Leica SL

Let me again state that I did not do a proper analysis of the camera. I tested its functionality with the Odyssey7Q+ (it works!) and did some quick fiddling around with it. I used the Odyssey's 12:1 Hyper Zoom function to pixel peep deep into the 4K sensor to read the noise levels and clip response at various ISOs. I'm pretty experienced at reading noise & clip way back from the days of early Phantom & Red, not to mention all the video stuff I've dealt with over 30 years of this (Lordy, has it been that long?). And I really know how to look at noise & clip using the Odyssey's Hyper Zoom, for some pretty obvious reasons. So while I did not do a full and proper analysis of the camera I can state that the sensor is VERY low noise and responds in a very interesting way that is quite unlike any Sony camera.

As for the "why would I buy this over an FS7?" arguments, I'm sorry but I just yawn at that. Buy what you want to buy. There is a place for everything and everything in its place. You may not be interested but others likely will. Leica products have never been inexpensive and the same argument could have always been made comparing them with Nikon, Canon and others. It simply is not the point. I will say that I would not dismiss the camera out of hand as I believe there is something interesting about the image. Certainly enough to make me want to analyze it more.
 
Let me again state that I did not do a proper analysis of the camera. I tested its functionality with the Odyssey7Q+ (it works!) and did some quick fiddling around with it. I used the Odyssey's 12:1 Hyper Zoom function to pixel peep deep into the 4K sensor to read the noise levels and clip response at various ISOs. I'm pretty experienced at reading noise & clip way back from the days of early Phantom & Red, not to mention all the video stuff I've dealt with over 30 years of this (Lordy, has it been that long?). And I really know how to look at noise & clip using the Odyssey's Hyper Zoom, for some pretty obvious reasons. So while I did not do a full and proper analysis of the camera I can state that the sensor is VERY low noise and responds in a very interesting way that is quite unlike any Sony camera.

As for the "why would I buy this over an FS7?" arguments, I'm sorry but I just yawn at that. Buy what you want to buy. There is a place for everything and everything in its place. You may not be interested but others likely will. Leica products have never been inexpensive and the same argument could have always been made comparing them with Nikon, Canon and others. It simply is not the point. I will say that I would not dismiss the camera out of hand as I believe there is something interesting about the image. Certainly enough to make me want to analyze it more.
thanks mitch, that makes a lot of sense....i understand you only had limited time and access and i am sure you just wanted to see if it works at all...
of course this won't replace a FS7 (for many reasons)...dfferent animal...but i am definitely intrigued enough from what you are saying about no noise and a unique look....
do we know for sure that panasonic makes the sensor? i love the varicam look and files.....is this full frame 24mpix sensor available in any panasonic camera?
you mentioned that you looked at pro res, i am assuming that the 7Q would record raw as well?
 
thanks mitch, that makes a lot of sense....i understand you only had limited time and access and i am sure you just wanted to see if it works at all...
of course this won't replace a FS7 (for many reasons)...dfferent animal...but i am definitely intrigued enough from what you are saying about no noise and a unique look....
do we know for sure that panasonic makes the sensor? i love the varicam look and files.....is this full frame 24mpix sensor available in any panasonic camera?
you mentioned that you looked at pro res, i am assuming that the 7Q would record raw as well?
I cannot say anything about who makes the sensor or any other information about how Leica performs its color processing.

When the camera is sending out a 4K or UHD video signal, the Odyssey7Q+ can record it in ProRes. I tested the recording but was analyzing the live signal.

The Leica SL does not record or output RAW data in motion picture mode. It can record RAW data stills at up to 11 frames per minute. The Odyssey7Q+ is a video recorder/monitor and does not function with the Leica SL when the camera is in stills mode.
 
The way I see it is, the Amira is several times the price of an FS7, yet the FS7 does proper 4K, etc. But the Amira is desired for its look. The same might be true here, it could be the Amira/Alexa of DSLR/Mirrorless cameras. Until we see more footage we won't know. Personally I doubt it, but I'm willing to at least check in on it.
 
Leica SL: the mirrorless camera for rich giants

I never understood why so many people want the cameras to keep getting smaller and lighter. I'm personally happy that the Leica appears to be a solid piece of machinery with some heft to it. Most mirrorless cameras feel like toys to me. I love the feel and stability you get from a true DSLR. A little bit of weight usually helps handheld footage look smoother too.

The only reason I can think of for wanting a virtually weightless camera is for gimbal work.

Heck, I was a previous 5D III owner. Once I felt how solid the 1DX was I sold the 5D in favor of the much more solid 1DX.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.
 
I never understood why so many people want the cameras to keep getting smaller and lighter. I'm personally happy that the Leica appears to be a solid piece of machinery with some heft to it. Most mirrorless cameras feel like toys to me. I love the feel and stability you get from a true DSLR. A little bit of weight usually helps handheld footage look smoother too.

The only reason I can think of for wanting a virtually weightless camera is for gimbal work.

Heck, I was a previous 5D III owner. Once I felt how solid the 1DX was I sold the 5D in favor of the much more solid 1DX.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.
i can't use the my A7II without the grip....too small....the leica will have an extra grip as well....i would probably get that as well for it....
the lenses seem to be on the large and heavy side though....the 24-90 is 2.5lbs....for a f2.8-4 that seems a little extreme....the 90-280 looks gigantic!
i agree with the ARRI comment before....specs isn't anything.....but let's not forget that a big part of arris success and look is that one spec that everybody looks for...DR....it's very leica like to not list that little detail:)
i have looked at still samples and changed my mind a little about high iso performance.....i really like the grain or texture...especially at high iso like 6400 or so.....
 
So, this is shot in V-Log L. I wonder who could have come up with that (trademarked) name.

 
Camera size messed up by saying the Leica SL is thinner than the tiny Sony RX100 IV or my A7r .
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Maybe I'm the only one wanting this, but I really long for a camera with the proper ergonomics to shoulder the camera without any crap added.

New cameras seem to follow one of two styles now. Either the DSLR camera body style, or the small box style.

As it stands right now, I'll be putting together my new camera kit next year, and I'm leaning toward a used Sony F65, but a used ARRI Alexa is still in the running. Both of which can be shouldered without a bunch of crap added to make it happen.
 
This camera interests me. I shoot stills and video and really enjoy using Leica, but this camera my simplify things for me. I currently use;
Leica M9 - does not do video
Nikon D800e - 8 bit video and no 4K
Nikon D3 - the new Leica can shoot up to 11 fps and has fast auto focus potential.
Panasonic AF102 - 8 bit video and no 4 K
While many people will point to the Sony A7 series I am much more attracted to 10 bit sampling and the Leica build quality.
 
It says noise at ISO 3200 is similar to Sony A7S. A few posts before this Mitch has said that the signal from Leica SL is very clean. Wonder what would be the noise at its max iso which is 50,000. Beyond ISO 52000 The Sony A7sII is not usable. So waiting for some real world reviews.
If it has a usable 3200 ISO that will be fine with me. I am more interested in what the dynamic range will be around 800 iso
 
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