Leica gives its SL2-S the “Reporter” treatment, equipping the camera with a tougher exterior to make it better able to withstand extreme temperatures, shocks, dust and water.
The Reporter SL2-S joins the Reporter Design Series M10-P, Q2 and Q2 monochrome cameras which not only offer photographers a different look from what is usually all-black affairs, but supposedly improve reliability and durability. camera durability in the field.
Leica says the SL2-S Reporter “redefines the limits of resilience” with its all-metal body, scratch-resistant dark green paint finish and aramid fiber coating. As such, the camera is able to withstand more extreme temperatures, shocks, dust and water often encountered by photographers working in the field, especially photojournalists reporting in hostile regions.
Aramid is a synthetic fiber that Leica says is typically used in the production of protective gear.
“With its distinctive pattern of tightly interwoven fibers, the special weave not only offers an extraordinary look, but also significantly increased grip – for even more safety and stability when photographing and filming,” says the company. “In its technical characteristics, the design variant corresponds to the serial model Leica SL2-S.”
Despite the external changes, the heart of the camera from a technical and photographic point of view remains the same. Originally announced in December 2020the SL2-S is a 24.6-megapixel L-mount full-frame mirrorless camera that was designed to put more emphasis on speed and video performance compared to the original SL2, which was released last year. The SL2-S is capable of 25fps (on a 4GB buffer that allows for over 999 consecutive shots without slowing down the shooting speed – and offers ISO performance up to 100,000.
The SL2-S has also been positioned as a capable video camera and can capture 4K video at up to 60 frames per second in 10-bit 4:2:2 in Leica L-Log via HDMI output (via a full-size HDMI port ) . It can shoot true full-frame 4K at up to 30p internally at that spec, but use the HDMI output to boost the frame rate. Unfortunately, the camera has to cut down to a Super35 crop in order to capture 4K at 60 frames per second. That said, there is no recording limit.
The original SL2-S retailed for $4,895, but since the SL2-S Reporter is a limited edition camera (Leica only intends to produce 1,000 copies for worldwide distribution), its price has increased slightly. The SL2-S Reporter will be available in the United States at all Leica stores and the Leica online store for $5,495.
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