Leica

Leica CL Review

Name: Leica CL
Brand: Leica
Price: 2795.00 USD

Reviews

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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Our take

Worth considering

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.

What reviewers say

Best reviews

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Editorial reviews

thephoblographer.com·

Review: Leica CL Digital (Starring the New Leica 18mm f2.8)

The Leica CL Digital is a fantastic camera. But for this price point it should be full frame. It's built like an M in many ways.

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35mmc.com·

Leica CL Review (The Film Camera) - 35mmc

The Leica CL has me suckered. It's not a camera I would or could recommend anyone buy, but i'd guess anyone who did buy one would like it!

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mrleica.com·

Leica CL Digital Camera - First Impressions

The Leica CL camera also has the image quality to compete with some of the best cameras on the market. I like it! Why did I drag out this Leica CL review? I ...

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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