The Sigma DP2 (check prices: Amazon
With the large 20.7×13.8mm (0.8 inch×0.5 inch) sensor that is much larger than those in most high-end digital compacts and a fast prime lens, the Sigma Dp2 belongs to a unique category of digital cameras that is between DSLR and compact point & shoot. For Sigma’s targeted customers, the DP2 sounds very interesting and brings high expectations. However quite a few reviews I have found online found the DP2 offers less than expected.
In the review, Ken Tanaka of The Online Photographer found the Sigma DP2 has poor build quality, image issues related to color casts and vignettes, slow and noisy focus, low end LCD screen, clunky and outdated user interface, lock-ups, and poor battery life. In closing thoughts, he wrote, “After using the DP2 daily for over a week I found it to be a sluggish, noisy, unreliable, and generally charmless device which I ultimately decided to return for a refund.”
In the review posted on Gizmodo, Wilson Rothman noted poor high ISO performance, slow focus, lack of RAW+JPG mode, dismal video recording capability, poor battery life, and being relatively expensive.
If you read Sigma’s DP2 product site, Sigma emphasizes on the DP’s philosophy, concept, and identity that are quite different compared to most other digital cameras available today. However these should not be excuses for the problems we see in the Sigma DP2. Even for people who want the DP2 for what it is, it may be a tough decision, considering the price tag.
Further readings
Keywords: Foveon X3, Sigma, Sigma DP2
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I think you should try it before you make any conclusions. If you expect it to be a small DSLR, you will be disappointed. If you expect it to deliver far better pictures than any other digital compact camera ever made, you will be a happy owner.
Ive had 3 Sigma DP2’s and all 3 had different problems -LCD blacking out and turning dark/black, impossible focussing in reasonable low light with the camera not focussing at all , locking up after 17 pictures taken (only way to sort out was to take out the battery) -all 3 from different batches had problems and ive now finally given up on Sigma -when you pay £530 you expect quality and relaibility. Look elsewhere -there are just too many problems with the DP2
I’ve had problems too with my DP2 -I sent it back and have bought a canon G10 -the DP2 kept locking up and refused to focus in low light -nightmare camera -leave well alone.
The Olympus Digital Pen (E-P1) seems to be loved by many. It does have its issues but mostly not related to quality.
My advice for anyone thinking or purchasing a SIGMA DP2 is DON’T
I purchased mine and have returned it due to the camera refusing to focus on low light situations (even having done the latest updates 1.02 ) -it also locked up completely after 50 pictures -the only way to return the camera to normal was to take out the battery -and this is from a £500 Plus camera ! Leave well alone guys -spend your well earned money on something reliable -Ive just bought a Panasonic LX3 for almost half the money-with better relaibility and pics just as good -if not better with a lovely wide angle lens. DON’T waste your money on SIGMA Equipment -particularly the DP1 and DP2 -until Sigma develop a proper relaible camera that is a realistic price and built properly with none of these glitches -my wifes 3 million pixel canon focusses better in low light than my DP2 did and it certainly hasn’t crashed and locked up like some of these reviewers are mentioning.
Stick with a Brand name like Nikon Canon Olympus Panasonic and you won’t go far wrong. Dont waste your money on the Sigma DP2 –you have been warned !
Hi there…
I have just purchasedf my DP2 (already have the DP1) and I have to say that it is fantastic as it is the DP1. I have also a Nikon D2x and its even better in the IQ department than this professional camera…
I can print up to 20×30 or even 30×40 inches easily (using blow up or GF) and the clarity of the images are really exceptional.
Don’t be fooled by its 4,7 MP sized images…It contains information as much as a usual 10-12 MP DSLR!!
Best, Michael
I have a DP2. There were some firmware issues related to lock-up and auto-focus. These are now addressed. The camera is great for people who want film-like quality and are willing to learn how to get it. The build is not plastic, it feels solid and weighty. It feels hand-made. Great street-photography tool.
What’s this? A short summary of bad DP2 reviews found online? Obviously you don’t like the camera, but then it wasn’t made for talent free amateurs such as yourself.
Mario,
This was an old post. It was simply a sample of the general sentiments among the online reviews I could find at the time the post was written. It has nothing to do with my personal feelings toward the camera.
Sigma has apparently addressed some of the problems and perhaps many people like you do love it. But I don’t find your comments make any positive contribution to the discussion. Perhaps you can tell us more about your experience with the camera instead.
Max