With the recently released the DP2 Sigma adds another camera to their current APS-C sensor sized lineup.
Besides a newer and quicker interface the most distinguishable difference is the built-in prime lens. While the former Sigma DP1 had a 16.4mm (28mm equiv.) F4 wide angle lens the new DP2 features a 24.2mm (41mm equiv.) F2.8 standard focal length lens. This lens is an all-round performer that can do everything from landscapes to reportage and press photography.
The first thing that will strike your mind compering the two is how similar they look. Its basically built around the same body as the DP1 which isn´t a bad thing since I liked the former aluminium body. The DP2 features the same sharp 2.5″ screen and almost the same buttons. The layout is slightly different and now better placed. In addition to the great focus wheel, mode selector wheel, exposure and likewise there’s a new and welcomed quick selector menu where things as white balance, ISO, flash and metering modes can be selected very quick. This is great especially if you need to change features such as ISO quickly as a press photographer on the move.
Despite the lens itself is a bit narrower it is also a bit longer and heavier. As with the DP1 lens-hood and filter adapter (you´ll need both) comes as accessories and as with the DP1 they are highly recommendable for preventing flare and for not damaging the lens ifself if you should by accident slam the camera into something.
Processed in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
As with the DP1 the DP2 supports the Sigma AML-1 close-up lens that fits in the filter holder. A great choice if you´re capturing the fine detail of a macro-like shot. The auto focus struggles quite a bit using this close-up lens but on the other hand manual focusing is very easy and quick. The AML-1 feels like a heavy piece of glass (for its size) and transform the Sigma DP2 to a macro camera – Just remember to remove it once you´ll go back to shooting portraits or landscapes.
Processed in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop – Note how super thin the dept of field is with the close-up lens and at F2.8
Using the latest firmware allows the user to select a shorter focus range which speed up the camera focusing quite a bit especially in bright conditions where the auto focus is very quick easily on par with the Canon G10 and likewise – perfect for capturing just that reaction you´ll need to capture with a press photographer camera. Surely its not on par with any DSLR in terms of auto focusing but much better than the previous DP-1.
The manual focus dial is smoother and a little bit tighter this time around. This combined with the new ability to magnify the screen up to 10x help manual focusing a lot more than you would initially think. As much as I like the new and improved auto focusing I found the manual focus dial better and a joy to use. In the end it depends on your needs.
Sadly the camera is still focus very slow when it comes to dims areas and the sound the camera makes takes you back to the early digital camera age. You´re basically forced to use manual focus at situations like this. Another thing that will take you way back is the low resolution unusable video. Why even incorporate this?
Processed in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
The thing the impressed me the most with the previous installment The Sigma DP1 was the picture quality and certainly the DP2 didn’t disappoint here either.
Pretty much the same resolution as before the DP2 boost a even sharper image even shot wide open. High ISO shots are under better control and less noisy and at F2.8 the lens produces incredible results in color, contrast and sharpness. I was amazed to see the results from the DP1 and even more so with the DP2. Hands down the Sigma DP2 produces the absolute best RAW´s from any compact camera I´ve even seen. Comparing the results to for example the 8Mpix Canon 1D Mark II the compact Sigma DP2 will appear sharper right out of the box. Sure the 1D Mark II delivers better in pretty much any other apartment but you´ll struggle to find a lens that is as sharp as the lens on the DP2 for a reasonable price.
Processed in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop – Note how the great lens and thin dept of field clearly draws the flower towards the viewer.
The thing to buy these days when it comes to a handy size camera that delivers super crisp results is the Canon 5D Mark II and why the Sigma DP2 is nowhere near the same league as the 5D Mark II its not far off as you might think. And the DP2 fits in your pocket.
The Sigma DP2 is well suited for single out certain subjects without cutting out to much of the surroundings. That’s mostly due to the great 24.2mm lens (41mm equiv) – not surprisingly this focal length is well suited for shooting portraits of human, animal or what you might find suitable. Although I have no interest in shooting humans, press photography or likewise I found the DP2 perfect for flowers especially at larger apertures.
Processed in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
Besides the sharp lens and impressive sensor te DP2 features a great dynamic range that allows you to capture more of the same scene than you would be able to with your average compact camera. And as HDR photography gets ever more popular the Sigma DP2 is definitely a welcomed tool in the scene and will bring both image capture and process time as you will not need to take as many shots to capture the same dynamic range as with other similar sized cameras.
Processed in Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop and Photomatrix Pro made with only two shots and -2 and +2 EV
As with the DP1 I didn´t capture any action nor did I have any intentions doing so. Compared to the DP1 the DP2 feels newer, faster more suitable for a larger amount photography genres.
Downloadable Jpeg samples straight from RAW – No processing :
Conclusion :The Sigma DP2 is a camera hard not to follow in love with. – Versatile, stylish, relatively quick, all the manual control you´ll ever need and stunning image quality.
Compared to the Canon G10 the Sigma wins in more situations than it looses and if you´re a photographer paying attention to the even the most subtle details in your shots and you find a DSLR clumsy in most situations the DP2 is the camera for your. It has just the right size and features that will make you think about whether you really want to bring the DSLR with you on your next assignment or outing. I found this a wonderful contribution to the 1D Mark II certainly delivering images that is close to 1D series camera. Sure the screen and flash could be a tad better and the menu system could be tweaked even further but at least Sigma is listening to the users and provides all kind of great things in their firmware releases.
If I would ever use one camera and DSLR wasn´t an option the Sigma DP2 is the way I would go. It does whatever the Sigma DP1 did and then some.
2 Comments
I would like to thank Danish Sigma distributor Fovitech for allowing me to use and review these cameras.
I’m looking to shed the bulk of my DSLR setup (5D and 24-70mm L) and be less encumbered by shooting with a capable digital compact. After reading your review, you’ve given me a lot to think about in terms of keeping the DP2 in mind as a viable possibility. Thanks Tobias!