The latest firmware update for Leica’s SL2, version 2.0, introduces a multi-shot mode which uses sensor-shift technology to increase the camera’s resolution to as much as 187 megapixels. The manufacturer claims that this mode will result in extremely detailed images. One image is taken at the normal resolution of 47MP and another at a high resolution of 187MP.
In addition, the firmware includes features that optimise the performance of the SL2, including improvements to the video menu interface and AF-field size setting. The AF-field size can be changed with a long tap without moving the field. The camera now automatically names the SD card as “Leica SL2”.
Before updating, remember to save your profiles to an SD card and then restore them (Manage Profiles) once the update has completed. I have just updated my SL2 and the whole process ran smoothly, including the restoration of profiles. The factory-set profile is now called “STANDARD” and, if you amended the previous basic profile (“Default”) rather than creating named profiles, this will be reinstated as “Default Profile”. [Note: Some readers have experienced problems with profile transfer so I recommend storing a second backup of your profiles on another SD card].
Bug fixes:
- Detection of M lenses: The 6-bit coded lenses will be recognised at all times with the M-Adapter L.
- Elimination of artefacts on very fast continuous shooting.
- Correction of the focus distance value in feet.
Multi-shot function notes
- Works only with full-frame lenses
- Any aperture between 1 and 16 can be selected
- ISO values from 50 to 3200 are supported
- Use of flash is not possible
- The electronic shutter is always used
- Image stabilisation is automatically switched off
- Supports shutter speeds from 1/40,000s.
I just did the update. I have 5 profiles, and I use them to switch between modes quickly without a lot of fiddling (manual lenses, panos, video, fast action stuff, etc). I use one of the top Fn buttons to bring up profile selection. I have several backups of the settings file at any given time. This update scrambled my function buttons, especially the two on the top- it seems to want to stick one to video and one to ISO. None of my backup settings files ‘work’ the way God and I intended. I believe I can re-program the function buttons (for each of the 5 profiles!), but there are a number of tweaks that seem to have evaporated (default shutter & ISO, pano minutia, EVF/screen prefs, etc). it’s a lot of screwing around to get them back- many, many trips to the Profiles menu.
If you say ‘Skip’ to the Fotos and phone setup, it sends you to a page for time and other defaults with no obvious way out. Answer- shutter button.
Beware.
Thanks for the warning, Bob. I had just the one amended profile and didn’t notice any of these problems. But it shouldn’t happen.
Que the need to buy more storage for supersized files.
I am assuming that this is the same technology that Panasonic had in the S1R upon release and picky competent reviewers were amazed at how good it was. So this will be a great feature for landscape and architecture photographers needing high resolution images.
I think it must be. In relation to Don Morley’s on the S1R on the Sigma lens thread, the S1R is now tremendous value and, in this area of technology, the SL2 is just catching up.
I sold my S1R because I was not satisfied with the performance with M glass however Thorsten Overgaard was pleased – I am a wee bit of a perfectionist. The sensor stack on other cameras is much thicker than the SL2 so I ordered a SL2 and amazingly it just arrived at my camera store on Friday. If it was not for my glass, I would rebuy the S1R or S1 in a blink as they are awesome cameras.