Leica

Interview with Stephan Schulz, Leica Camera on the SL2 and filmmaking

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Stephan Schulz of Leica Camera - Interview

When I began shooting with my own Leica SL2 earlier this year, I found a lot to like about the high-spec mirrorless camera for filmmaking, and of course the SL2 is superb for photography. However, the battery power management has prevented shooting in 4K and 5K reliably, varying depending on the type of lenses used. After making Leica aware of this issue, Leica’s Head of Product Management, Professional Photo System and co-designer of the SL2 Stephan Schulz has been on my case and I have been on his!

The good news is that Leica are investigating the possibility of a firmware update to alleviate the problem and I will be carrying out testing duties for Leica on the video side going forward.

The Leica SL2 battery grip is on the way from Wetzlar and could offer an instant solution, but this needs to be tested. Here we hear directly from Stephan at Leica Camera AG, in this exclusive interview on EOSHD…

Read moreInterview with Stephan Schulz, Leica Camera on the SL2 and filmmaking

Leica SL2 has power flaw – Until fixed I recommend not using for professional 4K shooting

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I was very excited for the Leica SL2 and bought mine in December 2019. I have been using it ever since and it is every bit as beautifully designed as the previous model, but this time with high-spec 4K video features, IBIS and an anamorphic 5.5K mode. As usual, I paid the full retail price out of my own pocket and didn’t take a camera on loan. This is something I am now regretting because the SL2 has a major show-stopping problem which effects ALL models out there and isn’t isolated to mine. By the time I was sure of the problem, the 14-day window to return my camera to the retailer had lapsed. I then reached out to Leica in Wetzlar to alert them via my contacts at Leitz Cine lenses. UPDATE: Leica has got back to me and the issues are being looked into – the battery grip is one possible solution and there will be an update on the blog this coming week.

Read moreLeica SL2 has power flaw – Until fixed I recommend not using for professional 4K shooting

Sigma Fp Review – Part 2 – A few bugs you need to know, and comparison to Leica SL2

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Sigma Fp vs Leica SL2

Two of the most unique cameras on the market today are both L-mount with 10bit capabilities in 4K. The Sigma Fp of course shoots Cinema DNG 4K RAW at up to 12bit to SSD via USB C and 8bit RAW internally. The Leica SL2 shoots very high quality 10bit 4K LOG internally with more of a passing resemblance to Arri Alexa colour science and LOG profile.

I thought I’d get to know the two, if that’s the case!

Read moreSigma Fp Review – Part 2 – A few bugs you need to know, and comparison to Leica SL2

Leica SL2 – Pros – 47MP, 10bit 5K, build quality / Cons – Worse autofocus than S1R, no articulated screen, $5995

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Recent high-profile criticism levelled at Leica, is that they’re becoming a ‘software company’ rehousing the hardware from China and Japan. Although the Leica SL2 (“Made in Germany!”) uses virtually all of the internal hardware as the Panasonic S1R – sensor, EVF, stabilisation (I suspect along with a similar mainboard and firmware programmed by Panasonic – with menus designed by Leica), I do feel it brings something very important to the artist’s table beyond just numbers.

Read moreLeica SL2 – Pros – 47MP, 10bit 5K, build quality / Cons – Worse autofocus than S1R, no articulated screen, $5995