Sigma DP1 Reviews
It’s been awhile since the first pair of of Sigma DP1 hands-ons - but now, we’ve got two full length and quality reviews of what is turning out to be quite an outstanding camera.
The first review comes courtesy of Photoreview.com.au - and it’s all generally positive for the DP1, but there was also one tidbit that I found interesting:
The stand-out feature of the DP-1 is its ability to record a much wider dynamic range that any digicam we’ve reviewed - and also than many DSLRs. Although both JPEG and X3F.RAW files looked rather flat when viewed on both the camera’s LCD and our computer screen, it was possible to obtain very good results from the test camera - but only when we worked with raw files.
And some excerpts from their conclusion:
Sigma’s DP-1 is a revolutionary camera - and quite different from any other digital camera in the current marketplace. This, in part, accounts for its relatively high price tag and restricted feature set (prime lens, pared-down set of controls, limited video capabilities). It is not a camera for point-and-shoot photographers. Nor will it suit photographers who only shoot JPEGs and prefer not to become involved in subsequent editing.
Click here to read the rest of their review.
And next up..
.. is the review from PopPhoto - and the Foveon sensor on the DP1 is showing what it’s capable of - with the review claiming “the DP1 is the first in its class to earn an excellent image quality rating from ISO 100 to 800.”
And the bottom line from their review:
The DP1 sets a new standard for image quality in a compact camera, especially at ISO 400 and 800. Its fixed 28mm-equivalent f/4 lens has incredibly low distortion and minimal light falloff that adds to image quality.
Now, if only it had a faster AF system, shorter delays between single JPEG and RAW shots, a more sophisticated pop-up flash, and an image-stabilized zoom lens, the DP1’s potential could go well beyond cult favorite to mainstream popularity.
Click here to jump straight to PopPhoto’s Sigma DP-1 review.
And just judging from these two reviews, as well as the samples from one of the first looks of the DP1 - the sensor on the DP1 is definitely capable of producing outstanding images. But with a price tag approaching mid-range DSLR territory, and being more expensive than budget DSLR kits ; a fixed lens, with sluggish AF - the Sigma DP1 isn’t for everyone. But if you want a pocketable camera capable of capturing more dynamic range than pretty much every other compact in the market, then the DP1 just might be the perfect fit for you.
The Sigma DP-1 is currently available from Amazon for $799.99.
Click here to download the Sigma DP1 Manual in PDF format. (27 MB)
From: Photoreview and PopPhoto via WhatPhotoGear