Not a "versus" debate. Just looking for opinions. DP1 and the RX100

Long time since I've been here.

Long story short. Always LOVED my DP1. Had it since launch day. Over a year ago, the Canon s95 became my "take everywhere" camera replacing the DP1 as my everyday camera. Few months ago, it broke, and I ordered a RX100. Used the DP1 for a bit while waiting on the RX100, and realized (remembered) how painful it is to use; but how beautiful the photos are.

Now, knowing I won't carry the DP1 as much, I'm debating selling it. I do really love it, but I'm afraid it just won't come out often enough. So if I kept it, it would be mostly low ISO landscapes. In that respect, I wanted to throw it up against my RX100....you know, for fun. Photos are processed equally. I don't think it's fair to dump a RAW DP1 photo. They've always needed a bit of Photoshop love.

Four photos: scaled to the DP1 resolution, and the RX100 resolution. (Yes, I know I can print from the DP1 native res up to 13x19, which I've done often. Love it. So this is just for the sake of comparison.)

RX100: ISO125 P Mode

DP1: ISO100 P Mode

Photoshop: Auto Tone, Auto Color, Auto Contrast, light USM to bring out the detail.

Fun comparison, the DP cameras have a place in my heart as well. I have a DP1 (original) and a DP2s, as well as a RX100.

At 20mp the DP1 image clearly shows that it's uprezzed too much, the details are smeared and jaggies are showing. The RX100 isn't perfect at 20mp but it's definetely better.

At the DP1 resolution it's a lot more interesting, judging from your samples the DP1 is sharper for sure, but the RX100 could be sharpened more without causing artifacts, and then it's really close.

The colors on the DP1 image look a bit richer, but how much is processing is hard to say.

It is interesting at 4mp isn't it? I think you can really see how sharp the (Sigma) lens is. I'm of the opinion the Sony lens is a bit soft (heavy debates on the Sony side), but honestly, the overall quality, especially when downsized from the unnecessary 20mp, is really amazing for something I can drop in my pocket.

A more fair comparison would be in the 10-12mp range (where the Sigma competes and where the Sony should have been). But like I said, I know my prints are stunning from the DP1 at 4mp, and you're computer screen is only so large for on-screen viewing.

dp1 clearly show more sharp and contrast but need to see it in 100% image. see difference in detail in bricks, plant in right side, small leaves and grass, and cherry blossom flowers in the center. consistent sharpness everywhere. sony soft in corner and bad aberration. no point in downsize. even smartphone can look as good in small size so why bother. big image is key.

Sorry but I don't really have an opinion to offer, although I find the comparison interesting. I do, however, have a question.

What do you think of the RX100's video capability? I am considering purchasing a compact camera that I can shoot decent video on. The other candidate is the Canon G1 X - although from past experience (Canon 40D and 350D), I'm don't like the Canon UI and 50 million menu options. And I really can’t shoot decent video on my Sigma gear.

I am not really interested in a tiny sensor camera with lots of gadgets, hence 1” or 1.5” sensor options. I was very interested in the Fujifilm X20, and even ordered one (they were out of stock – thank god) but after reading DPR’s review and seeing the video quality, I have gone off the idea completely.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks.

The Sigma DP really is not an all-around camera, even though the IQ cam be mind-blowing. I think the RX100 plus a DPxM with your favorite outdoor focal length will be a winning combination.

BTW, I wonder which will look better:

1. DP1 up-sampled to 10MP
2. RX100 down-sampled to 10MP

On the video side, it's nothing short of phenomenal. I have a Canon HF11 camcorder; once heralded as the low-light king in it's day. My Canon s95, with it's 1/1.7" sensor crushed the HF11. Now, the RX100 crushed the s95.

It's amazing to think many pro camcorders feature 1/3" chips (usually three of them, but I think that's more for color). Here we have a 1" chip that slides in our pockets. It's low-light capability blows away a lot of the pro-gear we used a long time ago for weddings. And it's the 1st compact camera I've owned that gives you full manual control while recording. I've never been able to change ISO during a recording.

The only downside is I wish it had a 720p option. There's many times I don't need 1080 60i/60p. And many more times when a bitrate of 2-5mbps is plenty for misc shooting. But the video is extremely smooth and fluid.

curiouspeter said:

curiouspeter wrote:

The Sigma DP really is not an all-around camera, even though the IQ cam be mind-blowing. I think the RX100 plus a DPxM with your favorite outdoor focal length will be a winning combination.

BTW, I wonder which will look better:

1. DP1 up-sampled to 10MP
2. RX100 down-sampled to 10MP

Click to expand...

I did think about the 10mp option. I'll have to try that.