Leica

Leica CL Review

Reviews
3
Score
62/100
From
MSRP $2,795
Released
November 2017

We've aggregated 3 high-signal reviews and 0 live retailer prices below.

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Leica CL
Available
Our take
Worth considering

Our editorial take on the Leica CL

The Leica CL is a compact, premium APS-C mirrorless camera that borrows design and build cues from Leica's M-series rangefinders. With a 24MP sensor, 10 fps burst shooting, and a 2.36-million-dot EVF packed into a 403-gram magnesium and aluminum body, it offers serious performance in a very portable form. The L-mount gives access to a growing native lens ecosystem, and the Maestro II processor delivers image quality that reviewers say can stand toe-to-toe with top competitors.

Reviewers appreciate the CL's rangefinder-inspired handling, solid construction, and excellent image output. However, the $2,795 price point draws consistent scrutiny. Multiple reviewers note that at this cost, they expected a full-frame sensor rather than APS-C. The sentiment is that the CL is an enjoyable, well-made camera, but one that's hard to recommend broadly given its positioning and cost. It appeals more to those drawn to Leica's aesthetic and ecosystem than to those seeking pure specs-per-dollar value.

Best for: Leica enthusiasts who want compact M-series handling and L-mount flexibility in a smaller APS-C body, and who value design and brand appeal over spec-sheet value.
What's great
  • Compact, rangefinder-inspired magnesium and aluminum build quality
  • Image quality competitive with top cameras in its class
  • Fast 10 fps burst shooting with solid buffer depth
  • Built-in EVF with 2.36-million-dot resolution and 100% coverage
  • L-mount compatibility for flexible lens options
Watch outs
  • APS-C sensor at a full-frame price point
  • Hard to recommend at $2,795 given the crop sensor
  • No in-body image stabilization
  • Single SD card slot only

Synthesized by Geared editors from aggregated expert reviews.

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Overview

About this product

24MP APS-C L-mount with built-in EVF.

Specs

Body
Battery
BP-DC12, 1200 mAh, 7.2 VDC
Weight Grams
403 g (with battery)
Dimensions Mm
131 x 78 x 45 mm
Build Material
Magnesium alloy, Aluminum alloy
Video
Raw Video
No
Internal Codecs
MP4
Max Frame Rate 4k
4K 30p
Max Frame Rate Hd
1080/60p
Max Recording Time
29 minutes
Max Video Resolution
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160)
Extras
Top Lcd
Yes
Self Timer
2/12 second delay
Focus Modes
Single-Servo AF, Continuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus
Aspect Ratios
3:2
Image Formats
DNG, JPEG
Exposure Modes
Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Program, Manual, Auto
Metering Modes
Center-weighted average, Spot
Remote Control
Yes, via Leica App (iOS/Android)
Buffer Capacity
33 DNG+JPEG or 140 JPEG
Flash Sync Speed
1/180 s
Diopter Adjustment
-4 to +4
Flash Compensation
-3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV steps)
Viewfinder Coverage
100%
Viewfinder Eye Point
20 mm
Exposure Compensation
-3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV steps)
White Balance Presets
Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Flash, Halogen, Color Temperature, Custom
Sensor
Sensor Size
APS-C (23.6 x 15.7 mm)
Sensor Type
CMOS
Image Processor
Maestro II
Effective Megapixels
24.2 MP
Release
Announced Date
November 2017
Launch Price Usd
$2795
Exposure
Dual Native Iso
No
Iso Range Stills
ISO 100-50000
Continuous Shooting
10 fps
Shutter Speed Electronic
1/25000 s
Shutter Speed Mechanical
1/8000 to 30 s
Display Vf
Viewfinder
Electronic, 2.36m-dot, 0.74x magnification
Rear Screen
3.0", 1.04m-dot touchscreen LCD
Touchscreen
Yes
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
L-Mount
Crop Factor
1.5x
Storage Io
Audio Io
No
Wireless
Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n)
Card Slots
1x SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Stabilization Af
Ibis
No
Af Points
49
Af System
Contrast-detection