More Thoughts on the Sigma DP2 Sigma Releases Firmware Update For DP2: Version 1.02

Sigma DP2 vs. DSLR: Image Quality Comparison

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Posted by Patrick on Jun 21, 2009 in Cameras

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One of the things you’ll hear Sigma tout in promoting the Sigma DP2 is its “DSLR-like” image quality, and indeed this is what has largely driven my interest in the DP2. It’s a relatively simple thing to say the the DP2 easily outdoes anything else in the compact world, but does it actually rival DSLR image quality? Well to answer that question I took the DP2 and the Olympus E-620, setup a tripod, and photographed the same scene with both cameras, both in aperture priority at f/8 and ISO 100. The lens on the DP2 is the 35mm equivalent of 41mm, so I set the Olympus E-620 to 20mm which provides a 35mm equivalent of 40mm.

The result is fairly clear. The Sigma DP2 provides very similar image quality to the Olympus E-620, rivaling it nearly every respect. If your judging on clarity, sharpness, dynamic range, and overall feel, you’d have to say the DP2 delivers on the DSLR-like I.Q. Now, for sure the DP2 doesn’t offer the power or versatility of any DSLR, let alone the very good Olympus E-620, but just to drive this point home—you aren’t going to get this from any other compact size camera.

Well, with one exception. Clearly the E-P1 throws a bit of a wrench in making the case for the DP2. The DP2 is about $150 cheaper than an E-P1 fitted with the 14-42mm, and just a bit smaller and lighter (again with lens attached). But obviously the E-P1 is really providing nearly all the power, versatility, and image quality of a DSLR camera in a compact size. For the mischieveious I’m tempted to point out that the E-P1 uses the same sensor as the E-620, and the same type lens, though of course I have to clarify the E-P1 has an improved image processor in TruePic V, which is claimed to provide better noise reduction and improved moiré removal.

At $650, the DP2 isn’t cheap, but it’s safe to say that it does take pictures just as good (or very nearly so) as an even more expensive DSLR camera. I’ve only had it for a week thus far, and clearly already fond of it. It helped a great deal to know in advance what to expect on the negative side, and I continue to maintain that if you’re willing to except those limitations (or “make those excuses”) you’ll be very pleased with the DP2’s results. It’s easy to see the DP2 getting a place in many a photographers camera bag, but it does have its time and place. With the DP2, using it is kind of along the lines of “I wonder how this will turn out”, in other words I’m curious how the DP2 will interpret the subject, rather than just documenting or capturing the subject. It’s a different experience, but I’m really liking it so far. (I’ll just add that I also really enjoyed the E-620, a surprisingly powerful little DSLR…but more on that in our review this week.)

On the images, as always, click to enlarge, but better to check out the full size, untouched in anyway originals, via the “original size” link.