Sigma DP2

[saveDqueen]

Woah, thanks alot there tomcat!

I have to agree, 3rd party accessories seems more sensible wise in pricing and variety. Especially the custom grip and OVF.

Would a 52mm adapter and 3rd party close up lens work better then the Sigma's AML-1? Really like the combo of hood and close up lens from Sigma, but it's a tad too costly =/

BTW i am worried that the custom grip's adhesive material may prove futile to weather conditions in singapore, or are my worries uneccassary?

Thanks alot!

(PS: I have not PMed tomcat, instead i made an open discussion on this thread to share with fellow DP2 users on these info hoping that anyone in the near future would find it useful.)

 

[tomcat]

I believe the optical quality of the Sigma close-up lens is superior to most close-up filters available but if cost is a concern, as long as you get a good brand eg. Hoya, Canon, etc, the difference is probably not very significant. However, I find that it is quite difficult to focus properly with the close-up filter on, so it is not as easy as if you are using a real macro lens even with the Sigma close-up lens.

The adhesive used in the grip is a 3M industrial strength adhesive which is very strong and yet still removable iwthout leaving any residue if you do it properly. I have the grips on both my DP1 & DP2 and they are still firmly stuck to the cameras to this day.

 

[saveDqueen]

Hmm.. difficulty of focusing might not really pose a problem to me, as I shoot still life macro shots more. Really thanks for the heads up, must consider the cost, just start working a few months back, pocket abit tight hahaha.

Alright, the grip is a must get then, every minute i look at it, the more i am infatuated with it.

Thanks alot tomcat!

 

[anerjee]

I am also thinking of buying the DP2s. A couple of questions for existing users -

1) how is low light performance? it does not have any kind of image stabilization -- do you miss that? (every other camera seems to have some form of it?)

2) how is high-ISO performance? i have seen that it seems to be quite ok till iso 800, but becomes quite bad (for color) after that. any comments?

3) any ideas if the camera really captures that mythical 3D foveon look? i have an lx3, and am thinking if it will worth buying this one?

 

[saveDqueen]

I am also thinking of buying the DP2s. A couple of questions for existing users -

1) how is low light performance? it does not have any kind of image stabilization -- do you miss that? (every other camera seems to have some form of it?)

2) how is high-ISO performance? i have seen that it seems to be quite ok till iso 800, but becomes quite bad (for color) after that. any comments?

3) any ideas if the camera really captures that mythical 3D foveon look? i have an lx3, and am thinking if it will worth buying this one?

Hi there,

Tho I have just explored this avenue of Foveon sensor which is not really made popular locally, I hope by answering these questions helps =)

1) Not really the ideal low light participant, but with the given option of a hotshoe flash, one may think twice. Tho i would say, that no compact cameras have satisfactory results in low light situations from my POV. Sorry but i always felt that IS is just an urban legend, tripod is still the science and grandfather of anti-shakes. Btw im using a table tripod (with a length of 5-6cm, its always in the pocket for every trip)

2) I would really recommend B&W shots for ISO1600 and so on, the Foveon trait still remains and would really suprise you on the quality.

3) I would say yes, I do not have any uploaded pictures yet, but check out samples all over the internet. i am convinced that no matter how long an essay i may write, you would still be convinced straight away by the pictures =)

There are really tonsa reasons to choose or not choose DP2s, but exploring the unknown avenue and convincing yourself the best cam out there for you is far better then anyone feeding you with info.

Good luck mate~

 

[babykailan]

Guys, do you have problems with the auto-focusing. Is it really THAT slow?

I am thinking of getting the DP2s.

 

[saveDqueen]

Guys, do you have problems with the auto-focusing. Is it really THAT slow?

I am thinking of getting the DP2s.

I would say DP2s produces great pictures with some patience, the focusing cannot be compared to the likes of DSLRs, but against LX3, DLUX4 or Ricoh GXR it may be in between in terms of focusing speed only.

Honestly, it requires some hunting in low light situations, but so far it compensates me with the beautiful day shots i've had.

I'm still using my DP2s with great pleasure, hope that helps =)

 

[babykailan]

Dumb question - Sigma Photo Pro - can it process JPGs also or is it only for RAW files? Seems like it has pretty good reviews.

 

[saveDqueen]

it can process both RAW and jpegs, but like any other softwares, RAW files have much more options to fine tune it.

I would say its UI is friendly and simple engine that processes the photos fast without much hassle, but I do wonder why the cropping function doesn't exist...hmmm

psssst... saw your thread on B&S. good luck on getting the camera and do get that must-have spare battery!

 

[babykailan]

it can process both RAW and jpegs, but like any other softwares, RAW files have much more options to fine tune it.

I would say its UI is friendly and simple engine that processes the photos fast without much hassle, but I do wonder why the cropping function doesn't exist...hmmm

psssst... saw your thread on B&S. good luck on getting the camera and do get that must-have spare battery!

Hey many thanks for the info. I decided to grab a set off Adorama but saw your advice too late on the spare battery. Ugh. I did order the OVF and intend to use the LCD screen only to preview / review photos. Hope that helps to prolong the duration. Really really excited!

 

[saveDqueen]

My pleasure, dam you would really really need that battery, its the internal processing of the photos that consumes the power much more compared to lcd usage. I think you can call them up to add it on right?

 

[babykailan]

Just got the unit today. Very surprised by the loud noise the lens motor makes while focusing! Did I get a faulty unit?! Geez haven't heard such a ruckus since the long-gone days of using the micro motor of the Canon 50mm f/1.8!

The VF21 is also a big disappointment - the sole purpose being just to frame a photo without the LCD. Silly me to expect something costing more than US$130 to offer some information within the display, or at else a focus point confirmation. Feels like a white elephant now!

Gonna make some photos tomorrow. Haiz.

 

[obfuscate]

The loud noise made by the lens when it extends out when you turn the camera on and when you focus is normal. The joy is when you look at the photos, magnify everything and you will know what all users who love Foveon are raving about.

 

[babykailan]

Hey guys what are your picture settings for JPG? I am trying out sharpness +1 and shooting in VIVID mode. May pump up the contrast later on after more testing.

 

[saveDqueen]

Hey i would not really recommend JPEG outputs from the camera directly, or are you asking about the settings when you converting from RAW to JPEG?

I would normally leave the contrast at +1 if im using Vivid and sharpness if required so.

By the way, the camera is real loud and viewfinders aren't really ideal unless the surrounding daylights are too harsh for you to focus on your LCD.

 

[syaobai]

Does any one know the current selling price for Sigma DP2?

 

[obfuscate]

Hey i would not really recommend JPEG outputs from the camera directly, or are you asking about the settings when you converting from RAW to JPEG?

I would normally leave the contrast at +1 if im using Vivid and sharpness if required so.

By the way, the camera is real loud and viewfinders aren't really ideal unless the surrounding daylights are too harsh for you to focus on your LCD.

RAW brings out the best in Foveon, I would shoot only in RAW when i still had my DP2.

 

[saveDqueen]

Does any one know the current selling price for Sigma DP2?

i hope you meant the DP2s which is a way better version.

I think you can go on amazon or ebay and find some great deals, getting it in HK is a good idea too.

 

[babykailan]

Letting go of my VF-21. Interested persons please PM me. Thank you for reading. ;p

 

[bluepowder]

Does anyone know whether the DP2s is available in Singapore?

Checked a few places to no avail...

Thanks guys!