Sigma DP1 and DP2....

Bruce, count me amongst the DP fans, but why a separate space? All of the forums are relatively empty as the site is just getting started. Do you think cameras like the DP1, Dp2, and Leica X1 don't belong in this forum with the small sensor fixed-lens cameras?

 

I'm very interested in anyone's experiences with the Sigma DP1. I just can't seem to be able to use it very well!

I can't get it to focus where I want it to.
The software won't work on my Mac. I can't get it to recognize the camera. I can only look at the pictures whilst the camera is connected.
The pictures can only be saved as documents.

 

Focus: the Sigma cameras aren't particularly good at AF. They focus best in bright light, and on areas with contrast like straight lines or dark/light areas. I use centre point focus, and focus on what I want and then recompose.

File recognition: download your files using a card reader, not directly from the camera. As for the software, I am not aware of any problems with a Mac using Sigma Photo Pro as I use a PC. Sigma provides the latest versions of their software on their website, so you can try Sigma Photo Pro 4 if you have not already.

An alternative is to use Lightroom 3, which supports Sigma's x3F files. I assume you are shooting in raw, not jpegs. A Mac will definitely recognize jpegs.

 

Hi Christilou, I never had either of those problems when I had the DP1. Like Archiver, I used center point focus and recompose. AF isn't very fast, but I didn't have trouble getting it to focus where I wanted. As for processing RAW (X3F) files on a Mac, I never had any problems with Sigma Photo Pro on my Mac. Did you download the latest version from Sigma? I agree with Archiver that a card reader is the way to go. I never tried connecting my DP1 directly to the Mac.

 

File recognition: download your files using a card reader, not directly from the camera. As for the software, I am not aware of any problems with a Mac using Sigma Photo Pro as I use a PC. Sigma provides the latest versions of their software on their website, so you can try Sigma Photo Pro 4 if you have not already.

An alternative is to use Lightroom 3, which supports Sigma's x3F files. I assume you are shooting in raw, not jpegs. A Mac will definitely recognize jpegs.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for all that. I did try downloading the latest Sigma software but still no luck. I didn't know that LR3 supported the files! I guess I will have to buy a card reader and give it a go. I tried to sell the DP1 last year but no-body wanted it so I have to make it work somehow. I agree that the photos that I have gotten out of it from time to time are superb but sadly I can never view them on my computer!!!

 

Got it, thanks Bruce!

 

Archiver, thank you so much for telling me that LR3 supports the DP1 x3 files. I can't tell you how much easier this makes things. I tried it today and it works fine.

 

No problems, christilou.

Another idea: I find that using x3F's in LR3 slows the computer down. I get faster results if I use Adobe DNG Converter on the x3F files. The resulting DNG's seem to handle faster than straight x3F's on my computer. But if yours works fine, then no need!

But I really do recommend finding out how to get SPP to work on your computer. Even LR3 cannot get the same razor sharpness out of x3F's that SPP can.

 

I shall be looking forward to any DP images ! What is it that makes this little camera so special ? I don't have a DP camera, so I can't tell.

 

Agree with Archiver that it's worth trying to get SPP to work. Also, converted DNGs can be processed in Raw Developer. In the case of X3F files, converted DNGs are linear, meaning that they have been demosaiced and are no longer truly RAW. More like half cooked.

 

Hi Herman, the DP cameras produce exceedingly clean files with high dynamic range (retained highlights, open shadows) and smooth tonal transitions which are resilient during during tone mapping (pushing, pulling). The lenses are sharp and well corrected (especially DP1 which is sharp corner to corner wide open) with high microcontrast, and the sensors produce beautiful if not accurate colors. The low ISO color image quality is the best, from my perspective, that I have experienced in a pocketable camera. Black and white results are also excellent, whereas high ISO color results are not so great, especially with unbalanced lighting.

 

What is Sigma up to these days? Any new cameras in the wings? I'm really ignorant about the Foveon sensor, but I have a Flickr friend who shoots with the DP1 and I am bowled over by his photos, for many reasons.

I know we have a few DP1 folks here, too, but they seem to have been quiet lately.

 

hello all,yes i have been smitten by the lure of the foveon sensor.had the dp1 for a while but despite some pleasing results it was an ultimately frustrating tool.now more than happy with dp2s,yes there are drawbacks but if you stick with it and learn to accomadate it's foibles it's got a soul missing from most digital cameras. I 've started posting a few shots on the members gallery here or check out my flickr stream ...search for chelseadave55

 

Sigma photographers on Flickr

Aha - found you Dave! Flickr: chelseadave55's Photostream I almost grabbed that shot of yours from your London set "me bigger than st pauls" but felt that might just be overstepping my bounds a bit.

There does seem to be something special about the Sigma's images. Maybe it is its "soul"?

I have asked a Flickr pal of mine who goes by the name of vaquey Flickr: vaquey's Photostream, if I might link to his stream and some photos here. He has very kindly given me the go ahead. Unfortunately I am not able to post his photos or grab links to embed. I highly recommend his photostream!

 

Sigma have not announced any more pocket cameras recently, but they have announced a fully weather sealed DSLR with a 15.3 megapixel APS-C sensor. All other Sigma cameras use a 4.3 megapixel sensor that is slightly smaller than APS-C. My guess is that this technology will work its way into the compact range, so the DP5 or so will hopefully have this new sensor.

Sigma releases SD1 flagship digital SLR: Digital Photography Review

Meanwhile, I'm still enjoying the DP1 and DP2. I recently went to Brisbane for three weeks and carried the DP2 as my 'quality' camera for long walks, leaving the 5D MarkII back at the hotel, and the Leica M9 at home (sniff sniff). While it wasn't as fast in operation as the 5DII or M9, it was smaller, lighter, and produced wonderful images that were very easy to tweak in Lightroom 3.2.

 

Thank you, Archiver, that must be the Sigma I was hearing about but didn't realize it was going to be a DSLR. I know there are a lot of folks who are interested in a "weatherproof" camera and will be very interested in this.

I just took a quick look into your Flickr stream, and will be going back for more (beautiful photos in there) and keeping my eyes peeled for your Brisbane photos, Archiver. If the spirit moves you, it would be great if you posted a couple in here on SC, too.

 

cheers BBW ,thanks for the vacquey tip, well worth the effort,and inspirational to anyone considering the foveon route.my instinct is that the sigmas are as close as dammit to a velvia look,but thats just my take.
ps .grab any pics you like from my flickr stream.

 

Wylie, expect for the SD1 there is nothing new from Sigma. They move slow. The SD1 should be out early next year and looks to be an amazing camera (but we'll have to wait and see). The DP1x and DP2s are still fantastic cameras if irritating to use at times. I don't use mine often, but I can't bring myself to sell them. Every now and then I just want some Foveon images and I'll take them for a walk.