Sigma Dp-2 Updates

[The Vulcan]

Sigma has posted a firmware update for its DP2 large-sensor digital compact. Version 1.02 improves autofocus performance and allows you to access magnified live view with a single button press when in manual focus mode.

http://www.sigma-dp.com/DP2/firmware.html

[hughden]

Have you got one yet?

[Nordlys]

Have you got one yet?

And will you replace your DP1 with DP2?

After seeing the spec of Olympus E-P1 just released I have my mind pretty much set for DP1, which I'll probably get in Japan next month. I'd appreciate if you can post some pics you shot from DP1

[The Vulcan]

Have you got one yet?

No. I'll wait 'til the DP-3 (or 4 or 5) comes out.

You know, quick response, interchangeable lenses and all the normal "user friendly" stuff

[Nordlys]

You know, quick response

from what I read in the interview of sigma engineers they did develop a model that's quicker than it is now, but in exchange for compromised picture quality. I would guess this is what happened with DP2, seems the picture quality is sacrificed for speed. they can easily address the speed issue by enlarging the DP1 body size. I would think you can expect DP1 as fast as dSLR to be released (without having to compromise picture quality) when Canon and Nikon can release the compact digitals with noise level/picture quality as good as larger sensor dSLR.

Edited June 24, 2009 by Nordlys

[hughden]

Have you got one yet?

And will you replace your DP1 with DP2?

After seeing the spec of Olympus E-P1 just released I have my mind pretty much set for DP1, which I'll probably get in Japan next month. I'd appreciate if you can post some pics you shot from DP1

I don't think I will go for the DP2. The DP1 takes amazing images (much better stuff on the web than I can manage, try Carl Rytterfalk for example); but it is so slow to operate. In fact I am thinking of selling mine (with viewfinder and extension tube and macro). PM if interested.

[The Vulcan]

Despite my earlier comments ref 28mm v 40mm (I initially favoured the latter) I've surpised myself in my Contax G2 use by the amount of times I use the 28mm !

Should I be going for a Sigma I'd now definitely go DP-1 - 40mm is good but just a bit too tight my my style.

Go Nordlys - get it!

[Nordlys]

In fact I am thinking of selling mine (with viewfinder and extension tube and macro). PM if interested.

I'm due to leave for Japan on July 7th and will get a new one there for less than 15,000 baht (albeit strong Japanese yen). I'd be interested if your price is much lower than that.

BTW, is Voigtlander viewfinder better than Sigma's original?

Despite my earlier comments ref 28mm v 40mm (I initially favoured the latter) I've surpised myself in my Contax G2 use by the amount of times I use the 28mm !

Should I be going for a Sigma I'd now definitely go DP-1 - 40mm is good but just a bit too tight my my style.

28mm is also the most optimal forcal legnth for the press photographer who covers Iraq with Leica M8 whose review of M8 you posted a thread about a while ago if my memory serves right. I don't know what good use I have for 40mm either. Too narrow for landscape and group photo, but too short for portrait.

Edited June 25, 2009 by Nordlys

[hughden]

The Voightlander is metal, is easier to use if you wear glasses (so I am told), and it looks cool! Similar price to plastic Sigma offering.

[Nordlys]

Yes, Voightlander's looks cooler (especially the round one), but also bigger than Sigma's and might spoil the compact size of DP1, very reason why any dSLR owner would want one in the first place. And from what I heard neither Sigma's nor Voightlander helps much with framing, not nearly as accurate as range finder, but probably better than nothing unless you are to use the LCD for framing, not recommended for a camera that is not equipped with image stabilizer that is standard to most compact these days and thus very prone to camera shake induced blur. So if neither does much good I'm inclined toward cheaper and smaller Sigma original than Voightlander, albeit it does look cheapish.

Is the external view finder a must have item at all for DP1 in your opinion? Are you willing to sell the Voightlander only?

[hughden]

I use it a lot, especially for wider shots were exact framing is not crucial; or when it is so sunny that I can't see the LCD, and of course when I want to help stabilise the camera by jamming it against my substantial nose. It does limit the pocketability of the camera, but I carry it around in a small case together with the macro lens and spare battery, so not a problem.

I think it would be more saleable as a complete package. I bought mine from cameraquest.com

[Nordlys]

In the end I bought DP1 with the original external view finder (+ lens hood adopter, 46mm filter, Zeiss lens cap for 46mm diameter, neoprene case, Ricoh GR neck strap, etc...). I did try the Voightlander the shop had, but contrary to my initial concern the weight of it compared to sigma more than the size deterred me from buying it. Not to mention how loose it is compared to sigma original when clipped on to accessory shoe (and without locking mechanism unlike external flash). You can easily drop the Voightlander off the accessory shoe if you tilt your camera (how do you attach yours hughden?). Because I bought the camera at discounted price of around 15,000 Baht, the external view finder cost me almost half as much as the camera itself.

DP1 produces superb picture quality for a small compact, but not exceeding or on par with the resolution my EOS 5D (less pixels than DP1) with L lens yields. F4 being the maximum aperture and without image stabilization that is standard on most compact (and my tendency to avoid higher ISO due to noise prone Foveon sensor) most indoor shots are useless unless you have a tripod. Not to mention lack of AF-assist lamp so you have to switch to MF mode to focus in indoors or it takes enternity with AF. And there's only so much you can do with white/color balance adjustment with Sigma photo pro raw processing software that I never get the white balance right with indoor shot. I wonder if there's any RAW processing software other than Sigma photo pro that supports Sigma DP1/DP2 raw image files?

Edited July 26, 2009 by Nordlys

[hughden]

In the end I bought DP1 with the original external view finder (+ lens hood adopter, 46mm filter, Zeiss lens cap for 46mm diameter, neoprene case, Ricoh GR neck strap, etc...). I did try the Voightlander the shop had, but contrary to my initial concern the weight of it compared to sigma more than the size deterred me from buying it. Not to mention how loose it is compared to sigma original when clipped on to accessory shoe (and without locking mechanism unlike external flash). You can easily drop the Voightlander off the accessory shoe if you tilt your camera (how do you attach yours hughden?). Because I bought the camera at discounted price of around 15,000 Baht, the external view finder cost me almost half as much as the camera itself.

DP1 produces superb picture quality for a small compact, but not exceeding or on par with the resolution my EOS 5D (less pixels than DP1) with L lens yields. F4 being the maximum aperture and without image stabilization that is standard on most compact (and my tendency to avoid higher ISO due to noise prone Foveon sensor) most indoor shots are useless unless you have a tripod. Not to mention lack of AF-assist lamp so you have to switch to MF mode to focus in indoors or it takes enternity with AF. And there's only so much you can do with white/color balance adjustment with Sigma photo pro raw processing software that I never get the white balance right with indoor shot. I wonder if there's any RAW processing software other than Sigma photo pro that supports Sigma DP1/DP2 raw image files?

A small piece of double-sided tape keeps it in place. Lightroom processes DP1/2 RAW files.

[Nordlys]

A small piece of double-sided tape keeps it in place. Lightroom processes DP1/2 RAW files.

Really? Not my Lightroom (ver. 1.4.1)....

What's your version hughden? Ver. 2?

Edited July 26, 2009 by Nordlys

[hughden]

A small piece of double-sided tape keeps it in place. Lightroom processes DP1/2 RAW files.

Really? Not my Lightroom (ver. 1.4.1)....

What's your version hughden? Ver. 2?

Yes, I have version 2. Lots of smart new features, worth the upgrade.