areas; the tricky question is one of relative value. I think it boils down to how much the shooting experience is worth to you, and whether the SL specifically works for you. Even though we had some clues as to what was coming, the SL takes it a step further, and feels like a next generation product – the Japanese brands are going to have to start playing catch up.”

From Jay Cassario review:

“My biggest reason for not buying into the Leica SL right now is simply the lack of SL lenses. I am a prime lens shooter, I don’t own a single zoom lens, and prefer to shoot mostly everything I can wide open. I like that I can shoot my M lenses on the SL, but I have an M for that, and I love shooting a rangefinder. Once Leica releases a few more lenses, including the 50mm Summilux f/1.4 with AF, I may consider it as a true alternative to my DSLRs. If the SL 50mm Summilux is as good as the one I currently own for the M, it’s going to be like shooting the Zeis Otus but with AF.”

From Nick Rains review:

“Exposures up to 30 mins with no limit on what ISO you can use. I can’t wait to try this out for starfield photos.  Imagine the 21mm f1.4 and ISO3200 on this – goodbye noise.”

From Kristian Dowling review:

“After spending a few days with the Leica SL it’s apparent that Leica have made a very courageous move into the professional mainstream market. While the Leica M and S have both had success in this sector, their reach has been more niche in effect. Leica has clearly aimed their crosshairs at the professional mainstream segment at the Nikon D4s and Canon 1Dx users, as well as those who have made the move to Sony’s mirrorless system.”

Leica SL Typ 601 hands-on videos

Leica SL Typ 601 Price and Release Date

The Leica SL Typ 601 will be available from November 16th for $7,450 body-only. The Leica Vario Elmarit-SL 24-90mm F2.8-4 ASPH will cost $4,950.