Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I photographed a friend's classic motocross bike last night using lights and diffusers .... the end result to be something he can have printed and framed and hang above his bar or wherever.
The last one of these I did I used the SD1M and had quite a few issues with focus ... very hard to focus manually because of the pokey finder and my failing eyes ... and the AF is flakey to say the least. I wasn't eaxactly blown away by the results so I decided to try the DP3M this time around. The look on his face when I plonked the little Merrill on the Manfrotto was priceless because lets face it, it doesn't look like much to a non photographer!
However .... in manual focus mode and using live view to compose via the LCD this camera is really suited to this type of stuff and being able to zoom in for critical focus is so damned easy after the SD1M it makes me laugh. If only they had incorporated live view on the DSLR ... but they didn't and it may cost them a customer because I can't see myself using the SD1M again for anything where accurate focus is important.
The little DPM on a tripod is like using a view camera and a loupe .... brilliant, I can't praise the little beast enough!
The last one of these I did I used the SD1M and had quite a few issues with focus ... very hard to focus manually because of the pokey finder and my failing eyes ... and the AF is flakey to say the least. I wasn't eaxactly blown away by the results so I decided to try the DP3M this time around. The look on his face when I plonked the little Merrill on the Manfrotto was priceless because lets face it, it doesn't look like much to a non photographer!
However .... in manual focus mode and using live view to compose via the LCD this camera is really suited to this type of stuff and being able to zoom in for critical focus is so damned easy after the SD1M it makes me laugh. If only they had incorporated live view on the DSLR ... but they didn't and it may cost them a customer because I can't see myself using the SD1M again for anything where accurate focus is important.
The little DPM on a tripod is like using a view camera and a loupe .... brilliant, I can't praise the little beast enough!
Pioneer
Veteran
I recently picked up the DP2M (it is on sale after all) and have been enjoying myself. However, I have been finding it difficult to take it seriously. At least until I looked at the results the other day.
Wow!
I personally prefer film, and most of my work is done with film. Up until I picked up this camera the digital camera was used primarily for record shots. That includes the M9 as well, though its output is a bit better than most record shots require.
Now that I have the DP2M I may need to reconsider some of this. I will need to spend some uninterrupted time doing some serious editing and printing before I know for sure, but so far I have been more encouraged by this slow, little camera than any digital I have ever used before.
We'll see but I can understand why you have found these little Sigmas so enticing Keith.
Wow!
I personally prefer film, and most of my work is done with film. Up until I picked up this camera the digital camera was used primarily for record shots. That includes the M9 as well, though its output is a bit better than most record shots require.
Now that I have the DP2M I may need to reconsider some of this. I will need to spend some uninterrupted time doing some serious editing and printing before I know for sure, but so far I have been more encouraged by this slow, little camera than any digital I have ever used before.
We'll see but I can understand why you have found these little Sigmas so enticing Keith.
Eric T
Well-known
My guess is that the SDIm lacks live view because of the tremendous drain that would put on battery life. The SDIm definitely has its limitations but I like being able to use multiple focal lengths with that fabulous sensor. It is nice to have to DPM cameras as an alternative.
I am not sure whether I will spring for the DP2 Quattro. I would appreciate faster performance and higher dynamic range. But it will be tough to improve image quality.
I am not sure whether I will spring for the DP2 Quattro. I would appreciate faster performance and higher dynamic range. But it will be tough to improve image quality.
Eric T
Well-known
The Sigma image quality was the factor that caused me to sell nearly all of my film cameras and almost completely drop film. I just could not surpass Foveon sensor image quality with medium format, let alone 35 mm. And it is so much easier to have the camera do the scanning for me.
GaryLH
Veteran
I photographed a friend's classic motocross bike last night using lights and diffusers .... the end result to be something he can have printed and framed and hang above his bar or wherever.
The last one of these I did I used the SD1M and had quite a few issues with focus ... very hard to focus manually because of the pokey finder and my failing eyes ... and the AF is flakey to say the least. I wasn't eaxactly blown away by the results so I decided to try the DP3M this time around. The look on his face when I plonked the little Merrill on the Manfrotto was priceless because lets face it, it doesn't look like much to a non photographer!
However .... in manual focus mode and using live view to compose via the LCD this camera is really suited to this type of stuff and being able to zoom in for critical focus is so damned easy after the SD1M it makes me laugh. If only they had incorporated live view on the DSLR ... but they didn't and it may cost them a customer because I can't see myself using the SD1M again for anything where accurate focus is important.
The little DPM on a tripod is like using a view camera and a loupe .... brilliant, I can't praise the little beast enough!
Given the sd1m is around d200 af speed or so.. I would not have even tried to af focus...in that situation. Too bad one cannot put a split image screen in there
. My eye were never good enough to manual focus that camera. My only hope w/ a sd1m is to zone focus and hope to tag some due to being at f11 or 16. I'm glad u got some w/ the dp3m.
Gary
Michael Markey
Veteran
I not yet used my DP3M like that Keith but since I`ve had it nothing else is getting a look in , including my DP2M.
Chrisrw
photomonkey
QUOTE]The Sigma image quality was the factor that caused me to sell nearly all of my film cameras and almost completely drop film. I just could not surpass Foveon sensor image quality with medium format, let alone 35 mm. And it is so much easier to have the camera do the scanning for me./QUOTE]
I think about doing this every time I pull it out to use. Then I pick up my M5 and realize how difficult it would be to give up film. Now if someone were to figure out a way to convert my M5 with a Foveon Sensor...that would be heaven.
I think about doing this every time I pull it out to use. Then I pick up my M5 and realize how difficult it would be to give up film. Now if someone were to figure out a way to convert my M5 with a Foveon Sensor...that would be heaven.