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Leica S2 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only)

BH #LES2 • MFR #10801
9 reviews
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Leica S2 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only)
Key Features
  • 37.5 Megapixel 30x45mm Image Sensor
  • S-System Lenses
  • 3.0" LCD and Color OLED Info Displays
  • Dual Shutter System
The Leica S2 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only) offers the incredible imaging quality of digital medium-format in a compact ergonomic design. Employing a large 30x45mm CCD sensor, the S2 captures 37.5 megapixel files in the classic 3:2 ratio. Designed to offer maximum resolution in a convenient form factor, the body is similar in form to a modern 35mm DSLR. Well-designed controls and a simplified menu system make navigating the camera fast and highly intuitive. The camera produces an amazing large 72.5 MB RAW or 106.6 MB JPG file. This opens up to an image over 16 x 24" at 300 DPI.

The 3" LCD screen allows you to view your images on location, and the Color OLED window displays the camera's information at a glance. You can also work tethered to your computer in the studio, connecting via the LEMO push-pull USB connector. Weather- and dust-resistant seals and a magnesium body ensure professional performance even under the most demanding conditions.

Unlike traditional medium format systems, the Leica S2 utilizes both Central Shutter technology (for flash sync up to 1/500) and a focal-plane shutter for capturing ambient light subjects at up to 1/4000 second. This unique, dual-shutter system offers incredible shooting flexibility for everything from fashion assignments to reportage.

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Leica S2 Overview

The Leica S2 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only) offers the incredible imaging quality of digital medium-format in a compact ergonomic design. Employing a large 30x45mm CCD sensor, the S2 captures 37.5 megapixel files in the classic 3:2 ratio. Designed to offer maximum resolution in a convenient form factor, the body is similar in form to a modern 35mm DSLR. Well-designed controls and a simplified menu system make navigating the camera fast and highly intuitive. The camera produces an amazing large 72.5 MB RAW or 106.6 MB JPG file. This opens up to an image over 16 x 24" at 300 DPI.

The 3" LCD screen allows you to view your images on location, and the Color OLED window displays the camera's information at a glance. You can also work tethered to your computer in the studio, connecting via the LEMO push-pull USB connector. Weather- and dust-resistant seals and a magnesium body ensure professional performance even under the most demanding conditions.

Unlike traditional medium format systems, the Leica S2 utilizes both Central Shutter technology (for flash sync up to 1/500) and a focal-plane shutter for capturing ambient light subjects at up to 1/4000 second. This unique, dual-shutter system offers incredible shooting flexibility for everything from fashion assignments to reportage.

Other features include advanced autofocus capabilities, wide ISO sensitivity (ISO 80-1250), dual CF and SD card slots, and choice of S-System lenses. This along with its precision design and handling, makes the Leica S2 an excellent choice for professional commercial, studio, and fine-art photographers.

Larger-Than-Full-Frame Image Sensor
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.
Uses Leica S Lenses
Leica S 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.
Extensive Lens Choices
The Leica S-System lenses include normal, wide-angle, telephoto, and macro lenses that are suited for all sorts of photographic applications from detailed product shots to travel photography to birding, and much more. There are also select specialty lenses that are either available now or in development including shift-tilt, super wide-angle, and extreme telephoto lenses.
Precision AF System
The Auto Focus system in the S2 provides fast and accurate focus without the need for trial-and-error to get the perfect image - as is typical with other SLR AF systems. The AF system is also quiet. The camera can be switched to Manual Focus, which provides an electronic sharpness alert to assure that your MF images are as sharp as can be.
Dual Shutter System
The camera incorporates an innovative dual-shutter System. The focal-plane shutter provides fast shutter speed capability of up to 1/4000 seconds, while the central shutter incorporated into the lens system provides flash synchronization in any lighting mode - making the camera a superb studio imaging system.
MAESTRO Image Processor
The exclusive MAESTRO Image Processor uses dual processor chips to provide fast operation & shooting speeds, along with high ISO with negligible noise, and a superb set of powerful shooting modes. The processor also enables simultaneous recording of JPEG and DNG RAW image file types
High Resolution 3.0" LCD Display
The 3.0" LCD display on the back of the S2 has over 460,000 pixels for sharp and detailed images, making focus and composition confirmation easier than on most digital SLR cameras. The LCD screen also allows users to view images and data from a wide viewing angle.
Bright & Clear Viewfinder
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. The viewfinder also has integrated diopter compensation so users will get a crisp view without the need for prescription eyewear.
OLED Info Display
The camera has a full color Organic LED display on the top surface that is easily visible from any viewing angle, even in bright sunlight. It provides a fast and easy way of knowing the current camera status, along with exposure & focus settings of the camera.
Compact Ergonomic Design
Lighter and smaller than most digital SLR cameras available today, the Leica S2 is extremely comfortable to handle and use. Its light weight and compact design make the camera a pleasure to carry around - even when traipsing through thick forest or jostling for position at a press conference. In addition, the intuitive control placement makes using the camera both easy and enjoyable. There is also an optional vertical grip with release button available for easier portrait shots.
Easy-to-Use Camera Functions
The camera's menus and info displays are laid out in a logical manner that provides for intuitive operation, and the camera's 4-way controller and thumb wheel are well-placed for comfortable access to the camera controls. In addition, many of the cameras display settings and functions can be customized for the further convenience of the user.
Dust- & Water-Proof
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.
Secure Interface Connection
The Leica S2 uses an exclusive LEMO push-pull connector for its USB interface, and also includes an HDMI video output and flash sync connection.
Dual Memory Card Slots
The Leica S2 has dual memory card slots - one for CompactFlash cards and the other for Secure Digital (SD/SDHC) cards. This allows a user to select between the two most popular memory card formats and take advantage of the unique features of both systems.

Leica S2 Specs

Camera Type
Medium Format Digital SLR Camera
Imaging
Resolution
Recorded: 37.5MP
Sensor
30 x 45mm CCD
Bit Depth
16-bit
File Formats
RAW, JPEG
File Size
Raw: 72.51 MB, JPG: 106.6 MB
Color Spaces
sRGB, Adobe RGB, ECI RGB
Creative Color Modes
N/A
Image Stabilization
No
Crop Factor
N/A
Optics
Lens
No
Zoom
N/A
Lens Mount
Leica S-mount
Focus Type
Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Range
N/A
Accessory Lens/Filter Mount
N/A
Shooting Controls
Sensitivity
ISO: 160-1250 (expandable to 80)
Shutter Speeds
1/4000 - 8 sec, bulb
Metering
Spot, Center-weighted, Multi-field
Exposure Modes
Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Program
White Balance
Auto, Day Light, Cloudy, Shadow, Tungsten, Fluorescent Warm, Fluorescent Cool, Flash, Manual, Color
Mirror Lock-Up
Yes
Burst Capability
1.5 fps
Self Timer
12 seconds or 2 seconds
Interval Recording
No
Remote Control
Remote Release Cable S (optional)
Flash
Built-in Flash
No
Effective Flash Range
N/A
External Flash Connection
Hotshoe, PC Terminal
Dedicated Flash System
No
Max Sync Speed
Focal Plane Shutter: 1/125 sec
Central Shutter: 1/500 sec
Central Shutter flash sync requires Leica CS lenses
Memory
Built-in Memory
No
Memory Card Type
CompactFlash I/II, SD/SDHC
Still Images per GB
RAW: 11
A/V Recording
Video Recording
No
Video Resolution
N/A
Video Clip Length
N/A
Audio Recording
No
Viewfinder/Display
Viewfinder Type
Eye-level Pentaprism
Viewfinder Coverage
92.4%
Display
3.0" LCD
Connectivity/System Requirements
Connectivity
USB 2.0 (LEMO design), HDMI (Type C)
System & Software Requirements
Windows XP, Vista
Mac OS X (10.5 or later)
Environmental
Operating/Storage Temperature
Operating Temperature: 32-113°F/0-45°C
Weatherproofing
Water-Proof
Durability
Dust-Proof
Power
Battery Type
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
Power Adapter
No
Physical
Dimensions
6.3 x 3.1 x 4.7" (160 x 80 x 120mm) body only
Weight
3.1 lbs (1410g)
Packaging Info
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
13.8 x 7.5 x 9.7"

Leica S2 Reviews

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