DP2M or DP3M

[TinybyNature]

Hello Everyone. 🙂 I am new to the forum and have been following some of the threads regarding the Sigma fixed lens compacts.

I am considering selling my current gear and giving one of these compacts a shot. Up to this point most of my photography has been nature and macro. I am currently using a 50mm macro lens on my Canon 40d. (not 1:1)

I am used to using a 50mm lens on a crop sensor, so I am thinking the DP3M would fit right in with me. It also has the built in macro capability, as opposed to the DP2M needing the close up filter.

I have also been reading on more than one site that the DP3M has made some improvements with colour and focus, over the older DP2M. Can anyone confirm experience with this?

You would think my mind would be set on the DP3M, but I have also been finding an interest in street photography the past few weeks after following some discussions on the topic and am not sure about the 50mm for that purpose. I have not had a chance to take out my 50mm Canon to find out.

I can't afford both cameras, so wondering what all your thoughts were on this. Is 50mm to long for street?

Thanks.

 

[helen.HH]

for ME...the DP2m was easier to use in terms of street shooting and my photos were less blurry
than the shots I took with the dp3m

I found the clarity and detail of the Foveon sensor to be unsurpassed in any small compact digi
but a difficult camera in terms of quick 'of the moment' street shooting

if you are using this camera with a tripod...studio work, product shots & portraits its wonderful

do keep in mind, there are a number of people here on RFf that do AMAZING work with the DPM's
my luck and stamina often faltered ...totally my fault

 

[rhl-oregon]

Sounds like the 3 is the one you really want, given your emphasis on macro/nature.

For street, dpm is not the way to go, grd is, 28/1.9 + Snap focus, up close and intimate and swift. Get a grd3 or 4 for $200-300, and a dp3m someone has decided is not for them for --$700 ( speaking as one whose dp2m was just that sort of opportunity, mint for $600 & change).

 

[GaryLH]

Just as an FYI. There is a rumor about a new sigma announcement toward end of the year. How accurate it is is anyone's guess.

The dp Merrill's brand new have gone back up lately, so they must be selling well.. I saw a used dp2m at KEH for 599 if I remember correctly.

I have heard that the older dp series before the Merrill was better for street shooting because it had the focus wheel on the camera body. If one knows their zones and f stops, then a quick glance and set seems like the way to go w/ something like a dp1s for example.

The focal range equiv from 28-35 is a more traditional street photograhy fov for the great depth of field and zone/scale focusing.. But there are enough people that use the normal fov as well.. Af on these cameras maybe a bit slow to capture the decisive moment. Depends a lot on what type of street shots u are after.

Given your comments, I would agree, get the dp3m first. Look for a cheap used dp1 or 2 later.. After u decide u like the camera or not.

Good luck
Gary

Ps. A ricoh w/ snap focus is a great way to go as well for street.

 

[mugent]

If you are a Macro guy, then the DP3 is the obviously choice, but I use a DP2M with closeup adaptor, and it's superb, if there is a quality loss, it's not noticeable.