Sigma DP1 available in Spring 08

[RKW3]

This looks pretty sick. http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08013108sigmadp1.asp

"Sigma has announced the imminent availability of the greatly anticipated DP1 digital camera. The DP1 has a sensor around the size of those found in most DSLRs - although it is greatly different in terms of design - and aims to offer equivalent image-quality and specification in a compact format. In common with Sigma's DSLR offerings it utilizes Foveon's direct-image-sensor technology which detects three colors at each of its 4.6 million pixels (collecting the same amount of color data as a conventional 14 megapixel sensor)."

 

[soylentgreen]

I am interested in checking this one out. Have not pulled teh trigger on a Canon G9 yet. I was not as impressed with it. I hope it lives up to the hype. The image quality and "shutter lag" are key for me. Might have to fly out to vegas and test it.

 

[Rick Waldroup]

This is great news.

I almost pulled the trigger on a Ricoh GRD and the GRD II. But I waited, forever it seems, to see what this camera might offer.

Thanks for the post.

 

[notelliot]

is it fixed focal length?

 

[Rick Waldroup]

is it fixed focal length?

Yes, it is a fixed focal length equivalent to a 28mm lens on a 35mm camera.

I think the one thing that might put people off about the camera is the slow lens. It will have a maximum aperture of f/4. From what I understand, Sigma compromised on lens speed to keep the size of the camera down.

This camera was first announced back in September of 2006, for a release date in Feb. of 2007. Since then, there have been several release dates come and go, until finally Sigma put out a press release explaining they were having problems with the camera.

I held off on getting the Ricoh GRD because of slow write times in raw- up to 14 seconds for the camera to write a raw image. Then, when the GRD II came out, Ricoh addressed the problem with raw and it was fixed. I have been on the verge of getting the GRD II for a couple of months now, so I am really happy to hear this news. The Ricoh cameras are fine cameras, but I have always been put off by the small sensor.

I shot rangefinder cameras for over 30 years, and when I finally went completely digital a few years ago, I sold all my rangefinders. I was starting to have problems with my eyesight- I can focus manually, but it just takes me much longer than before, and in street shooting, that can be a problem at times. That is why when Leica announced the digital M8, I was not interested because of the manual focus on the camera.

I can live with the fixed focal length, because all I ever really plan to do with the camera is street shooting.

It will be interesting to see the test results when the camera is released. If everything checks out okay, I will probably let the dust settle a bit and buy one late this year, when hopefully the price will have dropped a bit.

 

[Iron Flatline]

Good thing it has a hot shoe, you can attach a real viewfinder.

I hope this does well. It would put pressure on Canon to release the G10 with an APS-C sensor.

 

[Rick Waldroup]

Good thing it has a hot shoe, you can attach a real viewfinder.

I hope this does well. It would put pressure on Canon to release the G10 with an APS-C sensor.

I was wondering when you were going to chime in.

Yes, there is no way that I would want to shoot this by using the monitor only. I am pretty sure that almost any external 28mm viewfinder will work, such as the one that Voigtlander makes. The Voigtlander viewfinder will probably be a bit cheaper than the one made by Sigma, too.

I, too, hope that it turns out to be a good camera. I can't wait until it is released so we can see what Sigma has come up with.

I don't usually get very excited about new camera releases, but I am tired of doing street photography with my Nikon D2H. :er:

 

[Iron Flatline]

Heck, I've been a fan of little cameras for a long time. They get a bad rap here for being P&S, but a lot of serious photographers know to appreciate a good little camera - esp. if all you need is one hand. As you know, I've had a series of high-end P&S cameras. Right now I use the Leica D-Lux 3, but I actually can't stand it. (I know, I know... blasphemy. Usayit will call me on it, as usual... ).

Hey, the best camera is worthless if it's sitting at home. I travel a lot, and always have one with me. I wish it were faster, at least f/2.8, but maybe the big sensor is good at high ISO, and then it will be slightly less of an issue. Here's hoping for the best!