Sigma DP2 Review
Following in the footsteps of the DP1, the Sigma DP2 compact retains title of most charismatic of the window. Beyond the already known data (APS-C sensor, Foveon X3 technology and a design that does not leave indifferent), the DP2 promise of agility and shooting menus more manageable. Although the auto focus and JPEG still not direct to the height of a chamber 700, the unique quality and results-with patience-can provide is now a unique piece for a very special.
Although the expectation that has attracted less than the fees generated by its predecessor, do not forget that this new version, announced last fall, is no substitute for the DP1, but extends this saga. Thus, Sigma replace the compact window with a rare bird and with a fixed optical sensor Foveon X3 APS-C size.
Without major structural changes beyond the lens of 41 millimeters, the experience with the previous model and the first gallery exhibition with this compact and gives an idea of what it can offer its potential users.
The Same Design, Different Optical
Although outside the DP2 Calca ways from its predecessor a different camera, which makes clear his condition at first sight is an idea we like, the fact is that the key lies in its new approach.
Versus angle of his companion, now the Japanese firm has opted for a target of 24 mm and an aperture of f2.8 that the multiplication factor applied to the sensor, provides a focal length equivalent to 41 mm step universal.
The use of a focal angle seems to have less not only possible to conceive a more luminous, but also to improve some aspects.
Although the chromatic aberrations in areas of great contrast and a slight loss of light in the corners (and almost imperceptible to f4) are still on file, the DP2 can boast an excellent definition of both the center and at the edges of the image .
Unfortunately, the auto focus still leaves a bitter taste to put the camera up and face our first shot. The mechanism is noisy and too slow, especially if we remember that we are in the hands of a compact almost 700 euros.
Although a recent firmware update (version 1.01) seems to have improved very slightly the reaction time, the truth is that many times just by leaving the 9-point autofocus system and hitting the wheel that controls the manual focus .
Pity that this mechanism also not too noisy with the help of a system of confirmation of focus and only the calculation of the distance or sharpen the view on the screen allows us to know whether the focus adjustment is correct.
Changes in Management
Since the improved ergonomics of the camera, a grip, albeit minimal, well-come has not changed about the DP1, do not stop to review these parameters.
With an overall aesthetic that is very suitable for such a camera, the menus now appear with a new structure that simplifies the management of the camera.
Although at first are somewhat desperate, the truth is that the proposed formula, the “QS” gives quick access to two menus that are handled with the four rear-pushers is quite effective after a rapid and agile learning.
Not that it’s not going over the handling, but the new proposal is a step ahead of what was seen at the DP1. Also interesting is the ability to customize the controls, something that was triggered in the previous model with successive firmware updates, although the initial configuration in which two buttons allow rear handle aperture and speed settings are quite adequate.
What is not acceptable is that a camera in this category include a screen like that of the DP2. Although we can survive with “only” 2.5 inches, the monitor refresh and it shows off colors are misplaced.
There is always the possibility, of course, ignore the display and use the optional external viewfinder VF-21. Its utility is questionable, but aesthetically we must recognize that it sits very well with the camera.
JPEG and RAW
Aside from management, one of the first things we see is that, indeed, the DP2 is more agile when it comes to shooting, especially if you work in RAW format. You can make 3 or 4 consecutive shots, but then it will be necessary to wait almost 10 seconds to get back to actuate the shutter.
If we take a single JPEG or RAW, the recovery of the camera is a lot faster, although it will take just over 3 seconds between takes and takes. Definitely the photos of action are not the appropriate area for these cameras.
Before applying a pull of a Sigma ears for not offering the option of working simultaneously in RAW and JPEG, it is worth taking a look at the files directly into the camera offers JPEG to see that in reality do not miss less.
Indeed, as was the case with the DP1, made no sense with this camera if you are not willing to work to post the RAW files generated to remove the potential of the Foveon X3 technology.
Sensitivity and Dynamic Range
If we accept these conditions and we forget the JPEG, the DP2 offers as was the case with the previous model, unparalleled performance among compact cameras in terms of sensitivity and dynamic range.
As can be seen in the samples (all of which are processed from the original RAW file using Sigma Photo Pro 3.5 and exported with the “double size” to achieve the promised resolution), ISO 800 performance is very good as control of noise and detail of the photo, but also appreciate a great difference from that seen in the DP1.
In fact, only the chroma noise is very annoying to 3200 ISO, with the loss of color saturation of the main problem of such extreme sensitivity. So if our intention is to work in black and white, is not crazy to think in a range of sensitivity settings completely usable.
Respect to dynamic range, the X3 Fill Light feature allows you to retrieve information of light and shade with a performance which, if not walk with care, it is excessive and even guides us through the field of HDR and its peculiar beauty. Handled correctly, yes, the DP2 is capable of providing excellent results in this field.
The detail and sharpness of images is one of the strengths of the new combination of optics, the Foveon X3 sensor and RAW files produced. So much so that, again, must be tempered by using this setting for the sharpness of the image shown to not cause a halo effect and sobreprocesamiento focus end JPEG images.
In any case, as we already said in speaking of the DP1. The program supplied with the camera is very easy to use and allows not only to extract the full potential of the DP2, but offer very attractive without requiring great knowledge on digital image processing.
The other side of this coin is that, curiously, the computer is an essential piece to work with a camera that, at first glance and may even work as a philosophy, it seeks to move away from the conventional digital.
Competition Coming
Despite the rarity and mystique surrounding the DP2, the truth is that the script followed by Sigma few hidden surprises that offers the same DP1, with a new lens of 41 millimeters, slightly more flexibility in managing and new menus to control drinking.
From this plot, the strengths and weaknesses not deviate from the forecasts: the lens is excellent, noise and dynamic range have no competition in this segment, and overall quality is very good. Always working in RAW of course.
After the praise begin the usual drawbacks. Ergonomics, the painful approach, an unruly white balance, agility, general or limited autonomy (away from the 200 shots per charge) requiring the photographer to pay a high price for enjoying the view suggested by this peculiar Sigma.
We like his aesthetic and personal results as it offers, but we do not know if that far. Especially when models like the Lumix DMC-LX3 Panasonic-located in another price range and quality, true-especially cameras Micro FourThirds now threaten the exclusive realm of the Sigma DP.
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