Leica CL Detailed Review

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In additional CL was introduced by Leica in November 2017. It belongs to the Mirrorless Cameras category.

Leica is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Leica.

Brand Leica
Category Mirrorless
Date 11/2017
Sensor Properties

The CL has a APS-C CMOS sensor with size of 24 x 16 mm² (0.93″ x 0.62″).

Picture of CL’s sensor compared to popular format.

Infographic: CL comparing sensor sizes

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The CL’s sensor has resolution of 24 megapixel.

The Leica supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Leica’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The CL does not have a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning. Dust that collects on the sensor has to be removed with a blower or brush.

Format APS-C
Sensor area 23.60 x 15.70mm²
(0.93″ x 0.62″)
Type CMOS
Resolution (physical) 24.96 megapixel
Resolution (effective) 24.32 megapixel
Pixel size 15.30 µm²
Sensor cleaning
RAW support
Continuous 10 frames/second
Lens
Interchangeable lens
Mount Leica L Mount
Viewfinder Properties

The CL uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 megapixel, an excellent value for a viewfinder like this which makes the camera a joy to use.

The magnifcation is c. 0.74x, an excellent value for an electronic viewfinder.

Type Elektronic
Coverage 100%
Magnification 0.74x
Resolution 2.36 megapixel
Dioptric correction
Shutter

The CL’s shutter speed varies from 1/25000s to 30s.

Max. shutter speed 1/25000s
Min. shutter speed 30s
Sensitivity Properties

The CL’s sensitivity goes from 100 ISO und 50000 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

Automatic
Min. sensitivity 100 ISO
Max. sensitivity 50000 ISO
Exposure Modes

The CL supports all general exposure modes.

The Leica allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

Multi
Center weight
Partial
Spot
Auto Focus Properties

The CL’s auto focus processor uses 49 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. when panning the camera).

Manual focus is also possible with the Leica, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

Type Contrast Detection
AF points 49
Manual focusing
Flash Specs

The CL doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category.

A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Leica’s hotshoe.

Built-in
Hot shoe
Display Specs

The CL features a monitor with a diagonal of 76.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.04 megapixel. That’s about average.

Unfortunately, the CL’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The CL’s monitor can work as a touch screen, just like a smartphone. That can be very useful, for example to pick AF points, but keep in mind that touch screens usually don’t work when wearing gloves.

Display characteristics at a glance:

Type LCD
Size 76.00mm (diagonal)
(3.0 in.)
Resolution 1.04 megapixel
Articulated
Touch screen
Video Specs

CL video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Leica CL Video parameters:

Max. resolution 3840 x 2160 pixel
…with frame rates 30 frames/second
External microphone
Connectivity & Wireless Specs

The CL has Wi-fi connection. You can transfer photos to a mobile or laptop using wi-fi.

Connect the Leica to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

USB 3.0 is already supported by the Leica. USB 3.0 greatly speeds up transferring images and videos to the computer.

Connection parameters:

WiFi
Bluetooth
NFC
Remote (wired)
Remote (infrared)
Apps
HDMI (standard)
HDMI (mini)
HDMI (micro)
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB Micro
USB Mini
USB-C
Custom
Memory

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

Slots 1
Memory cards SD
SDHC
SDXC
Battery

The Leica CL works with a BP-DC12 LiIon battery. The battery lifetime is an average 220 shots. That’s on the lower side of things for a full day, consider a spare battery for the CL.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The CL’s battery battery parameters:

Type BP-DC12 LiIon
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life 220 photos
Size

The Leica CL’s size is 131 x 78 x 45mm³. (5.2″ x 3.1″ x 1.8″). That dimensions are without lens. The weight of camera is 5.2″ x 3.1″ x 1.8″ grams (400 oz.) without lens weight.

Here is front and top view of the CL:

Dimensions Comparison

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.

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