Sigma DP1 14MP Digital Camera | 
| Brand: Sigma
Category: Photography
List Price: $599.00
Buy New: $499.99
as of 3/11/2010 03:53 EST details
You Save: $99.01 (17%)
New (6) Used (1) from $399.00
Seller: cindystenger
Rating:  48 reviews
Sales Rank: 16984
Media: Electronics
Batteries: 1
Batteries Included: Yes
Monitor Size: 250
Optical Zoom: 1
Digital Zoom: 3
Connectivity: AV
Display Size: 2.5
Maximum Focal Length: 16.6
Minimum Focal Length: 16.6
Maximum Resolution: 14
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 9.9 x 5.4 x 3.5
MPN: DP1
Model: DP1
UPC: 085126924997
EAN: 0085126924997
ASIN: B0013DCOZC
Release Date: March 18, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | 14-megapixel resolution; SLR-sized image sensor | | • | 16.6mm F4 lens designed exclusively for the DP1 | | • | Large, 2.5-inch LCD; 3 metering modes and 5 exposure modes | | • | JPEG recording format for convenience plus a RAW data (X3F) recording mode | | • | Capture images to SD/SDHC cards and MMC (not included) |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The DP1 is a completely new type of camera offering the full specs and high image quality of a DSLR in the body of a compact camera. It is powered by the 14-megapixel Foveon X3 direct-image-sensor, which can reproduce high-definition images rich in gradation and impressive three-dimensional detail.
It is possible to record images in RAW or the widely used JPEG in four resolution modes. It offers five Exposure modes and three Metering modes as well as being equipped with a built-in flash with the Guide Number of 6, hot shoe, neck strap and 2.5-inch TFT color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 pixels.
The DP1 has the high resolution and functionality of an SLR, plus adaptability in terms of accessories, all built into a small body.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 48
 Poor mans Leica M8 May 28, 2008
Kodachrome man (Central Illinois)
38 out of 40 found this review helpful
I am a professional photographer using Nikon's D300 and D3 for portraiture and weddings. These are both super cameras that have been a boon to my business. However, like all modern SLRs they are big, heavy, noisy and the automation works for most everything. I came to photography when cameras were much simpler and actually required a knowledge of how a camera works. I am glad I did, as to use the DP1 to its full advantage you must know what you are doing.
Photography is a passion even in my off time and I wanted something light, small, and quiet for the candids of life that I would always have with me. The poor image quality, control, and responsiveness of compacts was not what I was looking for. I briefly considered the M8 but for a non-money making "fun" camera it was way too much to spend. The DP1 filled the bill for me.
Why? You will read complaints about slowness. If you are a point and shooter, that is correct, and you should avoid this camera.
However, if you are a photographer read on. During my research I read an article written by a Leica user that said he was always ready to shoot by having his camera prefocused and ready to go. That is the best way to use the DP1 also. Use manual focus and the correct aperture for your expected depth of focus needs. Unlike any other compact camera you can both turn off the lcd and the sleep mode and walk around with the camera ready to shot in an instant. Of course with the lcd off you will need the optional viewfinder.
I normally shoot in A mode and the controls allow fast changes to aperture and exposure compensation, something else no other compact camera does.
The image quality at ISO 100 is astounding and loses some quality as it goes up to ISO 800. 800 is somewhat disappointing as color saturation drops off dramatically.
Yes it is slow for point and shooters and has a lousy lcd but if that is sacrifices Sigma had to make for a superior image from a compact camera at this price point its fine with me. I am having a blast with this camera as it opens up a whole new world of image possibilities. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a photography style that suits a M8 but does not want to spend a fortune for the tool to do it with. Its not a M8 of course but a bargain in comparison.
Perfect for Urban and Personal Diary Photography March 30, 2008
Chris Kitze (San Francisco, CA USA)
72 out of 80 found this review helpful
If you are looking for a high end digital camera for street or personal diary work, this might be it. It's more expensive than other high end "point and shoots", but this is much more like a digital Leica M3, than a consumer level p+s. I mainly do fine art photography in urban settings, here's a link to a monograph of my latest work The Electric Image so you have an idea of the kind of shooting I do.
Start with the sensor, the Foveon 14 megapixel gives you color fidelity that other digital cameras can't touch. It's great to have this in such a small package. The camera is extremely compact and while you might think the 16.6mm fixed focus lens (28mm equiv. on 35mm camera) is limiting, it is perfect for urban street shooting. The lens quality is very good and the test shots I've taken so far look very promising.
Things I'd like to see; a larger buffer so you can keep shooting longer, a dedicated button on the rear of the camera for faster ISO changes, higher ISO up to 3200 even with all the noise, faster autofocus (though real street shooters always use manual prefocus anyway), a better grip, zero shutter lag -- an issue all digital cameras have and finally support in Lightroom and Photoshop RAW, which I would expect within the next three months or so.
Overall, a very good camera, fairly priced for what it is.
***Update*** I have now been using the camera for about a month. I still love it -- but it is really designed as a daylight street-shooter. I never take it out at night, the noise is too severe, but during the day, the color it produces is JUST GORGEOUS. Remember the first time you saw Kodachromes?? It's that kind of experience.
What could be better about this camera? First, the buffering needs to be improved. I can get a shot off every 2 seconds or so, which in a fast moving street scene means you get one chance for the shot. I wish the powerup was quicker and the lens was a stop faster. Of course, that would mean a fixed lens (that doesn't retract on poweroff), so the camera wouldn't be quite so portable, but I'd pay that price. Another issue is the Sigma supplied software to process RAW images, which takes a bit of getting used to. It's OK, but extremely slow and I'm looking forward to the day when I can use Lightroom, as I mentioned above.
One thing that is perfect about this camera is that it is SILENT. You can make hip-shots all day long without attracting one iota of attention. Kudos!
Best Image Quality among compacts by a very wide margin April 24, 2008
Britton R. (Rochester, NY)
25 out of 27 found this review helpful
I've had the DP1 for a month now. I have taken around 1,600 shots with it.
The DP1 takes a little getting used to, just like any camera you use from a different manufacturer. This is not a negative. Once you learn the control system, you'll find it quite fast and intuitive.
Changing, ISO, Aperture, Shutter speed, EV, are all very quick and easy.
The LCD isn't as bright or as high res as some other cameras but it is quite usable. I took about 300 shots the other day at Niagara Falls in full sunlight and didn't have any major issues with it. I did have the
LCD set on high brightness.
AF speed: it is a little on the slow side. I believe this is due in part to the DP1's higher focus accuracy. There are several reports of AF accuracy being very good. I would agree.
Manual focus is a dream! If you are in MF, when you press the shutter, the shot is taken instantly. With a little practice, you capture those quick moments using MF.
Image Quality: Stunning; Ground Breaking; especially considering the size of the camera. ISO800 is very usable. On most other compact cameras, anything above ISO200 gets very grainy.
The terrific IQ is due to two key elements:
1.) The superb lens. Sigma has really outdone themselves with the lens. It has terrific sharpness and accuracy. It's quality is on par with professional-quality Digital SLR lenses.
2.) The Foveon Direct Image Sensor. www.foveon.com
On standard (Bayer) sensor cameras, 2/3 of the color data at each pixel site is estimated rather than measured. In the Foveon sensor, each of the pixel sites measures the full true color. There is no guesswork. This results in much sharper images with high dynamic range. Because of the higher quality of the image data, images from the DP1 can be upsized with better quality that standard digital camera output.
The final answer:
The Sigma DP1 is worth every penny.
It's a little quirky in a classic sort of way.
It's not perfect but very likable.
It is capable of truly stunning imagery. Isn't that what photography is all about?
If top image quality is at the top of your requirements then you will be delighted with the Sigma DP1.
Three (3) Things You MUST Ask Yourself Before Buying June 3, 2009
James Nickel (Chicago, IL)
15 out of 15 found this review helpful
First, I love my Sigma DP1 camera. That being said, I also am 100% clear on the reason why other reviewers may hate this camera.
So, to help anyone else out there who is trying to sort through the good and bad reviews, let me present the following three questions you should ask yourself before buying.
1. What am I shooting mostly?
Looking back through my old digital albums, I saw mostly architecture, stills of people, animals, and nature scenes. So, if you are shooting mostly static subjects (i.e., not moving too quickly), you will love this camera.
However, if you are shooting a lot of action (kids playing, sports, weddings, events where fast focus is needed) do NOT buy this camera. You will only be disappointed by the lack of speed that every other reviewer compains about.
Yes, using infinity or pre-set focus can be a work-around in some cases, but compared to other digital compacts, it's still too sluggish in the moment.
2. What do I value more, ease-of-use or image quality?
Before buying, I recommend using sites like Flickr or Smugmug to search image results based on cameras. When looking at others' results with the Sigma DP1, my reaction is the same as when looking at my own shots (WOW!).
When researching other competing cameras in this category (Canons, Leicas, Nikons) I still saw great pictures but with less of a WOW! factor.
The sensor in this camera captures a range of colors, shadows, and highlights like no other. The captured images are very highly nuanced and almost exhibit a film-like result.
Of course, if you care less about capturing beautiful images and you need a "fast-draw" camera, stay away from the DP1.
3. Am I creative?
Yes, I'm quite sure there will be some who read this and say, "I'm creative and I STILL don't like the Sigma DP1!"
I can't overemphasize the use of the term "Picture Maker" (as used by one pro photog reviewer). That is, if you have an eye for angles, composition, use of light, and a steady hand, your options for creating rich, stunning images are unlimited (remember, there's no zoom or image stabilization on this thing!).
However, if you just want a camera where you just point, shoot, and capture subjects on the fly, then this may be the wrong camera for you.
By no means do I mean to denigrate anyone who simply wants a camera that is a "no-brainer." This is a perfectly normal and natural need for a busy person or someone who is using their camera as an image recording device.
Of course, if you are a creative individual (who is not offended by the clunkiness of traditional film cameras) this camera may be a great option for you.
I hope this helps anyone trying to decide which camera to buy. Good luck!
Beautiful wide angle compact digital camera April 5, 2008
Douglas Kelly (Tulsa, OK)
26 out of 29 found this review helpful
I've had this camera only for a few days but I think I am going to love it. I am amazed at how much detail there is in each photograph, in terms of the color and tonal accuracy and the ability to crop in on very small regions of a photo and still get a decent sharp picture. The lens and sensor appear to be of very high quality. I have not found the F4 aperture to be a problem, and find that it produces quite acceptable noise levels at ISO 800. Previously, I was taking photos on a medium format camera, scanning the negatives, then working with Photoshop. This camera rivals what I can obtain from film, but is much more convenient to use. I would recommend it for anyone who likes working with high quality images, usually uses a wide angle lens, and appreciates a compact camera rather than a bulkier digital SLR. I would not recommmend it for the casual snapshotter, as this is not a tiny camera, it does not have a zoom lens, the pop-up flash is apparently limited, and there is a few second processing delay after each photo before you can shoot another picture. For the enthusiast who does landscape, urban setting, street photography, etc, it is awesome.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 48
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