Leica TL2 Detailed Review

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In additional TL2 was introduced by Leica in July 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 07/2017
Sensor Properties

The TL2 has a APS-C CMOS sensor with size of 24 x 16 mm² (0.93″ x 0.62″).

Picture of TL2’s sensor compared to popular format.

Infographic: TL2 comparing sensor sizes

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

The TL2’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 TL2 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 20 frames/second
Lens
Interchangeable lens
Mount Leica L Mount
Viewfinder Properties

The TL2 does not come with a built-in viewfinder. The camera’s display is used to compose the photo. That can be cumbersome in broad daylight.

Shutter

The TL2’s shutter speed varies from 1/40000s to 30s.

Max. shutter speed 1/40000s
Min. shutter speed 30s
Sensitivity Properties

The TL2’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 TL2 supports all general exposure modes.

The Leica allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

Multi
Center weight
Partial
Spot
Auto Focus Properties

The TL2’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 TL2 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 TL2 features a monitor with a diagonal of 94.00mm (3.7 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.30 megapixel. A resonable value that will make it easy to evaluate images directly in-camera.

Unfortunately, the TL2’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The TL2’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 94.00mm (diagonal)
(3.7 in.)
Resolution 1.30 megapixel
Articulated
Touch screen
Video Specs

TL2 video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Leica TL2 Video parameters:

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

The TL2 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 TL2 works with a BP-DC13 LiIon battery. The battery lifetime is an average 250 shots. That’s on the lower side of things for a full day, consider a spare battery for the TL2.

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 TL2’s battery battery parameters:

Type BP-DC13 LiIon
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life 250 photos
Size

The Leica TL2’s size is 134 x 69 x 33mm³. (5.3″ x 2.7″ x 1.3″). That dimensions are without lens. The weight of camera is 5.3″ x 2.7″ x 1.3″ grams (400 oz.) without lens weight.

Here is front and top view of the TL2:

Dimensions Comparison

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The TL2 is not much bigger:

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