Author Topic: Sigma DP1 - a good pocket camera? (Read 3318 times)

GeoPappas · « **on:** March 08, 2007, 13:02 »

Sigma has announced a new point-and-shoot (P&S) camera that incorporates a much-larger DSLR sensor: the Sigma DP1. The size of the image sensor used in the DP1 is approximately 8-12x larger than those used in an ordinary P&S cameras.

You can read about it here:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0703/07030807sigmadp1.asp

I wonder if this is a glimpse of things to come in the future. I think that it would be pretty cool to have a Canon/Nikon P&S w/ a large DSLR sensor.

What do you think?

Also, how many megapixels would this be considered by a stock agency? 14 MP (2652 x 1768 x 3 layers)? Or just 4.6 MP (2652 x 1768)?

red_moon_rise · « **Reply #1 on:** March 08, 2007, 14:17 »

The question is, will they (stock agents) be able to detect if you uprez to 14MPixel without looking into the EXIF?

CJPhoto · « **Reply #2 on:** March 09, 2007, 04:10 »

The sony R1 also uses a APS sized sensor doesn't it?

Daneel · « **Reply #3 on:** March 09, 2007, 04:50 »

Hi all,

I'm not too sure what I should think of this. Once you got a large sensor, you'll also need a large lens to take advantage of it and then your P&S will be as large as a DSLR - just with limited functionality.

Sigma gets around the size / weight issue by "only" providing a 16.6 mm prime lens (no zoom) which they can produce to be small and light.

I guess somewhere there is a market for a P&S with DSLR sensor and a fixed 16.6 mm prime lens, however I do feel that I'm not part of that market's target audience ;-).

All the best,
Michael

CJPhoto · « **Reply #4 on:** March 09, 2007, 05:10 »

I agree Daneel. People are so use to zoom lens these days that I dont thing they are willing to go back to the good old days of having a fixed lenght lens.

epixx · « **Reply #5 on:** March 09, 2007, 18:58 »

Quote from: CJPhoto on March 09, 2007, 04:10

The sony R1 also uses a APS sized sensor doesn't it?

Yes, but it's bigger and more expensive than most amateur DSLR's. It kind of has the disadvantages of both worlds, not being able to change lenses and not having a proper viewfinder.

epixx · « **Reply #6 on:** March 09, 2007, 18:59 »

The new Sigma seems to be a great little camera. I would love to have one. Wonder what the price will be, and how I can find an excuse to buy one

CJPhoto · « **Reply #7 on:** March 10, 2007, 03:07 »

Quote from: epixx on March 09, 2007, 18:58

Quote from: CJPhoto on March 09, 2007, 04:10
The sony R1 also uses a APS sized sensor doesn't it?

Yes, but it's bigger and more expensive than most amateur DSLR's. It kind of has the disadvantages of both worlds, not being able to change lenses and not having a proper viewfinder.

The R1 biggest problem is that its zoom is not big enough to compete with the superzooms. It is in a category by itself and as you say, doesn't quite fit in.

leaf · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2008, 07:16 »

well you would think i worked for sigma - but this camera caught my eye. Looks like it is competition for the Canon Powershot GX series

Dpreivew link

GeoPappas · « **Reply #9 on:** February 01, 2008, 07:40 »

There has been a lot of hoopla about this camera for the past few years. They originally announced it 2006, and then again in 2007, but it never came out from production.

I love the Foveon sensor that it uses. I think that it is the ultimate portrait sensor. I wish that Canon and Nikon would use this type of sensor on some of their cameras. The output is simply outstanding.

The big question is how much will the camera sell for? I think that it will be on the order of $1000 or more.

On the down side, this is definitely NOT a camera for stock photography. Although they advertise the camera as 14 MP, it is only 2652 x 1768 or 4.7 MP. The 14 MP comes from the fact that the sensor has 3 separate layers (Red, Green, and Blue) to capture light.

leaf · « **Reply #10 on:** February 15, 2008, 11:31 »

looks like the price is now out

Quote

Sigma UK has announced the price of its DP1 large sensor compact. The basic camera will initially sell for £549 or £599 with the optional viewfinder. This puts it squarely in entry-level DSLR territory - distinctly affordable for photographers committed to achieving large-sensor image quality. Sigma US has set an MSRP of $999.

Dpreview news on DP1

basti · « **Reply #11 on:** February 26, 2008, 12:12 »

The fact is that its "only" 4,7MP but really effective. All other sensors do have bayer mask so they in fact interpolate 75% of red and blue and 50% of green. So they say we have 10 "effective" MP but they have much less! Thats why Sigma DP1 has 14MP after same (!) interpolation as all other cameras use (better say have built-in). Unfortunately most stock agencies have no clue about technology and for most of them Canon and Nikon are the only camera producers...

DP1 is excellent model for advanced and pro photographers with superb picture quality. I saw unresized pics and its noise, colors and sharpness are unbelievable, definitely much better then many low end DSLRs. I can imagine using this as pocket camera for landscapes or cityscapes. Its miles ahead from all other PS cameras, you cant compare that with ultrazoom cameras. Its like comparing offroad with F1 cars - they have completely different use and audience.