Leica TL2 review

For most of us, the TL2 is like a limited edition concept car – a vision of the future with features that will hopefully trickle down to cameras that won't tempt us into bankruptcy. There's certainly lots to love, and for other camera makers to learn from. Even if you're dubious about touchscreen controls, the TL2 might just convince you that they can be the mission control of a 'serious' camera. Like any gadget that's as concerned with its looks as the TL2, there are compromises. It's a shame there's no built-in viewfinder and the lack of a tilting screen is, if aesthetically understandable, annoying in practice. Depending on your taste, you might find unedited images to be a little on the muted side compared to something like the Fujifilm X-T2, though there's certainly no lack of detail. Then there's the price. The TL2 is in a strange spot because photographers who traditionally spend upwards of £3000 on a camera (with a lens) are pros, but the TL2 isn't really for them. It's for well-heeled enthusiasts who want lots of control (but not necessarily lots of controls) from an incredibly desirable CSC-smartphone hybrid. As always with Leica, there are more sensible choices. But one of the best things about having the financial clout to buy a TL2 is (we imagine) surely not needing to be sensible.

Incredible build quality; The best camera touchscreen system around; Very fast autofocus and menus;

Your wallet has gone into hiding; JPEG colour saturation feels a little muted ; No built-in viewfinder; Screen doesn't move or tilt;

Leica TL2 first impressions

Leica's solid metal camera gets a speed boost

Leica's new TL2 compact system looks much the same as its predecessor -- the TL -- but comes with a whole host of updates under the surface.

The Leica TL2 compact system camera is made from a single piece of aluminium. It comes packed with a 24-megapixel sensor and improved autofocus.

Leica TL2 Review

Leica's first T cameras, later sold as the TL, was all style, but lacked the substance to back it up—it just felt dated compared with competing models, and didn't handle as well as it could have upon release. But the TL2 ($1,950, body only) is a different beast. It packs a modern 24MP image sensor, focuses and shoots quickly, and records 4K video. It doesn't do everything well—don't look at it to track fast-moving action—but if you want a camera that looks as good as the images it captures, the TL2 might be for you. For a better overall experience, but a more utilitarian design, look at our Editors' Choice Fujifilm X-T2 in this price and feature range instead. Design The TL2 ($1,950.00 at GoldenMine) features a stunning aluminum unibody design with comfortable rounded edges, and is available with a silver or black finish. Because it's milled from a single block of metal, it feels very solid and stands apart from other, more mundanely designed cameras. It's slim, measuring 2.7 by 5...

The Leica TL2 backs up its premium design and price with modern tech. It's a solid camera for the fashion-forward photographer.

Stunning industrial design; Modern 24MP image sensor; 4K video capture; Mechanical and electronic shutter; 7.1 and 20fps burst shooting; Big touch screen and dual control dials; USB-C charging option; 32GB internal memory and SD slot; Wi-Fi

Omits built-in EVF and flash; Can't manually select shutter mode; Video frame rates locked in; Must buy accessory lugs to use third-party straps; Limited lens selection

Leica TL2 Review

Beautiful, tactile design; Superb touchscreen interface; Excellent raw image quality; 32GB memory built-in;

No built-in electronic viewfinder; Uninspiring JPEG output; No image stabilisation in either the body or lens; Doesn’t work so well in low light;

Leica TL2 review review

Incredible build quality; The best camera touchscreen system around; Very fast autofocus and menus;

Your wallet has gone into hiding; JPEG colour saturation feels a little muted ; No built-in viewfinder; Screen doesn’t move or tilt;