Leica

Leica TL Review

Reviews
2
Score
58/100
From
$1,695
Released
November 2016

We've aggregated 2 high-signal reviews and 1 live retailer price below.

Leica TL
Available
Our take
Worth consideringPreliminary

Our editorial take on the Leica TL

The Leica TL is an update to the Leica T that retains the signature aluminum unibody build and minimalist design philosophy. At $1,695, it sits in the accessible tier of Leica's lineup, offering a 16.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, 5 fps continuous shooting, and a 3.7-inch touchscreen in a camera that prioritizes tactile feel and simplicity. The TL uses the Leica L mount and can accept an optional external EVF via the hot shoe, since there's no built-in viewfinder. It shoots Full HD 1080p video at 30p and includes a pop-up flash, 32GB of internal storage, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Reviewers appreciate the minimalist aesthetic and user-friendly interface, noting that the TL is among the more approachable Leica cameras for those who value design and build quality. The contrast-detection autofocus and modest burst rate place it squarely in the lifestyle category rather than the performance segment, and the lack of a built-in viewfinder limits its versatility for serious shooting in bright conditions. For creators drawn to the Leica name and a camera that doubles as a design object, the TL delivers on looks and usability, but it doesn't compete on specs with similarly priced mirrorless bodies from other brands.

Best for: Creators who prioritize Leica design and build quality over cutting-edge specs and want a stylish, user-friendly mirrorless camera for everyday shooting.
What's great
  • Striking aluminum unibody construction with minimalist design
  • Large 3.7-inch touchscreen with intuitive interface
  • Accessible entry into the Leica ecosystem at a lower price point
  • 32GB internal storage plus SD card slot
  • Built-in pop-up flash
Watch outs
  • No built-in viewfinder, requires optional external EVF
  • Contrast-detection autofocus lags behind phase-detect systems
  • Modest 5 fps burst rate and 16.3 MP resolution
  • Limited to 1080p video with no 4K or high frame rates

Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.

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Overview

About this product

Upgraded Leica T; anodized aluminum.

Specs

Body
Battery
BP-DC13, 7.2V 985 mAh (approx. 400 shots)
Build Material
Aluminum alloy unibody
Video
Raw Video
No
Max Frame Rate Hd
1080/30p
Max Video Resolution
Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Extras
Mobile App
Leica TL-App (iOS and Android)
Flash Modes
Auto, Auto with red-eye reduction, Flash on, Flash on with red-eye reduction, Slow sync, Slow sync with red-eye reduction
Focus Modes
Single-servo AF, Continuous-servo AF, Manual focus
File Formats
DNG (raw), JPEG
Pop Up Flash
Yes (built-in)
Aspect Ratios
16:9
Metering Modes
Multi-zone, Center-weighted average, Spot
Max Still Resolution
4944 x 3278 pixels
Sensor
Sensor Size
APS-C
Sensor Type
CMOS
Effective Megapixels
16.3 MP
Release
Launch Price Usd
$1,695
Exposure
Dual Native Iso
No
Iso Range Stills
ISO 100-12500
Continuous Shooting
5 fps
Display Vf
Viewfinder
None (optional Visoflex external EVF via hot shoe)
Rear Screen
3.7 inch, 1.3 million dots, touchscreen LCD
Touchscreen
Yes
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
Leica L
Crop Factor
1.5x
Storage Io
Wireless
Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n)
Card Slots
1x SD (plus 32GB internal memory)
Stabilization Af
Af System
Contrast-detection
Subject Detection
Face detection
Live prices

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  • B&H Photo
    new● In stockBest price
    $1,695
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