Photoxels

Leica CL is a Compact APS-C System Camera: 24MP APS-C Sized Sensor; Built-in Electronic Viewfinder with 2.34 MP Resolution and Eye-Sensor for Automatic Switching Between Viewfinder & Monitor; Fast AF with a 49-Point AF System; 4K Video Recording @ 30fps; Photographic Settings at a Glance Via a Top Display; Touchscreen Controls; Built-in Wi-Fi

The Leica APS-C System now offers two camera models made in Germany – the Leica TL2 and the new Leica CL.

The following video presents The new Leica CL. Oskar’s Legacy:
Every invention starts with a simple idea.

Leica CL
Leica CL

Key features of the Leica CL include:

  • World’s most tactile APS-C System Camera
  • Compatible with all Leica TL & SL lenses
  • Adaptable to use Leica M and R lenses
Leica CL
Leica CL
  • Built-in electronic viewfinder, 2.34 MP resolution and 0.74x magnification
  • Locking mechanical diopter adjustment
  • Fast Auto Focus performance with a 49-point AF system
  • 24MP APS-C sized sensor
  • ISO range of 100-50,000
  • Maestro II processor
  • Fast touch and gesture responsiveness for optional touchscreen controls
  • Mechanical shutter speed max. of 1/8,000
  • Electronic shutter speed max. of 1/25,000
  • Option for full-time electronic shutter, making the shutter completely noiseless
  • Quick burst shooting up to 10 fps with either mechanical shutter or electronic shutter
  • DNG+JPG shooting for up to 33 shots in continuous burst
  • Focus peaking and magnification for manual focus aid
  • 4K video recording @ 30fps
  • 1080p Full-HD video recording @ 30/60fps
  • Compact all-metal body with anodized aluminum top and bottom cover
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Made in Germany
Leica CL, bottom view
Leica CL, bottom view

Key benefits of the Leica CL include

Leica CL, top view
Leica CL, top view
  • Fast and easy use via the top display
  • User-customizable menus and controls
  • Easy operation with all adjustments made and viewed on the top display
  • Adjustable diopter wheel and eye sensor for automatic switching
  • Traditional design
  • User-friendly
  • CL-App on Apple App Store and Google Play makes it easy to share pictures via Wi-Fi hotspot feature
  • A black anodized top and bottom cover with leather cladding
Leica CL
Leica CL

Technical Specifications of Leica CL

Lens Mount Leica L bayonet with contact strip for communication between lens and camera
Compatible lenses Lenses with Leica L-Mount, Leica M/R lenses using the Leica M-Adapter L/R-Adapter L
Sensor APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.7 mm) with 24.96/24.24 million pixels (total/effective), aspect ratio 3:2
Photo Resolution DNG: 6016 x 4014 Pixels (24 Megapixels), JPEG: optional 6000 x 4000 Pixels (24 Megapixels), or 4272 x 2856 Pixels (12 Megapixels), or 3024 x 2016 Pixels (6 Megapixels)
Photo file formats/compression rates DNG, JPG or DNG + JPG
Video Recording Format MP4
Video resolution / frame rate 4K 30 fps, full HD 60 or 30 fps, HD 30 fps
Video recording time Depending on ambient or housing temperature video recordings are possible up to a maximum length of 29 minutes, maximum file size is 4 GB, if a recording exceeds this limit, the respective part is automatically stored in another file
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, multimedia cards, UHS II-standard is supported (32GB internal memory)
ISO range Automatic, ISO 100 to ISO 50000
White balance Automatic, presets for daylight, cloudy, halogen lighting, shadow, electronic flash, two memory slots for manually metered settings, manual color temperature setting
Autofocus system Contrast based, 49 points
Autofocus metering methods Single point, multiple point, spot, face detection, touch AF
Exposure modes Program AE, aperture priority AE, shutter priority AE, manual exposure setting, scene mode, video
Exposure metering Multi-zone, center-weighted, spot
Exposure compensation ±3 EV in 1/3 EV increments
Automatic bracketing Three pictures in graduations up to ±3 EV, adjustable in 1/3 EV increments
Shutter speed range 30 s to 1⁄25000 s (up to 1⁄8000 s with mechanical shutter, higher speeds with electronic shutter)
Burst shooting Max. approx. 10 fps with mechanical shutter, 10fps with electronic shutter function, max. approx. 33 pictures (DNG + JPG) and max. approx. 140 pictures (JPG only) at full speed, then depending on memory card properties
Flash modes Adjustable with attached, system compatible flash (no built-in flash)
Flash exposure compensation ±3 EV in 1/3 EV increments
Flash synchronization 1/180 s
Recommended Flash Unit Leica SF 40 flash
Monitor 3” TFT LCD, 1.04MP, touch and gesture control possible
Top Display Resolution: 128 × 58 pixels
Self timer Selectable delay time 2 or 12 s
Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g/n, WLAN-compatible WPA™/WPA2™
Power supply Leica BP-DC12 lithium ion battery, rated voltage 7.2 V, capacity 1200 mAh (min.) (based on CIPA standard): approx. 220 pictures, charging time (after total discharge): approx. 140 min. Manufacturers: Panasonic Energy (Wuxi) Co., Ltd, made in China
Viewfinder Resolution: 2.36 MP, magnification: 0.74×, ± 4 diopter settings, with eye-sensor for automatic switching between viewfinder and monitor
Body Top plate and baseplate in machined and anodized aluminum, magnesium front and rear shell
Tripod thread A 1/4 DIN 4503 (1/4”)
Dimensions 131× 78 × 45 mm
Weight 403 g/353 g (with/without battery)
Software Leica CL App (remote control and image transfer, free download from Apple™ App-Store™/Google™ Play Store™)
Warranty 2 years
Leica CL
Leica CL

PRESS RELEASE

11/21/2017

New Camera Leica CL Expands the Leica APS-C System

Leica CL
Leica CL

Leica Camera AG has expanded its APS-C System product portfolio with a new camera that unites innovative technologies, extremely easy handling and iconic design: the Leica CL. Its ideal balance between state-of-the-art technology, mechanical precision and compact construction makes it the perfect everyday companion – especially for spontaneous and discreet pictures.

Leica APS-C System: Leica CL (left), Leica TL2 (right) and Lenses
Leica APS-C System: Leica CL (left), Leica TL2 (right) and Lenses

The Leica APS-C System now offers two camera models made in Germany – the Leica CL and the Leica TL2. In technical terms, they are equals, but could hardly be more different with regard to their design and handling concepts: reflecting the traditions of Leica in the form of the iconic Leica CL and, in contrast, the futuristic look of the Leica TL2. Together with the extensive portfolio of TL-Lenses, they create a system that makes it possible to experience a special kind of photography.

Leica CL
Leica CL

One of the outstanding features of the Leica CL is its electronic viewfinder with EyeRes technology developed by Leica especially for this camera. With a latency time below the threshold of perception and a resolution of 2.36 million pixels, the EyeRes® viewfinder offers an impressive viewing experience and numerous advantages: As the final image is visible in the viewfinder before the shutter release is pressed, users have complete control over the composition of their subjects.

Leica CL
Leica CL

In combination with the high-resolution, 24 MP, APS-C format sensor of the Leica CL, a Maestro II series processor and fast autofocus with 49 metering points guarantee maximum picture quality in all photographic situations. The Leica CL is not only an impressive still picture camera, this also applies to moving pictures captured with its video function at a resolution of up to 4K at 30 frames per second.

The Leica CL also equipped with an integrated Wi-Fi module. Pictures and videos can be sent by a wireless connection to smartphones, tablets or computers and quickly and easily shared by email or in social networks with the Leica CL App for iOS or Android. In addition to this, the remote function of the app lets mobile devices be used as an off-camera viewfinder or for altering exposure parameters – for example when shooting with the self-timer function or from unusual angles.

The Leica CL establishes the unmistakeable simplicity of iconic Leica design in the compact system camera class. In every respect discreet, this compact camera is an ideal companion with a user-friendly handling concept that makes it an intuitive tool. All essential controls are located on its top plate. In addition to the electronic viewfinder, there are two dials for setting the aperture, shutter speed ISO value, and exposure compensation. Everything is so conveniently located that photographs can be made without taking the camera from the eye. An additional display on the top plate instantly provides information about all relevant settings and exposure parameters. Together with the perfectly defined release pressure point, this ensures that users have absolute control over every picture they take with the Leica CL.

Leica TL Lens Family
Leica TL Lens Family

The extensive portfolio of TL-Lenses is also available to the Leica CL. The lenses offer superior imaging performance and are responsible for the exceptionally high picture quality delivered by the Leica APS-C System. The portfolio of compact and fast lenses with focal lengths from 17 to 200 mm offers infinite opportunities for all kinds of creative photography. The elegant simplicity of the design of the three zooms – the Super-Vario-Elmar-TL 1:3.5–4.5/11–23 ASPH., Vario-Elmar-TL 1:3.5–5.6/18–56 ASPH. and the APO-Vario-Elmar-TL 1:3.5–4.5/55–135 ASPH. – and four prime lenses – the Elmarit-TL 1:2.8/18 ASPH., Summicron-TL 1:2/23 ASPH., Summilux-TL 1:1.4/35 ASPH. and the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 1:2.8/60 ASPH. – perfectly complement the Leica CL, not only in terms of technology, but also in looks.

Developed by optical engineering specialists in Wetzlar, the Leica TL-Lenses all offer the exceptional imaging performance for which Leica lenses are famed. The combination of optical and precision engineering expertise and the use of finest materials in their construction ensures their constant quality and reliability in use.

Thanks to the L-Bayonet mount shared by the Leica TL- and SL-Systems, SL-Lenses can also be used without an adapter on the CL and the TL2. Appropriate adapters are also available for using Leica M- and R-Lenses on the cameras.

An extensive range of technical- and style-accessories ideally complements the APS-C System.

The black version of the Leica CL will be available from the end of November.

About Leica Camera

Leica Camera AG is an internationally operating, premium-segment manufacturer of cameras and sport optics products. The legendary status of the Leica brand is founded on a long tradition of excellence in the construction of lenses. And today, in combination with innovative technologies, Leica products continue to guarantee better pictures in all situations in the worlds of visualisation and perception. Leica Camera AG has its headquarters in Wetzlar, in the state of Hesse in Germany, and a second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal. The company operates branch offices in Australia, China, France, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, Singapore, South Korea, UK and the USA. New and innovative products have been the driving force behind the company’s positive development in recent years.


The following video presents Leica TL2 – User-Friendly Interface:
With the user-friendly interface, you can intuitively navigate yourself through customizable menus.


B&H Photo Video

Please support this site. Pre-order / Buy the Leica CL Camera, Leica TL2 Camera, Lenses, and Accessories from our Trusted Sponsor B&H Photo-Video, the Professional’s Source, satisfying millions of customers for over 35 years (prices are in USD):

 

Support Photoxels

There are various ways to support Photoxels. Whenever you click on an ad or make any purchase from an Amazon, B&H, Adorama or other link, it does not cost you a cent more, but I earn a small commission or referral fee.

  • As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Visits and/or purchases you make through a qualified link (e.g. B&H, Adorama, Google ads, or any other ads on this site) may eventually earn us a commission fee from the advertisers.
  • Thank you for your support!

Advertisements: Google

Camera Buyer’s Guide

Advertisements: B&H

Advertisements: Adorama

Advertisements: Amazon

Advertisements: Skylum

Categories

Archives

Sponsored Links: Accessories