Leica SL2-S: Life at ISO 50,000

I thought ISO 50,000 was irrelevant - until I went out of my mind testing more than half a dozen of the latest cameras that can go there, most especially Leica's SL2-S. I love my SL2, but the SL2-S is an even better high ISO and video camera -- for $1,100 less.

This video was shot with a Leica SL2-S and Leica APO Summicron SL 50mm f/2 OH BABY!

Thank you Leica; Sony; Panasonic; and Nikon.

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Gear Used to Make This Video:

Camera & Lens

Other Cameras Used for Testing:

Leica SL2
Leica M10-P
Panasonic S1R
Panasonic S5
Sony a7s III
Nikon Z6 II
Canon EOS R6
Canon EOS R5

Audio

Lighting

Support/Rigging
- Sachtler Ace Baseplate:

FULL EDIT SUITE

[john.advrider]

I had picked the SL2-S in all those comparisons. Glad mine will be here soon :)

[adelebuttolph]

I chose the SL2-S for each one as well.

[ericbauer]

S5 is looking like the greatest cheapest alternative

[PaulAmyes]

I picked the Leica SL2-S every time it was so apparent.

I used to do a lot of concert photography back in the early 80's. HP5 in Microphen was my fave combo. Then Kodak introduced Kodacolor VR 1000 and I thought everything became so easy. 50, 000 ISO! Who would have imagined it!?! As you say DR and contrast fall off a cliff, but the practical application is that we now have a very useable 12800 ISO in available light. And just think of the lighting possibilities because light sources don't have to be massively powerful they can now be smaller, more nuanced and applied in layers.

[filibertkraxner]

Exactly the review I was waiting for! Picked out the SL2S images immediately. That's it. That's my second 'M' body :-) Thanks so much for putting in all that work, Hugh. And all the best for the new year :-)

[Bryan-ludu]

Absolutely incredible. I chose the SL2-S on all of them except the 4th one (vs. the S5) which I noted “close” because I spent awhile trying to make up my mind.

[dct]

Well I think any sane person also chose the SL2-S in every frame as well.

[philipshucet]

Excellent review. Learned a lot. Interesting, educational and fun to watch. Perfect combination. The ISO comparisons are intriguing. As is the knowledge that while iso is handy and great for the right situation, it’s not to be used “just cuz.” Keep ‘em coming!

[frankgwirtz]

LOVED the reference to Tri-X in Acufine at ASA1200! My go-to combo for over 25 years.

[grantmedical]

"Mind officially blown" Hugh... the difference is very very obvious! I guess I know what I am saving to buy!!! Much love and thank you!

[nohandle]

no cheating - I chose the SL2-S every image. sweet baby jebus

[RogerOThornhill]

The SL2-s won every single time, except against the R5.

[johnhjic]

Hello Hugh, I hope you both have a good Christmas? The SL2-S look so much better in all your test. What a great name for your next bool "Life at 50, 000 ISO". would suit your style around NY. Keep well, keep save and be happy.

[CoconutJustice]

Happy Holidays, Hugh. Happy New Year!

[belgiboing]

Brilliant. Suddenly, better portability possibilities emerge. Such as using a Summaron 28mm f5.6 with the SL2S as a do-anything, high iso, low light, compact set-up.

[ianbrown]

OMG that test must have been so tedious, hats off to you sir! I have just got the SL2-S and my feeling is a rather less articulated -" bloody good" . Its my first Leica and for me hits the sweet spot. Thanks and stay safe, all the best for 2021. Ian (UK)

[RudolfWolph]

Tried to do it in real time to avoid too much pixel peeping.
A, A, B, B(close), then B takes it pretty easily every time afterward.
Now I want to see some astrovideography. Fast lens, high ISO, and a good meteor shower.

[stuartbrightwell]

I was a little relieved you didn’t include the CL in your comparison! 😂 I love it but low light performance is a bit of a weak spot.

[REDNCR]

Excellent video, thanks, far above my current non specialized photographer level, some of your rictus, smiles remind me the great Groucho Marx and add interest to the subject.

[HornbillStudios]

My eyes favoured SL2-S in every case except on comparison with S5. I am sure with S1 results would have been identical.