We heard about the SD1 back in September: a Foveon-based DSLR with 45 megapixels, as they define them, though the “megapixel” rating is difficult to compare when you have different sensor patterns going on. They’re confident enough to price this thing above even Canon and Nikon’s pro level cameras. Yes, it’ll set you back $9700. That’s $2000 more than a 1D mk III and $4000 more than a D3X or S.
Sigma is hoping that it’ll be picked up not as a superior pro camera but as a cheap alternative to medium-format brands like Hasselblad and Leaf. But there are a few problems there. → Read More
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that the Foveon sensor has its advantages, but I’m not sure the fact that your sensor has three layers means you get to triple the number of megapixels the camera “has.” I guess it technically does have all those pixels, but the output image will still be around 15 megapixels. Kind of a conundrum.
In any case, 15 is enough, and you’re guaranteed some serious image quality with that layered sensor. What else has this thing got for us? → Read More
Sigma seems to be releasing cameras the way Google releases software: put out something that’s blatantly incomplete and then revise it until it’s competitive (or more than competitive) with the rest of the market. The DP1 is approaching its third revision, the DP2 its second, and the SD15 DSLR is just about to make its debut — and I’ll give you three guesses which is the most attractive to yours truly. If can’t get it, I’ll be very disappointed.
The three cameras share the same sensor and image processor, but the DP1 has a much faster and wider lens — it’d be my choice in a heartbeat. But the SD15 might be interesting once they’ve brought it up to speed. → Read More
It’s the supreme madness of the PMA 2010 season, and although we can’t make it there personally this year, that won’t stop all them camera companies from releasing stuff. You saw the sweet new Samsungs that dropped yesterday, but here are a few more interesting developments from the show. → Read More
Pop quiz, hot shot: you release a product to tepid critical response. Despite having a good concept behind it, it’s slow, limited, and performs badly in low light. After a year and a half, you release its sequel, which is better but still not really that good. What do you do?
A) Forget this approach, try something new like Micro Four-Thirds
B) Get a decent lens on that thing and improve responsiveness
C) Tell her that you want her love
D) Release a new version of the old product with such changes as it would take an expert in these things to see the difference. Delude yourself into thinking these minor shortcomings were the reason your product was received so poorly. → Read More
We’ve been aware of the DP2 for some time, and although its predecessor was coolly received, I’m excited about this one. Everyone agreed that the DP1 was a technical accomplishment, but its actual performance was lacking. AF, shutter lag, speed in general was an issue, poor low light performance — the list goes on, even more so than I remember. But if Sigma has made the changes that need to happen, this could be a very impressive camera. → Read More
Sigma has been using Foveon sensors in its cameras for a couple years now, although some questioned the efficacy of said sensor in their ambitious but disappointing DP1. (Good explanation of the Foveon sensor here). Apparently, though, Sigma is confident enough in the technology that they’re willing to buy Foveon lock, stock, and barrel. Maybe they know something we don’t. What does this mean for you? Well, it means that they’re going to keep on plugging away with their current strategy, and hopefully the DP2 will be a real player. I was rooting for them; it must be difficult to be a third party in the DSLR business. Nobody knows when the DP2 is due, but I’m looking forward to it. → Read More
One month and change after DP Review gave the Sigma DP1 a so-so review, David Pogue now offers his two cents. Like DP Review, Pogue likes the SLR-in-a-point-and-shoot’s body, but says it’s not the end-all, be-all for the concept. The Sigma DP1, in case you don’t remember, essentially puts an SLR sensor inside a point-and-shoot’s body, to mixed results. While Pogue admits that the camera is a technical marvel, it doesn’t deliver as well as we might like. The lens doesn’t zoom; it’s too slow for proper action shots; the RAW files don’t work with PhotoShop; there’s no viewfinder, and the LCD washes out easily; and there’s no lens cap, for Pete’s sake. Best advice: tread lightly with this one. → Read More
DPReview has one of their signature extremely long and in-depth reviews that I love up for the Sigma DP1. I remember hearing about this thing some time ago, but apparently technical issues kept it from release until just recently. Well, now it’s been thoroughly evaluated, and the verdict is: great idea, but lacking polish and adequate image quality in many circumstances. The thing about the DP1 is that it has a big ol’ DSLR-sized sensor and a lot of the benefits that come with it (increased resolution, better image quality, RAW capture), but keeps the small form factor of the point-and-shoot. However, it lacks many of the consumer-friendly features of modern point-and-shoots, and has only a (serviceable, but still) 28mm prime lens, which limits one’s framing options somewhat. DPReview found that in good conditions it was fantastic, but in low light and action it was a poor performer. There’s more (lots more) in the review. → Read More
Sigma is a well-known high-end camerawell-known third party lens company and they appear to be teasing us with a pre-Photokina website tells little about the product but definitely generates a bit of excitement. It seems this new camera will have a Foveon image sensor and some new ways of processing RAW image data. Other than that scant information, we’re going to have to wait until September 26 when they’ll launch the thing officially. Product Page [Sigma via LetsGoDigital] → Read More
