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Review of the Sigma DP1: Brilliant Sensor in Dated Camera Body

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Posted by Patrick on Aug 22, 2008 in Cameras, Reviews

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{ Sigma DP1 }

Remember hearing about the Sigma DP1 way back in 2006? Early information on the DP1 suggested digital SLR performance in a compact sized camera, and for the most part serious photographers waited with anticipation at the prospects of greatness from this (at the time) innovative concept camera.

Then came the release. And the reviews were decidedly mixed. To say the least. Regular readers will remember the NYT’s David Pogue writing in his review:

But did it have to be such a lame camera? No zoom, no stabilizer, no focus lamp, no optical viewfinder, no live histogram; weak flash, washed-out screen, quarter-size movies, infinite shutter lag, loose lens cap. Hello, Sigma? 1998 called. It wants its camera back.

-David Pogue

Ouch.

But to be fair to the DP1, this camera is oriented towards the more serious type photographer, one who typically shoots with a prosumer type digital SLR, who is looking for a compact with great image quality. While it is unfortunate that Sigma unwisely decided to handicap the DP1 by not providing the basic functionality provided in the typical compact, and yes we’re anxious to see what the DP2 brings, the DP1 still has an exceptional foveon sensor buried inside that everyone agrees can take amazing pictures, and it is in this light that Laurence Chen writes his review of the DP1 at Photography Review.

For Chen the limitations of the camera create challenges that fueled his creativity:

Using the DP1 felt reminiscent of the early days when I first discovered wide-angle lenses and shot everything with a 24mm prime lens. Yes, there are issues when trying to grab a fast snapshot — you must anticipate and have your focus zone prepared. And yes, you find that you can’t shoot everything with wide-angle glass — body shapes and architecture can be distorted. But on the whole, I found myself adapting to the limitations of the 28mm field-of-view and expanding the way I think about framing and composition.

-Laurence Chen

Combine that with the foveon image quality…

The DP1’s image quality is first rate – although only 4.6 megapixels of first-rate quality. Nonetheless, it’s the best available image quality in a compact digital camera for now, and has a distinctive look. The subjective value of the DP1’s distinctive image character should not be underestimated. Some have likened the DP1’s look to film; others observe its smooth tonal gradations or the way it depicts light. I feel the colors are natural and well-balanced, and when saturated they retain a rich, natural smoothness that doesn’t seem overdone.

-Laurence Chen

…and Chen comes away with quite a bit of respect for the DP1. A good reminder that the right camera always requires the right owner.

You can get Chen’s review and nice image samples here…

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