Sigma DP2 Review at The Online Photographer

Mike Johnston of The Online Photographer has posted a review of the Sigma DP2, and while partial to the image quality that the DP2 provides, performance issues, in particular AF speeds lead him to not recommend the DP2:

For me, the camera’s egregious lack of responsiveness makes it a non-starter. Workarounds are all well and good, but I would just prefer to have a camera that works better.

-The Online Photographer

Naturally this leads to a whole slew of derision in their comments by folk mostly unfamiliar with the DP2, which is something I notice quite a bit with this particular camera. I’ve tried to say this before, but this is a camera with compromises that most casual photographers won’t be comfortable with. If you’re looking for something to replace your G10, or LX3, or any sort of point and shoot camera, this isn’t the camera. It isn’t fast, the AF is slower than what you’ll be used to, you’ll be unhappy. If your subject matters are dynamic, or wildlife, or pets, or sports, etc., don’t get the DP2.

In other words, a lot of DP2 unhappiness could be saved by accepting what the DP2 is for, and what the DP2 offers. I’d recommend, for example, at trip to Sigma’s website for the DP2, which can be found here. A quick view of the work found there will pretty much demonstrate what the DP2 is skilled at, and if you like these kind of photos, like I do, the DP2 is very adept at taking them. You’ll note there’s some landscape work, still life, posed models, and the like. If you work like this, you will love the DP2.

The fact that the DP2 doesn’t do everything inevitably leads to remarks bemoaning the need for additional cameras to assure you get the “rest” of the shots. I don’t get this, mostly because who cares? You don’t get the DP2 to do everything, that’s what $150 point and shoots or iPhones are for. In my personal work, I don’t do everything, I’m trying to find “special” things to shoot, and lucky for me most of those things aren’t all that dynamic. When used that way the DP2 shines exceptionally bright, so much so that you start to seek out the subjects that the DP2 excels at, you adjust to it, and lo and behold, you take pictures with a quality way beyond any compact and often pleasing me more than my Canon EOS 5D Mark II, which I love.

For further fairness, the recent firmware upgrade for the DP2 improves the AF performance notably, including in lower light situations. You still will wait about a half second or so for the AF to focus, but it’s consistently the same delay. In low light (not all that low) it will struggle to find focus, but since usable ISO on the DP2 is not beyond ISO 800, lack of focusing here is probably an indicator you shouldn’t be shooting in that environment. In well lit situations the AF is very reliable, again with that same delay. You can be fairly assured that whatever may have been focused on will present some serious detail when reviewed later.

Finally, I do carry multiple cameras. I have an EOS 5D Mark II, that handles everything, and hanging around my neck is the DP2. I use it when I find, or see something special, or simply curious as to how the Foveon will render any given subject. If I had a G10 (I’ve used a G9) I’d still be carrying around the DP2, just leaving the 5D Mark II behind. I know it’s expensive. It is. But the DP2 really handles things in such a special way, that I feel compelled to let other photographers know what it can do. I’m doing alright with it, but boy I wonder what other’s much better than me could do with it.

All that said, I understand the complaints and negative reviews toward the Sigma DP2. It has to be reviewed as a camera, and its compact size inevitably leads to comparisons to point and shoot style cameras. But the Sigma DP2 isn’t a point and shoot camera and won’t replace one. It also doesn’t take the place of your DSLR camera, so yep, you’ll keep that too. However just like certain cameras (mostly film) earn a special place in your heart for the image they take, in spite of being less than stellar performers relative to say a G10, the DP2 may earn a spot itself, if not in your heart, perhaps in your camera bag. And you’ll love the results.

Continue the Discussion

Join us on Facebook! Become a fan of Neutralday today! Become a fan of Neutralday on Facebook. Interact with us and stay updated on what's coming next at Neutralday, photography news, and other fans' insights. Follow us on Twitter! Grab our tweets right here. Follow Neutralday on Twitter. Insights on the cameras we're reviewing, and frequent photography related news, thoughts, and links. Support Neutralday by shopping at our preferred retailer, B&H Photo

Explore Similar Posts

• Now Posted: Our In Depth Review of the Sigma DP2s
• Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX APO DG HSM Macro Review
• Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Now Available
• Sigma DP2s Early Impressions and Image Samples
• Sigma Updates Photo Pro Software

1. 

   Eolake Stobblehouse says:

   July 20, 2009 at 9:18 pm

   I could just about excuse such weaknesses in a first-generation camera. But the second time around, it’s really lame.
   Especially when Panasonic then comes out with the G1 which has contrast autofocus that just zips.

   reply
   • 

     Patrick says:

     July 20, 2009 at 9:32 pm

     I can’t imagine using them the same way…The DP2 isn’t about “zipping”, which as you mention is something handled better by other cameras. Sometimes it seems like I’m on an island with this camera, but I’m mesmerized by the images. Seriously, my favorite shots EVER are off this camera, and their faves because of the “quality”–which resonates for me, but clearly not for others. For me, it’s effortless to get past lack of zippiness, just as I can get past the lack of 51 AF points on the 5D Mark II, and besides it’s very skilled at getting the type of shots that it makes look good.

     reply