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All in all, there is much to like about the Leica S2. The image quality it delivers is spectacular,and quite addictive; after a few days shooting with the camera, images from even the best full-frame DSLRs seem to be lacking in a certain something.
We are really looking forward to seeing what else comes out of the the Leica S-system project, be it new lenses or new bodies.
Rival products are already at much sensor higher resolutions than the S2, and while this doesn't automatically equate to increased picture quality, it's important Leica doesn't get left behind.
We liked
Great image quality from a camera that is quick and easy to use thanks to some elegant approaches to design and ergonomics. Efficient workflow with plenty of software options.
We disliked
Some aspects of the S2's design are too minimalist, and we'd like to see some improvements to the camera's connectivity, using either USB3 or Fire Wire interfaces. We hope some gaps in the current lens range (medium wideangle, zoom, etc) are being addressed by Leica.
Verdict
Does this warrant paying the price of a (very good) family car for a body and standard lens? Well, it depends who you are.
As we've seen it doesn't replace the faster more sensitive DSLRs from Canon, Nikon, et al, but it does make medium format photography a far more friendly prospect.
If commercial, advertising and fashion photography is your game and you shoot regularly on location then this could well be the ultimate camera for you.
For the rest of us, £20,000 is hard to justify. Our advice: keep on playing the lottery.
