Sigma's DP1s gets official, hitting shelves in November?
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted Oct 2nd 2009 1:01PM
posted Oct 2nd 2009 1:01PM
Sigma's DP1 had a lot going for it -- despite a somewhat steep asking price, plenty of folks were won over by both its sturdy build and image quality. Now, after the world offered up a somewhat muted response to the DP2, the company's announcing an update of the former device. The DP1s features the same sensor and processor as the DP1 but adds some functionality, including the ability to simultaneously shoot separate RAW and JPEG images, and an option to allocate the QS (Quick Set) function to the digital zoom buttons. Also in this build is a 14 megapixel (2,652 x 1,768 x 3 layers) FOVEON X3 direct image sensor, which the company says will improved performance when shooting backlit subjects, a 16.6mm F4 lens, and more. No price or street date yet, but the rumor mill says to look for it sometime in November. PR after the break.
Sigma announces the launch of a 14 megapixel high definition digital camera, packing the full spec of a DSLR into the body of a compact camera: SIGMA DP1s
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma DP1s compact digital camera featuring a 14 megapixel FOVEON X3® direct image sensor (2,652× 1,768× 3 layers). The new Sigma DP1s is an improved version of the DP1 which was introduced to market in March 2008.
It is now possible to allocate the QS (Quick Set) function, which has been adopted by the DP2 and SD14 DSLR, to the digital zoom buttons of the DP1s. This provides faster and more convenient operation of the camera. The DP1s is enhanced further by improved performance when shooting backlit subjects, aiding the cameras characteristics of superb resolution and richly graduated tones with a natural, three-dimensional feel.
There are many dedicated accessories available for the DP1s such as the VIEW FINDER VF-11, HOOD ADAPTER HA-11 and ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-140 DG.
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma DP1s compact digital camera featuring a 14 megapixel FOVEON X3® direct image sensor (2,652× 1,768× 3 layers). The new Sigma DP1s is an improved version of the DP1 which was introduced to market in March 2008.
It is now possible to allocate the QS (Quick Set) function, which has been adopted by the DP2 and SD14 DSLR, to the digital zoom buttons of the DP1s. This provides faster and more convenient operation of the camera. The DP1s is enhanced further by improved performance when shooting backlit subjects, aiding the cameras characteristics of superb resolution and richly graduated tones with a natural, three-dimensional feel.
There are many dedicated accessories available for the DP1s such as the VIEW FINDER VF-11, HOOD ADAPTER HA-11 and ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-140 DG.
i heard this one's harder to use than tha lx3's
It's not a point&shoot. In fact it's dead easy to use if you know what you're doing. No fuss.
How easy is this camera to use for your average shooter? I've always had point and shoot cameras that did the work for me, but the image samples I've seen from the Sigma DP1 and DP2 are incredible, so it's tempting.
It is easy if you know how photography works. Since the DPx doesn't exactly suffer from featuritis, it is very easy to learn to operate. If you're the "choose A-Mode, press the button" type it will not yield you much fun. You need to think before you shoot. I used to be a "snapper" even with costly equipment, but I now find myself using the DP1 in full manual quite a lot. Its fun. Its also challenging at times, which is part of the fun. You'll also need to learn RAW development in SPP or Lightroom. Using a DPx to shoot JPEG is a complete waste of potential.
If you're interested, just try it and return it if its not for you. Beforehand: Read up on DPreview or so how to work with/around the quirks.
Is the DP1 considered a range-finder camera?
It can't be a range finder camera without a range finder.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24095495@N07/
It looks like someting from 1985?
Thats the point.
Congrats, you got the point.
Why would you want to use this over the more versatile Olympus EP-1 or Panasonic GF-1?
Sure, their sensors may not be as big as that of Sigma but the quality is just as good but with the bonus of lens selection and video recording.
The image sensor is second to none and captures colour without any interpolation which no other sensor in existence can do. The colour accuracy goes down to the individual pixel, making the most "perfect" image possible, without distortion. There are many professional and scientific applications for this.
Comparing this sensor to others is like comparing raw images to compressed jpegs... X3 is a new level of purity.
Do you really think that the quality of 3/4 is just as good as x3?
No, it's not "as good". Not at all. I've yet to see a single shot out of the Oly that looked better than what the DPx can do.
The M4/3 systems do have their advantages (speed, high ISO, exchangeable glass, although glass selection & quality is not exactly interesting if you accept that people do like their autofocus) but then they are are completely different type of camera. The DPx fits into your pocket, literally. My DP1 is always with me. It's DSLR quality at the size of a big P&S. And it has the big Foveon sensor that is just stunning. The camera is slow to focus and to write its shots to card. It could be improved on 20 corners. But if you know what you're doing, it's a miracle box. It is not a P&S. It is not mass market. It is a dedicated tool for people who like photography.
There are a number of trade-offs where these products differ:
- Sigma DP1/DP2 are smaller (more noticeable if you have actually held vs looking at pictures online)
- Sigma DP1/DP2 are less expensive
- Sigma DP1/DP2 have Foveon X3 sensor
It's not so simple to say "image quality is just as good", because there are certainly instances where the Foveon sensor has been shown to outperform a 12MP Bayer sensor and vice-versa. People typically love Foveon for the color resolution and dynamic range. Foveon images make great B&W photos (the "grain" at high ISO can be very film-like).
Certainly the EP-1 or GF1 have a lot of advantages as well; the foremost being interchangeable lenses, high ISO color, MUCH faster auto-focus and camera use, and 720p video.
The point is that there ARE good reasons to choose a Sigma over m43.
"The image sensor is second to none and captures colour without any interpolation which no other sensor in existence can do."
"Comparing this sensor to others is like comparing raw images to compressed jpegs... X3 is a new level of purity.
Hello, Foveon rep, what can I do for you?
Sure, Foveon has its devout followers. To say its sensor as superior to those of Bayer type or that of four thirds is the same as saying that apples are better than oranges.
Every DSLR user dreams of a P&S that can shoot as well as their DSLR. DP1/2 came close but was never well received because they made too many compromises. The m43 cameras (with their pancake lenses) are much closer to what most DSLR users want.
No, m43 is not for everyone and definitely not for you Foveon users. All six of you. :)
@Bad Beaver
" The DPx fits into your pocket, literally. "
So does E-P1 and I am sure the GF-1.
http://43rumors.com/e-p1-lx3-dp1-size-comparison/
"And it has the big Foveon sensor that is just stunning"
You know Foveon sensor is only 15% bigger than that of the Four Thirds sensor right?
"I've yet to see a single shot out of the Oly that looked better than what the DPx can do. "
Well, that's definitive, isn't it? Well, no, because I can say I've yet to see a single shot out of DPx that cannot be done just as well, if not better, by a m43 camera.
"But if you know what you're doing, it's a miracle box. It is not a P&S. It is not mass market. It is a dedicated tool for people who like photography."
Neither is m43 a P&S either. It is not mass market but has a much more potential than Sigma to become mass market because it allows *people who like photography* to have a portable camera that produces quality images that rivals those of dSLR.
I have easily $3,000 in Canon gear and just got a m43.
Ken, actually I thought about not replying anymore as you seem so very convinced about your point that it would be rather pointless to continue, especially if your personal amount of money spent on gear counts as legitimation for your argument.
Regardless, two things:
- the Foveon sensor is only a little bigger than the m4/3 up front, yet has substantially more surface area due to being layered. It is a really interesting approach compared to squeezing 14m receptors into a single layer.
- only a a few lenses will allow for your m4/3 to be put into a pocket, so if you want to swap you'll have to bring a bag. Either that, or your pants are really, really big.
F/4 is just too slow !
I'd rather go for the DP2 or the Ricoh GR Digital (f/1.9 )
It is a niche camera. People who use it and develop the patience and skill required to use it well get really terrific photos out of it. Everyone else should probably look at something else.
iv actually got one -- i love it!!
its totally not a point and shoot, i would never use it to take "snaps" eg pics of friends family etc... its not for that -- its for taking artistic photos and spending an hour getting that perfect photo but not having to carry around a big bulky hefty (and "here i am, im a photographer") camera
its for keen amateurs that want a great photo, nothing else and for that its my favourite camera, more so than my 5d mk 2 -- its just more special!!
I REALLY want a camera with this sensor, but not if it can't do at least DVD-quality video.
"You know Foveon sensor is only 15% bigger than that of the Four Thirds sensor right?"
Wait a second. This is like watching MA fans argue over fights -- you've never actually been in one and you really don't know what you're talking about.
The foveon has large pixels, because it stacks RGB vertically on Z, instead of RGGB on XY. The actual pixel pitch is quite a bit larger than other sensors of similar generations. It's a 4 megapixel camera. And THAT, not the "size of the sensor", is the determinant of how well it can work with a lens, where diffraction begins to crap on your images, how much light is gathered per pixel and therefore how much it takes to reach a non-noisy level... the foveon sensor is not comparable to a Bayer sensor by simply saying "size" and spitting on the ground. The better performing Canons and Nikons all have relatively low pixel pitches; this is where they take advantage of light gathering.
And on the OTHER hand, the foveon's ability discriminate R from G from B is considerably less advanced than a Bayer RGGB array, so the images simply don't come out the same.
If you really want to argue this, the only rational way to do so is take sample images of a kind that represent the work you want to do - low or strong light, deep or narrow DOF, high speed or long exposure, and so on - and then compare the two technologies *In those domains*, and you'll get an answer in the form of "I like these pictures better."
But man, don't go around talking about sensor size. You sound like children arguing about whose daddy can beat up the other person's daddy when both of them are probably out having a beer together anyway.
I won't talk about sensors, as I don't know too much about them yet, but with form factor, it seems that the competition is not with µ4/3 cameras with their interchangeable lenses, but with the new Leica X1, and the interesting Ricoh GX100, GX200, GR Digital III line.
Yup, that's more like Sigma is somewhat in the middle there, being expensive than Leica and more of a serious compact compared to the Ricohs. Ricoh has a very interesting line-up. To me, they are the most interesting cameras out of the "serious P&S" category and I am looking forward to a GX300 announcement.