Initial impressions Sigma dp2m

[GaryLH]

Most of it has to do w/ the five in design itself. the Feb pixels are stacked on top of each other. By the time the bottom primary color acquires the info, not much is left compared to the top color.

When you I increase iso, u are actually turning up signal gain like u would do an audio amplifier. This causes noise due to higher sensor temp in normal Bayer based sensors. But combined w/ how the foveon in sensor is designed, my guess is that it is amplifying distorted color info due to not enough light getting to the middle and bottom color locations.

Anyway, that my theory.
Gary

 

[bk1970]

The decision is made: I'm so pleased with dp2m that my M6 will soon have to go to finance dp3m. It's just a matter of bringing myself to the whole hateful process of selling.

 

[burancap]

The decision is made: I'm so pleased with dp2m that my M6 will soon have to go to finance dp3m.

Interesting.

I did not think about it much at the time, but I sold my beloved M6 without much thought about 2 months after the arrival of my DP2M. Hmmm...

 

[bk1970]

Interesting indeed. Hope you don't regret it? I just don't see myself using it for my abstracts anymore, and to just have it for those special days is ... well ... as much as I love it and all, I have Oly and Praktica for those film moments.

 

[burancap]

Interesting indeed. Hope you don't regret it?

No. No regrets. This was coincidence more than anything else -though I have not bought a DP3M yet!

 

[Keith]

The decision is made: I'm so pleased with dp2m that my M6 will soon have to go to finance dp3m. It's just a matter of bringing myself to the whole hateful process of selling.

Wow! That's some committment to the Sigma code! 😀

I'm waiting for the DP3M to dip a little in price as per the previous releases before I committ. 😛

 

[bk1970]

Yes, well what can say - Sigma's are more suitable for what I do 😱
That i don't have to develop and scan is also a bonus.

 

[jsrockit]

I wish I could share in your enthusiasm, but I just can't. I use the DP2 Merrill sparingly and don't want to sell it (pocket medium format 🙂 ), but it doesn't fit the work flow of any other camera I use (with Lightroom) and I don't feel like it is an all purpose camera. Based on the aforementioned, I cannot bring myself to buy another.

 

[burancap]

I have some of the same feelings. I stated somewhere on the 'net that the DP2M was a bit of a watershed camera for me. Watershed because of the shocking resolution -something I *thought* I had been striving for in my photography. Looking back, I am not so sure.

I love the camera for all of the same reasons Keith was attracted to it, but the workflow is indeed a bit much. The spectacular results are a given, but I am getting much more "package enjoyment" from quicker hitting devices like my RX100, Nex-5n, and M3. H3ll, I have even shot more MF film in the last 6 months! Regarding Sigmas specifically, my little original DP1 at 1/5 the cost can output some magic with files that are 1/3 the size and handled much more easily. I wouldn't say that I would not buy another Merrill, but I am not running to it!

So, watershed? Yes, but because it has helped me find what I wasn't looking for and actually already had -but enjoy so much more now.

 

[bk1970]

I have to say I don't have problem with the workflow, apart from the software being, mildly put, moody. I look at it the wrong way and it immediately crashes. But all I do with it is batch export to tiff, always with the same settings which I stole from one of these threads.

 

[Keith]

The Merrill and its foveon sensor have given me a creative outlet at a time when I don't have the space in my life to use film. No other digital camera has been able to do this to date. An X100 certainly didn't (long gone) and my RD-1 just doesn't compete image wise.

And I congratulate Gary for keeping this camera and its results in front of our eyes. How much are Sigma paying you by the way? 😀

 

[GaryLH]

Thanks Keith. Lol I wish. I would settle for them just dropping the dp3m to the 799 all the other dp Merrill's are currently priced.

Gary

 

[Keith]

Thanks Keith. Lol I wish. I would settle for them just dropping the dp3m to the 799 all the other dp Merrill's are currently priced.

Gary

It will happen eventually ... and then I'll have one without question! 😀

 

[noimmunity]

The Merrill and its foveon sensor have given me a creative outlet at a time when I don't have the space in my life to use film. No other digital camera has been able to do this to date.

While the CCD-based Leicas always wowed me with their clarity, the colors never could replace the results I'd get from positive film. The Merrills score with me not just in terms of resolution (about which I actually have mixed feelings), but in terms of color. I just love the colors coming out of these! Plus, the fun of digital live view!

Almost brought me to the point of a devilish thought: I might be backpacking in order to photo, hahaha!

 

[bk1970]

That's very much true. I find the colors one of the very best qualities of merrills. The color was the reason why I only used film til now, and why I have no regrets for switching to sigma.

 

[Keith]

That's very much true. I find the colors one of the very best qualities of merrills. The color was the reason why I only used film til now, and why I have no regrets for switching to sigma.

I'm a little torn between the amazing colours the sensor produces and how well the files convert to black and white.

Dilemma ..... 😛

 

[GaryLH]

Currently I end up shooting more b&w with the dp Merrill then I do color. I would guess over 60% b&w. it has become my goto b&w camera. The nice thing is that even if u set it up for monochrom mode.. When u view it in spp, the raw image viewed w/i spp is also monochrom unlike other camera raw which will show it in color.

I believe sigma added a monochrom flag in the raw file info for spp... But that same raw image in spp can instantly be viewed in color as well just by selecting the color tab. Spp seems to update te last known usage when u close that raw. If your last usage was in color instead of monochrom, it will bring up the color dialog the next time u open that specific raw file.

Gary

 

[noimmunity]

it has become my goto b&w camera. ...set up for monochrom mode..

It produces the best color and b&w of any of my digicams.

The word dilemma, which usually connotes a choice between equally undesirable alternatives, doesn't really do it justice.

I'd say it's more of a happy win-win situation!

 

[Keith]

The more I key my photography into this little camera the more I realise how damned unusual it is. Learning the behaviour of the foveon sensor is a little like learning how to use a new film emulsion and developer. This thing sure ain't plug and play!

My post processing learning curve with the files is finally starting to give me results I'm happy with. I've been experimenting with shutting the colours down a little and have to say I like the muted look the sensor can provide when files are treated this way. Black and white conversions are finally starting to come together more consistently also. 🙂

 

[GaryLH]

I was wondering if those muted color shots were an artistic decision or the actually reall color in some of those shots..

I have been having more fun w/ this camera then any other.

Gary