Sigma DP1 14MP with the specs of a full-size, high-end SLR. In other words, the DP1 has all the functions of a full-spec digital SLR, packed into a compact camera with a built-in lens. Here at Sigma, we focused all our resources on achieving the nearly impossible. Sigma is not about creating run-of-the-mill photographs, or pursuing image quality defined by numbers. We give you a compact camera with the potential to capture exactly what you see and what you feel, with no compromise.
The DP1 is a completely new type of camera offering the full specifications 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. A wide range of accessories, optical viewfinder [VF-11], Lens Hood [HA-11], and Electronic Flash [EF-140 DG] are available for the DP1 camera.
Helpful consumer’s review
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.
