Sigma DP2 merrill anyone ugraded from DP2

[v_roma]

I'm also interested in the dp2m. It seems a shame that they removed the manual focus wheel that was in the previous versions. That was a handy thing to have. You could get the OVF, turn off the LCD, and just use the wheel to set the MF distance for zone focusing.

I'm also struggling with the notion that this camera is really best as a still life camera shot with a tripod. If you're already carrying a tripod, doesn't that negate the small size advantage of the camera?

 

[jsrockit]

I'm also interested in the dp2m. It seems a shame that they removed the manual focus wheel that was in the previous versions. That was a handy thing to have. You could get the OVF, turn off the LCD, and just use the wheel to set the MF distance for zone focusing.

Are you sure the manual focus ring around the lens doesn't allow for the same functionality?

I'm also struggling with the notion that this camera is really best as a still life camera shot with a tripod. If you're already carrying a tripod, doesn't that negate the small size advantage of the camera?

Get the dslr version then.

 

[d_ross]

I'm also interested in the dp2m. It seems a shame that they removed the manual focus wheel that was in the previous versions. That was a handy thing to have. You could get the OVF, turn off the LCD, and just use the wheel to set the MF distance for zone focusing.

I'm also struggling with the notion that this camera is really best as a still life camera shot with a tripod. If you're already carrying a tripod, doesn't that negate the small size advantage of the camera?

I have mine (DP2M) now, and can say you don't need a tripod, but if you do use one you will be rewarded for the effort!

I have shot everything so far handheld and the files are phenomenal! the auto focus is not an issue to me as some have mentioned, and the manual focus ring on the lens instead of the wheel, which I also like on the DP2, is really good when you get used to it. The battery is the only issue, but you just need to carry a couple of extras, and the inconvenience of changing batteries is of little consequence when placed against the performance of the camera.

 

[d_ross]

Are you sure the manual focus ring around the lens doesn't allow for the same functionality?

The DP2 focus wheel has a distance scale on it, so you could turn the LCD off, but with the Merrill you need the lcd to see the scale.

 

[jsrockit]

The DP2 focus wheel has a distance scale on it, so you could turn the LCD off, but with the Merrill you need the lcd to see the scale.

I see. Thanks.

 

[darya150]

The images are incredible. AlL cameras have limitations - the M8 has a limited ISO range, the Digilux, with its amazing lens, should really be used at 100 ASA, any higher and you're pushing it! My main concern is PP. I've heard that Sigma has a program to process images. I've also heard it's a PIA to use. Is this true? How difficult is it to use? Are there other ways to post process the Sigma images?

 

[v_roma]

Get the dslr version then.

Over twice the cost, excluding lens 🙂

I am not trying to say that the DP2M is a bad camera just to argue myself out of buying it. Far from it, whatever issues the camera may or may not have, I think it is well worth the cost on the strength of the sensor and lens alone. I am just trying to understand how I would use it, whether or not it fits my style of shooting and needs, etc.

@darya150 SPP is no LR/PS/etc but I think it is useable, even if to do only initial adjustments and then continue working on the TIFFs using your preferred software. SPP is a free download from the Sigma software. If that is a big factor in your decision on whether or not to get the camera, which I agree it should be, you may want to download it to try it out for yourself. Not sure if there are any Sigma RAW files available for download anywhere but maybe someone in RFF that owns the dp2m would be kind enough to post them somewhere. It would still be useful to hear from any others who have used SPP more extensively to see what their long-term experience has been like.

 

[d_ross]

The images are incredible. AlL cameras have limitations - the M8 has a limited ISO range, the Digilux, with its amazing lens, should really be used at 100 ASA, any higher and you're pushing it! My main concern is PP. I've heard that Sigma has a program to process images. I've also heard it's a PIA to use. Is this true? How difficult is it to use? Are there other ways to post process the Sigma images?

Sigma photo pro is fine, it's maybe a little slow compared to other software, but I have no issue with it, just like the camera itself it's made for a certain type of photographer.

 

[burancap]

Sigma photo pro is fine, it's maybe a little slow compared to other software, but I have no issue with it, just like the camera itself it's made for a certain type of photographer.

Agreed.

I think a lot of the talk about "sluggishnesh" with the Merrills has to be weighed against the simple fact that we are dealing with 45-55mb files!

I find the Sigma SW fine. It will allow export to TIFF for further PP, if one should even find that necessary! The raw files are the cleanest that I have ever experienced.

 

[d_ross]

Agreed.

I think a lot of the talk about "sluggishnesh" with the Merrills has to be weighed against the simple fact that we are dealing with 45-55mb files!

I find the Sigma SW fine. It will allow export to TIFF for further PP, if one should even find that necessary! The raw files are the cleanest that I have ever experienced.

Exactly! to me the Sigma raw files as a starting point are like working with a good film scan. But it can't be expressed strongly enough that this camera is for a certain type of photographer, and if you are that type you couldn't ask for a better camera!

 

[jsrockit]

Noticed B&H has the DP2 in stock. Unfortunately, I don't have time to buy one before going to Japan tomorrow. Hopefully one of you can snatch one up.

 

[GaryLH]

Noticed B&H has the DP2 in stock. Unfortunately, I don't have time to buy one before going to Japan tomorrow. Hopefully one of you can snatch one up.

Buy it in Japan....? 😀

Have a fun trip..

Gary

 

[jsrockit]

Buy it in Japan....? 😀

Have a fun trip..

Gary

Thanks. Got to see it in Osaka today. Bigger than I thought and the AF is slow, but overall, I liked it and will pick one up within the next month or so.

 

[leicashot]

Thanks. Got to see it in Osaka today. Bigger than I thought and the AF is slow, but overall, I liked it and will pick one up within the next month or so.

Yeah, I'm seriously considering one too, only which one?:bang:

....thinking the DP2

 

[GaryLH]

Pulled the trigger already

Pulled the trigger already

Thanks. Got to see it in Osaka today. Bigger than I thought and the AF is slow, but overall, I liked it and will pick one up within the next month or so.

My dp2m is suppose to arrive today.

Did it have the new firmware update that is suppose to help af performance?

Gary

 

[btgc]

When people now call Merril model just a DP (instead of DPM), first DP series will become an original DP 🙂

 

[burancap]

DP Classic?

 

[noimmunity]

May I ask someone with the camera to report on the depth of the camera at its deepest dimension, which is to say where the lens is mounted. The published dimensions apparently do not include the lens protrusion. I'd like to know what the depth is from the back of the camera to the front extension of the lens. Thanks in advance!

 

[btgc]

DP Classic?

Don't mind as long as not DP Jurassic

 

[leicashot]

Where are the DP2M pictures?