Sigma DP2: Capturing unrivaled detail with a compact camera
This image made with the Sigma DP2 shows the incredible detail and colour that the Foveon sensor is capable of recording. Film-like reds and blues and greens that are difficult to create with non-foveon based sensors, including CCD sensors.
It’s a love-hate relationship based on the Foveon sensor
If you know anything about Sigma Foveon cameras, you’ll understand the love-hate relationship owners develop with these coveted little point-and-shoots.
We love them for the quality of the pictures that are possible with such a simple point-and-shoot camera. At the same time, however, we hate them for just about everything else.
For me, love of the final results wins out every time.
It’s almost always about image quality.
Sigma DP2 is a high-end point and shoot camera complete with an APS-C sized foveon sensor.
I have to admit, however, I’m growing to love the quirky little “features” of this camera – from its noisy start-up to its minimalist design. That simple design is hard to ignore, and you can’t help but compare it to the simplicity of the iconic Leica cameras. Even the back buttons’ black-on-black design (making it impossible to read the button functions) is divine. (Although I have read many reviews from photographers unable to appreciate the minimalist approach.)
All you have to do is watch this interview with Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki to get a better understanding of Sigma’s approach and direction to minimalist design.
Please take a moment to check out my Gallery of Images taken with the Sigma DP2 here.
The Sigma DP2 and foveon sensor was used to capture this magical forest scene.
Sigma Foveon pros and cons
For those who may not be familiar with these very specialized cameras, let’s explore for a moment what makes them special.
It’s the sensor!
Just like the older, CCD-sensor-based cameras are highly sought after, the Foveon-based Sigma sensor cameras are coveted by those photographers looking for the best possible images out of a pocketable, point-and-shoot camera.
And the Foveon sensor built into these cameras truly delivers.
‘Why, what’s the big deal,?’ you may ask.
A Sigma DP2 with foveon sensor was used to make this image of Cornus Kousa flowers in the woodland garden.
Without getting into all the complexities of how a sensor is made, suffice it to say that the Sigma’s very unique Foveon sensor is actually three sensors sandwiched together to extract the red, blue and green (RBG) colours that combine to give us the full spectrum of colours.
Other cameras use a single sensor to extract the red, green and blue spectrums of light. Sigma uses three sensors in its Foveon-based cameras.
The result is a very complex system that maximizes not only the colour, but the fine detail and micro contrast in the images. Most photographers will agree that the Foveon sensor is the reason the images have the most film-like look right out of the camera.
You may or may not agree, but it’s difficult to argue that these images don’t have a special quality to them that is hard to ignore and even harder to replicate with other, non-foveon sensors.
A simple comparison between the DP1 and DP2 shows similarities in all but the lens size, battery life and ISO capabilities.
Why do so many photographers dislike Sigma cameras?
What are the cons of this love-hate relationship?
I have the Sigma DP2, so this review is based on that camera.
This love/hate relationship starts when you turn it on. The camera makes some weird squeaky grinding noise that can be quite concerning when you first hear it turn it on and the lens pops out. The first time I turned it on, I was sure it was broken. However, that’s just the sound of a DP2 turning on. I can certainly live with that. In fact, the more I hear it, the more I’m even beginning to like that sound.
If that was the only negative, we would have little to complain about. But, of course, it’s only the beginning.
Heavily cropped image
This heavily cropped image shows the capabilities on the RAW images. Despite the extremely heavy crop, the image holds together showing incredible detail and colours.
Let’s start with the focus – it’s not the fastest or the greatest. The writing speed is the slowest I’ve ever experienced in a camera. Even with the fastest SD card you can get, it’s slow.
Speaking of slow, the startup time is also slow.
If that’s not enough, you really need a separate Sigma-based software program – Sigma Photo Pro – to work with the RAW files (although that has changed somewhat with the latest Lightroom release).
The lens is a fixed focal length 42mm lens (35mm equivalent), and there is no built-in shake reduction. Oh, did I mention that you really want to shoot this camera at 100 ISO for best results. Anything over 400 and you probably want to consider converting the image to B&W for best results.
Noise at higher ISOs is a problem.
So, maybe dig out that tripod you have buried in the basement.
The interface is simple enough, but very different than most other cameras I have used. Thankfully, the easily accessible “Quick Menu” makes it quick to change on the fly, once you get used to how it works.
And I would be remiss not to mention the lack of a viewfinder and the rather poor back LCD screen for viewing images.
And, if you are purchasing one of these, consider buying additional batteries. One battery is good for only about 80 images before it needs changing.
There’s probably more I’ve forgotten about, but I think you get the point.
For more on the Sigma DP2, check out my post A misty morning with the Sigma DP2.
This camera is not for everyone.
For those who appreciate slowing down, who don’t need all the bells and whistles, and who enjoy a slow, thoughtful methodical approach to making images, the Sigma series of cameras (and there are a few to choose from) are a perfect choice.
I would not make it my one and only camera, but as a secondary choice for those times when it’s the perfect choice, it’s almost perfect.
“No other camera can match its performance for sunsets and colour reproduction. ”
And, if you own one of these sweet little cameras, you may be sitting on one of the last of the breed of affordable Foveon sensor cameras. Sigma has seemingly announced that any additional Foveon-based cameras could be more of a custom order than a mass-produced piece. They are currently doing research on the Foveon sensor to “modernize” it but that research and development is apparently moving slowly.
All this usually means serious coin for a camera that was never inexpensive to begin with.
Although the camera can be quite pricey because of a combination of high quality images and rarity on the used market, good deals are still available for now if you keep watching on-line market places.
I was fortunate to purchase a Sigma DP2 in mint condition at a very good price. No battery and no charger included, but that was rectified by a quick search on the internet that landed me on Aliexpress where I was able to purchase a couple of batteries and a charger for a very reasonable price.
Minimalism at its finest
The Sigma FP is the company’s most recent example of minimalism at its finest. The FP takes the minimalist features of the the DP1 and DP2 to new heights
For more information on Sigma Cameras including the company’s latest offering the Sigma FP (the ultimate in a minimalist camera) go to Sigma.com
When was the Sigma DP1 and DP2 released?
The original Sigma DP1 was introduced in May of 2008 followed by the DP2 in September 2009.
Although Sigma made very minor changes to the DP2 from the DP1, the main difference centred around the lens’s focal lengths. The original DP1 sported a 16mm, f4 lens (28mm equivalent), while the DP2 had a 41mm f2.8 equivalent lens. The latter offered a little more depth of field control with its more traditional field of view.
As You tuber Mattias Burling points out in his comparison of the two cameras: The “DP2 is not a better performer or an upgrade to the DP1, it’s just a different focal length. DP1 was a 28mm f4 equivalent, and the DP2 is a 41mm f2.8. providing a more shallow depth of field if needed.”
Sigma DP2 was able to capture the fine detail in the flowers of this climbing hydrangea.
The X3f RAW files out of my camera are usually between 17 and 17.7 megabytes but the sensor’s unique construction underestimates the quality that can be pulled out of these APS-C-sized sensors.
I’ve included heavily cropped images in this post and in the accompanying photo gallery to illustrate the incredible capabilities of the foveon sensors.
What users say about the DP2
And don’t just take it from me. On-line opinions from other photographers illustrate the love that is out there for these cameras and sensors.
“I have been using the Sigma DP2 as my everyday camera for the past 2 weeks, and I have mixed feelings about it. The camera is slow and frustrating to use, with a confusing focus and a tendency to crash. However, it takes some of the best pictures I have ever seen, with vibrant colours and a clear, 3 dimensional quality. It’s not great for low light or flash photography, but excels in street photography, making subjects more natural. Overall, it’s a temperamental but impressive camera that I hope will be improved in the future.”
And another user says:
“The files from the camera are “officially the sharpest and most detailed I have ever used with no competition from Bayer systems ccd or cmos, nor Fuji’s X-trans (sensors). No interperlation or anti-aliasing filter. It’s simply bizarre to see the sensor in action… images are simply too sharp. ... It’s simply surreal. … The micro contrast is so high it feels life-like.”
Another said it all:
“No other camera can match its performance for sunsets and colour reproduction. I do recommend it for someone looking for something truly special.”
YouTuber spells out five reason to own the DP2
Well known YouTuber Mattias Burling spelled out his five reasons why you should own the Sigma DP2
pointing out the price of these cameras on the used market (not sure how long they will remain inexpensive), the high quality finish, the controls - “the buttons are nice, nothing special but the “manual focus wheel is simply genius. I could probably go on and on about it and how useful it is for street shooting, so let’s just leave it at being the best thing ever in a camera. It’s also been given a nifty quick menu …. a nice addition and well implemented.”
Mr. Burling wraps it up with the number 1 reason you need to own a DP1 or DP2 or any Sigma foveon camera - the incredible colours. “They are so film like and so organic and just so awesome. It is why putting up with the shortcomings of a Foveon sensor totally worth it.”
In conclusion
I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Burling on his five points. It’s the reason I’ll be shooting this DP2 every chance I get.
More Sigma cameras with Foveon sensors
In this review, I am focussing on the Sigma DP2 and to a lesser extent the DP1 because I own a DP2, but there are several other Sigma cameras with Foveon sensors that are exceptionally good cameras, though priced appropriately.
If you are interested in exploring Sigma cameras and the Foveon cameras still further, be sure to check out the Merrill line of DP cameras here.
In addition, there are the four Sigma Quattro series cameras. Like the DP series, they differ only in the fixed lenses they sport.
DP0 (14mm or 21mm on a 35mm camera)
DP1 19mm (equivalente to 28mm on a 35mm)
DP2 30mm (45mm equivalent on 35mm)
DP3 50mm (75mm equivalent) f2.8
The waist level viewfinder is made for a 28mm focal length lens, but the lines in the finder are for a 40mm lens. Perfect for the Sigma DP1 and DP2 cameras.
Add a waist level viewfinder to your Sigma DP camera
I recently added an ingenious accessory that allows me to either get a very low angle in my images or see the image much better when the sun makes it difficult to see the back LCD screen. It’s also just a fun addition to the Sigma DP line of cameras or any camera with a hot or cold shoe. It is shown here with the Pentax Q camera.
Waist level finder
Another angle of the waist level finder that is almost made for the Sigma DP2’s 42mm lens. Here it is seen with the diminutive Pentax Q camera.
The accessory brings back memories of my beloved Pentax LX with waist level viewfinder, except it can be used on any camera with a hot or cold shoe. No information is transferred from the camera to the finder, so it is only for compositional purposes. I purchased it primarily for my coveted Sigma DP2 with its 42mm fixed focal length, but it allows me to get a good feeling for what’s in the frame of any camera, especially one that lacks a flip-up digital screen.
I purchased this waist level finder from Temu for less than $60 Cdn. That amounts to about $44 American. I also purchased some very nicely made camera straps at the same time.
Similar waist level finders are also available on Amazon.
For more on both the waist level finder and camera straps, click on the above links.
