Review - The Sigma dp3 Quattro - For the color connoisseur

Lobbamobba wrote:

I made a quick video review as well containing lots of samples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvpGrmNwqDU

Why?

Im a Foveon fan. Simple as that.
I like what I get from my Sigma cameras. Modern once like this as well as my old dp1 classic. The colors and tones are just where I want them.

The reason to get specifically the dp3q was the focal length and the super crisp images that the Quattro sensor produces.
The colors are so nice. I just ad some contrast, no filters or presets.
I shoot mostly premium compact cameras these days. So this is like buying a short tele lens.
(I have also ordered the tele converter)

Impressions

Pros

• Build quality is excellent

I would not say so. I have DP1, DP2, and DP3, the shutter release sockets are broken in every single one of them. They just to not last.

• Its light

True

• The lens is awesome

Can't complain about that.

• Images are so freaking detailed

If the detail is the only thing that matters to you. Slow operation, abysmal DR, and virtually unusable in a bright sunlight as it is. But yes, it can deliver very nice images of the easy to capture scenes.

• Macro!

So, so.

Cons

• Some buttons are oddly placed

Somewhat.

• No EVF

Now we are talking.

• Low ISO

Conclussion

I like this camera a lot and have no trouble recommending it if:

• You shoot primarily compacts and want another focal length.
• You are primarily a film shooter that wants a digital option.
• You enjoy Sigma Foveon

Frankly I liked Merrills somewhat more, at least from what I saw in my images. Quattro are better suited for capturing the blue skies (there was too much green in the images from Merrills, making clouds look somewhat muddy), but not so for capturing the greens (green glass, foliage, etc.). At the end they all suffer from poor DR, you can not just push one in exchange for the other.

Don't buy it if:

• You shoot fast action.
• You shoot in the dark.
• You are in a hurry.

Very much so, good advice. But then for the slower and determined shooter that weight saving should not matter that much either, or should it?