Sigma DP1 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The Sigma DP1 is arguably the most unique and long-awaited compact digital camera on the market today. First shown as a prototype back in September 2006, the DP1 offers something camera enthusiasts have wanted for years: a DSLR sensor squeezed into a ...

Pros: DSLR sensor in compact body., Superb quality at low sensitivities., Good manual control and manual focusing., Hotshoe for flash and accessories., DSLR sensor in compact body., Superb quality at low sensitivities., Good manual control and manual ...

Cons: Very slow handling: startup, AF, write., Disappointing performance in low light., Pricier than top compacts or budget DSLRs., Basic movie mode., Very slow handling: startup, AF, write., Disappointing performance in low light., Pricier than top ...

Verdict: The Sigma DP1 is certainly a unique camera and once again achieves the important goal of equipping a compact body with a DSLR-sized sensor. Use the camera in the right conditions and it really shines, delivering images with an astonishing degree of ...

Review summary: Following its 1.02 firmware update of last month, Sigma now releases firmware version 1.03 for the DP1 digital camera. This latest firmware update offers the following improvements: • ISO 50 has been added into the ISO setting. • Grid Display mode ...

Review summary: Pro-compact with DSLR-sized sensor: the ultimate solution?

Pros: Decent lens quality ; User-controlled pop up flash

Cons: 14 megapixel sensor effectively only produces 4.7 megapixel image sizes ; Image quality lacks considering the technology ; Extensive shutter lag ; Expensive

Verdict: The Sigma DP1 aims to fill a gap, but most pros or high end enthusiasts may end up disappointed. On paper it all makes sense - take a compact body, add a big sensor, a prime lens and manual controls. Simple. In practice - the body's not that small, ...

Review summary: With the sensor of a DSLR in a compact body, is this the ultimate compact camera we've been waiting for?

Pros: Images generally good, Nice design overall

Cons: Poor flash, Hard-to-see button markings, Expensive

Verdict: The DP1 is not without flaws, but it also has certain charms. Minor adjustments to the design of the camera would certainly make it more usable, and Sigma needs to look at the built-in flash for any subsequent models. I refuse to get drawn into the ...

Review summary: This is a unique compact camera - it has a large sensor straight from the Sigma DSLR. The sensor, of the Foveon type, is only used by Sigma and Polaroid. (For a technical description see the Wikipedia entry tinyurl.com/tqlyj) The camera has a retro ...

Pros: The picture quality is without peer amongst compact cameras. The larger sensor produces images comparable with those from DSLRs. Superb sharpness, resolution, dynamic range and colour in RAW at low ISO speeds. The lens is excellent.

Cons: The need to plunge into the menu system for every control other than exposure compensation is a pain. But the worst feature of this camera is the time that it takes to write an image to the memory card. From pressing the shutter to finished write is ...

Verdict: The Sigma DP1 is not a pleasant camera to use. In many ways it feels like a throw-back to the bad old days when compacts were in their infancy. Responsive is not a word you would use for this unit. But then, just as you are ready to throw the camera ...