Sigma DP2 Quattro mini review
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 8:50 pm
A couple folks have mentioned the DP2Q here, and I guess it's time for me to 'fess up that I have one now. I'm still getting to know it, so I can't say that I'm getting the best possible results out of it. But I like what I'm seeing so far (I've had it for only a couple weeks) and I'm still learning its quirks. The camera itself is fairly straightforward to use (particularly compared to older Sigma models, of which I have several). The raw converter, Sigma Photo Pro v6 (SPP6), leaves a lot to be desired, though. The version that supports the Quattro camera(s) is still in something like a "beta" form, though, so I expect improvements -- particularly in robustness and performance -- in the production version of the program, which is due out in October.
The fixed 30mm lens (45mm equivalent on this sensor, a 1.5x crop APS-C sized Foveon sensor with a slightly new architecture) is excellent as all the DP lenses have been. The new sensor has high resolution and seems to have better color rendering than some of its predecessors. The body is itself is odd-looking, but I find it pleasant enough to use; easy to grip and not heavy. It's not as pocketable as the previous DP models, but I find it easy enough to tuck in a bag or a larger jacket pocket, or I often just carry it on its strap, as it's so light. It does not have the intense micro contrast of the Merrill cameras, but for some kinds of shooting that's a good thing (portraits in particular), and you can certainly amp up the contrast in post if you want, even if you can't easily get to the same ridiculous level that the Merrills are capable of. On the other hand, battery life and processing speed of the Q is much improved from the Merrills.
The Quattro is probably a slight improvement over the previous cameras with respect to low light but still is not at all up to the "see in the dark" capabilities of the newest Bayer models. But in good light, at low ISOs, it's capable of a crispness that shows all the way down to the pixel level. As much as I like my Nikon D7100, I occasionally miss the pixel-level quality I can get with my old Sigmas. OTOH, for the purposes I use the Nikon (low, bad light, sports or other event shooting where speed is important), my keep rate is much higher with the Nikon, so it's a case of "the best tool for the job", as you would expect.
To see the resolution of which the camera is capable, click through on one of the photos, then click on the icon in the lower right hand corner of the photo page that looks like a down arrow pointing at a horizontal line. There you can "View all sizes" to zoom in.
Overall I'm happy with the wee beastie and look forward to getting to know it better over the coming months.
Anyway, here are a few shots that I've taken so far to give you an idea of what it's like.
First up, from my first walk around with the camera, a neighbor's mailbox and floral display:
DP2Q0021, Approved by the Postmaster General by rbrazile, on Flickr
Some graffiti on jersey barriers set up for roadwork as they rebuilt the Longfellow Bridge, which is near my office:
DP2Q0034, One Way: Love Wins by rbrazile, on Flickr
The plaza in front of One Broadway, Cambridge, Mass., looking over at the new MIT Sloan School building in Kendall Square:
DP2Q0031 by rbrazile, on Flickr
A construction project: the rebuilding of 50 Memorial Drive (the original Sloan School HQ) at MIT:
DP2Q0077, 50 Memorial Drive by rbrazile, on Flickr
Some color:
DP2Q0081, Avoiding blow-out by rbrazile, on Flickr
Haven't had a chance to do a lot of people yet. But here are a couple quick snapshots I took of teammates at practice:
DP2Q0037, Coop's new ride by rbrazile, on Flickr
DP2Q0004, Ann, Summer 2014 by rbrazile, on Flickr
And finally (for now), the bike I just built up for commuting to work -- after the frame languished in my basement for seven years:
DP2Q0093, Kogswell P/R quarter view by rbrazile, on Flickr
I have lots to learn about the camera, and I don't pretend that it's right for all subjects. But within its niche, I think it might be something a bit special. I'm enjoying it, anyway.
If you have questions, I'll try to answer them.
Robert
The fixed 30mm lens (45mm equivalent on this sensor, a 1.5x crop APS-C sized Foveon sensor with a slightly new architecture) is excellent as all the DP lenses have been. The new sensor has high resolution and seems to have better color rendering than some of its predecessors. The body is itself is odd-looking, but I find it pleasant enough to use; easy to grip and not heavy. It's not as pocketable as the previous DP models, but I find it easy enough to tuck in a bag or a larger jacket pocket, or I often just carry it on its strap, as it's so light. It does not have the intense micro contrast of the Merrill cameras, but for some kinds of shooting that's a good thing (portraits in particular), and you can certainly amp up the contrast in post if you want, even if you can't easily get to the same ridiculous level that the Merrills are capable of. On the other hand, battery life and processing speed of the Q is much improved from the Merrills.
The Quattro is probably a slight improvement over the previous cameras with respect to low light but still is not at all up to the "see in the dark" capabilities of the newest Bayer models. But in good light, at low ISOs, it's capable of a crispness that shows all the way down to the pixel level. As much as I like my Nikon D7100, I occasionally miss the pixel-level quality I can get with my old Sigmas. OTOH, for the purposes I use the Nikon (low, bad light, sports or other event shooting where speed is important), my keep rate is much higher with the Nikon, so it's a case of "the best tool for the job", as you would expect.
To see the resolution of which the camera is capable, click through on one of the photos, then click on the icon in the lower right hand corner of the photo page that looks like a down arrow pointing at a horizontal line. There you can "View all sizes" to zoom in.
Overall I'm happy with the wee beastie and look forward to getting to know it better over the coming months.
Anyway, here are a few shots that I've taken so far to give you an idea of what it's like.
First up, from my first walk around with the camera, a neighbor's mailbox and floral display:
DP2Q0021, Approved by the Postmaster General by rbrazile, on Flickr
Some graffiti on jersey barriers set up for roadwork as they rebuilt the Longfellow Bridge, which is near my office:
DP2Q0034, One Way: Love Wins by rbrazile, on Flickr
The plaza in front of One Broadway, Cambridge, Mass., looking over at the new MIT Sloan School building in Kendall Square:
DP2Q0031 by rbrazile, on Flickr
A construction project: the rebuilding of 50 Memorial Drive (the original Sloan School HQ) at MIT:
DP2Q0077, 50 Memorial Drive by rbrazile, on Flickr
Some color:
DP2Q0081, Avoiding blow-out by rbrazile, on Flickr
Haven't had a chance to do a lot of people yet. But here are a couple quick snapshots I took of teammates at practice:
DP2Q0037, Coop's new ride by rbrazile, on Flickr
DP2Q0004, Ann, Summer 2014 by rbrazile, on Flickr
And finally (for now), the bike I just built up for commuting to work -- after the frame languished in my basement for seven years:
DP2Q0093, Kogswell P/R quarter view by rbrazile, on Flickr
I have lots to learn about the camera, and I don't pretend that it's right for all subjects. But within its niche, I think it might be something a bit special. I'm enjoying it, anyway.
If you have questions, I'll try to answer them.
Robert