Leica CL Hands-On Sample Photos

Leica has announced the new Leica CL, part of Leica’s APS-C mirrorless camera range, which includes the Leica TL2. The Leica CL features the same 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor as the TL2 as well as a built-in electronic viewfinder, touch-screen and 10fps continuous shooting.

Leica CL Features  

The Leica CL has a classic Leica look, with an aluminium top and bottom plates and a leather-like surround in the middle. The Leica CL joins the TL2, which will also remain on the market and is constructed in Germany alongside the new CL. 

The CL has “Clickable” dials – the right one doubles as a customisable function button and the left can be pressed in to change the shooting mode. The dials can be used to change exposure compensation, shutter speed and aperture speed, depending on the mode. In between these two dials is a top LCD display, so that you can see the settings at a glance.

Leica CL Key Features

• 24mp APS-C CMOS sensor
• LCD display auto lights up in dark conditions (can be disabled)
• 2.36m dot EVF, 0.74x magnification, 20m eye relief, dioptre wheel (+/- 4)
• Eye sensor for automatic switching
• Touch-control like the TL2 (and gestures, pinch to zoom etc)
• FN button on back (customisable)
• 4K, 30fps video recording
• Up to 14 stops DR (ISO100)
• 10fps continuous shooting (at 24mp), 
• 49 AF points
• Maestro II image processor
• Wi-Fi, with CL APP
• Aluminium anodized top and bottom cover
• compact body similar to Leica X2

The camera can shoot 24mp images at 10fps, in continuous shooting mode, with the buffer able to shoot up to 33 pictures (recording both DNG+JPG). You can also record FullHD at 60fps or 30fps and 4k footage at 30fps. The quickest shutter speed possible is 1/8000s using the mechanical shutter or 1/25000s using the electronic shutter.

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is impressively large considering the compact size of the camera, with 0.74x magnification and 2.36m dots and it gives a clear view of the scene which is detailed with good colour reproduction. 

As the camera shoots AdobeDNG, it's already possible to edit RAW files from the camera, without having to wait for your image processing software to be updated

The CL will be available as a kit with 18mm or 18-56mm lens from 28 November 2017 at the following RRPs: 

• Leica CL Body Only - £2250
• Leica CL + 18mm Lens - £3150
• Leica CL + 18-56mm Lens - £3275

A new Leica 18mm f/2.8 pancake lens will be available at the same time as the CL with an RRP of £1020 inc. VAT. Plus, you can also use SL (FF) lenses on the Leica CL, as both use the T mount.

Leica CL Hands-On Photos of Equipment

Leica CL Other sample images