Sigma DP1 Review
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The Sigma DP-1 Digital Camera is a high-end compact digital camera equipped with a 14 megapixel Foveon X3 direct image sensor. Featuring Sigma’s unique ‘True’ image processing engine and a 16.6 mm F4 lens (28mm equivalent), this compact camera provides the same superb image quality as found in the Sigma SD14 professional SLR. With the DP-1, it is possible to record images in RAW or the widely used JPEG in four resolution modes. Furthermore, it offers five Exposure modes and three Metering modes as well as being equipped with a built-in flash , hot shoe, and 2.5 inch TFT color LCD monitor.
Key Features
- Foveon X3 Image Sensor
The 14 megapixel FOVEON X3 direct image sensor (2652 x 1768 x 3 layers), is the same as used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR. The image sensor uses three silicon embedded layers of photo sensors, stacked to take advantage of silicon’s ability to absorb red, green and blue light at different respective depths.
- Wide Angle Lens
A 16.6mm F4 Sigma lens, with a wide angle field of view equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm film camera, has been developed to maximize the image quality in conjunction with the full color capture image sensor. There is also an optional lens hood available that includes a hood adapter designed to accept a 46mm lens filters.
- Sigma ‘True’ Image Processor
Sigma’s unique and powerful ‘True’ image processor is incorporated into the DP-1, enabling it to handle the large image files produced by the 14 megapixel sensor and reproduce exceptional definition with image quality equal to professional digital SLR cameras and on a par with top quality film.
- Versatile Focus System
The AF area of the DP1 is equipped with 9 focusing points, and it is possible to manually select the desired focusing point of the 9 available. The camera also provides Manual Focus for photographers who like to take more control or for use when autofocus or focus lock is not effective.
- Accurate Color
The DP1 takes advantage of the image sensor’s superior technology to capture accurate, full color image information.
- Advanced Metering
The DP-1 has three metering modes, Evaluative Metering, Center Weighted Average Metering and Spot Metering. It is also possible to select the exposure mode from Auto, Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE or Manual. Exposure compensation can be set in 1/3 stop increments from +3.0 to -3.0 stops and an auto bracketing function is also available.
- Built-in Flash and Hot Shoe
The built-in pop-up flash has a guide number of 6 (ISO100/m), and the flash has settings for Normal Flash, Red-Eye Reduction Flash and Slow Synchro Mode; plus it features flash exposure compensation in 1/3 stops increments. The DP-1 camera is also equipped with a hot shoe, allowing use of the dedicated external flashgun (EF-140 DG) providing TTL flash exposure, or a high performance view finder (VF-11). Other flash units (e.g. EF-500 DG and EF-530 DG flashgun series) can be used in manual mode only.
- Movie Recording
The camera can record movies with QVGA resolution (320 x 240) at a fame rate of 30 fps, plus the digital zoom function can be used during movie shooting.
- 2.5 inch LCD Display
The Sigma DP-1 is equipped with a large 2.5″ FT color LCD monitor with 100% image preview, making confirmation of composition, focusing and exposure quick and easy.
- Records JPEG & RAW Files
This compact camera includes JPEG recording format for speed and convenience and a RAW data (X3F) recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality.
- Includes Sigma Photo Pro Software
The DP-1 comes complete with SIGMA Photo Pro software, a RAW image developer that converts all RAW data quickly and easily. Adjustments can be made in three separate modes. The X3F Mode 3 stores the original settings of the image at the point of capture. In the Auto Adjustment Mode, the software analyzes and automatically makes adjustments to the RAW data. The Custom Mode allows the photographer to make individual adjustments (exposure, contrast, shadow, highlight, saturation, sharpness and fill-light for example). The photographer can make changes easily and quickly by simply adjusting the slider controls within the software. The X3F Mode stores the original settings of the image at point of capture. Photographers` personal modifications can be saved to the RAW, X3F file for future use. SIGMA Photo Pro supports 8-bit TIFF, 16-bit TIFF, and JPEG file formats. The JPEG can be saved as YCbCr 4:4:4. It is also possible to half, or double the resolution when processing the image.
Review By dpreview
The Sigma DP1 is without doubt one of the most eagerly anticipated cameras of late, certainly in the compact camera sector. Sigma first presented a concept prototype of the DP1 at Photokina 2006 but the first production models only hit the shelves in March this year. Interest in the camera was so big that Sigma even took the very unusual step of explaining the delay in an official statement (unforeseen image quality problems which resulted in a requirement to change the specification of the camera’s imaging pipeline).
Review By photoreview
Not surprisingly, the lens on the DP-1 is substantially larger than the lenses on most digicams. The 16.6mm prime lens has a focal length is equivalent to 28mm in 35mm format. It extends almost two centimetres from the camera body when power is off and more than doubles its length when the camera is turned on. Its aperture range of f/4-f/11 is not particularly fast but appears to be a good match for the DP-1’s sensor.
Review By letsgodigital
The Sigma DP1 takes advantage of the image sensor’s superior technology to capture accurate, full color image information. Sigma’s unique and powerful “True” image processor is incorporated into the Sigma DP1, enabling it to handle the large image files produced by the 14 Megapixel sensor and reproduce exceptional definition with image quality on a par with film. The Sigma DP1 is equipped with a large 2.5-inch TFT LCD monitor with 100% image preview, making confirmation of composition, focusing and exposure quick and easy. This point and shoot compact camera includes JPEG recording format for speed and convenience plus a RAW data (X3F) recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality.
Review By cameraspace
The Sigma DP1 Digital Camera comes standard with several accessories that are not required for everyday use - but are definitely necessities none-the-less. The Sigma DP1 Manual with specific instructions for caring for and cleaning of the Sigma DP1 body - digital camera enthusiasts know the importance of keeping your camera in good working order, and that your Sigma digital SLR camera should only be serviced by an authorized Sigma service station.
Review By ephotozine
The DP1 uses the same 14Mp (2652×1768×3 layers) direct image sensor as the SD14. Utilising the special features of silicon, which is penetrated to different depths by different wavelengths of light, this direct image sensor succeeds in full-colour capture with the full RGB in a single-pixel location. Just like film, each photodiode captures all the RGB data, so no final-stage demosaicing is required.
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