Leica SL2 (Courtesy of Leica Store Jakarta)

The Leica SL2 claims to be a durable camera that can do it all under any conditions.

Photographers everywhere strive for perfection in the pictures they produce. Their skills matter most, but good hardware to take photographs is no less important.

Nowadays, everyone can become, or at least try to become, a professional photographer, thanks to the device in their pockets. Smartphones are now capable of producing images that are remarkable in their own right.

However, professional photographers will always rely on professional cameras that produce superior images with higher versatility. Be it digital or analog, single or double-lens, mirrored or mirrorless, there is a professional camera for every preference.

Some cameras are for action photography with fast-moving shutters that can capture objects moving at high speed, others for close-up pictures that demand high detail, and yet others are tough and sturdy to withstand harsh conditions.

Camera manufacturer Leica has recently released the SL2 in a bid to tick all the boxes.

“We’ve been working very hard in our company to make beautiful tools that take fantastic pictures,” Leica Camera Asia Pacific managing director Sunil Kaul said during the Leica SL2 launch in Jakarta last Friday.

“Because, at the end of the day, photography is a result of every camera that we have on our hand.”

The Leica SL2 is designed for high efficiency and easy usage, according to Leica Store Jakarta director Bernard Suwanto.

“The SL2 is a continuation of the Leica SL system, which was launched in 2015,” explained Bernard.

The camera boasts a 47-megapixel resolution with an image sensor function capable of reaching ISO 50,000. The camera also has an autofocus and a high-resolution viewfinder, as well as the Maestro III processor to assist in the camera’s operation and shutter speeds.

“The viewfinder in the SL2 has one of the highest resolutions, with 5.76 megapixels,” said Bernard.

“As for the processor, the new Maestro III generates up to 10 frames per second with the focal plane shutter and 20 frames per second with the electronic shutter.”

Other than photography, the SL2 also caters to cinematography for aspiring directors and cinematographers. It is able to record up to 60 frames per second with its built-in Cinemode and up to 180 frames per second with its Full HD mode.

All of the features are packed in a sturdy frame that has the Ingress Protection Rating of IP54. This certification means that the SL2’s weather seal can resist limited dust entry as well as water spray from all directions.

“So, in extreme weather conditions like rain or snow, this camera can still go on,” explained Bernard. “It’s almost a camera that can be used in any condition.”

The Leica SL2’s versatility is one of the main talking points by actor Nicholas Saputra, who is part of Leica’s Friends of the Brand.

“I believe the camera can be used by all kinds of photographers, because it’s so versatile,” said Nico.

“It can be used for filming, for photography, for still images, for spontaneous shots, and it’s the easiest to use.”

Nico was one of the first Indonesians to try the Leica SL2, having tested it during his trip to Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara. His photos, depicting the cultural relationship between the Sumba people and their horses, are on display at Leica Playground until Dec. 2.

“With each picture, the Leica was able to create and provide more emotion than other cameras,” Nico said. “There’s always emotional language put on display, especially from the camera lens.”

Nico also thought that the camera could be easily used by photographers used to other types of cameras.

“The SL2 closely resembles an SLR [single-lens reflex] camera,” said Nico.

“So, SLR users can definitely use this camera as well.”

—  The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post.

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