One trick pony Locked

Lin Evans wrote:

DMillier wrote:

MF cameras are one trick ponies if you consider versatility as essential.

But for me the pejorative of calling Sigma that is they are unique amongst camera makers in making cameras that look like and compete in the space of far superior models from other companies.

It is only the particular image quality that is the Sigma "trick", Replace the quattro sensor with a conventional Sony EXmor and you will have a better camera but one that would almost impossible to sell because it would still fall well short of the competition.

Isn't "image quality" the "major" important thing a camera brings to the table?

Not for a sports photographer (speed and accuracy of AF) or a photojournalist (durability) or a wedding photographer (high iso performance and frame rate). As long as the camera produces image quality that is "good enough" then they are happy.

The photographer can learn composition, learn technicals, etc., but it's the sensor and the lens which is what the camera provides. A mediocre image quality though produced by a superior photographer will always be just that, a mediocre image.

In many circumstances (see above professions) being able to get even a mediocre image is better than not getting it at all.

It is all about the sensor - but it shouldn't be the ball is still in Sigma's court to fix that. Put the Foveon in a body that would sell in its own right - then they would have more than a one trick pony.

The Q is an improvement in every major category.

What is considered "major" is a matter of personal definition. So for you it's an improvement in every major category that you care about. But for many of us the Q loss of edge contrast and color differentiation is a major loss.

Faster file processing, better battery life, higher optical resolution, etc. My only suggestion for the hardware would have been to add an optional EVF though the 3rd party optical magnification viewfinders/sunshades are sufficient.

I see no reason to gloss over either the strengths or weaknesses of either camera. I view them as complementary, not in opposition to each other, each having their own best uses. And I hope Sigma also sees them this way and so decides to keep the Merrill around.

Best regards,

Lin

-- hide signature --

"...while I am tempted to bludgeon you, I would rather have you come away with an improved understanding of how these sensors work" ---- Eric Fossum
Galleries and website: http://www.whisperingcat.co.uk/
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidmillier/