Cinoflex tested the video capabilities of the new Leica SL camera and contacted me to share their findings:
We tested the Leica SL camera in 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 Super 35 / 4K 8 bit full frame/ full frame DNG photo mode – with a variety of lenses, including Anamorphic. Equipment used in testing:
- Cinoflex XLT camera rig
- Leica SL Typ 601 camera
- Leica CW Sonderoptic PL mount adapter
- Odyssey 7Q+ 4k recorder / monitor
- Leica C-Summilux 50mm T1.4
- Zeiss Master Prime 100mm T1.3
- Leica vintage 35mm T1.4 lens (courtesy of Panavision)
- Kowa anamorphic 40mm T2.4
- TLS Cooke Speed Panchro S1 50mm T2.3
- Leica vintage 19mm T2.8 (courtesy of Panavision)
- Anton Bauer HC battery
- TV Logic 17″ monitor
The Leica SL is very impressive for a few elements:
- Smooth clean color rendition
- Very subtle and clean flesh tones out of the box
- The image is reminiscent of Arri Alexa for a smooth curve
- Phenomenal build quality, truly one of the most solid cameras
- Super 35 is almost absent of image shift (jello effect)
- The image handles aliasing extremely well
- Easy to hook up with full size HDMI – very important
- The Leica – or – L LOG is a great Gamma option
- Menu is very intuitive and limited in pages
The Leica SL produces an outstanding image in this scenario:
- Super 35 4K 10-Bit 4:2:2
- Leica Log – L LOG – V LOG / gamma setting
- PL mount / professional lens
- On a quality rig (Cinoflex)
- Cinema lenses to mitigate any image shift in focus (breathing)
- A dependable and robust recorder – Odyssey 7Q+
The Leica SL is a great camera for video shooters looking for options between high quality 10-Bit 4K S35 and FF HD 1920 Internal (also internal 4K in APS super 35 mode), as well as exceptional DNG photographs! Also, important to note that the version of L LOG tested is still being tweaked so additional performance should be expected the time of delivery (Nov. 16). We will shoot more tests at the end of November with a production model of the Leica SL camera and a variety of lenses.
