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Leica SL2-S vs Pentax K-S2

The Leica SL2-S and the Pentax K-S2 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in December 2020 and February 2015. The Leica SL2-S is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the K-S2 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (Leica SL2-S) and an APS-C (K-S2) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 20 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Leica SL2-S
versus
Pentax K-S2
Leica SL2-S   Pentax K-S2
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Leica L mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
24 MP – Full Frame sensor 20 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/60p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-50,000 (50 - 100,000) ISO 100-51,200
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.2" LCD – 2100k dots 3.0" LCD – 921k dots
Fixed touchscreen Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
20 shutter flaps per second 5.4 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
510 shots per battery charge410 shots per battery charge
146 x 107 x 83 mm, 931 g 123 x 91 x 73 mm, 678 g
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Check Leica SL2-S price at
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Check K-S2 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica SL2-S and the Pentax K-S2? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Leica SL2-S and the Pentax K-S2. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The K-S2 can be obtained in six different colors (black, grey, pink, orange, green, white), while the Leica SL2-S is only available in black.

Size Leica SL2-S vs Pentax K-S2
Compare Leica SL2-S versus K-S2 top
Comparison Leica SL2-S or K-S2 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax K-S2 is notably smaller (28 percent) than the Leica SL2-S. Moreover, the K-S2 is markedly lighter (27 percent) than the Leica SL2-S. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the Leica SL2-S gets 510 shots out of its Leica BP-SCL4 battery, while the K-S2 can take 410 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI109 power pack. The power pack in the Leica SL2-S can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-S2 123 mm 91 mm 73 mm 678 g 410 Y Feb 2015 749ebay.com
3.
 
Canon R3 150 mm 143 mm 87 mm 1015 g 760 Y Sep 2021 5,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R6 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 680 g 360 Y Jul 2020 2,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL2 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 Y Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 Y Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
8.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 Y Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 Y Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 Y May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
11.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-70 126 mm 93 mm 74 mm 688 g 410 Y Jun 2016 649ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-S1 121 mm 93 mm 70 mm 558 g 410 n Aug 2014 749ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7C 124 mm 71 mm 60 mm 509 g 740 Y Sep 2020 1,799 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A9 II 129 mm 96 mm 76 mm 678 g 690 Y Oct 2019 4,499 amazon.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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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The K-S2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 85 percent) than the Leica SL2-S, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have 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 tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica SL2-S features a full frame sensor and the Pentax K-S2 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the K-S2 is 58 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Leica SL2-S and Pentax K-S2 sensor measures

With 24MP, the Leica SL2-S offers a higher resolution than the K-S2 (20MP), but the Leica SL2-S nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.00μm versus 4.28μm for the K-S2) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Leica SL2-S is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 10 months) than the K-S2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica SL2-S implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Leica SL2-S for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Pentax K-S2 are 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm for good quality, 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm for very good quality, and 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the K-S2, the Leica SL2-S has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (96MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Leica SL2-S has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 50000, which can be extended to ISO 50-100000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-S2 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Leica SL2-S versus K-S2 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
2.
 
Pentax K-S2 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.612.9151479
3.
 
Canon R3 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/60p25.014.7408696
4.
 
Canon R6 Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484k/60p24.214.3339490
5.
 
Leica SL2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
6.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
7.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
8.
 
Panasonic S1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.5333395
9.
 
Panasonic S1R Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p26.414.13525100
10.
 
Panasonic S1H Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.214.2280594
11.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
12.
 
Pentax K-70 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i23.813.1163980
13.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
14.
 
Pentax K-S1 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.513.0106178
15.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
16.
 
Sony A7C Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7340795
17.
 
Sony A9 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.0343493
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Leica SL2-S provides a higher video resolution than the K-S2. It can shoot video footage at 4K/60p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the Leica SL2-S has an electronic viewfinder (5760k dots), while the K-S2 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the Leica SL2-S has a higher magnification than the one of the K-S2 (0.78x vs 0.63x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Leica SL2-S and Pentax K-S2 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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 SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
2.
 
Pentax K-S2optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 5.4/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon R35760 Y3.2 / 4150 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
4.
 
Canon R63690 n3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
5.
 
Leica SL25760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
6.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
7.
 
Panasonic S52360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n Y
8.
 
Panasonic S15760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
9.
 
Panasonic S1R5760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
10.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 Y3.2 / 2330 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
11.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Pentax K-70optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
14.
 
Pentax K-S1optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/6000s 5.4/s Y Y
15.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
16.
 
Sony A7C2360 n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A9 II3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that is present on the Leica SL2-S, but is missing on the K-S2 is 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.

The K-S2 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the Leica SL2-S does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Leica SL2-S is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Leica SL2-S and the Pentax K-S2 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the Leica SL2-S and the K-S2 write their files to SDXC cards. The Leica SL2-S features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the K-S2 only has one slot. The Leica SL2-S supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the K-S2 can use UHS-I cards.

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Connectivity 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 SL2-S and Pentax K-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
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Pentax K-S2Ymono / monoY-micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon R3Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Canon R6Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Leica SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
6.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
7.
 
Panasonic S5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Panasonic S1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
9.
 
Panasonic S1RYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
10.
 
Panasonic S1HYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
11.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--
12.
 
Pentax K-70Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
13.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
14.
 
Pentax K-S1Ystereo / mono--micro2.0---
15.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
16.
 
Sony A7CYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
17.
 
Sony A9 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
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It is notable that the Leica SL2-S has a headphone jack, which is not present on the K-S2 This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.

The Leica SL2-S is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Leica. In contrast, the K-S2 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the K-S2 from Pentax. Further information on the features and operation of the Leica SL2-S and K-S2 can be found, respectively, in the Leica SL2-S Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-S2 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica SL2-S and the Pentax K-S2? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Reasons to prefer the Leica SL2-S:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 20MP) with a 10% higher linear resolution.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/30p).
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.63x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 921k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/6000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (20 vs 5.4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (510 versus 410) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More modern: Reflects 5 years and 10 months of technical progress since the K-S2 launch.

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Advantages of the Pentax K-S2:

  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (123x91mm vs 146x107mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 253g or 27 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (85 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in February 2015).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Leica SL2-S is the clear winner of the match-up (27 : 9 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

Leica SL2-S 27:09 K-S2

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica SL2-S and the Pentax K-S2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the Leica SL2-S and the K-S2 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-S24.5/5......5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 749ebay.com
3.
 
Canon R35/5o4.5/5..5/54.5/5 Sep 2021 5,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R65/5+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 2,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
8.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
11.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-704.5/5..4/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2016 649ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-S14/5......4.5/54/5 Aug 2014 749ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7C3.5/5..3.5/586/1004/54/5 Sep 2020 1,799 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A9 II....5/590/1005/55/5 Oct 2019 4,499 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, 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 rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Leica SL2-S vs Pentax K-S2

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Leica SL2-S Pentax K-S2
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date December 2020 February 2015
    Launch Price USD 4,895 USD 749
    Sensor Specs Leica SL2-S Pentax K-S2
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 366.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 20 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 5472 x 3648 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.00 μm 4.28 μm
    Pixel Density 2.78 MP/cm2 5.45 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/60p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 50,000 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 100,000 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor Maestro III PRIME MII
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 95 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.2 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.1 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3504 ..
    Screen Specs Leica SL2-S Pentax K-S2
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.63x
    Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 2100k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Leica SL2-S Pentax K-S2
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/6000s
    Continuous Shooting 20 shutter flaps/s 5.4 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support Dual UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Leica SL2-S Pentax K-S2
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 3.2 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port full HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Leica SL2-S Pentax K-S2
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Leica BP-SCL4 Pentax D-LI109
    Battery Life (CIPA)510 shots per charge410 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 146 x 107 x 83 mm
    (5.7 x 4.2 x 3.3 in)
    123 x 91 x 73 mm
    (4.8 x 3.6 x 2.9 in)
    Camera Weight 931 g (32.8 oz) 678 g (23.9 oz)
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