Street Photography
All I Want for Christmas is a Few Updates to the Leica SL2 in 2022
Are you a photography enthusiast eagerly waiting for the holiday season to arrive? If yes, then you must have a wish list ready, filled with photography-related gifts. And if that includes a camera upgrade, you might want to pay close attention. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the Leica SL2 and some exciting updates that could potentially be released in 2022. The Leica SL2 has already impressed photographers worldwide with its exceptional image quality, robust build, and advanced features. However, there is always room for improvement, and we can’t help but wonder what enhancements Leica may bring to this already exceptional camera. From improved autofocus to enhanced video capabilities, let’s delve into the possibilities that could make this camera even more remarkable.
All I Want for Christmas is a Few Updates to the Leica SL2 in 2022
A Perfect Camera with Some Room for Improvement
It has been two years since I took delivery of one of the very first Leica SL2s in the US. A little less than that since I took delivery of one of the very first Apo-Summicron SL35s. I love this combination. It speaks to me. It is uber performant and so much more. But today, let’s talk about just the SL2. It is weather-sealed, gorgeous to behold, wonderful in hand, has all the resolution and dynamic range I want, all the ports I want, all the video capability I want, all the IBIS I need, and almost perfect EDF behavior. It is a wonderful companion and a talisman even in this most modern of times.
Yet, all I want for Christmas is the promise of a few updates to it in 2022. I’d like to share my wish list with you for updates to the SL2 in 2022. This is going to be a very short video because there are only a few things preventing the SL2 from being the perfect camera for me. Let’s get into it.
The Fixables
Although it has to be said, none of the things I’m about to mention has ever prevented me from getting the shot I wanted nor dimmed my enthusiasm for the SL2 and its ecosystem. But to achieve perfection, these issues should be fixed.
1. Real-time depth of field preview with autofocus lenses:
Two years later, this basic function, a critical aid to precision focus and composition, remains unavailable. This should be fixed through a firmware update as it is available on the SL2’s cousin, Panasonic’s Lumix S1R.
2. Real-time exposure preview:
When the EVF is set to enhance performance, the ability to rely on one’s own eye to determine exposure is taken away. This should also be addressed through a firmware update.
3. No image degradation in the EVF during autofocus:
Maintaining a half-press on the primary shutter release during autofocus should not cause any image degradation in the EVF. This is not an issue when using back button autofocus or when the Atomos Ninja 5 is attached. Only when using the shutter release on top of the grip. This should be fixed to provide a seamless shooting experience.
The Hardware Upgrade
4. Improved continuous video autofocus performance:
To compete with brands like Sony, Canon, and Nikon in terms of continuous video autofocus performance, Leica needs to update the SL2’s hardware. This would require moving to hybrid phase detect-contrast detect autofocus, using more sophisticated autofocus algorithms with processing power and AI integration.
The Nice-to-Haves
These features would be great additions but are not critical for the camera’s functionality.
a. Super bright articulating rear screen:
An articulating rear panel, similar to Panasonic’s Lumix S1H, would be useful for unobtrusive street work. However, achieving this without sacrificing depth, mechanical robustness, or the design of the SL2 would be a challenge.
b. CF Express SD card slots:
CF Express cards are significantly faster than SD cards and would provide more robust video capture options. Adding a pair of CF Express SD card slots would be a useful addition to the SL2.
c. 9.44 million dot 0.92x magnification finder:
The high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) found on the Sony A7S3 would enhance manual stills focus on the SL2.
d. More megapixels:
For street photography, having more megapixels can be beneficial to capture the intricate details of cityscapes. Increasing the SL2’s megapixel count would be a welcomed feature.
The Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Leica SL2 is already an exceptional camera, but with a few updates, it could reach perfection. The fixable issues should be addressed through firmware updates, while the hardware upgrades would enhance specific functionalities. It is important, however, to maintain the SL2’s brilliant design and flagship status. With these updates, the SL2 would continue to be a top choice for photographers, providing an unrivaled shooting experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Leica SL2?
The Leica SL2 is a high-end full-frame mirrorless camera that offers exceptional image quality, advanced features, and rugged build quality.
What updates are expected for the Leica SL2 in 2022?
In 2022, Leica is rumored to release a firmware update for the SL2 that will bring several improvements, including enhanced autofocus performance, improved video capabilities, and additional customization options.
Will the firmware update be free?
Yes, Leica often releases firmware updates free of charge for their cameras. However, it’s always recommended to check the official Leica website or contact their customer support to confirm the details of the update and its pricing.
How can I update the firmware on my Leica SL2?
To update the firmware on your Leica SL2, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the official Leica website and navigate to the SL2 product page.
- Download the latest firmware update file for the SL2.
- Connect a fully charged battery to your camera or plug it into a power source.
- Insert a formatted SD card into your camera and copy the firmware update file to the root directory of the SD card.
- With the camera turned off, press and hold the “Menu” button while turning on the camera.
- On the camera LCD, select “Update Firmware” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
Where can I find more information and updates about the Leica SL2?
You can find the latest information, updates, and support for the Leica SL2 on the official Leica website, including product pages, user manuals, firmware downloads, and customer support contact details.
I hope you find useful my article All I Want for Christmas is a Few Updates to the Leica SL2 in 2022, I also recommend you to read my other posts in my blog at this link.
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