RF-Addict
Well-known
DP-Review just posted this devastating review of the DP1. The "cons" list goes on and on and on. I was really surprised that it fared that badly - I know many folks here are interested in the DP-1 - you might want to read this first before ordering one.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sigmadp1/page21.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sigmadp1/page21.asp
__hh
Well-known
I did read it this morning.... there seems to be an "outcry" about how unfair it was. To me, it was a compilation of all the facts floating around the internet into one place.
In a nutshell, great image quality in a compact, but we all expect that from a sensor of that type. Just let down by the poor all-round engineering in other departments.
Just hope that Sigma continues with the DP-2 !!!! (or at least nikanon goes one better)
In a nutshell, great image quality in a compact, but we all expect that from a sensor of that type. Just let down by the poor all-round engineering in other departments.
Just hope that Sigma continues with the DP-2 !!!! (or at least nikanon goes one better)
gavinlg
Veteran
That review wouldn't deter me from getting one. It has better per pixel sharpness and resolution than the nikon d60 for starters. It has an excellent lens with little to no distortion. Yes, the AF isn't so good in low light but it has a manual focus wheel so you can scale focus with it. Because it has a large DOF in the first place theres no problems with scale focussing. As for the JPEG output being bad, why would you want to disadvantage yourself in the first place shooting JPEG?
It's still has by far and away the best image quality of any compact camera. The ricoh GRd is positively average in comparison. The olympus e-420/nikon d60 may be similar but they're also 2 to 3 times bigger. The DP1 has more dynamic range than both of them. It doesn't clip highlights anywhere near as suddenly - dpreview described it as a "gentle roll off" - much like film.
Note at the end they gave image quality a 9 out of 10.
It's still has by far and away the best image quality of any compact camera. The ricoh GRd is positively average in comparison. The olympus e-420/nikon d60 may be similar but they're also 2 to 3 times bigger. The DP1 has more dynamic range than both of them. It doesn't clip highlights anywhere near as suddenly - dpreview described it as a "gentle roll off" - much like film.
Note at the end they gave image quality a 9 out of 10.
Zenjitsuman
Established
When I first heard about this camera I didn't like the slow lens. Now that the test show that despite is slowness it has heavy vignetting and flare I'll pass. Maybe someone can get Canon interested in a G9 with a larger sensor or an Oly compact with the 420 sensor and a version of the Leica 25mm lens only wider say 15mm.
gavinlg
Veteran
http://www.boxedlight.com/dp1/
Real life images speak louder than resolution tests and meticulously timing button presses to function times as far as I'm concerned.
Real life images speak louder than resolution tests and meticulously timing button presses to function times as far as I'm concerned.
rogue_designer
Reciprocity Failure
Most of the "cons" I wouldn't really class as such. Some are annoyances, some are known limitations of the format and lens configuration, some are simply not comparing apples to apples. And some are actually cons. 
I guess I would evaluate your own estimate usage, and see which ones would actually make a difference in the way you shoot. Then decide.
I guess I would evaluate your own estimate usage, and see which ones would actually make a difference in the way you shoot. Then decide.
drjoke
Well-known
I think this review was bad for Sigma but good for consumers.
It goes on to show that people have interest for compacts with a larger sensor, thanks to Sigma for pioneering this effort. So now the concept is in the spotlight. Big brands with more experience in developing successful compacts (and specifically have already addressed the shortcomings) will soon follow with their offerings. Within a year, there will be new breeds of compacts with large sensors from these big guys, and the market will soon forget about Sigma DP1. Even the early adopters of Sigma DP1 will have switched to the big brands, except for the die-hard Foveon fan.
Having read Kaufman's interview about how he does not agree with cramming more pixels into a tiny sensor of a compact and he has other things in mind, I would strongly guess that Panaleica will probably come out with big sensor compact as well too.
It goes on to show that people have interest for compacts with a larger sensor, thanks to Sigma for pioneering this effort. So now the concept is in the spotlight. Big brands with more experience in developing successful compacts (and specifically have already addressed the shortcomings) will soon follow with their offerings. Within a year, there will be new breeds of compacts with large sensors from these big guys, and the market will soon forget about Sigma DP1. Even the early adopters of Sigma DP1 will have switched to the big brands, except for the die-hard Foveon fan.
Having read Kaufman's interview about how he does not agree with cramming more pixels into a tiny sensor of a compact and he has other things in mind, I would strongly guess that Panaleica will probably come out with big sensor compact as well too.
Athos6
Tao Master
I wanted one of these but the high ISO quality was a deal breaker. It seems that I shoot during the day ~1/16 of the time. So a really clean ISO 800 or 1600 would have been nice, but unrealistic from this sensor.
aizan
Veteran
no such thing as bad press. at least many more people will be talking about compact cameras with big sensors.