Sigma DP2

Most sensors found in a compact are much smaller than those in a typical D-SLR, but not so the Sigma DP2

Sensors in compact cameras are much smaller than those in a typical D-SLR, but the Sigma DP2 has a D-SLR-sized sensor squeezed inside.
Physically smaller sensors result in digital Noise being more of an issue due to the reduced surface area for the pixels and, while a compact may share the same resolution as a D-SLR, there can be a big gap in image quality. Sigma was brave enough to break with the norm by squeezing a D-SLR-sized sensor into the Sigma DP1’s compact body  but now there’s the DP2 – not a replacement, but an extension to the range.

Features & build
The 14.06Mp chip of the Sigma DP2 shares the same physical attributes as an APS-C-sized sensor found in a D-SLR, and like other Sigma cameras, uses Foveon technology. This means that the DP2’s sensor is split up into three silicon layers for red, green and blue. The thinking is that, with a dedicated layer for each wavelength of colour, colour reproduction will be more faithful. Each layer has a pixel count of just 4.6Mp, and only when they’re combined do they achieve the resolution of 14.06Mp. Open a file from the Sigma DP2 into Photoshop and the image is 2640x1760 pixels, or 4.6Mp.
But pixels aren’t the whole story when it comes to image quality, and the Sigma DP2 features a fast, f/2.8 prime 41mm lens (film equivalent) – a solid focal length – and if you want something wider, there’s the DP1 with a 28mm prime.
As you’d expect with a camera aimed at the photo-enthusiast, there’s a full suite of manual shooting modes, along with three metering choices, a 2.5in screen at the rear and also an additional optical viewfinder (price to be confirmed), that attaches to the hotshoe.
The design of the Sigma DP2 doesn’t deviate much from the DP1 - finished in matt black, it is simple and understated and the all-metal construction is not as heavy as you’d expect, tipping the scales at just 260g.      

Performance & handling
In use, the Sigma DP2 isn’t quite as polished as we’d like. Start-up time is a little sluggish, while the AF does this weird thing while focusing of freezing the screen before revealing the focused image. The 9-point AF system is far from quick but there is manual focus, operated via the rear control wheel .
The QS (Quick Selection) button provides the opportunity to adjust an array of settings including ISO, Quality and WB but it’s not very intuitive; controlled via the D pad, you can only cycle forward through each setting. It doesn’t sound that dramatic, but you can end up inadvertently changing another setting when you instinctively attempt to cycle backwards.    

Image quality
It’s possible to produce an interpolated A3 print from the unique Foveon sensor and although it’s not quite a match for a traditionally-designed 10 or 12Mp sensor found in modern D-SLRs, in comparison to a compact, clarity and sharpness are much better thanks to the larger chip. Noise is its other strong hand, and though it’s still noticeable at high sensitivities, it’s well controlled. The only minor complaint is that saturation suffers at ISO 3200, but it’s still the best we’ve seen in a compact to date.

Verdict
On paper, the Sigma DP2 looks like a winner - and Sigma deserves to be commended for getting a D-SLR-sized sensor into a compact body with a prime lens and full manual control. The trouble is, the camera is let down by the whole user experience - AF is slow, while the interface needs more polish, especially for a model costing £599. If you can put up with these issues for the sake of the great image quality in a compact body (and are prepared to pay for it), then consider the DP2.


At a glance
Street price: £599
Resolution: 14.06Mp (2652x1768x3)
Lens: 41mm f/2.8
Focal length multiplication: 2x
Metering: Evaluative, Centre-weighted and Spot
Shooting modes: M, S, A, P
ISO range: 100-3200 
Shutter range: 15secs-1/2000secs
Monitor: 2.5in, 230k pixels
File formats: RAW & JPEG
Write speeds: 4secs (RAW), 2secs (JPEG)
Aspect ratios: 3:2
Storage: SD/SDHC
Weight (body only): 260g
Dimensions: 113x60x56mm

www.sigma-imaging-uk.com