Chris .... there is a guy ( Mattias Burling ) on youtube who swears by these cameras ... even the Quattro dp3. He's a great guy to watch and listen to. His reviews are solid, and he often backs the underdog, as well as backing the big buck makes.
I am lucky as a salesman, since the beginning of the digital camera I have been able to use the vast majority of major cameras over the last ten years. I have seen many well designed cameras and many poor performers and worldwide sales are indicative of design in most cases. Sigma cameras sell poorly... We tried to accomplish two things in this video, to show the DPs downsides and excellent image quality, and to be entertaining. I'm glad that you have enjoyed your camera by the way. Chris TCS
Smart people understand how this cam works. I like the idea that most people will never understand how to get the most out of it. I had to discover this cam for myself. Away from the reviews and 'know it all' photographers, that seemed to know lots of facts but took shit pics.
+JAKE AWAKE Absolutely true! It's no thing for people who want to shoot good pictures fast. But it's a camera for people who want to take their time to get astonishing photographs, even if that means adapting a new slower workflow and lots of reading.
DrWakey I agree. the masters used very simple cams and almost stuck to the same paper etc. I'm too young to have used all that other than a compact but my workflow is very simple and (under another name) I have a a world wide following for a few years now) I use a 12 mp cam, one lens and light room with a bit of lightroom 4. That's it.
Thanks Laurence - my bad for not knowing it was 200 native.The sensor should obviously perform optimally to that ISO. Chris obviously played on the shortcomings on the camera for comic effect, but the bottom line is the prints - which were superb - and the fact that, as he said, it was fun to shoot with the DPM cameras. The mind boggles as to what a FF 35mm Foveon could do. Cheers, - Nick.
Hey Dzimitry, I have added the full size JPEGs to our blog post about this shoot. You can find it on The Camera Store webpage. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
If you had watched the entire video, you would see that we compared 24X36 prints from the Nikon D800E and Sigma DP2M. The Sigma really is comparable to the D800E, even at huge print sizes like that. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
I have still the Sigma DP Merill 1,2,3 today in 2020 and those cameras still kick ass,super sharp,but is the micro sharpness that do it all,and the image is so 3D whit a lot of layers into the depths of it,the iso is about 100-400 on colour and iso 100-800 on B/W in Raw,just like on the good old film cameras :)
Thanks for this review. Just bought a DP2m largely due to this video. I've actually been surprised at its usability given what Chris said here. Great camera!
Thanks for making this video. I have assisted a photographer who uses Sigma DSLRs for some time and always been a strong believer in the quality of Foveon technology. Your experience with the New DP1 mirrors my own, although I have to totally agree with Nick - its a tech camera. The trouble is we are conditioned to expect video features & high ISOs and moreover people often dont respect photographers anymore. In the old days people stood still and smiled, today folks are so distracted!! ; )
I do miss shooting with my 4x5 camera. When I started photo school that was the only camera we were allowed to use for the first year. This was back in 1980. I still have my camera, holders and Polaroid back. This camera reminds me of my 4x5. At times I wish the digital technology was never invented.
Have to give you Kudos for video-reviewing these cameras! As a DP1 owner, I can understand the frustration of trying to get it to do what you want, but once you go through the effort, it rewards you with some wonderful images.
Thanks for watching! That location is a beautiful little place called the Mt. Kidd reflection pools in Kananaskis. They are natural hot springs so the water stays exposed most of the winter and are located right off the highway. Chris @ The Camera Store
HDR will help with dynamic range, but not address the pixel level sharpness that can be achieved with the DP Merrill cameras. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Seriously SD1 and DP1m DP2m DP3m series with fixed lens are comparable with DSLRs like D800 you can see loads of samples on the internet to prove this. However it's not only sharpnes and crispnes and tiny detail but also a microcontrast that isn't achievable by any Bayern sensor even the super clean images of D3s - Bayern sensors just aren't comparable with Foveon sensor. it's just something different. I highly recommend Sigma Cameras once you start with Sigma and learn it.. you'll love it.
I love the way camera's and gear are reviewed by the camerastore. I used to love digitalrev but recently their reviews are not up to par. Camera store is really in-depth in all aspects, cheers !
It is Feb.16.2023. and every time that I look at files taken about 10 years ago I wish that I had kept my Sigma DP2 Merrill, that good and colours are just great.
At 10:55, look at the rocks surrounding the orange moss(?). The details in the rocks in the Sigma shot is incredible. The D800 looks blurred in comparison. Great job guys; funny and engaging and I'm now interested in this camera for those certain shots.
The foveon experience is like this. For every 1 positive point there are 3-4 negatives [aka bad battery life, slow focussing etc] But damn that 1 point that is positive is stunningly special. Yup owning a Dp1 and Dp2 first generation I know about the limitations all to well. But if you are in that zone, it just works so nice. And yes the image quality is special.. there is something special about sigma foveon.
The DP2 M produces extraordinary images for me and (contra Chris) I find the UI extremely intelligent and super easy to use in the field. Battery life? It comes with two, and in a day's shooting I always have power left over (but I am shooing from a tripod, and 50 images is a big day for me). Out of camera sharpness is breathtaking, and the images pop on a high-rez monitor. Easy to criticise if you don't know much about photography. Thumbs up from me.
It is amazing that this video was decisive for me in choosing a camera. In 2013, I started a new phase of photography, begun in 1981! I am still amazed at this camera ... How many experimenters and secrets have since opened in it! This is the best camera from Foveon 1: 1: 1 for my Fine Art!
One of their best reviews. Chris examplifies what by far most users expect from a modern camera and I really had to laugh about the enormous question marks bubbling out of his head when the cam did something, well...unexpected. I cannot see these Sigma's being a standalone solution for versatilephotgraphy. But it is an excellent add-on once you get some sort of workflow it seems. I love these kind of uniue things, Still in doubt: DP1m or DP2m?
The only thing that matters with any camera is color and contrast. It took me along time to realize that sharpness just isn't really that important. And color with digital cameras suck. I bought a D600 and it's ok but when I look back on pictures of my kids that I took with Kodachrome 25 & 64 and provia and velvia and portra (medium format) there is absolutely no comparison whatsoever, none. And I don't see how anyone in their right mind could say there is. We are all drinking the digital crappy picture cool aid for the sake of the fact that we can make A LOT of crappy photos and see them right away. I love what Sigma is doing. I don't need to take a jillion photos that no one wants to see, just a few spectacular ones that will last forever. I've always used film between 25 asa and 160 iso. Every now and then I'd grab some 400 and 800 for my Fuji 645 camera. I don't understand everyone's obsession with 6400iso. Who cares. Sigma has it right and I hope they keep it going. I'm definitely making the switch.
for what i've read the only sensor that can come close to film is the foveon, maybe you can try the dp2 merrill, now you can find it for a really good price
As I look more and more at both Fuji and Sigma files that were accurately exposed and in focus, I've come to realize how much more clarity and dimension the Sigma files have. It's decidedly different.
Hi Nick and the other guy, A few comments: The native ISO of this imager is 200. Resolution has less to do with MPs and more to do with line pairs. The Foveon imagers have always resolved to Nyquist; no Bayer imager can do that. On a B&W chart, the difference is about 200 in favour of the 800E; on a colour, no contest. I am always surprised about the "non-versatility" approach. My approach is always to make it do what it does best. Therefore, cameras in my life: Alpa, Leica, Hasselblad, Sigma.
It's a great camera for landscape, use it on tripod, low ISO or as close to KODACHROME 64 as possible: ) I smoke a lot of cigars using this camera because it gives the time and I always carry 10 batteries......I can't afford the ALPA for snow but the SIGMA is just great.....
Sigma should make sensors or sell their technology to other brands. Obviously, the sensor has great potential and output, but they don't seem to be able to get the rest right.
i really like your videos but this one has to be one of the best. Great way to end the year! Also, i really like every time you guys go in some remote areas like that. Keep up the good work
It's a quirky camera that I'd never even consider buying but it is very interesting to hear about it. Thanks for this video! Please more videos of quirky as well as mainstream cameras.
They are not suggesting "Nobody will ever tell a difference as suggested here." They say "this (Sigma) is a little bit less detailed (at an unrealistic viewing distance)", "it's very hard to tell the difference", "we're just looking at the detail right now on what is a huge print". Then they say that with large print you are typicaly going to look at it from further away to see the whole image. And at that distance you would be hard pressed to see the difference between the D800 and Sigma.
The Sigma does have a real beauty and crispness to it, and the contrast was in this unedited case higher than the D800. Of course it is impossible to convey the real print quality over youtube and in fact the D800 displayed a flatter but superior potential dynamic range and was noticeably more detailed than the DP Merrills. Still I was truly surprised and converted to the merits of the Sigmas. No one was more shocked than myself. Chris @ The Camera Store TV
I guess people forgotten, but there is dSLR Sigma SD1M with same sensor. You just need some incredible lens to use it as effectively as DP1 and 2 Merrill. Its sorta same as DP2M, slowish, quirky, hard to work with, but files can be amazing.. Yea and its possible to convert SA mount to Canon EF (full electronic conversion).
If Sigma had packaged this in a different form no-one would have expected high ISO performance, fast focus and write times. The problem is it looks like a compact camera when in fact it's a clunky,slow medium format film camera in disguise. The irony is most reviewers can't see the astonishing achievement in downsizing that capability.
+CDtopographics Sadly not even that. It lacks the medium format "look", due to its small sensor. It's more like the difference between a film like the Tri-X 320 which wasn't high in resolution but delivered good results at ISO 200-1600 and a high resolution low grain film with an ISO of 50. Of course it will look better but it's still far, far removed from medium format.
+photographer85 Not true. The astonishing thing about the Merrills IS that they are not that far away from medium format. Even thats not the point, if you handle the dp2m right, every pixel sits perfect and it's effective 15mp look like far more. But, it needs the proper photographer to handle it. Thats a big point with this cameras.
+DrWakey Again: It is far away from medium format. You can't get the look of the large sensor, not matter what - resolution isn't that important no matter if it's 15 or 80mpx. I understand what you're saying but medium format (and above) isn't all about resolution, there's far more to is than that, even current SLRs like Canon 5DS(r) and the Nikon lineup produce photos that have an extremely high resolution that outperforms the DP (even with that nifty sensor) and they still lack the MF look, feel, colour fidelity,... It would be like saying an iPhone6 camera is not that far away from a full frame SLR. Sure, when it comes to resolution you're right but that's not the whole picture. Have your ever worked with a medium format camera? I'm not talking about the small ones like a Pentax 645D/Z but more like a Hasselblad or PhaseOne with a full frame sensor?
I used medium format film cameras such as an RB67, a M645 and various TLRs and used to shoot 5 x 4 film. Digital never looks the same as film, either, as you know, so you are right about the absurdity of comparing across camera types but reviewers are deffo missing the point when criticising the Merrill's high ISO performance and battery life! The sensor is terrific for pixel level sharpness and colour rendition - and it's now dirt cheap.
+CDtopographics well I wouldn't call it dirt cheap but you have a point. I recently acquired a digital MF back, used to shoot with Hasselblad, Pentax67, 4x5 and 8x10 (which I still do every now and then) - but I have to say I was absolutely surprised about the quality of even a 60MP back and I actually think that you can make them look like film with ease. Many photographers who were adamant on using film have switched to digital because of that (and the fact that you can use the MFD-backs on tech/view cameras and get even better image quality. I was used to shoot hand held 6x7 at 1/100 - with the digital back it's not that easy, you can see the tiniest amount of movement and sharpness becomes absolutely critical! I think a foveon sensor medium format digital back would be amazing! But it would take about a minute to save a single frame ;D and by then the battery is drained. As far as 35mm is concerned there is no doubt that the sigma sensor is the best (for short exposures with enough light) sensor on the market. It's so sad they messed up the marketing. But - imagine how good it would be if they incorporated a tilt/shift/swing in their camera design! That would be amazing!
I really enjoy watching these interesting videos about the quirky cameras. They are informative, along with interesting. The former which DRTV seems to be skimping out on here recently.
Sigma should go all the way and make the best landscape camera there is. A camera with a full frame foveon sensor would be nice. Medium format would be sick.
The sigma is a niche product. It isn't a sports camera, it isn't good for making 6ft wide prints and you aren't going to use it for normal 'Facebook snaps'. It is designed for a slower pace of photography where you think about your shots and take pride in your work, much more akin to medium and large format film. You wouldn't buy a formula 1 car and expect it to be able to take the kids to the park and do the weekly shop!
I primarily shoot landscapes and have a d800e kit. It rocks. I just bought dp2 merrill and have used it for a few days and I'm GOBSMACKED. The darn lens is crazy sharp corner to corner. To get the same sharpness with the d800e your talking $800-$1000 lens. In regards to dynamic range I'm finding it going toe-to-toe with the d800e (?!!). My print tests indicate that up to about 20x30 resolution is similar (!!). DP2 files are luscious. DP2 is revolutionary. Batteries $10 each at Bluenook. Freedom!
Looking at the dpreview sample comparison between SD1M and Fuji X-E1, Sigma clearly resolves more detail while actually having slightly lower resolution than Fuji. And it makes sense because Sigma sensor is not Bayer like Fuji sensor. Pair that Foveon sensor with excellent DP2M lens and there is now way for Fuji X-E1 to outresolve DP2M. Or any Bayer sensor that does not have 30-60% more Mpix resolution than Foveon.
I've been using the DP2M for about two months and it has completely destroyed my interest in owning a D800. But you have to work on tripod and as if you are using a film camera ("35 shots per roll, right?"). It is not a point and shoot camera but it is the closest you can get to a MF digital without spending megabucks. Thank you so much for doing this video and raising people's awareness of this awesome little camera.
I do agree that in other parameters Sigma lags behind top DSLRs. But at least it's super small ;-) Many have already said this - Sigma should be approached like a view camera. For specific uses the high image quality trumps all other disadvantages. It's not all purpose camera. It's camera for people who know exactly what they want.
Nick, your part was great. I have the DP2M and think very much like you. Normally I like shooting without a tripod but even got a small one for the DP2M. Also as you said the slowness can be even helpful (slows me down).
Nick Devlin says it it's like shooting a technical camera. If you use a view camera which has slow manual controls and low ISO like in film days, you must shoot in raw with work in post, and use a tripod it will perform on par with any full frame sensor camera out there today. Want to be a point and shoot wanna be this is not your camera.
I think this video does the DP2M justice. The comments on the camera itself are fine. All has to be seen in relation to the image quality you can get. You have to experience it yourself.
Just watched this video with an open mind. The Sigma's lichen shot looked miles better than the nikons(which looked out of focus to me) As the guest(a far nicer, more down to earth man states)with the sigma, you need to think and work slowly, complimenting the camera with a workflow that suits it.
I have to agree. I owned a Fuji X-E1 for about 2 months. Loved the camera. Hated the slow AF and the problems with the RAW files. Everyone says they fixed it in Capture One, and such, but having tried it, I am not thoroughly convinced yet. So, I sold it and will use this even more "pain in the ass" camera until Fuji fixes those issues. The end result, being able to use RAW, is what matters to me.
Yeah, it's regular mittens. Haven't you seen mittens before? People use the as keeping four fingers together keeps you warmer than separating them, still you maintain the ability to grip things.
such a nice and informative video! another great one guys. i must admit, this video really makes me want to give this camera a chance. it seems pretty good in its own right! thx a bunch
The Sigma sales rep was nice enough to lend us his bag for this video and if he's not embarrassed having tags hanging out well I won't be either. Also I'm lazy. We love our Russian viewers and come summer time hopefully my Lada Niva will once again be moving under it's own power to be the official TCS TV vehicle. Thanks for watching! Chris @ The Camera Store
I love these camera's. I own all three. But even the previous are nor grosse( how o write it in English), if I try it now after not using it for a long time they amazing.
Chris, isn't it the best camera to take black & white picture beside the monochrom? i would like to know more about this camera, do some more video about regular shooting like street photography, thanks
I think this is truly a niche camera in a way not unlike Holgas: it's all about shooting around the limitations to come up with unique images. Instead of lo-fi, though, it's mind blowing. It seems more genuinely quirky than Leica's offerings. I wonder if the SD1 Merrill could be a D800E on a budget, since it should fix most of the handling issues Chris was complaining about (though it weighs more and is $800 more expensive than the DP1 Merrill).
This video cracked me up. It's the most honest review I've seen on any camera system. I ended up buying one of these. It will arrive soon. I'm sure I will be swearing like Chris, but hopefully I will coax out the files like Nick. LOL! We shall see. It will be a trial run. If I can't deal with its weirdness, then I will opt out for another Fuji X series camera.
This Sigma reminds me of the twin reflex cameras going up against the 35mm film cameras. 35s got their butts beat. Lack of adaptability aside, I would think about using the Sigma. Although, before I purchase one I would like to see HDR photos compared against this Sigma. The Sigma looks great only under specific conditions, but can Nikon, or Canon compete or surpass merely by using HDR?
I had the Fuji X-E1 for a bit. I may actually get it again once they fix the AF problem and RAW conversion issues. It comes close to the Sigma, but I'll know when I test mine out. I love the Fuji for everything else and may go back to it. But, the Foveon has me intrigued and I have to try it. I don't think the Fuji quite beats it in detail edge to edge , but in all other areas, I'm sure it does.
I had D800... at the same time with my SD1m and DP2m.. and I sold only D800 .. not saying either is better, but the thing is Foveon X3m (Merrill) doesnt have any competition in IQ and microcontrast with any of the Bayern sensors
hi...for the print comparison between D800e and DP2M @ 10:00...are they using the same exposure? from my monitor, it looks like the D800 shot is underexposed.
I can't wait to try it. I live in AZ and the Sigma would do well here with the ability to use the low ISO in bright sunlight. LOL! I thought of getting the D800E but didn't want the bigger D-SLR. Tried the Fuji X-E1, but hated the slow AF. Yeah, I know. The DP2M will probably be more aggravating, but if I can get files like the ones the pro landscapers are getting, then I will deal with dead batteries and slow RAW writes.
These photos look fantastic--this seems like a great camera for a film nerd like me--I just wonder how much post-processing we're seeing on those images they throw up on the screen...
Chris, you've got a golden opportunity. DigitalRevTV is spewing some of the most juvenile crap I've seen. You are entertaining, like Kai, without all the sexual references and bathroom humor. Your camera reviews carry weight and have much value. Your opportunity is to capture many of the refugees from DigitalRevTV. Give us videos and lots of them. Keep up the good work, and thanks for having a little morality.
I actually have never seen files like the ones from a sigma dpmerrill! sooooo impressive! and chris, maybe you should spend some time with a leica II to appreciate the "speed" of the sigma ;D
This is almost a Leica paradox to me. Incredible camera. I understand the vision behind the camera. No flippen idea how it is 8 grand. Here is a good camera! Beautiful for landscapes on a tripod. $1,000 is a bananas price though. That's just my thoughts. :)
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more reviews from Nick Devlin please, he seems a serious and thoughtful photographer. Great temperament and poise.
10 years on, I still love my DP1M and DP2M.
Chris .... there is a guy ( Mattias Burling ) on youtube who swears by these cameras ... even the Quattro dp3. He's a great guy to watch and listen to. His reviews are solid, and he often backs the underdog, as well as backing the big buck makes.
May years later and I still love watching this episode of the Sigma!
I Just got a Sigma dp1 Merrill and a Sigma dp2s.
I’m blown away with the amazing picture quality.
I am lucky as a salesman, since the beginning of the digital camera I have been able to use the vast majority of major cameras over the last ten years. I have seen many well designed cameras and many poor performers and worldwide sales are indicative of design in most cases. Sigma cameras sell poorly... We tried to accomplish two things in this video, to show the DPs downsides and excellent image quality, and to be entertaining. I'm glad that you have enjoyed your camera by the way.
Chris TCS
Just got a DP1 Merrill for £150 !
Playing with it ...will take a while to get used to it....but loving it so far.
Smart people understand how this cam works.
I like the idea that most people will never understand how
to get the most out of it.
I had to discover this cam for myself. Away from the reviews
and 'know it all' photographers, that seemed to know lots of
facts but took shit pics.
+JAKE AWAKE Absolutely true!
It's no thing for people who want to shoot good pictures fast.
But it's a camera for people who want to take their time to get astonishing photographs, even if that means adapting a new slower workflow and lots of reading.
DrWakey I agree. the masters used very simple cams and almost stuck to the same paper etc. I'm too young to have used all that other than a compact but my workflow is very simple and (under another name) I have a a world wide following for a few years now) I use a 12 mp cam, one lens and light room with a bit of lightroom 4. That's it.
Thanks Laurence - my bad for not knowing it was 200 native.The sensor should obviously perform optimally to that ISO. Chris obviously played on the shortcomings on the camera for comic effect, but the bottom line is the prints - which were superb - and the fact that, as he said, it was fun to shoot with the DPM cameras.
The mind boggles as to what a FF 35mm Foveon could do.
Cheers,
- Nick.
Hey Dzimitry,
I have added the full size JPEGs to our blog post about this shoot. You can find it on The Camera Store webpage.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
If you had watched the entire video, you would see that we compared 24X36 prints from the Nikon D800E and Sigma DP2M. The Sigma really is comparable to the D800E, even at huge print sizes like that.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
I have still the Sigma DP Merill 1,2,3 today in 2020 and those cameras still kick ass,super sharp,but is the micro sharpness that do it all,and the image is so 3D whit a lot of layers into the depths of it,the iso is about 100-400 on colour and iso 100-800 on B/W in Raw,just like on the good old film cameras :)
Thanks for this review. Just bought a DP2m largely due to this video. I've actually been surprised at its usability given what Chris said here. Great camera!
I know this is 8yrs old, but what's your opinion of this camera as used for candid street photography; is it as dismal as everyone says? Thanks!
Thanks for making this video. I have assisted a photographer who uses Sigma DSLRs for some time and always been a strong believer in the quality of Foveon technology. Your experience with the New DP1 mirrors my own, although I have to totally agree with Nick - its a tech camera. The trouble is we are conditioned to expect video features & high ISOs and moreover people often dont respect photographers anymore. In the old days people stood still and smiled, today folks are so distracted!! ; )
I do miss shooting with my 4x5 camera. When I started photo school that was the only camera we were allowed to use for the first year. This was back in 1980. I still have my camera, holders and Polaroid back. This camera reminds me of my 4x5. At times I wish the digital technology was never invented.
Have to give you Kudos for video-reviewing these cameras! As a DP1 owner, I can understand the frustration of trying to get it to do what you want, but once you go through the effort, it rewards you with some wonderful images.
Thanks for watching! That location is a beautiful little place called the Mt. Kidd reflection pools in Kananaskis. They are natural hot springs so the water stays exposed most of the winter and are located right off the highway.
Chris @ The Camera Store
One of the few reviews that does this camera justice.
HDR will help with dynamic range, but not address the pixel level sharpness that can be achieved with the DP Merrill cameras.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
We had solid NDs, ND grads and polarizers. Various makes, from Hitech,Rodenstock and Singh Ray.
Seriously SD1 and DP1m DP2m DP3m series with fixed lens are comparable with DSLRs like D800 you can see loads of samples on the internet to prove this. However it's not only sharpnes and crispnes and tiny detail but also a microcontrast that isn't achievable by any Bayern sensor even the super clean images of D3s - Bayern sensors just aren't comparable with Foveon sensor. it's just something different. I highly recommend Sigma Cameras once you start with Sigma and learn it.. you'll love it.
I love the way camera's and gear are reviewed by the camerastore. I used to love digitalrev but recently their reviews are not up to par. Camera store is really in-depth in all aspects, cheers !
It is Feb.16.2023. and every time that I look at files taken about 10 years ago I wish that I had kept my Sigma DP2 Merrill, that good and colours are just great.
At 10:55, look at the rocks surrounding the orange moss(?). The details in the rocks in the Sigma shot is incredible. The D800 looks blurred in comparison.
Great job guys; funny and engaging and I'm now interested in this camera for those certain shots.
really love how camerastoretv reviews their cameras
The foveon experience is like this. For every 1 positive point there are 3-4 negatives [aka bad battery life, slow focussing etc]
But damn that 1 point that is positive is stunningly special. Yup owning a Dp1 and Dp2 first generation I know about the limitations all to well. But if you are in that zone, it just works so nice.
And yes the image quality is special.. there is something special about sigma foveon.
The DP2 M produces extraordinary images for me and (contra Chris) I find the UI extremely intelligent and super easy to use in the field. Battery life? It comes with two, and in a day's shooting I always have power left over (but I am shooing from a tripod, and 50 images is a big day for me).
Out of camera sharpness is breathtaking, and the images pop on a high-rez monitor. Easy to criticise if you don't know much about photography. Thumbs up from me.
It is amazing that this video was decisive for me in choosing a camera. In 2013, I started a new phase of photography, begun in 1981! I am still amazed at this camera ... How many experimenters and secrets have since opened in it! This is the best camera from Foveon 1: 1: 1 for my Fine Art!
10:17 - what is a Dikon D800?
One of their best reviews. Chris examplifies what by far most users expect from a modern camera and I really had to laugh about the enormous question marks bubbling out of his head when the cam did something, well...unexpected. I cannot see these Sigma's being a standalone solution for versatilephotgraphy. But it is an excellent add-on once you get some sort of workflow it seems. I love these kind of uniue things, Still in doubt: DP1m or DP2m?
As I remember the dye sublimation printing process, the Sigma produces images like that, stunning.
The only thing that matters with any camera is color and contrast. It took me along time to realize that sharpness just isn't really that important. And color with digital cameras suck. I bought a D600 and it's ok but when I look back on pictures of my kids that I took with Kodachrome 25 & 64 and provia and velvia and portra (medium format) there is absolutely no comparison whatsoever, none. And I don't see how anyone in their right mind could say there is. We are all drinking the digital crappy picture cool aid for the sake of the fact that we can make A LOT of crappy photos and see them right away. I love what Sigma is doing. I don't need to take a jillion photos that no one wants to see, just a few spectacular ones that will last forever. I've always used film between 25 asa and 160 iso. Every now and then I'd grab some 400 and 800 for my Fuji 645 camera. I don't understand everyone's obsession with 6400iso. Who cares. Sigma has it right and I hope they keep it going. I'm definitely making the switch.
for what i've read the only sensor that can come close to film is the foveon, maybe you can try the dp2 merrill, now you can find it for a really good price
Best image quality I have seen on any online camera review :)
As I look more and more at both Fuji and Sigma files that were accurately exposed and in focus, I've come to realize how much more clarity and dimension the Sigma files have. It's decidedly different.
Wow, this camera produces absolutely stunning images. I'd love to see where this technology goes!
Hi Nick and the other guy,
A few comments: The native ISO of this imager is 200. Resolution has less to do with MPs and more to do with line pairs. The Foveon imagers have always resolved to Nyquist; no Bayer imager can do that. On a B&W chart, the difference is about 200 in favour of the 800E; on a colour, no contest.
I am always surprised about the "non-versatility" approach. My approach is always to make it do what it does best. Therefore, cameras in my life: Alpa, Leica, Hasselblad, Sigma.
It's a great camera for landscape, use it on tripod, low ISO or as close to KODACHROME 64 as possible: ) I smoke a lot of cigars using this camera because it gives the time and I always carry 10 batteries......I can't afford the ALPA for snow but the SIGMA is just great.....
Sigma should make sensors or sell their technology to other brands. Obviously, the sensor has great potential and output, but they don't seem to be able to get the rest right.
And the print is always the best final arbiter. Thanks for doing that. And for the video.
i really like your videos but this one has to be one of the best. Great way to end the year!
Also, i really like every time you guys go in some remote areas like that.
Keep up the good work
It's a quirky camera that I'd never even consider buying but it is very interesting to hear about it. Thanks for this video! Please more videos of quirky as well as mainstream cameras.
They are not suggesting "Nobody will ever tell a difference as suggested here."
They say "this (Sigma) is a little bit less detailed (at an unrealistic viewing distance)", "it's very hard to tell the difference", "we're just looking at the detail right now on what is a huge print".
Then they say that with large print you are typicaly going to look at it from further away to see the whole image. And at that distance you would be hard pressed to see the difference between the D800 and Sigma.
This was 10 years back! A lot has changed in a decade!
The Sigma does have a real beauty and crispness to it, and the contrast was in this unedited case higher than the D800. Of course it is impossible to convey the real print quality over youtube and in fact the D800 displayed a flatter but superior potential dynamic range and was noticeably more detailed than the DP Merrills. Still I was truly surprised and converted to the merits of the Sigmas. No one was more shocked than myself.
Chris @ The Camera Store TV
I guess people forgotten, but there is dSLR Sigma SD1M with same sensor. You just need some incredible lens to use it as effectively as DP1 and 2 Merrill.
Its sorta same as DP2M, slowish, quirky, hard to work with, but files can be amazing..
Yea and its possible to convert SA mount to Canon EF (full electronic conversion).
If Sigma had packaged this in a different form no-one would have expected high ISO performance, fast focus and write times. The problem is it looks like a compact camera when in fact it's a clunky,slow medium format film camera in disguise. The irony is most reviewers can't see the astonishing achievement in downsizing that capability.
+CDtopographics Sadly not even that. It lacks the medium format "look", due to its small sensor. It's more like the difference between a film like the Tri-X 320 which wasn't high in resolution but delivered good results at ISO 200-1600 and a high resolution low grain film with an ISO of 50.
Of course it will look better but it's still far, far removed from medium format.
+photographer85 Not true.
The astonishing thing about the Merrills IS that they are not that far away from medium format.
Even thats not the point, if you handle the dp2m right, every pixel sits perfect and it's effective 15mp look like far more.
But, it needs the proper photographer to handle it. Thats a big point with this cameras.
+DrWakey Again: It is far away from medium format. You can't get the look of the large sensor, not matter what - resolution isn't that important no matter if it's 15 or 80mpx.
I understand what you're saying but medium format (and above) isn't all about resolution, there's far more to is than that, even current SLRs like Canon 5DS(r) and the Nikon lineup produce photos that have an extremely high resolution that outperforms the DP (even with that nifty sensor) and they still lack the MF look, feel, colour fidelity,...
It would be like saying an iPhone6 camera is not that far away from a full frame SLR. Sure, when it comes to resolution you're right but that's not the whole picture.
Have your ever worked with a medium format camera? I'm not talking about the small ones like a Pentax 645D/Z but more like a Hasselblad or PhaseOne with a full frame sensor?
I used medium format film cameras such as an RB67, a M645 and various TLRs and used to shoot 5 x 4 film. Digital never looks the same as film, either, as you know, so you are right about the absurdity of comparing across camera types but reviewers are deffo missing the point when criticising the Merrill's high ISO performance and battery life! The sensor is terrific for pixel level sharpness and colour rendition - and it's now dirt cheap.
+CDtopographics well I wouldn't call it dirt cheap but you have a point.
I recently acquired a digital MF back, used to shoot with Hasselblad, Pentax67, 4x5 and 8x10 (which I still do every now and then) - but I have to say I was absolutely surprised about the quality of even a 60MP back and I actually think that you can make them look like film with ease. Many photographers who were adamant on using film have switched to digital because of that (and the fact that you can use the MFD-backs on tech/view cameras and get even better image quality. I was used to shoot hand held 6x7 at 1/100 - with the digital back it's not that easy, you can see the tiniest amount of movement and sharpness becomes absolutely critical!
I think a foveon sensor medium format digital back would be amazing! But it would take about a minute to save a single frame ;D and by then the battery is drained.
As far as 35mm is concerned there is no doubt that the sigma sensor is the best (for short exposures with enough light) sensor on the market. It's so sad they messed up the marketing.
But - imagine how good it would be if they incorporated a tilt/shift/swing in their camera design! That would be amazing!
I really enjoy watching these interesting videos about the quirky cameras. They are informative, along with interesting. The former which DRTV seems to be skimping out on here recently.
just came from Chris's fp-l review, time flies.
Sigma should go all the way and make the best landscape camera there is. A camera with a full frame foveon sensor would be nice. Medium format would be sick.
The sigma is a niche product. It isn't a sports camera, it isn't good for making 6ft wide prints and you aren't going to use it for normal 'Facebook snaps'.
It is designed for a slower pace of photography where you think about your shots and take pride in your work, much more akin to medium and large format film.
You wouldn't buy a formula 1 car and expect it to be able to take the kids to the park and do the weekly shop!
I primarily shoot landscapes and have a d800e kit. It rocks. I just bought dp2 merrill and have used it for a few days and I'm GOBSMACKED. The darn lens is crazy sharp corner to corner. To get the same sharpness with the d800e your talking $800-$1000 lens. In regards to dynamic range I'm finding it going toe-to-toe with the d800e (?!!). My print tests indicate that up to about 20x30 resolution is similar (!!). DP2 files are luscious. DP2 is revolutionary. Batteries $10 each at Bluenook. Freedom!
Looking at the dpreview sample comparison between SD1M and Fuji X-E1, Sigma clearly resolves more detail while actually having slightly lower resolution than Fuji. And it makes sense because Sigma sensor is not Bayer like Fuji sensor. Pair that Foveon sensor with excellent DP2M lens and there is now way for Fuji X-E1 to outresolve DP2M. Or any Bayer sensor that does not have 30-60% more Mpix resolution than Foveon.
I've been using the DP2M for about two months and it has completely destroyed my interest in owning a D800. But you have to work on tripod and as if you are using a film camera ("35 shots per roll, right?"). It is not a point and shoot camera but it is the closest you can get to a MF digital without spending megabucks. Thank you so much for doing this video and raising people's awareness of this awesome little camera.
I do agree that in other parameters Sigma lags behind top DSLRs. But at least it's super small ;-)
Many have already said this - Sigma should be approached like a view camera. For specific uses the high image quality trumps all other disadvantages. It's not all purpose camera. It's camera for people who know exactly what they want.
Nick, your part was great. I have the DP2M and think very much like you. Normally I like shooting without a tripod but even got a small one for the DP2M.
Also as you said the slowness can be even helpful (slows me down).
Nick Devlin says it it's like shooting a technical camera. If you use a view camera which has slow manual controls and low ISO like in film days, you must shoot in raw with work in post, and use a tripod it will perform on par with any full frame sensor camera out there today. Want to be a point and shoot wanna be this is not your camera.
I think this video does the DP2M justice. The comments on the camera itself are fine. All has to be seen in relation to the image quality you can get. You have to experience it yourself.
Beautiful, sharp photos with a poppy contrast. It's like a mini MF camera with it's ISO range haha.
Thanks Uwe. Merry Christmas to you both!
- N.
Just watched this video with an open mind. The Sigma's lichen shot looked miles better than the nikons(which looked out of focus to me)
As the guest(a far nicer, more down to earth man states)with the sigma, you need to think and work slowly, complimenting the camera with a workflow that suits it.
I have to agree. I owned a Fuji X-E1 for about 2 months. Loved the camera. Hated the slow AF and the problems with the RAW files. Everyone says they fixed it in Capture One, and such, but having tried it, I am not thoroughly convinced yet. So, I sold it and will use this even more "pain in the ass" camera until Fuji fixes those issues. The end result, being able to use RAW, is what matters to me.
Yeah, it's regular mittens. Haven't you seen mittens before? People use the as keeping four fingers together keeps you warmer than separating them, still you maintain the ability to grip things.
such a nice and informative video! another great one guys. i must admit, this video really makes me want to give this camera a chance. it seems pretty good in its own right! thx a bunch
The Sigma sales rep was nice enough to lend us his bag for this video and if he's not embarrassed having tags hanging out well I won't be either. Also I'm lazy. We love our Russian viewers and come summer time hopefully my Lada Niva will once again be moving under it's own power to be the official TCS TV vehicle. Thanks for watching!
Chris @ The Camera Store
I love these camera's. I own all three. But even the previous are nor grosse( how o write it in English), if I try it now after not using it for a long time they amazing.
It was out in Kananaskis Country. Near Mt. Kidd. Have fun!
- N.
Chris, isn't it the best camera to take black & white picture beside the monochrom? i would like to know more about this camera, do some more video about regular shooting like street photography, thanks
The irony of you wearing a LADA hat while talking about a quirky camera is just exquisite. Well played Chris
Great review. Very even handed and realistic on the pros and cons.
DIKON D800!!
Btw, where did you go for the shots? I'd love to drive out there and take some pics.
Great vid as always.
Pretty cool camera. I'd like to take it out into the bush but the battery life is a bit of a let down. Maybe I'll pick one up in a year or two.
Do the batteries completely connect in the chamber door of the Sigma? I would like to buy a few. Have a URL for it?
Wow, what kind of printer/plotter were they using? Pretty impressive results!
DP Merrill is still the best !! Not even a Medium format camera is that sharp.!
Man, the Dikon D800's image is so amazingly sharp! 10:18
I think this is truly a niche camera in a way not unlike Holgas: it's all about shooting around the limitations to come up with unique images. Instead of lo-fi, though, it's mind blowing. It seems more genuinely quirky than Leica's offerings.
I wonder if the SD1 Merrill could be a D800E on a budget, since it should fix most of the handling issues Chris was complaining about (though it weighs more and is $800 more expensive than the DP1 Merrill).
Chris, can you guys review the DP3 as well? I know it is pain in the ass to use it, but Li am really looking forward to your review on it.
This video cracked me up. It's the most honest review I've seen on any camera system. I ended up buying one of these. It will arrive soon. I'm sure I will be swearing like Chris, but hopefully I will coax out the files like Nick. LOL! We shall see. It will be a trial run. If I can't deal with its weirdness, then I will opt out for another Fuji X series camera.
This Sigma reminds me of the twin reflex cameras going up against the 35mm film cameras. 35s got their butts beat. Lack of adaptability aside, I would think about using the Sigma. Although, before I purchase one I would like to see HDR photos compared against this Sigma. The Sigma looks great only under specific conditions, but can Nikon, or Canon compete or surpass merely by using HDR?
As always great video. Interesting but rather floored camera.
you can buy one for only £280 now!!!
so very tempting!!
i bought the DP2 merrill for christmas, it's a really good camera, i mean the DP3 merrill for portraits really kicks ass
WIch one for wich purpose?
I had the Fuji X-E1 for a bit. I may actually get it again once they fix the AF problem and RAW conversion issues. It comes close to the Sigma, but I'll know when I test mine out. I love the Fuji for everything else and may go back to it. But, the Foveon has me intrigued and I have to try it. I don't think the Fuji quite beats it in detail edge to edge , but in all other areas, I'm sure it does.
To each his own - I enjoy both. I do think Chris does a nice job getting a little more in-depth, but I kind of like Kai's goofy sense of humor.
What are these prints at 9:47 printed on? Is this lustre btw? Beautiful result.
Would love to see a link to Nicks DP photos please.
I had D800... at the same time with my SD1m and DP2m.. and I sold only D800 .. not saying either is better, but the thing is Foveon X3m (Merrill) doesnt have any competition in IQ and microcontrast with any of the Bayern sensors
hi...for the print comparison between D800e and DP2M @ 10:00...are they using the same exposure? from my monitor, it looks like the D800 shot is underexposed.
I can't wait to try it. I live in AZ and the Sigma would do well here with the ability to use the low ISO in bright sunlight. LOL! I thought of getting the D800E but didn't want the bigger D-SLR. Tried the Fuji X-E1, but hated the slow AF. Yeah, I know. The DP2M will probably be more aggravating, but if I can get files like the ones the pro landscapers are getting, then I will deal with dead batteries and slow RAW writes.
These photos look fantastic--this seems like a great camera for a film nerd like me--I just wonder how much post-processing we're seeing on those images they throw up on the screen...
What filters were you guys using?? Just ND or were you using polarizers?
Chris, you've got a golden opportunity. DigitalRevTV is spewing some of the most juvenile crap I've seen. You are entertaining, like Kai, without all the sexual references and bathroom humor. Your camera reviews carry weight and have much value. Your opportunity is to capture many of the refugees from DigitalRevTV. Give us videos and lots of them. Keep up the good work, and thanks for having a little morality.
That was fun thanks for the review.
Why do the video when you guys don't stock the cameras?
I actually have never seen files like the ones from a sigma dpmerrill! sooooo impressive! and chris, maybe you should spend some time with a leica II to appreciate the "speed" of the sigma ;D
Wonderful video, loved the music part, very atmospheric...I just loved the video for photography love.
Yes, it really forces you to work a certain way. But its image quality is worth all that work isn't it?
Is that near vail, colorado? That opening shot looks familiar, I feel like I've been there before!
Nice last review.. Chris should be a movie acter!
whats the name of the place?? where did you guys been.
This is almost a Leica paradox to me. Incredible camera. I understand the vision behind the camera. No flippen idea how it is 8 grand. Here is a good camera! Beautiful for landscapes on a tripod. $1,000 is a bananas price though. That's just my thoughts. :)
It's sad that 8 years later, photoshop still doesn't support Sigma X3F files from the Merrill series. This caused me to sell my DP1M :'(