Leica S2 37.5MP Camera Review
LEICA S2- Remarkable digital camera from Germany redefines the professional DSLR class with a custom 37.5-megapixel, 30 x 45 mm sensor built into a 35mm sized body.
Some companies tweak the features. At Leica, we transform the concept. That’s why the introduction of the flagship Leica S2 is not merely an incremental advance. It is nothing less than a watershed event that sets an entirely new performance standard for professional digital SLR s.
Leica S2 has a custom 37.5-megapixel, 30 x 45 mm sensor that is 58% larger than full frame,and it establishes parameters of imaging excellence that are well beyond those obtainable by conventional professional-caliber DSLRs. In the Leica tradition, it utilizes the classic 3:2 aspect ratio that corresponds to the human field of vision and is widely acclaimed as the “Leica Format.”
Leica S2 is not really a medium format camera by traditional standards. Its 37,5 megapixel (7512 x 4992 pixel with 6µm pitch) sensor is 45x30mm, which is a half of the common 645 frame. However, its fast (up to f/2.5) high-performance lenses and proprietary digital signal processing used instead of a low-pass filter are claimed to compensate for the greater DOF and possibly lesser detail forced by the sensor
I have owned and used a Canon 1Ds II and all “L” lenses prior to this. No experience with the D3x however.
All I can say is that it is no contest between the Canon and the Leica S2. Not even my M8.2 came close. The pictures exhibit a greater depth of color, detail and simple existence than I have ever seen (M9 comes closer, but still cannot match). When your subject is in focus (something you must practice to achieve), unless you’re using very deep DOF the image just dances against the background. Even when the DOF is deep, it almost looks like a backdrop in a studio. In short, unless you have access to equipment I’ve never witnessed it makes the World your “Studio”. Leica S2 is a true “3D Camera”.
As a professional photographer I like the versatility of my S2P for fashion, event, environmental portraits,
commercial and corporate assignments, or any mobile application like travel photography.
Prior to the Leica S2, I used a Nikon D3X and before that a Canon 1DsMK-III and was always dissatisfied with
the image quality for my commercial assignments … especially for diverse applications that my clients use the images for ranging from magazine spreads to large display prints in trade show booths that are viewed close up.
In short, size matters as always, and so does the 40 meg using 16 bit capture than no 35mm DSLR currently offers.
The Leica S2 DSLR is fully weather sealed and I’ve used it in blizzards and downpours with no ill effect.
The Leica S2 lenses are absolutely the best I’ve ever used … which is of course expected of Leica. The 120/2.5APO Macro is a stand-out optic even for Leica S2. These lenses have been built from the ground up for digital capture and easily exceed those designed in the film era and then “tweaked” for digital.
However, this is not a camera for everyone even if they could afford it. Like any larger sensor camera in the medium format category, it challenges those with sloppy technique or casual discipline regarding handling. Any bad habits are magnified and many 35mm users do not understand the difference that medium format makes regarding factors like depth-of-field. etc…
Leica has issued new firmware since the launch of the Leica S2 model which significantly improved AF performance compared to other MFD offerings, and while a bit slower than some 35mm DSLRs, the Leica S2 is deadly accurate … which I could never claim for my Canon 5Ds.
Once configured to the users preferences via the custom assignments of the 4 buttons around the LCD, the S2 is exceedingly easy and fast to use even for high-end wedding and event work.
Balance, ergonomics and shooting ease all add up to a very versatile machine that feels like a 35mm DSLR and produces images like a medium format digital camera that is much larger and more bulky.
As a result, my current 35mm DSLR system sits idle, and my Hasselblad MFD H4D/60 stays in the studio. The Leica S2 is a “take with” camera.
Best over-all camera I’ve ever laid hands on … and I’ve used most all of them at one time or another.I also use Nikon and Canon which have their niche and are solid systems but the Leica S2 photos definitely stand out, as one would expect.The Leica S2 has a huge resolution, great build quality, amazing sharpness when used correctly, basicly a great photographic tool!
Leica S2 Pros:
- Leica S2 offers the incredible imaging quality of digital medium-format in a compact ergonomic design.
- The 37.5 megapixel image sensor of the Leica S2 is almost 60% larger than a 35mm full-frame image sensor – putting the Leica S2 in a class by itself. It is also specially designed to take full advantage of the latest Leica S Series lenses.
- Leica S2 lenses ensure that you’ll always get a superior image – regardless of the shooting conditions. Because the lenses are designed with the S-System sensor in mind, your images will not exhibit vignetting or distortion whether you shoot close up, tight zoom, or at wide angle. The S lenses are also waterproof and dustproof, and utilize the camera’s integrated central shutter for quick responsiveness and flash synchronization.
- The viewfinder of the Leica S2 is extremely bright and provides a host of shooting information indicators, in addition to a clear and precise image.
- Lighter and smaller than most digital SLR cameras available today, the Leica S2 is extremely comfortable to handle and use.
- Waterproof and dustproof seals cover every millimeter of the Leica S2 so you can shoot in bad weather or dry and dusty environments and still be assured that your camera will function to its optimum ability and provide stunning images.
Leica S2 Cons:
- Leica S2 is not a cheap camera – its price range is $22000-$29000
- The Leica S2 image file sizes are HUGE(80-130Mb) and will bring most computers to their knees:)
Leica S2 Price Range: $22000-$29000
Where to buy Leica S2 Body:
Leica S2-P 37.5MP Camera Body with 3-Inch LCD with Sapphire LCD Cover [BODY ONLY]
![Leica S2-P 37.5MP Camera Body with 3-Inch LCD with Sapphire LCD Cover [BODY ONLY]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41PAg9N3otL._SL160_.jpg)
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 List Price: unavailable Sale Price: $27,995.00 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 
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Leica S2-P 37.5MP Camera Body with 3-Inch LCD with Sapphire LCD Cover [BODY ONLY] - Product Description
The Leica S2-P Camera, with its premium AF objectives including everything from ultra wide to super telephoto, is an absolute photographic highlight. The digital SLR camera has a special new sensor with 30 x 45 mm and 37.5 megapixels. The S2's metal body is appreciably smaller and easier to carry than similar models from other camera brands and yet it's also nearly twice as fast thanks to ultra modern processor technology.
Leica S2-P 37.5MP Camera Body with 3-Inch LCD with Sapphire LCD Cover [BODY ONLY] - Details
- LENS NOT INCLUDED - BODY ONLY
- With the size and handling of a 35 mm camera, its performance and quality set new standards for medium-format photography
- The complete Leica S-System was developed together with professional photographers with the goal of offering high quality pictures
- With 37.5 million pixels, cropping is never a problem, even for large-format prints
Leica S2 37.5MP Camera Review
Conclusion: Highly Recommended
