Sigma DP2s Early Impressions and Image Samples

Sigma DP2s Early Impressions and Image Samples

So we’ve been playing with the Sigma DP2s for several weeks now, and as we expected not much has changed from the DP2. The DP2s essentially gets some red paint on the camera’s rear to enhance the visibility of certain camera functions, and it features a new AF algorithm to improve performance in that department. Additionally the DP2s gets a modest bump in battery life via Power Save Mode, and finally the DP2s ships with Sigma Photo Pro 4, which most notably adds noise reduction to the arsenal.

To be clear the DP2s is not intended to be anything but a mild refresh, and indeed the benefits gained over a DP2 are quite minimal. If you’ve got a DP2, and you download the latest firmware ( version 1.05 ) your DP2 is just as fast as the DP2s. We tested the two side by side in a range of both contrast and lighting scenarios, the two confirm focus equally as fast. Further, Sigma offers Photo Pro 4.0 as a free download for DP2 owners, so as near as I can tell the only thing you’d be missing is the red paint on the back of the DP2s.

Of course this may all sound a bit anti-climatic, but Sigma’s style as of late hasn’t been one of leaps and bounds. If you have a DP2, there’s no need whatsoever to purchase a DP2s. If you don’t, you could opt for finding a DP2 and making the necessary upgrades or simply get the DP2s.

Like the DP2, the DP2s is centered around the Foveon X3 sensor, and as with every other Sigma camera, the camera body itself is simply a means to exploiting what that sensor can do. Well there’s that, and the super fine lens glued to the black box, the now familiar 24mm f/2.8 that works wonders on bringing home super fine detail and pretty good bokeh characteristics. Still, the point is that the DPx format is just a no frills platform that gives you a sharp lens and an amazing sensor and that’s about it. As we’ve explained before, this type of camera will not appeal to large portions of the photographic community, but it will be tremendously appealing to photographers sick of heading down the beaten path. The DP2s continues the Foveon trend of 3-D like image quality and all sorts of unique photographic qualities, that just won’t be found in any other camera available. If you need to be able to register your pets name, or require an “Automatic” mode, this is not the camera for you, but if you’re a fan of image quality and can work with programmed shooting modes, you’ll have fun with the DP2s.

No the DP2s isn’s any sort of huge leap forward, but it is faster than it’s “stock” predecessor, takes pictures longer, and Photo Pro remains the best way to wring out every bit of detail from the DPx cameras, now with noise reduction, it makes one willing to work at ISO settings that previously would have made me uncomfortable. Not groundbreaking, but the DP2s still takes the best pictures of any compact, regardless of sensor size ( with an exception made for Leica ).

Sigma DP2 Digital Camera at B&H Photo Get the Sigma DP2 Digital Camera and support this site at the same time, by making your purchase through the link above at B&H Photo Video.

Sigma DP2s Digital Camera at B&H Photo Get the Sigma DP2s Digital Camera and support this site at the same time, by making your purchase through the link above at B&H Photo Video.

Image Samples

Below we’ve provided a number of image samples taken with the Sigma DP2s. One thing I’d like you to notice is the beautiful edge detail, it’s a major contributor to the DP2s’ 3-D look, I love the text on the green balloons, you just won’t get that “look” with most cameras. Nearly all the photos have been given a rinse in Photo Pro 4.0, it makes quick work of really making the DP2s files “sing”. Click the thumbnails for a larger view, but really you should check out the original size files for the full effect. The files are smaller than most cameras, but really jammed pack with quality pixels. Feel free to download for your own personal use only.

Camera: SIGMA DP2S Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100) Aperture: f/2.8 Focal Length: 24.2 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size	amera: SIGMA DP2S Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80) Aperture: f/5.0 Focal Length: 24.2 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: +1 EV original size
Camera: SIGMA DP2S Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500) Aperture: f/5.0 Focal Length: 24.2 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: +1 EV original size	Camera: SIGMA DP2S Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/400) Aperture: f/5.0 Focal Length: 24.2 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: +1 EV original size
Camera: SIGMA DP2S Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/320) Aperture: f/5.0 Focal Length: 24.2 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: +0.3 EV original size	Camera: SIGMA DP2S Exposure: 0.04 sec (1/25) Aperture: f/5.0 Focal Length: 24.2 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: +0.3 EV original size
Camera: SIGMA DP2S Exposure: 2.5 Aperture: f/14.0 Focal Length: 24.2 mm ISO Speed: 50 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size	Camera: SIGMA DP2S Exposure: 0.025 sec (1/40) Aperture: f/5.0 Focal Length: 24.2 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: +0.3 EV original size
Camera: SIGMA DP2S Exposure: 15 Aperture: f/5.0 Focal Length: 24.2 mm ISO Speed: 50 Exposure Bias: +1 EV original size

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1. 

   Mike says:

   June 3, 2010 at 6:43 am

   How about some AF speed numbers compared to the previous firmware DP2? Thanks

   reply
   • 

     Patrick says:

     June 7, 2010 at 12:03 am

     Mike,
     What we said here:
     http://www.neutralday.com/sigma-dp2-another-look-with-firmware-version-1-04/
     largely applies to the DP2s. Before, the DP2 usually took over a second, about a second and a half. Now it’s usually a second or less, but in lower light/low contrast it’s right back to a second and a half (or just fails to focus).

     reply
2. 

   Marcus says:

   June 6, 2010 at 5:58 am

   Great images!

   I am a professional photographer looking for a compact for a trip to India. I shoot Nikon D3 normally but having totted up the weight of my usual kit (about 6kg!) I think I want a lighter alternative for some days of the trip that still produces saleable/printable images.

   I want something with some sort of VF (pref optical) that will shoot people and ‘life’ in India. I love the feel of the DP2s images but question whether it would focus fast enough? In NZ there are none in the shops so I will be buying blind and would value the thoughts of someone who has used one.

   I like the X1 but it is soooo expensive.

   reply
   • 

     Patrick says:

     June 6, 2010 at 11:56 pm

     Marcus,
     The DP2s or DP2 will definitely provide some superb images, but AF is a real issue, especially with people. In good light its about .75 seconds to beep confirmation (average). The X1 is a wee bit faster, but the IQ doesn’t have the same unique feel (but very good, larger files, superior ISO). Perhaps the Panasonic GF1 and the 20mm f/1.7? Super fast and reliable AF, but IQ is “just” pretty good. (but also shoots video).

     I would not carry the DP2 for job like work, work that is dependent on the camera so to speak, but the DP2 is nice to have in a vest pocket for “just the right subject”, and is definitely one of our personal favorites!

     That said, if I was going to India, I’d have a DP2 with me, no question.

     reply
     • 

       Marcus says:

       June 7, 2010 at 12:30 am

       Hi Patrick

       Thanks; as I thought.

       There really is a gap for a camera that shoots good images, has no gimmicks (like video!) and has a good VF.

       Indeed, it is mainly the lack of a decent VF that puts me off the otherwise much lauded GF1. That and the fact that somehow, I cannot quite believe in a camera made by a TV manufacturer…!

       Maybe a Ricoh GR Digital III or Ricoh GXR? Or will I end up with a G11?!

       Frankly, I never shoot anything but RAW anyway and would be delighted to see JPEG and so on deleted from the feature set altogether – let’s have a RAW only camera with a large sensor, a good lens, good autofocus and mimimal lag please!

       reply
       • 

         Patrick says:

         June 10, 2010 at 8:51 pm

         Marcus,
         We’ve also enjoyed the Samsung NX10, it has the viewfinder, raw, pretty fast AF, with the pancake it’s pretty fun. The G11 is fine too, but IQ not in the same league as the GF1, DP2, etc… and the viewfinder is TINY. Nothing’s perfect in this group—just have to pick what’s the most important need, and take it from there. For me — it’s IQ, then more IQ. I would try taking 50 shots with the DP2 to get the right one if I had to because I like the results, but most don’t have the time or the patience, and of course I totally get that.

         reply