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Sigma DP2 Camera Review: It's Complicated
Sigma's New SD15 DSLR and DP2 Compact Cameras Hit, Improved Imaging Engines Aboard

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DoubleException
06/02/09

In reply to Sigma DP2 Camera Review: It's Complicated
I have DP1. DP2 is pretty much same camera with different lens.

So speaking from my experience with DP1:

- the sensor is crap at ISO 800 and higher

- the camera is slow

- the AF is slow and unreliable

- the LCD is abysmal

- the camera is very fragile

- color accuracy is a joke

- green and red color blotching at high ISO

- funky flare from IR filter when shooting against the sun

And I love the camera.

Why?

- The picture quality.

- No Bayer pattern artifacts.

- Sharp and distortion free lens.

- Incredible sharpness of images.

- Edge and line quality.

- Dynamic range, X3 fill light effect and highlight recover

- I can put it into my pocket which I cant do with my K20D, and it often takes better pictures than K20D.
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itchytooth
06/02/09

@DoubleException: Good to hear the K20D comparison. I'm thinking of "downgrading" from K10D to DP2.

Against my will, though, I've gotten kind of excited about the K-7 :(
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OMG! Ponies!
06/02/09

In reply to Sigma DP2 Camera Review: It's Complicated
At that price, save $250 and buy the G10. My G10 is my go-to camera for when I'm just out-and-about. The sensor is decent and the functionality is all there and better implemented.
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itchytooth
06/02/09

@OMG! Ponies!: You're completely right, for at least 95% of prospective buyers, the G10 (or LX3) is a much better choice. There are a few people though, me included, who find the DP2 a worthy consideration. You really have to start looking at full size images and doing side-by-side comparisons of the same scenes taken with other cameras to appreciate why this one is special. If this sounds like too much effort required to convince yourself to buy an quirky, expensive, limited hunk of circuitry, then I'd say you are probably sane.
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andyo
06/02/09

@itchytooth:
You really have to start looking at full size images and doing side-by-side comparisons
This is a common mistake almost everyone makes. You don't need to look at "full size" images, you need to look at the full image at the same size. If that means downsampling the higher-pixel-dimensions one, then so be it.

Think about what you're comparing. For any set size of display, the higher-pixel image has less potential for noise. That can be offset by sensor size. Since this Foveon sensor seems to be very inefficient, I think cameras with more efficient Bayer sensors that are smaller can probably get as-good results.

Only thing that this camera would give you as a significant advantage over say a G10 is DOF control.
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itchytooth
06/02/09

@andyo: I understand - I was speaking loosely. In fact, I've seen it done the other way - where a DP2 image was upsampled to match a higher MP DSLR output (can't remember which one) and it still held up pretty well in the comparison.

I guess it's possible I've just been affected by the hype. Since I'll probably wait for the price to come down to DP1 level anyway, maybe there will be an interesting micro four thirds camera around to put the choice in better perspective..
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thinkmore
06/02/09

In reply to Sigma DP2 Camera Review: It's Complicated
Comparing this to a DSLR is missing the point completely - as has been pointed out, a DSLR is not pocketable - as such, the opportunities for use are severely curtailed. This review is good and to the point - the Sigma is definitely a contender for a high quality street shooter [it would be great if the focussing was faster].

That being said, there's no excuse for shoddy battery life - especially for this category of camera. I've been looking for a good street shooter for ages now, and continue to use my film cameras for that purpose - the Ricoh GR1s and the GR21.

[thinkmoreinc.wordpress.com]

I've shortlisted some digital alternatives here :

[thinkmoreinc.wordpress.com]

As for sensor size and quality, nothing beats what the Sigma has - for serious photography with accurate colors, no BS purple fringing and high [natural] dymanic range, this is tops.
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OMG! Ponies!
06/02/09

@thinkmore: Please stop flogging your blog. There is a place in the profile page for you to put a link to your site.
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Sigma DP2 Camera Review: It's Complicated

Sigma's New SD15 DSLR and DP2 Compact Cameras Hit, Improved Imaging Engines Aboard

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