Sigma DP1 Compact Digital Camera

The DP1 is Sigma's first compact digital camera and they’ve gone all out to prouce something memorable. Squeezed into its compact body is the Foveon X3 sensor, previously found in Sigma’s SD14 DSLR. That’s already a rather impressive feat.

The Foveon X3 sensor uses three layers when capturing images, one each for red, green and blue light. Most cameras on the market capture red, green and blue light over a grid of pixels all on the same sensor. What this means is that you are able to capture images with greater detail at a per pixel level. You may, however, see ‘jaggies’ appear in some images with straight lines. These ‘jaggies’ appear because the DP1 does not have a filter to help smooth them out.

It must also be said that due to its unique sensor, the DP1 is not a 14 megapixel camera despite what the advertising says. Since each sensor layer of the DP1 has a resolution of 4.7 megapixels, this means that the total output of the camera is obtained by multiplying it by three, which results in the 14 megapixels that Sigma are advertising. In reality, it remains a 4.7 megapixel camera as all three colours are captured for every pixel in an image.

Moving off the megapixel controversy, the Sigma DP1 is cased in a metal shell that feels very solidly built. There are also small bumps along where your middle finger and thumb would sit when holding the camera so that you have a better grip of the camera.

The DP1 has no optical zoom, but instead has a 16.6mm fixed focal length (prime) lens with a maximum aperture of F4. This was done to keep the size and weight of the camera down due to its DSLR-sized sensor, but to also allow for the best image quality possible. It does, however have a slightly disappointing 3x digital zoom. The digital zoom cannot be used when shooting in RAW mode, although cropping can be done during the post-processing stage.

When shooting in RAW, image quality from the DP1 can definitely be compared to that of a DSLR, sans the interchangeable lenses but in a smaller form factor. Images are displayed in a combination of very high detail, low noise and high contrast thanks to the X3 sensor and high quality Sigma lens. There was minimal noise at ISO 400. Although noise built at ISO800 and above, running the images through the Photo Pro bundled software reduced the noise levels so that the picture remained perfectly useable, even at 14 megapixel resolutions. Shooting in JPEG was a different story though producing grainy images we couldn’t fix.

The DP1 features a 2.5-inch LCD with 230,000 pixels that allows for images to be previewed with enough clarity and detail to instantly have a good idea of the quality of the picture you’ve just shot. This also means that the menu options are easy to read without having to be too confused about what you are doing.

Located on the top of the camera are the power button, shutter release, shooting dial (with Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Program, Auto, Movie and Audio Recording modes) and pop up flash. Located behind the shutter release is a manual focus dial with settings from 0.3m to infinity. If you prefer using the dial, constantly moving it back to your preferred setting is needed as the dial moves freely because there is no locking mechanism to keep the setting in place.

A hotshoe mount is also located at the top of the camera so that optional accessories such as Sigma's external viewfinder (VF-11) or external flash (EF-140DG) can be mounted. The VF-11 fits snugly on the camera and doesn’t interfere with the pop up flash located to the left of the mount (as you’re using the camera). The VF-11 allows you to frame the shot perfectly but doesn’t show you when focus has been locked or any other information.

The 1300mAh battery of the DP1 is rated at a slightly disappointing 250 shots, so a backup battery would be recommended for long trips away from a wall socket. It’s also important to note that the indicator on the charger doesn’t turn off to let you know that the battery is fully charged. No big deal but still slightly annoying.

Connectivity is provided by a DC in and a USB/AV port. The USB port on the DP1 is not of the popular 5-pin variety but a USB cable is included to make things easier. The rubber flap that covers the ports can be a bit tricky to open and does require some effort (or long girly fingernails) to prise out so that the ports can be accessed.

At $1099 there are obviously better value alternatives if you’re after a digital compact camera with good image quality. The DP1 is a camera for those who are after a high end digital camera because they want the best picture quality possible in a compact form factor and don’t mind the pitfalls of the DP1. Read hardcore photographers only.