Leica adds sPeed To sTyLe iN TL2

LEicA’S THird-gENErATioN

‘APS-C’, L mount mirrorless camera has been given some minor cosmetic treatment on the outside, but a major upgrade on the inside. The new TL2 retains the smart, hewnfrom-solid-aluminium one-piece chassis and bodyshell introduced with the first model T, but now with chamfered edges for a slightly smoother look. The most significant change on the outside is the deletion of a built-in flash which, Leica says, consumer feedback indicated was rarely being used. However, the internals include a new sensor, processor and autofocusing system, making the TL2 significantly faster than its predecessors.

The CMOS sensor has an imaging area of 23.6x15.7 mm and a total pixel count of 24.96 million (24.24 MP effective) to give a maximum image size of 6000x4000 pixels for JPEGs and 6016x4014 pixels for RAW files. As before, RAW files are captured in the Adobe DNG format, but there is now the option of a stand-alone RAW mode (either compressed or losslessly compressed) rather than just RAW+JPEG. JPEGs can be captured in one of three sizes. The sensitivity range is equivalent to ISO 100 to 50,000 and a new sensor-based shutter enables a top shutter speed of 1/40,000 second. Additionally, with the sensor shutter, the TL2 can shoot continuously at up to 20 fps at the maximum image resolution. Using the camera’s conventional focal plane shutter, the top speed is 1/4000 second and the maximum shooting speed is 7.0 fps. The new ‘Maestro II’ high-speed processor also endows the TL2 with 4K video recording in the Ultra HD resolution of 3840x2160 pixels at 30 fps and Full HD recording at 60 fps.

The contrast-detection autofocusing system steps up to 49 measuring points (versus nine previously) and has a claimed speed of 165 milliseconds, which Leica says is three times faster than before.

Camera operations are still primarily controlled via a large 9.4 cm touchscreen monitor, but the menus have been redesigned to more logically group-related functions and there’s the option of creating a customised ‘MyCamera’ menu for quicker access to frequently-used items. There isn’t a built-in EVF, but the optional Visoflex (Typ 020) module can be fitted and also adds a GPS reciever. Other notable features of the TL2 include built-in WiFi, HDMI (Type D) and USB 3.0 connections, 32 GB of internal memory, UHS-II speed SDHC and XC memory card support, auto exposure bracketing, dual-delay self-timer and stereo microphones.

The L mount bayonet lens fitting is compatible with Leica’s TL and SL series lenses. There are currently six TL series lenses spanning 17mm to 200mm (35mm equivalents). M mount lenses can also be fitted via the M-Adapter L which is now also available in silver as well as black.

The Leica TL2 body is available in either a silver or black finish, and is priced at $2750. For more information visit https:// au.leica-camera.com