Sigma DP1 hands-on

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Monday, October 2, 2006
Posted by: Dennis Hissink

During our meeting with Kazuto Yamaki, Chief Operating Officer, from Sigma Japan, I had the opportunity to touch and try the new Sigma DP digital compact camera. Although the status of the Sigma DP1 is pre-pre-pre-production, in the words of Kazuto Yamaki, already we can share our thoughts with you based on this template. The Sigma DP1 is compact and is basically similar to ordinary compact camera models. However the big difference between an ordinary compact camera and the Sigma DP1 is its image sensor.

Sigma DP1 Foveon X 3 sensor
The Sigma DP1 incorporates Foveon X 3 image sensor as the Sigma SD14 digital SLR camera. And this is the only type of cause that any compact digital camera incorporates smaller image sensors, often smaller then before. Sigma is walking in the opposite direction and aims at providing a high-end compact digital camera. The Sigma DP1 produces large JPEG and RAW files produced by the 14 Megapixel sensor. At this stage we cannot conclude anything about the quality of the image or what so ever, because there are simply no image review.

Sigma DP1-set the objective of 16.6 mm focal length f/4
The back of the camera shows a button taking a zoom function. However the introduction clearly states that the Sigma DP1 will not bring an optical zoom lens, only a fixed focal length of 16.6 mm, equivalent to 28 mm on a 35 mm f/4. It would have been nice to see a brighter lens on the DP1, but this would not be possible without changing the size of the camera. Therefore the brightness f/4 is a sort of compromise. The same applies to the integration of an optical zoom lens. The sensor in the Sigma DP1 is big, much bigger than other compact digital camera. To ensure exceptional quality lenses must be designed so that the light rays are falling straight onto the sensor. With smaller lenses, the rays are hitting the sensor into a corner. If we want straight rays in the sensor, the lens must be very great. Eventually this would make the Sigma DP1 too large. Then the zoom function of the buttons refer to a digital zoom. According to Kazuto Yamaki this is a surprisingly good alternative to the features of the Foveon X 3 image sensor.

Sigma DP1 RAW data-& JPEG shooting
Because the Sigma DP1 Foveon sensor features, the user will be able to shoot in JPEG and RAW data (X3F). The RAW format will provide full image capture detail of the highest quality. The rear part of the Sigma DP1 has a 2.5 LCD monitor offering 100% Preview image. On top of the camera is a wheel with full settings p/a/S/M, to meet the demand of the serious photographer.

Sigma DP1 for serious photographers
At this stage the Sigma DP1 is only available as a pre-production model, but the goal of Sigma will be leaving the Sigma DP1 compact camera becomes available around February 2007. The Sigma DP1 is developed for the photographer looking for a compact digital camera but without the need to make compromises on image quality. On the other hand the Sigma DP1 camera could also mean the first step to a future user SD14. By purchasing a DP1, the user can experience the quality of the Foveon technique without the need to buy a new system.

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