EOSHD advises Leica on LOG as SL system gets new firmware update

[Andrew Reid]

Since the issue of black levels in LOG mode on the Leica SL was raised on EOSHD, Leica have reached out to me. Here I can reveal Leica are working hard on video related refinements.

Last week in Berlin, product manager Steffen invited me to see the new firmware in action.

Read the full article

[Nikkor]

That's nice, my personal opinion is that they should copy as close as possible the way the Alexa renders it's prores.

[roxics]

That's nice, my personal opinion is that they should copy as close as possible the way the Alexa renders it's prores.

Totally agree there. If they could nail the Alexa look in a camera at this price, you'd have a lot of shoestring budget filmmakers switching from saying "wow this is an expensive camera" to "wow this thing is a steal and a big winner."

That aside, it's really cool to see them work with you on this and those are some great suggestions you've added. 

[richg101]

Very promising.  I find the SL a very beautiful system.  Big is beautiful.  A full size HDMI connector sold it for me.  Their promptness to approach Andrew rather than a typical 'still photography ambassador' for opinions on video functionality is very promising. 

 

 

[Don Kotlos]

Its great that they are willing to improve it. It's something that all companies should do. 

But I still find the camera way overpriced for what it offers. If I were to spend that kind of money I would either get the A7rii AND the a7sii, or do it right and get a professional camera made for the job.

 

 

[tupp]

Very nice!  Glad to hear that Leica is receptive.

 

From the article: 

Leica are of course a photography company...

Leica (Leitz) also makes two lines of cinema PL-mount lenses:  the Summicrons, which run about US$100,000 for a set; and the Summiluxes, costing about US$260,000 a set (and which have a 2-year waiting list).

[Andrew Reid]

That's nice, my personal opinion is that they should copy as close as possible the way the Alexa renders it's prores.

Yes definitely. Arri should be Leica's benchmark for the SL. Take it to the max!

Unfortunately they had feedback from some pro shooters in the US that 8bit was their preference and they didn't want to deal with 10bit file sizes.

In fact ProRes is much easier to edit than H.264, runs more fluidly. H.264 is not an editing codec. It's a consumer television / internet codec.

I think 10bit ProRes is a much better match for a camera of this calibre than 8bit H.264 personally!

Or at least the option for it internally, without having to add the recorder.

It's not just a Leica problem though, it is time Sony and Panasonic all stepped up their codecs in stills cameras. Why is it only Blackmagic giving 10bit ProRes for under $7k, indeed under $1k with the Pocket cam!

[richg101]

Agree. I actually emailed one of Sony's product managers back when I first got the A7S and suggested they offer a professional version of the A7S with Xavc Intra and a cfast media slot, and a body around the size of the 1DX.  Exactly the same camera, but aimed at being used alongside the F55 as a specialist camera priced at the same point as the FS7.  A full frame camera, that shoots stills, low light and that can be used on gimbal.   Back when the 1dc was 10,000£ and without an equal.  

If Leica capitalised on the fact that they don;t have a cine division to protect, this could be a very formidable option for exotic gimbal/drone work where the Alexa Mini may be out of budget or still too heavy.

[Jimmy]

Agreed..... I am in the market for a new camera in 2016.... i'm damned if I will buy anything with 8 bit internal and i'm tired of bolting on external recorders.

At a time where you can pick up a 2nd hand, rigged up Scarlet MX for $6k, or a BMCC 4k cam for much less... The idea of spending $7k to get an 8 bit video is not sitting well.

[roxics]

 

Unfortunately they had feedback from some pro shooters in the US that 8bit was their preference and they didn't want to deal with 10bit file sizes.

 

Well they didn't ask me. I would have told them an 8bit 4:2:0 H.264 option, a 10bit 4:2:2 ProRes option and a lossless compressed raw 1080p/2K option. All internal. Along with a raw 4k external option. 

[Cinegain]

What's the deal with lenses and adapting with this puppy?

[docmoore]

Lenses:

 

Any Leica lens will work ... at some point. Presently T and M and R lenses via the T adapter. Soon S lenses with AF?!

Any lens adapted to the M series will work with dual adapters ... looks like singles coming down the road ... so Nikon mount.

Pentax 67 via new S adapter or the Nikon to M to T adapters.

PL mount coming soon ... shown when the camera was announced.

 

BH Lists coming adapters :

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?atclk=Camera+Fitting+(Male)_Leica+T&ci=3420&N=4077634486+3934378023

 

Bob

[Cinegain]

Thanks, Bob. I was worried you'd be stuck with mucho expensivo Leica options.

I know that if you got the moniez for the body, you probably don't mind to spend ca$h on lenses either... but still. Should it have amazing quality video that rivals looks of proper cinema cameras, then you might want to sell off some gear to afford the body and then use lenses you've already got or somewhat cheap ones you can adapt.

[Don Kotlos]

For anyone interested:

https://***URL not allowed***/leica-sl-review-part-1-hands-on-real-world-footage-in-4k/

https://***URL not allowed***/leica-sl-review-part-2-lab-test/

This was with firmware 1.2

[Emanuel]

Since the issue of black levels in LOG mode on the Leica SL was raised on EOSHD, Leica have reached out to me. Here I can reveal Leica are working hard on video related refinements.

Last week in Berlin, product manager Steffen invited me to see the new firmware in action.

Read the full article

Nice to see you, Andrew : ) And aside your worthy contribution to the cause, the nice fellow your good looking says to testify in your behalf. I hope this can also help out a few people more in the ground to feel people like we all are: people, same species. Rather than useless and nonsensical personal attacks in every piece of corner where some people's bet is the hate or envy to each other. Fortunately, not all of us... Merry Christmas to all wherever you are!

E :-)

[Antonis]

Haven't heard much about the final result I think.
But here is an interesting comparison between the new Leica SL and a Sony a7s:
(skip to 9:20 for the actual comparison footage)

 

[Cinegain]

Dang. Dees guy.