Overview
Minimal and intuitive, the silver TL2 Mirrorless Digital Camera from Leica is a photographic tool for photographers looking for a compact, yet capable imaging system with the latest technology. It maintains the unibody design of its predecessors and is crafted in Germany from a single block of aluminum for durability, but makes a major advancement with the implementation of a newly developed 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and the Maestro II processor. This enables multiple high-end features, including 20 fps shooting with an electronic shutter, UHD 4K video at 30 fps, and Full HD video at 60 fps. Along with the electronic shutter, which can provide shutter speeds of up to 1/40000 second as well, the contrast-detect AF system is enhanced with 49 points and vastly improved speed.
With a carefully crafted design already, the TL2 enhanced the 3.7" 1.3m-dot touchscreen by making operation about eight times faster than previous models. The MyCamera Menu remains allows for users to create a quickly accessible location for all their commonly accessed settings. An FN button is also available and for speedy data transfer the camera now has a USB Type-C port with USB 3.0 support. Images can be stored in the camera in multiple ways, as the TL2 boasts 32GB of internal memory alongside a UHS-II SD card slot. Additionally, the camera features integrated Wi-Fi connectivity and through an optional mobile app users can remotely control settings.
Leica TL2
Further evolving their mirrorless lineup, the Leica TL2 is another well-designed camera that offers both an outstanding feature set combined with intuitive controls. Made from a solid block of aluminum, the TL2 is assembled and polished by hand in Germany, which ensures outstanding durability and operation. This model also offers incredible speed and performance, including a new electronic shutter function that provides shooting speeds of up to 20 fps, a speedier touchscreen interface, and faster autofocusing. Toss in UHD 4K video recording and the TL2 becomes a top performer in this ever-growing field.
24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor & Leica Maestro II Processor
At the heart of every camera system has to be an exceptional sensor, and the TL2 is fortunate to have an outstanding 24.2MP APS-C CMOS at its core. This sensor, which is paired with Leica's Maestro II processor, provides outstanding resolution and clarity as well as native sensitivities ranging from ISO 100-50000. Combine this with the TL2's minimalist, yet functional design and you have a sleek and intuitive setup for capturing stunning images. Furthermore, this sensor has an electronic shutter option that unlocks high speed 20 fps shooting and faster shutter speeds.
Leica L-Bayonet Mount
Leica's mirrorless L-bayonet mount offers users the ability to connect both full-frame SL-series and APS-C TL-series glass, which benefits from electronic communication for blazing fast autofocus, electronic aperture control, and optical image stabilization. Additionally, as with most mirrorless today, the L mount can accept a variety of adapters, such as the M-Adapter L which provides shooters with access to the entire M-mount lens library. Leica will have adapters for the S, R, and Cine series as well, ensuring compatibility with a range of Leica's best lenses.
49-Point AF System and 20 fps Shooting
Ensuring you are capturing tack-sharp photos at all times is an upgraded contrast-detect AF system, this time with 49 points available. The entire operation has been speed up for faster and more accurate autofocusing, including in AF-C mode, with performance with a wide-angle lens being measured at just 165 ms and telephoto lenses not far behind at just 190 ms. Users can also access a 20 fps shooting speed by switching the camera over to a silent electronic shutter, which also boasts a maximum shutter speed of 1/40,000 second. The mechanical shutter is quite capable as well with 7 fps shooting and a max shutter speed of 1/4000 second.
UHD 4K Video Recording
Massive upgrades have been included in the TL2 when it comes to video recording, most notably with the addition of UHD 4K at 30 fps. This ultra-high resolution video mode allows you to capture sharp video that will work wonderfully with existing and future displays. Also, alongside UHD 4K is boosted Full HD with a max frame rate of 60 fps and HD, which can do slow motion at 120 fps. Focus peaking is available as well to help ensure your videos are in focus and there is a micro-HDMI port for output to an external display or monitor.
Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
Integrated IEEE 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi allows you to wirelessly connect iOS and Android devices to the TL for sharing photos and movies to smartphones or tablets for posting online. The free Leica TL-App facilitates sharing imagery between the camera and device, and the app also enables a remote function for wirelessly adjusting the camera's shutter speed, aperture, and for releasing the shutter. The app can also be used as a remote electronic viewfinder to benefit composing self-portraits or group shots, or when working from difficult shooting angles.
Other Features
Leica Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH. Overview
An especially compact lens, the silver Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH. is a 27mm equivalent wide-angle prime designed for APS-C-format Leica L-mount mirrorless cameras. Its pancake form factor measures just 0.8" thick, making it ideal for everyday use and travel applications. Its optical design features four aspherical surfaces to help suppress spherical aberrations and distortion for greater clarity and sharpness. Additionally, its autofocus design allows for full-time manual focus override for greater control when working with selective focus techniques.