Initial impressions of the Leica SL2 from an armchair

- Leica got so much right with this camera. It looks great, and is a worthy upgrade to the original.

- Due to the high pixel count, this is not a camera you will want to use at high ISO values. But the lower ISO values give wonderful images, as far as I have seen from RAW files.

- It makes me want to buy one even though I don't need it. I prefer APS-C sensors anyway.

- It has video modes but honestly, you'd be better off using other cameras for serious projects. RED is going to release a small, new camera in a few months which will cost about the same as the SL2, (and less than the high end DSLRs from Nikon and Canon). If you're spending serious money on a cinema camera, get a real one.

- Leica chose to target general purpose applications, which is smart. It's obviously not intended to shoot sports or birds. But the things you can shoot with it far outnumber the things you can't.

- The lenses will be really tested when pixel shift high res mode is eventually implemented.

- IBIS is a nice touch. I look forward to seeing how it compares to Panasonic.

- I still believe that the lenses are huge because they are intended for a larger sensor.

- I predict that they'll find a way to make a 400/2.8 that's price competitive with Sony etc. The R system had all the lenses that the other SLR systems had, and then some, but the telephoto lenses were, truly, a bit rich.

- I want one. Did I mention that?

- Due to the high pixel count, this is not a camera you will want to use at high ISO values. But the lower ISO values give wonderful images, as far as I have seen from RAW files.

I disagree. I have no problem shooting at a designated maximum of ISO 25,600 with a Sony A7Riii. The true maximum is 106,000, which I never have occasion to use. The A7S is rated at 500, 000 or so, but with only 12 MP, you need something to brag about.

- It has video modes but honestly, you'd be better off using other cameras for serious projects. RED is going to release a small, new camera in a few months which will cost about the same as the SL2, (and less than the high end DSLRs from Nikon and Canon). If you're spending serious money on a cinema camera, get a real one.

RED cameras are highly modular. While the base price is often affordable, it's like buying a car where the seats, steering wheel and windows are optional.

- The lenses will be really tested when pixel shift high res mode is eventually implemented.

Considering Leica's reputation, I doubt this will be a serious issue. Other than, perhaps, the most basic kit lenses, Sony seems to manage with pixel shifting (and now, 61 MP). I have posted examples to that effect.

The SL's most significant advantage over the competition is thorough weather proofing. Secondly, the large size may be more comfortable for people with large hands, but any advantage when handling heavy lenses is exaggerated. With a large lens, you support the lens. The camera is just an attachment.

- It has video modes but honestly, you'd be better off using other cameras for serious projects. RED is going to release a small, new camera in a few months which will cost about the same as the SL2, (and less than the high end DSLRs from Nikon and Canon). If you're spending serious money on a cinema camera, get a real one.

To the extent that smart phones can't take the place of cameras, still cameras that shoot video will never take the place of cinematic video cameras. Other than for vlog productions, they don't have the stamina, connectivity, nor controls of a dedicated video camera. That doesn't mean the image quality is any less than cinematic, but it takes a lot if fiddling to get there.

To suffice for B-roll production, I enclose my A7iii in a cage with rails and cable strain relief. There's room to mount a recorder/monitor, focus/zoom motors and a very large battery to run them all. All told, the setup weighs in excess of 13 pounds, and requires a tripod and fluid head with commensurate capacity. I admit that it's 3 pounds lighter than my Sony FS5 rig, which counts for something when schlepping up stairs.

The camera you have to drool over and save up for is nowhere near as good as any camera you actually own and use.

Plus the drooling time could be much better spent taking pictures!

There's nothing to keep you from "taking pictures" simultaneously with deliberation (aka drooling) over a newer, better camera. I jumped on the A7Rii when it was still in the pre-order stage, but took a year to decide to move up to an A7Riii. By that time I had built a pretty good system of lenses, which precludes a jump to another system, despite its feature set, without extremely serious consideration.

Even if you never take the plunge, it's educational to look at new gear and see how it fits into your wants, needs and budget.