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Sigma DP1 14MP Digital Camera
Sigma DP1 14MP Digital Camera
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List Price: $599.00
Buy New: $384.39
You Save: $214.61 (36%)
Buy New/Used from $384.39

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars(based on 43 reviews)
Sales Rank: 192
Category: Photography

Publisher: Sigma Corporation
Studio: Sigma Corporation
Brand: Sigma
Label: Sigma Corporation
Media: Electronics
Fragile: 0
Batteries Included: 1
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): 0
Dimensions (in): 0 x 0 x 0

MPN: DP1
Model: DP1
UPC: 085126924997
EAN: 0085126924997
ASIN: B0013DCOZC

Release Date: March 18, 2008
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

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)

Accessories:

  • Corel Painter Essentials 4 (Win/Mac)
  • Sigma BP-31 Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery for Sigma DP1 Digital Cameras
  • Corel Photo Album 7 Deluxe
  • Vista Explorer 60" Lightweight Tripod with Tripod Bag
  • Adobe Photoshop CS4

Similar Items:

  • Sigma HA-11 Hood for DP1 Digital Cameras
  • Sigma BP-31 Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery for Sigma DP1 Digital Cameras
  • Sigma External View Finder for DP1 Digital Cameras
  • Sigma EF-140 External Flash for Sigma DP1 Digital Cameras
  • SanDisk SDSDRX3-8192-A21 8GB Extreme III SDHC Card (Black)

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.


Customer Reviews:   Read 38 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars Photographers Only!   June 30, 2009
As you have probably read already this camera is not for everyone. Having the SD14 and having read the reviews I knew what to expect. It is all true. Great picture quality, although I prefer the SD14 look (class of its own), great lens. The lcd is adequate for composition but difficult to judge exposure. Flash is well matched. Bild quality is the biggest issue. It does not feel solid when compared to both the LX3 or G10. The command dial fell off after a few weeks of use. Sigma fixed it under warranty in less than two weeks (unbelievable!). Only buy this if you after the best quality pictures obtainable from a compact digital camera. Although I am big proponent of choosing a camera based on the merits of its picture quality, I find myself constantly reaching for the LX3 since it has a better user experience with similar picture quality if small prints are going to be made.


4 out of 5 stars Lovely IQ   June 17, 2009
  1 out of 1 found this review helpful

The bottom line with this camera is that the IQ is very very good. Its coupled with the convenience of its size.

The negative elements consist of slow write times and inconsistent autofocus in dim/dark conditions.

So if you want a small camera with amazing IQ, you will have to put up with using manual Focus( which is fine) and waiting a bit for the camera to be ready for the next shot.



5 out of 5 stars Three (3) Things You MUST Ask Yourself Before Buying   June 3, 2009
  6 out of 6 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!




4 out of 5 stars not perfect however very close   May 15, 2009
  2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I where looking for a high quality SLR similar compact camera I can carry in my pocket. In general the DP1 is exactly what I was looking for. The results are amazing and since everything can be done manually you can shoot in every situation with extremely good results. However there are some things to put into consideration: First - automatic focus takes forever. The only way to get around is to just simply switch to manual mode, what is ok in almost any situation. Second - I never know where to put the lens cap. So far I do not have a solution found. Third - the DP1 is not a point and shoot camera. You have to put some brain in every photo you take and use the controls wisely. Fourth - the camera is slightly too big and does not really fit in my pocket.
Besides from that - I love the camera. The pictures are extraordinary.



5 out of 5 stars 5 Stars...Met My Expectations   May 11, 2009
  2 out of 2 found this review helpful

It came down to Panasonic and Sigma for me. I suppose I'm an amateur photographer, but one with a large amount of experience using DSLRs. I always get frustrated with compact digital cameras since they usually have little creative/manual controls...then I heard about the DP1 from a friend of my brother's, did some research...

The quality of the DP1 is amazing for how small the camera is. It's the main reason I chose this camera over the Panasonic LX3. Well...and it was about $200 cheaper than the Panasonic at the time I bought it ($450 is a steal for this camera!). The design of the camera really appealed to me as well. The DP1 makes you work a little more for a good photo. That's what I wanted - not a feature-packed camera with an exceptional auto mode. The auto mode on the DP1 is alright, but I almost never use it because you can't manually focus in that mode. As long as you don't expect this camera to perform like a DSLR, you'll be alright. The flash is weak, ISO above 200/400 is usually too grainy (mostly in low-light), and card write times are relatively slow. The videos from the DP1 have a great look to them, but the resolution is too small for any use other than making video for Internet upload. But hey, it's a digital camera, so the quality of the video mode doesn't really matter to me.

If you want a more consumer-friendly camera, buy the Nikon P6000 or Canon G10. If you want HD video and to pay more, get the Panasonic LX3. Or, if you want the BEST quality photos and to learn a little bit about photography, get the DP1 like I did.

A few random tips:

-I got the Mountainsmith Cyber II M case at REI, it fits the DP1 perfectly with a spare battery and memory card, and is a rugged case for all of my outdoor adventures
-Check out Lensmate for customizing the DP1, I got the grip from their website and I love it
-Figure out if you want to shoot RAW or JPEG, a 4 GB card holds about 1,100-1,200 high quality JPEGS, while only holding 250 RAW files (I'm getting into RAW and wish I had bought a larger card initially, oh well!)
-The software that comes with the DP1 is definitely average, so look around if you want better options for converting and editing RAW images. I suggest Adobe Lightroom


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