Sigma DP2 Review Part II
by migs
Quick links: Part I | Low light performance
I wanted to do a second review of the Sigma DP2, post field work, and since today was so gorgeous, I decided to take a ride on my bike around Lake Miramar for lunch and snap away. All images are clickable to 100% original files (the quality is out of this world). The only photoshop work done to these images are for resizing blog purposes and a bit of sharpening after the resize. The originals have absolutely no photoshop applied. All images were shot in raw, aperture priority mode and developed in Sigma DPP.
Also note that these images are after the latest firmware update and I can honestly say, autofocus really has improved.
So because I didn’t have a model with me, my bike became my muse. I’m sure I looked a little crazy in my normal clothes, in the middle of a reservation, taking pictures of a bike lol… but whatever. That kinda stuff doesn’t bother me all that much anymore.
So here’s my bike. At 100%, you can really see the amazing depth this camera captures:
I really do like the focal length of the DP2. I know a lot of people say it isn’t that great for street photography, but I actually prefer it over a wider angle. It makes me think more about composition rather than just shooting wide. Plus, it’s perfect for portraits as well.
Even with the wind blowing, it was able to catch focus quite well:
Did I mention that I love the depth the DP2 captures? It’s freakin’ amazing. I mean, this is seriously comparable to my 5dmkII with L glass.
My bike with the exit sign. I like the exit sign.
My bike liked the exit sign too.
These weird plants had this brownish red tint to them that I didn’t think could be captured. Was totally wrong. That’s pretty much the exact color… just a little bit more vibrant in the image because of the dof.
More depth. This thing is bad ass when it comes to a shallow depth of field and bokeh. No other compact can match the quality.
Bathroom close to the end of the trail. The sun was pretty harsh on the top right, but the camera pulled it off.
And the last shot of the day was the bench and boat.
All in all, I’m still so very happy with the quality of the DP2. The quality is just something I’ve never witnessed from a compact camera. Even when I was shooting with my Canon 20d-40d I never felt this enthusiastic about the quality of images. If Sigma can continue to improve the actual performance of the camera, they’ll surely lure in more average users.
For me, I don’t mind the process of shooting with the DP2. I don’t mind that it slows down your picture taking. I don’t mind that auto focus is slow and I don’t mind the average lcd screen.
I am now, oh so totally, a huge fan of the Foveon sensor.
Comments
Nice review of the DP2. I agree that the autofocus is MUCH better (I was kind of despairing before). Despite its shortcomings (and that of its older brother the DP1) this camera has really got under my skin. Love it!
I would like to see some real landscape shots from the DP2. All your shots are of close-up objects with blurry backgrounds. I want to see if this camera can take a landscape shot in which everything is in focus.
Thank you for your wonderful review. I’ve read a handful reviews that aren’t so good. I’ve been so confused because I’ve heard so much good and bad stuff about it, but now I’m sure, I’m going to buy it, thanks again.
By the way, it have one of the nicest bokeh I ever seen.
Heres a landscape……
http://www.flickr.com/photos/foveonic/4043013852/sizes/o/
Nice review and lovely shots. I treasure my dp2, as well, and I also like your bike. What brand is it? =) Going back to dp2, at first I was lazy to learn its functions (draining the battery too quickly in the process) but when I did see the images, my heart just leapt. The image details from this small camera is amazing. But I wish I had a Mac to play with it.