Leica S2 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only)

Comments about Leica S2 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):

I am what you would call a very serious amateur photographer. And, for me it is interesting to pixel-peep with an Apple 27" monitor (calibrated of course), but what's most interesting is to look at the finished product, or stare or whatever it is you call it when you just observe the obvious and the nuances of your capture.

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. 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". A true "3D Camera"

I know this review seems effusive, but credit where it's due, this re-writes the standard.

Controls are easy to set up and access once you get it to your liking. Changes of important parameters (ISO, metering mode, locks, mirror etc) can be changed literally on the fly in seconds.

Ergonomics are likewise special. Imagine unreal image quality in a much more "handleable" package than a !Ds II. The only drawback is no wrist strap, which would be great.

I would totally ignore the one-star review. I doubt he owns one. Personally was compelled to buy the gamut of lenses since I now use this for almost everything except where discrete appearance is necessary. Images are just that much worth the effort. Don't get this camera unless you want to start wondering what is broken in your other camera's sensors.

Comments about Leica S2 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):

For sure a lot of mega pixel, but at this price and quality... too much over priced, very disappointed about the quality of the pictures regarding the price

Comments about Leica S2 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):

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 S2P, 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 S2 is fully weather sealed and I've used it in blizzards and downpours with no ill effect.

The 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. 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 S2 which significantly improved AF performance compared to other MFD offerings, and while a bit slower than some 35mm DSLRs, the 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 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.

Comments about Leica S2 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):

Been shooting portraits and landscapes with the S2. The camera feels extremely well made and I appreciate the streamlined efficient design of the controls. Most importantly, the images it produces are loaded with depth, detail, just so beautifully rendered. It is built to withstand the elements, as advertised. I live on in Hawaii and have had it out in rain, accidentally banged it around, etc. Am in love with this camera! Makes me into a better photographer than I am, if that makes sense. My one complaint is so far I have only been able to get my hands on the 70mm Summarit lens. Also use Nikon and Canon which have their niche and are solid systems but the S2 photos definitely stand out, as one would expect.

Comments about Leica S2 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only):

Although I only used it a small amount of time, I was not impressed with the output for a a [$] camera. A 5DMKII will eat this camera for breakfast. [...]. The colors were no different than a Pro camera or for that matter, a entry level camera with good glass. Saying Nikon and Canon are out of business over this camera only proves my point.