Looks like Sigma starting to show the dp2 Quattro around

A lot depends on color or b&w in terms of high iso number.

For me.. Merrill is good to 400 , ok at 800 and best at 200 for color work. On the otherhand when it comes to b&w I have no problem going up to 800 and I am ok w/ 1600 if I am not playing any games w/ the blue color mixing channel. On the otherhand, if I use 90% or more of the blue channel and less than 15% of the other color channels! I find perfectly acceptable b&w iso up to 4000... Ymmv.. A lot depends on your taste.

So a one stop improvement depends as much on your personal preferences as well as color vs b&w and what u are ok w/ in terms of post processing.

Gary
 
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Oddly intrigued by this camera, but it does not fit my workflow in so many ways. When I used the Merrills, it was hit or miss for my style. When I got it right and used it to its strengths, it really shined.
 
I can't say that it appears any better than the Merrill ... but this is pretty damned nice! The detail in the highlights is excellent and the shadows aren't blocked.

SDIM0016_s.JPG
 
http://sigma-rumors.com/2014/06/sigma-dp2-quattro-all-the-sample-images/

Tons of sample links at sigma-rumors. Commenters aren't impressed. However, I'm vaguely impressed (just because it looks better than CMOS). Some lovely samples, but nothing that makes me want to give up my Merrill cameras, which seem to have been given a breath of fresh life (glad I haven't sold them). Might still be the best BW camera on the market that isn't $7,000, however.
 
If u already own a Merrill...as I do, then the big question is what makes the new one worth the upgrade... Or if u own one Merrill and u are thinking buy the Merrill at reduced price now vs filling in a hole ( add dp1m or dp1q to the dp2m u already have).

- do u shoot using a tripod? Would a USB remote shutter release be worth it?
- do u need the better
-- high iso
-- faster sd write (so far reports are 50%)
-- faster af
-- quieter af
-- grip (debatable but reports coming appear that it is better)
-- better dynamic range
-- longer battery life (different and bigger battery though)

Against a foveon sensor that breaks some tradition, even though this sesnor has actually been patented ages ago while I think Mr. Merrill was still alive.

The really big elephant in the room of course is how good is the color and tonal quality going to be?

I believe u can emulate a more traditional approach (1-1-1 instead of 4-1-1) by going to low raw (this would put u in same ball park as current 12-14 mp Bayer sesnor cameras but with much better color and tonal quality). The is a chance of higher iso as well (who knows).

I also believe that the Quattro could end up the best monochrom camera out there. Leica monochrom (18mp, no Bayer filter or anti-aliasing) vs 20mp top layer of the Quattro (no Bayer or anti-aliasing). Three layers of color info to provide complete tonal info for the monochrom image in the raw file. The Leica monochrom which needs traditional b&w filters to provide the same effect that can be done in spp during post proceeding. Of course u get only one fixed lens and it is not a drf. It is LCD only.

For me, I own dp1m, dp2m and sd1m already. I am personally looking at the dp2q is my ultimate monochrom camera. I may add a dp3q is I like what I c. I probably shoot over 70% monochrom from the dp Merrill cameras and most of it is on the dp2m.

The overall looks breaks a lot of traditions. U could get more looks from people wondering what that camera is..... I am ok w/ the new look. I always buy a grip (rrs) to put on the dp Merrill anyway.

When I get it in mid August, I will post a bunch of tiff comparisons... And. My first impression after I have used it awhile.

Gary
 
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Good questions Gary. If I would be honest, then only the high iso and longer battery life would be worth it for me. And batterylife isn't that much of a problem either. I never do b&w so honestly that is the least of my worries. But I cannot see that giving up 1-1-1 is a good thing. I'd prefer a beefier battery and processor.

I haven't hold one of those quatro's yet, but I really hope they are a bit easier to grip than the merrils.

Think I'll add the dp3m to the set. I was seriously thinking about the sd1m but the small viewfinder and CF cards make me think the dp3m is a better addition. From my latest crop of photo's you can just as well crop instead of lugging around a large lens. And for the difference in price a very ordinary dslr for the high iso use.
 
GaryLH said:
I am personally looking at the dp2q is my ultimate monochrom camera. I may add a dp3q is I like what I c. I probably shoot over 70% monochrom from the dp Merrill cameras and most of it is on the dp2m.


Gary
Click to expand...
Hey Gary, I hope all is well. Quick question, I've been using the DP2M for a while, I also use it for mostly BW and I think it's great. Why do you think the DP2Q will out perform DP2M for BW ?

Thanks,
Smith
 
I am looking at it from a Leica monochrom perspective as a reference point.. It is potentially better than the Leica. Whether it is or not in reality, it is my ultimate monochrom camera because I have made a decision long ago that in the world of digital, I am never going to pay more than around 1800 for a camera body. The most so far was the either the sigma sd1 or Fuji xp1.

First let's look at the Leica monochrom, the only camera that has ever been a pure monochrom, no Bayer array and no anti-aliasing required. It has a 18mp sensor. Each pixel location can record 256 (0-255 values, 8 bits per photosite) for the tonal quality. Just as in the days of film though, to get certain effects, it needs a b&w filter like a for example yellow to help accent or bring out certain objects to the forefront.

Enter the foveon Merrill sensor, no Bayer array and no anti-aliasing (equal to Leica monochrom here). In monochrom mode, we are talking 15mp of real info as opposed 18 of the Leica. The potential tonal information is actually available from 8 bits each of RGB color channel info at each photosite w/ luminousity still limited by 8 bits I think (top blue layer channel). No need for using a b&w filter, the effect could be done post processing w/ spp by using color wheel.

Enter the Quattro, top layer is 20mp.. So as a monochrom camera, could resolve better than the Leica at 18mp. Potentially better vs outright better has to do w/ the true tonal range.. At worst equal (straight 8 bits of the blue layer), but when taking into account what was lost from the Merrill. This really has to do w/ the effect of the total tonal quality in terms of subtle shading difference over a given stance since now the other channels are 5 mp worth if photo sites each. Here it is a step down from the Merrill.. 18mp vs 20 mp (Leica vs Quattro) not enough difference to worry about, but 20 vs 15 million photo sites (Quattro vs Merrill) one should c some differences in detail.

Gary
 
I see your logic and I think we share the same pov about the monochrom. I've been thinking about DP2Q, my problem is the DP3Q or DP1Q would probably make more sense for me. I will not sell the DP2M and having both would seem weird.
I'm looking forward to the comparisons, I'm guessing we'll see those soon.
Any idea when the other Q's will be available ?

Smith
 
Hmm, faster AF and improved Dynamic Range would be the two biggies for me. I've had any trouble (besides af) shooting the Merrill cameras in poor light. Leaf shutter and a soft touch. 800iso. I can get good colour images and great bw images.
 
maybe it's just me but none of these images are very compelling compared to the staggeringly good samples released alongside the DP3m.

I properly resized one of the sample images, and it looked 'ok'. I'm now curious to see what sort of upgrade we might get with final firmware.
 
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