Sigma Cameras: What's the verdict?

[FA Limited]

i started reading about 40mm lenses again on the forum and then began reading again about the DP2 and looking at some of the sample files and i'm quite impressed. i also have a hard copy of the DP2 brochure and the prints that they made in the 8.5 x 11 are stunning.

it seems that when it first came out reviews were fairly consistent: great sensor, blah everything else. just wondering now that the m4/3 cameras are out in relatively full force and that the DP cameras have been out for a while, what "long-term" impressions there are and if people have persisted with these cameras. also any comments about the comparative iq would be good to hear too.

 

[jmkelly]

I don't own a micro 4/3 to compare but have been using a DP2 for a month. It is a specialized camera. As reported, construction feels less robust than some other cameras. Autofocus is slow. High ISO performance is weak. What I have not seen reported before - which may mean it is just an issue with my example of the DP2 - autoexposure is surprisingly inconstant, varying as much as a stop from shot to shot.

The good? Between the lens and the sensor, low ISO images are stunning. The camera is easier to use than some report. The manual focus wheel is simplicity itself. The RAW conversion software is also easy to use. Bottom line for me, I'm very happy with it - with the caveat that it is not an all-around camera.

 

[FA Limited]

thanks john ... guess not too many users anymore :/

 

[scottgee1]

FA, you might find more info/response here:

http://www.seriouscompacts.com/2009/04/ten-recommended-compacts-number-3.html

Scroll down for updated comments.

 

[andrewteee]

As John points out, between lens and sensor there is nothing else like it. Frustrating cameras, but the results can be absolutely beautiful. Because of their resolution they don't print large if that matters to you.

 

[jmkelly]

I forgot to mention short battery life as an issue - I keep a charged spare in my briefbag when I'm carrying the DP2. I have not seen the green corners or the magenta grid. The camera will use a fast class 10 card, which speeds RAW writes. My computer won't regognize these cards, though, so I have to download using the cable.

I have compared shots with my Panasonic LX3 and the IQ of the Sigma blows the LX3 out of the water. However the Panasonic is more of an all-around compact (even with its wide lens and limited zoom) and has hella better low-light performance due to the faster lens and OIS.

That said, here is a 37x crop of a jpg made with the DP2 (ISO400, 1/60s, f3.2):

I am planning to compare the DP2 to the R-D1 with the 35mm Summilux ASPH on it - that seems like a fair comp to me.

 

[kdemas]

I have a DP1 and my feelings are torn on the camera.

PROs:

• Superb low ISO performance.
• Great for printing up to 8x10.
• Foveon colors and rendering very unique. I like it a lot.
• Terrific lens.
• Nice manual focus wheel.

CONs:

• Poor high ISO.
• Amazingly slow and flakey autofocus.
• Rather week LCD display.
• Ergonomics are average at best.
• Lens is a bit slow, tough when combined with poor high ISO performance.

]

So, to summarize, if you want a daylight camera for rather static subjects or those that don't require speedy focusing, this is a terrific camera. If you need to print large or shoot at night then there are better choices.

All in all, I like mine for what it's good at and use it accordingly.

Kent

 

[Paul B]

Sigma DP2

Sigma DP2

I've been using the DP2 as my only camera since November. Prior to that I used a Ricoh 200gx. I print images in both black and white and color. Before switching to digital I used an M2 with a 50mm lens; processed my own black and white.

I like the camera very much and the more I use it the more I like it. I quite frequently use it in manual focus mode with zone focusing; the 24.4mm lens makes this quite effective. I use Sigma's external viewfinder, a wrist strap, and an aftermarket grip. It is quick to use in this fashion; no noticeable shutter lag. I've not had any particular problems with the autoexposure other than occasional slight - to my eye - underexposure. Sigma's SPP software is easy to use to convert from RAW. I always capture in RAW. No complaints with the build quality.

Sometimes, espcecially with city landscapes, I use autofocus and the lcd screen. Not a problem when the subject is not moving.

The images - both black and white and color - print beautifully and some take your (my) breath away. For black and white conversion I use Nik Silver Efex and am pleased with the results. I find ISO 1600 very useable; a bit noisy but nice.

I recommend Sean Reid's review of this camera on his subscription website. His review led me to purchase the camera.

Used with zone focusing it makes a good streetshooter: quick and unobtrusive. The 40mm equivalent lens gives a nice angle of view. Images made more contemplatively are great. I have no regrets about the purchase.

 

[Kevin]

We have three DP1 cameras and use them every week. By now it is no problem to estimate the distance to subjects and manual focus is so easy to use. Also, the 16.6mm lens has enough dof to correct for any slight focus errors.

 

[C_R]

I sold my Canon gear recently, but kept my DP1 and DP2. When IQ is most important, the Sigma compacts are hard to beat (Oly and Pana MFT are larger, and their IQ is not better, only larger).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38068178@N08/sets/72157622640932686/

 

[gavinlg]

Brilliant superb IQ + lens.

Terrible body, autofocus and interface.
Like seriously, after using an e-p1 for a month and then playing with a dp1/2 in Tokyo, I was actually stunned at how bad the AF is. It's near unusable for me.

 

[zeroeseight]

Just received a DP1s today, image quality excellent but ergonomics and interface don't hold a candle up to my other point and shoot the GRDII. There is very noticeable green vignetting on the scant few test shots I've taken so far, bad enough that I am considering sending it back. Apparently it was a known issue with the original DP1 that has since been addressed on the software side. Think I will shoot in more normal conditions this weekend and then re-evaluate my position.

 

[thegman]

I have a DP-1 as my only digital camera, as has been said, the low ISO performance is extremely good, as good as micro 4/3s to my eye. The user interface is not brilliant, but you can re-assign some buttons to other tasks, so the useless digital zoom buttons can be re-assigned to changing ISO and other settings. This really transforms the DP-1 into a much more usable camera.

Auto-focus is pretty rubbish in low light, manual focus is pretty good though. Shutter lag is good for a compact, very good in fact. Low ISO performance is poor and negates the advantages of the Foveon.

As a carry-everywhere compact, I'm not sure it's a perfect choice, I've done it and unless the light is good, shutter speeds go below what I can easily handhold. In broad daylight though, it's superb. As a high quality compact though, it's hard to think of an alternative, particularly for that price.

 

[Peter S]

Owned a dp-2 for 3 months. Hoped it would become my little digital CL, but sold it rather fast. Just hated the interface/ergonomics. Image quality was very good though, but you do need good light (as with most compacts). I now have a little S90 which is a pleasure to use and because of its size I also take it with me more often (easily fits in a pant pocket and the DP2 definitely does not). Ergonomics on the S90 with the little ring on the front (you can choose its functionality) are excellent: I use the front ring for setting aperture, the back dial for shutter speed and have designated one of the back buttons for ISO. A breeze to shoot in manual mode and it even has RAW ! Happy with the pictures I am getting, visible distortion on the wide end, but that is easily corrected with software.

 

[Meatboy]

I have a DP2 and what John said I can concur with. I find my GRD III more reliable and often produced a better image, especially in lower light but when the DP2 gets it right the image is some kind of wonderful. I have a few BW images from it that have a special look about them. The DP2 OS takes a moment to get used to but I find it ok, often quite quick.

I sometimes think if Leica had made exactly the DP2 there would a lot of people defending it for its IQ alone - it is a special camera IMO.

 

[Jodorowsky]

Just took delivery of a DP1. I can imagine using it mainly in Manual mode, as I've been using Leica M cameras for the last 3 years. Image quality is superb. Fits nicely in my pocket. Great little M8 back up.

 

[freeranger]

If you are fully informed about the camera's weaknesses before you buy, then it is a gem. My DP1 is never out of my pocket. The images have something which sets them apart from any other digital camera and I now see its "issues" as "character".

 

[Ronald M]

I read more complaints about Sigma lenses than all the rest combined. They are suspect forever.

Just like the issues with that famous Japanese car company is now having with the cars becoming uncontrolable. They killed a once profitable business because they can not or will not manup to the problem.

I have serious issues with foreign cars, one the brakes went to the floor without stopping the car at 300 miles and once , 1200miles, with a racing engine at a stop sign and i could barely keep the car stopped, 2 issues, two new cars. I will no longer buy them.

Once a business gets a bad rep, it is cooked for decades.

 

[forgotten]

I really like my DP2.

 

[sersi]

I read more complaints about Sigma lenses than all the rest combined. They are suspect forever.

Just like the issues with that famous Japanese car company is now having with the cars becoming uncontrolable. They killed a once profitable business because they can not or will not manup to the problem.

Hi,

It's good to read to learn about something, but self experience is the way to really reach the knowledge about something. I heard about Foveon years ago when I was a (happy) Bayer mainstream user, I read about it (lots of bad reviews and comments vs. a few good ones) and I decided to try it by myself. Since then I have owned SD9, Polaroid x530, SD10, SD14, DP1, DP2 (all Foveon based cameras) and I love them despite all the bad comments that can be found all over. I still keep using Bayers too, but I can tell you that it's not the same thing (IQ, feeling photo experience, etc...).

rgds,
sersi