Any excitement over the Sigma DP-1?

[Latinbob]

It looks like Sigma is finally going to release their large sensor DP-1 next month. Is anyone considering this as a carry around when you don't want the weight of a DSLR? It looks to be groundbreaking like the Sony R-1 but a lot smaller.

SIGMA DP1

Sigma DP1 Beta, quick Vegas gallery: Digital Photography Review <-- Samples gallery

Amazon has it listed in the U.S. for $799.99 and shipping on March 25th. Anyone tempted? I am.

Bob

[cyclohexane]

The price kind of stinks, considering that an optical viewfinder is extra. I'm not particularly bothered by the "Japanese Market" design with the 28mm f/4 equivalent lens, but it might hurt sales enough (especially at $999 MSRP set by Sigma US) that there won't be a DP2.

Also, I'd have to carry another camera for all those moving subjects I shoot at night... or I could get creative with motion blur again... haha.

That aside, I was peeping the files a bit, and they look pretty good.... I'm definitely intrigued, but I was hoping for more of a $400-500 camera than $800-1000. At that price, might as well get a D40 or D60 and go with a (man) purse-sized camera instead.

[Latinbob]

The price does bother me a bit. But I've always liked the Foveon sensor. And since it is a fixed-lens, I don't have to be tempted by more and more interchangeable lenses.

Bob

[cyclohexane]

And since it is a fixed-lens, I don't have to be tempted by more and more interchangeable lenses.

Very true.

But the thought of paying the price of a camera with interchangeable lenses for one without that doesn't have a red dot on it... LOL

I guess I could always put a red dot on the thing... =)

[Paul Shields]

First thing I thought was 'how much??'. It's around $1100 here in the UK, which is (to be blunt) taking the piss for a fixed lens camera. Michael says what I initially thought - the red dot would be needed to get away with that type of pricing. Considering that Sigma SD-14's can be picked up for quite a bit less it's not the camera that will tempt me over to the Foveon path of rightcheousness .

[edit]
Also, with regards to being compact and 'carry aroundable'. I have an Olympus E-400 with 10mp Kodak CCD plus the dinky 14-42mm lens (biofos.com; Olympus E-400 review.). It weighs next to nothing, has full SLR capability, and if you superglue the lens to the body then it'll make a perfect P&S for a lot less money than the Sigma .

[cyclohexane]

At work our "point-and-shoot" is a Nikon D40 with the 18-55mm kit lens. Fits in a purse. Also takes any F-mount Nikkor (though no AF with some "AF" lenses), so it doubles as a second body at some events when fitted with something like a 70-200.

Seeing as I used to keep larger SLRs (FM2N or D70) in jacket pockets (lens in one pocket, body in the other), my definition of "portable" is a little different.

[Mr. Pickles]

I was tempted until I found out it was a fixed lens and I could get an E-410 and small zoom lens for less money.

But I also do like the Foveon chip. Almost pulled the trigger on a Sigma SD-10 but ended up in another "odd camp" that has no future according to some. So maybe I ought to get one of these before the E-3...?

[Max@Home]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

So maybe I ought to get one of these before the E-3...?

...your back will say Thank you!



Max@Home

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by Max@Home

...your back will say Thank you!

Yeah, but the E-3 is still lighter than the Canon 40D and Nikon D300.

The Sigma DP1 is about 1/3 of the E-3 though, so you're right about it being a light one...

In some ways (frontal view) it kind of looks like a souped up Holga toy camera. The back says otherwise, and I'm sure the picture quality will be very nice indeed. Might be a good museum like piece someday...kind of a cult-classic like the Oly E-1...?

[Paul Shields]

Are we all wimps these days? . These things weigh next to nothing when it comes down to it. I'm always amazed at people comparing camera A to camera B based on how heavy they are. I'll happily carry a shoulder bag packed with cameras, lenses, accessories all day if needed. Maybe I'm the exception but it really isn't the main criteria for me when going out to take pictures. Now - if I were shooting medium/large format that may be different .

[Mr. Pickles]

Yes...wimps.

I think the real thought is just carrying a camera. Forget the shoulder bag or backpack full of gear. I don't really think the DP1 would be considered a big bag type camera...since it is a fixed lens, it will be interesting to see how it fairs with some non-dslr's...

[Latinbob]

What appeals to me is that it looks like something you can toss in your pocket and have when the moment arises. I've got a pocket cam (Nikon S1) and an iPhone, but the image quality is hit or miss with these. Now something small that gives me dSLR-like image quality is sure convenient. Plus, you wouldn't look like a paparazzi with your dinky little "point and shoot" Sigma.

Of course if I'm going out to shoot pictures, I'd take the D200. But I've been known to take my Holga out too. It's just another tool.

Bob

[cyclohexane]

Now - if I were shooting medium/large format that may be different

My medium format equipment is lighter than my APS-C format DSLR equipment....

[Max@Home]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

My medium format equipment is lighter than my APS-C format DSLR equipment....

...but without a doubt it will be bulkier, filling more space, which makes it look heavier to the casual spectators ...

...and that probably is just because you do not (yet) own a digital back for it , if you figure in the scanner needed to bring MF to digital, weight will surpass the DSLR equipment with 'build-in scanner' ??

...€0.02...

Kindest regards!

Max@Home

PS: nice avatars, them last two... anything serious ??