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Leica S2 Comparison Review

The Leica S2 is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was announced in September 2008 and is equipped with a medium format sensor. It offers a resolution of 37.5 megapixel.

camera

Is the Leica S2 a good camera? The S2 has a Camera Elo of 1507. This rating puts the S2 below average of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (medium format cameras), the S2 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Leica S2 is more than 15 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2008.

Headline Specifications
Leica S2
Digital single lens reflex
Leica S mount lenses
37.5 MP, Medium Format Sensor
no Video
ISO 80 - 1 250
Optical viewfinder
3.0 LCD, 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
1.5 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body
160 x 120 x 80 mm, 1 410 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Leica S2 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Leica S2 vs credit card front
S2 versus credit card top view
S2 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica S2 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica S2 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1410 g .. Y Sep 2008 22,995ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 Y Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
3.
 
Leica S3 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2018 18,995 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2014 16,900ebay.com
5.
 
Leica S Typ 007 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2014 24,490ebay.com
6.
 
Leica S Typ 006 160 mm 120 mm 80 mm 1260 g .. Y Sep 2012 21,950ebay.com
7.
 
Leica S1 339 mm 214 mm 119 mm 2500 g .. n Aug 1996 21,490ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax 645D 156 mm 117 mm 119 mm 1480 g 800 Y Mar 2010 9,995ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Leica S2 was launched in the US market at a price of $22,995. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Leica S2 features a medium format sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 0.8. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Leica S2 among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality.

Leica S2 sensor measures

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica S2 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.5222482
2.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744none24.012.0166380
3.
 
Leica S3 Medium Format 64.0 9800 65334K/24p25.614.4314398
4.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none25.113.7276393
5.
 
Leica S Typ 007 Medium Format 37.5 7500 50004K/24p25.113.7276393
6.
 
Leica S Typ 006 Medium Format 37.5 7500 5000none23.912.282476
7.
 
Leica S1 Medium Format 26.4 5140 5140none........
8.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
9.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
10.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
11.
 
Pentax 645D Medium Format 39.5 7264 5440none24.612.6126282
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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It should be noted that unlike many modern cameras, the S2 does not provide the possibility to capture videos.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the S2 has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 96% and a magnification of 0.86x. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica S2 and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Leica S2optical Y3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
2.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
3.
 
Leica S3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
4.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
5.
 
Leica S Typ 007optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s n n
6.
 
Leica S Typ 006optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 1.5/s n n
7.
 
Leica S1optical nnone / none none n .. 0.01/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
11.
 
Pentax 645Doptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 1.1/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One useful feature of the S2 is a presence of a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica S2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica S2Y- / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIYmono / ----2.0---
3.
 
Leica S3Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
4.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
5.
 
Leica S Typ 007Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
6.
 
Leica S Typ 006Y- / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Leica S1-- / --------
8.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Pentax 645DYstereo / ----2.0---
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Further information on the features and operation of the S2 can be found in the free online Leica S2 Manual or on the Leica support site.

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Expert reviews

While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the S2 handle or perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica S2............ Sep 2008 22,995ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
3.
 
Leica S3............ Sep 2018 18,995 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica S-E Typ 006............ Sep 2014 16,900ebay.com
5.
 
Leica S Typ 0074/5.......... Sep 2014 24,490ebay.com
6.
 
Leica S Typ 006............ Sep 2012 21,950ebay.com
7.
 
Leica S1............ Aug 1996 21,490ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax 645D5/5.......... Mar 2010 9,995ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Leica S2 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the S2.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Leica S2 based on?

The camera is build around a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica S2?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 1250.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Leica S2?

Leica does not publish a shutter rating for the S2. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

Which battery does the Leica S2 use?

The camera gets its power from the BP-PRO1, which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Is there a vertical grip available for the Leica S2?

Yes, Leica offers the Multi-Function Handgrip S as an optional accessory to facilitate shooting in portrait orientation and to provide additional battery power.

Camera to camera comparisons

If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Leica S2
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Leica S mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2008
    Launch Price USD 22 995
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CCD
    Sensor Format Medium Format Sensor
    Sensor Size 45.0 x 30.0 mm
    Sensor Area 1 350 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 54.1 mm
    Crop Factor 0.8x
    Sensor Resolution 37.5 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7 500 x 5 000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.00 μm
    Pixel Density 2.78 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability no Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 1 250 ISO
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 96%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.86x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 1.5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed body
    Battery Type BP-PRO1 power pack
    Body Dimensions 160 x 120 x 80 mm
    (6.3 x 4.7 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 1 410 g (49.7 oz)

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