In a world of flashy, do-it-all digital compact cameras, the Sigma DP2 stands out. With its fixed focal length (i.e. non-zoom) lens, disregard for HD video, small screen and simple styling, it cuts a decidedly old-fashioned figure – but Sigma claims it delivers “all the power of a DSLR” in a compact’s body. Does it live up to this lofty billing? Read on to find out in our full Sigma DP2 review.
The Sigma DP2 is a trim, lightweight compact that looks pretty unremarkable on the outside. There’s a non-zoom lens with a focal length of 24.2mm (equivalent to 41mm on a standard size camera), the usual selection of buttons and dials, a pop-up flash, hotshoe for accessories and a rather weedy-looking 2.5-inch screen. Fire up the camera and the screen looks even less impressive: it’s low resolution and a bit fuzzy – not great for scoping out those killer snaps.
Packed inside the camera is a special 14-megapixel Foveon X3 sensor, which is pretty much three separate sensors, each one designed to capture a single colour channel of the RGB spectrum. In English, that means the Sigma DP2 should produce more natural-looking colours than a standard compact.
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Taking photos with the Sigma DP2 is a huge departure from regular compact point-and-snapping. With no zoom lens, you have to frame shots carefully. There is autofocus, but it’s sluggish (especially in low light) and we found ourselves relying on the manual focus mode much of the time. It works quite well thanks to the distance info on the focus dial, but the fuzzy screen doesn’t help matters.
On the plus side, the lens’ f/2.8 aperture means it can be used without a flash in fairly dim conditions (a good thing, because the Sigma DP2’s pop-up flash isn’t much cop).
So what of the pictures? Well, the lens is sharp and almost totally free of distortion, and the focal length is suitable for standard everyday shooting: landscapes, street photography and portraits. It can’t focus closer than about a foot, so macro shots are off the cards.
Shoot in RAW and keep the ISO setting at 100 or 200 and the results are impressive. Colours are clean and bright, detail is sharp and there’s almost no sign of noise or purple fringing. Let the camera process its own JPEGs and colour clarity takes a hit, and pushing up the ISO means that noise becomes an issue.
The Sigma DP2 is a decent premium compact camera that can deliver the goods in the right conditions, but comparing it to a DSLR doesn’t do it any favours. It’s too limiting for most photographers, but those that can live with its foibles may find it provides them with some of their best shots.
