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Leica TL2 Comparison Review

The Leica TL2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was revealed to the public in July 2017 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 24.1 megapixel.

camera

Is the Leica TL2 a good camera? The TL2 has a Camera Elo of 2378. This rating puts the TL2 below average of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the TL2 ranks among the top 30 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 3.5-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Leica TL2
Mirrorless system camera
Leica T mount lenses
24.1 MP, APS-C Sensor
4K/30p Video
ISO 100 - 50 000
Viewfinder optional
3.7 LCD, 1230k dots
Fixed touchscreen
7 shutter flaps per second
250 shots per battery charge
134 x 69 x 33 mm, 399 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 TL2 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Leica TL2 vs credit card front
TL2 versus credit card top view
TL2 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Leica TL2 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 TL2 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 399 g 250 n Jul 2017 1,950ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-T100 121 mm 83 mm 47 mm 448 g 430 n May 2018 599ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 118 mm 83 mm 41 mm 383 g 350 n Jan 2017 899ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 117 mm 67 mm 40 mm 339 g 410 n Aug 2016 399ebay.com
5.
 
Leica C-LUX 113 mm 67 mm 46 mm 340 g 370 n Jun 2018 1,049ebay.com
6.
 
Leica CL 131 mm 78 mm 45 mm 403 g 220 n Nov 2017 2,795ebay.com
7.
 
Leica TL 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Nov 2016 1,695ebay.com
8.
 
Leica T 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Apr 2014 1,850ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 415 g 1550 n Aug 2018 429 amazon.com
10.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 n Nov 2016 699 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon D3400 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 445 g 1200 n Aug 2016 499ebay.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 TL2 was launched in the US market at a price of $1,950. 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. 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

The Leica TL2 features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Leica TL2 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Leica TL2 sensor measures

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. 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 adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.

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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 TL2 APS-C 24.1 6014 40144K/30p23.913.3175382
2.
 
Fujifilm X-T100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.4182983
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T20 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.2170481
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.813.1166481
5.
 
Leica C-LUX 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.112.348164
6.
 
Leica CL APS-C 24.1 6014 40144K/30p24.013.3178882
7.
 
Leica TL APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.913.2169081
8.
 
Leica T APS-C 16.2 4944 32781080/30p23.012.7108275
9.
 
Nikon D3500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.4185183
10.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
11.
 
Nikon D3400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.813.9119286
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The TL2 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the TL2 can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Leica TL2 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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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 TL2optional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 7.0/s n n
2.
 
Fujifilm X-T1002360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T202360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A3none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
5.
 
Leica C-LUX2330 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Leica CL2360 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
7.
 
Leica TLoptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Leica Toptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D3500optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D5600optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D3400optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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It is worthwhile pointing out that the TL2 has a touchscreen. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, when trying to adjust the focus point.

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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 TL2 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 TL2Ystereo / mono--micro3.0Y--
2.
 
Fujifilm X-T100Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T20Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A3Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Leica C-LUX-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Leica CLYstereo / mono----Y--
7.
 
Leica TLYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Leica TYstereo / mono---2.0Y--
9.
 
Nikon D3500Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
10.
 
Nikon D5600Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
11.
 
Nikon D3400Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
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It is notable that the TL2 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Further information on the features and operation of the TL2 can be found in the free online Leica TL2 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 partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the TL2. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major 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 TL23.5/5..3/5..4/54/5 Jul 2017 1,950ebay.com
2.
 
Fujifilm X-T1004/5+4.5/579/1004/54.5/5 May 2018 599ebay.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-T205/5+ +5/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 899ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm X-A3......74/1004.5/54/5 Aug 2016 399ebay.com
5.
 
Leica C-LUX....3.5/5..4.5/54/5 Jun 2018 1,049ebay.com
6.
 
Leica CL....4.2/5....4/5 Nov 2017 2,795ebay.com
7.
 
Leica TL..........4/5 Nov 2016 1,695ebay.com
8.
 
Leica T3/5......4/54/5 Apr 2014 1,850ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D35004/5..4/575/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2018 429 amazon.com
10.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 699 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon D34004/5+4/576/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2016 499ebay.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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Leica TL2 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the TL2.

What type of imaging sensor is used in the Leica TL2?

The camera has a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Leica TL2?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 50000.

Can the Leica TL2 be equipped with an optional viewfinder?

Yes, Leica provides the Visoflex (Typ 020) as an accessory (here on amazon) that can be mounted on the hotshoe.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Leica TL2?

Leica does not publish a shutter rating for the TL2. 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.

Does the Leica TL2 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Leica TL2 for flash photography?

The TL2's flash sync speed is 1/180 sec.

Does the Leica TL2 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?

Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-II cards (data transfer speed of up to 312 MB/s).

Which battery does the Leica TL2 use?

The camera gets its power from the BP-DC13, which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, 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 TL2
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Leica T mount lenses
    Launch Date July 2017
    Launch Price USD 1 950
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 371 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 24.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6 014 x 4 014 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.92 μm
    Pixel Density 6.52 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 50 000 ISO
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.7 inch
    LCD Resolution 1230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 7 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 3.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Body Specs
    Battery Type BP-DC13 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)250 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 134 x 69 x 33 mm
    (5.3 x 2.7 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 399 g (14.1 oz)

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