Sigma DP1 review

I find the DP1 to be an excellent niche tool. I use it in tandem with my Leica V-
Lux-1. It gives me a belt camera with a 28mm focal point, equipped with a
large sensor that allows me to shoot at up to ISO 400 without distracting
noise.

The image quality is spectacular -- equal to that produced by a DSLR. I don't
carry a DSLR and its lenses because of the weight factor, and the big sensor
of the DP1 allows me to travel light yet reap the benefits of that large sensor.

I definitely notice a difference between the DP1 and my other compact digital
cameras in terms of selective focusing ability. The DP1 often allows me to
soften the background, which gives my subjects greater depth perception and
make them seem to pop out of the frame.

The major flaw I find with the DP1 is its LCD screen, which is harder to read in
sunlight than any other digital camera I've used to date. I have moved the
screen control to bright, but that washes out the color and detail. There is a
slight improvement when I take off my sunglasses, but not much.

The V-Lux-1 has spoiled me in terms of interface. It offers a button for almost
everything I need to do while shooting. The DP1, on the other hand, forces me
to go to the menu every time I want to change ISO or color balance. Very
frustrating.

Raw images write to the card very slowly. This is no problem when shooting
inanimate subjects. But when shooting people, it becomes an issue. I am
waiting for the arrival of a faster card, the SanDisc 4MP Extreme III SDHC
card. I hope it will speed up the RAW write times.

When I balance the advantages of the DP1: big sensor, low noise, lightweight,
brilliant image quality, excellent selective focus, against its disadvantages:
poor LCD, frustrating interface, and sluggish raw write time, I still come out
way ahead.

It is not an all purpose camera. It is a niche camera, a 28mm wideangle belt
camera with a remarkable lens and sensor, that supplements a more fully
featured camera such as either a DSLR or an advanced compact zoom
camera, such as the Leica V-Lux I that i use. It replaces the Leica D-Lux 3,
that gave me 28mm capability in a light weight package, but did not perform
well above ISO 100.

I will probably use the DP1 for about ten to fifteen percent of my shooting
situations, which is perfect for my needs.

Phil Douglis
Director, The Douglis Visual Workshops
www.pbase.com/pnd1
pnd1@cox.net