Sigma DP1 anyone?

Carlos, I can’t answer your specific request but I suggest you look here -

http://www.rytterfalk.com/2008/03/07/dp1-raw-pack-for-download/

and download the Sigma software and the raw samples to see for yourself.

Outputting at “double size” looks pretty good to me although I still want to see how fast (or slowly, from what I hear) the camera focuses and records its raw files.

Hope that helps…

Hey Carlos,
I used a Sigma SD14 for a while last year, the IQ was fantastic in good light but the software (SPP3) was poorly developed. I understand that both the SD14 and DP1 use the same sensor, but with different in-camera processing engines. From the samples posted on rytterfalk.com it looks like the new software (SPP3.1) is processing a lot better. I would suggest testing one out before purchasing if possible, shooting in RAW mode produces the best results from Sigma files.

Browse photo.net: A reliable poster there (Ilkka?) has one, is unhappy with shot-to-shot time in RAW…I canceled my order. I wish Pentax would use my k20D’s 14mp sensor and system (and perhaps my pancake prime lenses) for a Sigma-sized point/shoot with optical viewfinder.

Take a look at the Olympus E-420 as an alternative to the DP1. No 28mm equivalent pancake lens (yet) though.

I’ve heard several complaints about the slow shot-to-shot speed and write time. It’s not suitable for instantaneous street photography. Such a pity.

According to rytterfalk.com the lag time in RAW is SIGNIFICANTLY reduced by using a super fast memory card and turning the onscreen review to off. I downloaded some of the RAW files from the site and the new Sigma software to process with. Why Adobe Raw is not developed for this is a good question. However, the file worked with was quite solid. I like the idea of how this camera proecess and show little noise at high ISO. Street photography? Well, think quick.

DPreview

VEry slow, apparently. AF doesnt function well in low light either. Though I dont see why one couldnt set the camera up the same way one does for street shooting using the principles of zone focusing. Can the AF be overriden? If so, it might work for street photography still. I dont mind slow write times as I generally think very carefully about each shot I take and I dont fire off series of images; however, there are times, certainly, when I need to shoot several images in a row, and that is just not possible with this thing.

Good suggestion wayne, as usual. That Olympus is sweet, I only wish the 25mm pancake lens was a little wider, but I am seriously tempted with this one and would opt for the “normal” perspective (= 50mm on a 35mm film camera) just to get take advantage of the rest of the package. Surely Olympus will eventually create such a lens. Worth the wait I would wager.

Rumour from a well-connected source is that Nikon will be introducing the dream camera for photojournalists shortly…..perhaps it will be a rangefinder that everyone seems to want, including me, of course.

Jon -

There’s a manual focus dial on the back, I’m told. I’ve been using my G9 with zone focusing and it works quite well. I’ve set up one custom fuction for medium range, and another for closer shots. They can be selected with a dial on the top of the camera.

That is what I did with my C7070 before it bit the dust (rain actually). And it worked well. That is why I thought it might be possible to do it with the Sigma — but there are still significant problems with the camera — although as the reviewer suggests, the company has done well to point the way toward a new concept of digital working and while the camera has kinks, this is the first step in the right direction and hopefully the company will continue to work on improving its concept.

hi Carlos, I bought the Dp1 last week but unfortunately, someone nicked out of my bag at the airport in LA saturday, so I only got to try it a few days.. I had the ricoh gx100 before and compared to it, the dp1 is considerably faster. with a decent memory card you’ll have to wait about one sec before being able to shot again, it’s not really an issue compared to the quality you get. Otherwise I’d say it’s pretty fast, good browsing and focusing. Best part about it is probably the manual controls and especially the focusing dial which is nicely located right by the thumb. It’s a good cam and the only thing that annoyed me is that you pretty much had to use the LCD screen to shoot. I had(!) the viewfinder as well, which was nice, but doesn’t give you any info on settings and such. If you’re shooting full auto, I guess you can use it. Best digital compact I’ve ever had, just a bit pissed off that I lost it.

Hi Carlos, i bought the Dp1 two weeks ago and i can say that the camera have some big advantage and some things not so good.
The raw file at 100 iso it’s amazing at 400 iso it’s already very good at 800 iso the file start to have visible noise.
i’ve compared the raw file with a G9 and ricoh gr and the sigma file is much better all the way!
Anyway the lcd is not so good especially in low light the optical viewfinder is a must but it’s very expensive , the camera is not so fast with the autofocus.