Sigma DP-1 Digital Camera - Black 2.5 inch TFT: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo

Product details

Item Weight: 481 g
Boxed-product Weight: 1.4 Kg
Batteries 1 Nonstandard Battery batteries required. (included)
Item model number: DP1
ASIN: B0013DCOZC
Date first available at Amazon.co.uk: 19 Mar 2008

Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)

Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 109,523 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

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Product Description

Manufacturer's Description

14 megapixel high definition digital camera, packing the full spec. of a DSLR into the body of a compact camera.

Full colour, SLR-sized image sensor

The DP1 uses the same 14 megapixel direct image sensor as the SD14. Utilizing the special features of silicon, which is penetrated to different depths by different wavelengths of light, this direct image sensor succeeds in full-color capture with the full RGB in a single pixel location. The size of the image sensor used in the DP1 camera is 20.7mm x 13.8mm. It is approximately seven to twelve times larger than the 1/1.8inch to 1/2.5inch image sensors used in ordinary compact digital cameras.

Brand-new "TRUE" image processing engine

The unique 'True' image processing engine enables high-speed image processing and high image quality.

16.6mm F4 lens designed exclusively for the DP1

The 16.6mm F4 lens, equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm SLR camera, which has been designed exclusively for DP1. The aspherical glass provides low distortion and high contrast.

RAW format recording

The DP1 includes JPEG and RAW data (X3F) recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality. Exclusive Sigma PhotoPro Software (Supplied with the DP1) The DP1 comes complete with SIGMA Photo Pro software, a RAW image developer that converts all RAW data quickly and easily.

Metering and exposure modes

The DP1 has three metering modes, Evaluative Metering, Center Weighted Average Metering and Spot Metering. It is also possible to select the exposure mode from Auto, Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE or Manual.

Pop up built-in flash

The DP1 is equipped with a pop up (manual) built-in flash featuring guide number of 6 (ISO100 /m).

Manual Focus

Manual Focus is available for photographers who like to take more control, or for use when autofocus or focus lock is not effective.

Large 2.5" TFT Color LCD Monitor

The DP1 camera features large 2.5 inch, 230,000 pixel TFT colour LCD monitor, which displays 100% of the image.

Hot Shoe

The DP1 camera is equipped with a hot shoe, allowing use of the dedicated external flashgun EF-140 DG (optional) or high performance view finder VF-11 (optional).

Product Description

Image sensor size 20.7mm x 13.8mm
16.6mm f4 lens equivilent to 28mm on a 35mm camera
2.5" TFT monitor
JPEG and RAW (X3F) for retaining retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality
Pop up flash guide no 6 (ISO100/m)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 61 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars magnificent surprise in a very small box 1 April 2008

By Roderick Field

This wee camera produces images that have a beautiful filmic quality. The software it comes with processes RAW files from 3 colour layers, and magically restores bleached out skies and burnt white! The shadows open up and reveal extraordinary depth. As a seasoned pro photographer, I've never seen anything like it. The all-metal camera itself is a joy to hold and behold. Weighty, stark minimalism with very few features, just a wide angle lens and a big sensor. It demands respect and will reward you. I love it!

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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars a unique and top quality camera 9 Dec 2008

By S. Thomas VINE™ VOICE

Faced with choosing between a DP1 or a Nikon D40/60 etc; i went for the DP1. Why ? Because i already have a Fuji Finepix that is a box of tricks and does pretty much everything, but isnt the greatest in actual photo quality. I could have gone the full DSLR route but i know i could never afford all the different lenses and extra kit to get the most out of a DSLR. So here is the DP1. Not a camera for the typical lazy compact camera owner, you have to work to get the best from the Sigma. The quality of the photos from this camera is outstanding imho, they have clarity, depth, tone, colour and intelligence. It seems to bring the best out of a scene or subject. Ive only had my DP1 a week or two but im very pleased with it. I would say if you are seriously into/enjoy your photography then you will love this little camera.

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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars For the considered photographer 20 Aug 2009

By Richard Thomas

This isn't a fashion photographer's camera, nor will it grab snaps of your mates down the pub in all their technicolour glory. If you're buying this camera you need to be sure it's what you want. The lens is fixed at 28mm, you need to shoot RAW to get the best out of your images and it takes a while to write the images to the card as the extra-large sensor records so much detail. What you do get though is a camera that's capable of capturing stunning images with remarkable tonal depth. So if you're more an aspiring Ansel Adams than a David Bailey this camera is well worth adding to your short-list. I also like the slightly retro look of the camera - but then 'bling' makes me faintly nauseous.

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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic (and frustrating) 9 July 2009

By George Nada

There are many reviews of the Sigma DP1 and DP2 and much of what I write below echoes other people's views, but I thought I would summarise some pros and cons.

When I first heard about the DP1 I rushed to the official Sigma website and was blown away by the website and what a cool camera the DP1 seemed. It was very expensive - about as much as an entry level SLR, but having lugged SLRs and DSLRs around, i wanted a quality compact and this seemed to fit the bill. Then the articles and formal reviews of the Sigma DP1 arrived (the DP2 has many of the same "issues" albeit with a different lens, aperture and slightly different software). I read the lengthy and in depth reviews at sites such as Luminous Landscape and dpreview and was put off by the poor LCD, the slow speed, poor useability and apparent poor value. I was put off until earlier this year when I bought a DP1 when the price had dropped to under �300. Overall, I have to say the camera is fantastic and frustrating, though not quite in equal measure, but no other camera makes me go "wow" as consistently as the Sigma.

Pros
Image Quality - as just about everyone writes, the DP1 really does produce pictures of outstanding quality, clarity and colour. I have used a Canon 5D and a Sony A700 and they produce very nice images, but they need a fair amount of post-processing. The Sigma really does produce images that impress me and have a "wow" factor. I am not a techie, but there must be something to the Foveon sensor. It really does produce quality images straight from the camera. Portraits in particular are much more natural than any other digital camera I have used. The other thing is that the images are very sharp in RAW before any processing - much, much sharper than anything from my Sony (before processing).... To be honest, I am not sure that I trust reviews produced in magazines and other channels that criticize the Foveon sensor or say it makes no appreciable difference, or that it is really only a 4MP sensor etc. You have to see the results to understand how much nicer and more punchy images look from the Sigma before you even start using any software. Always shoot in RAW, it makes a big difference.

Wide Angle - I like the wide angle lens. Sometimes it is frustrating as you can't get close enough or you want to zoom in and you can't. But overall, for landscapes and general street use, the lens is nice and wide with minimal barrel distortion.

Menu - A lot of reviews criticized the scrolling menu. Sure it looks clunky but it works well and for me is very quick to use. It is intuitive having everything need in a short list rather than lots of tabs and icons. I personally like the menu options.

Build - the metal body is pretty well built, but dust tends to be an issue and my first DP1 had dust under the LCD when bought.

Artistic - The camera requires that you understand how cameras work. Since it is slow to operate, it also demands that each shot is worth taking. The best results are achieved using manual settings. It requires that you learn how to take a picture which can be frustrating coming from an all auto mode, but is very rewarding too. It definitely encourages me to be more artistic rather than simply snapping pictures.

Software - the Sigma pro software is very limited compared to Lightroom for instance, but it still makes the pics look even better and is simple to use. It is slow, however.
Accessories - I have my DP1 with the lens hood and UV filter permanently mounted. It's not pocketable, but I carry it in a custom-made leather case and thins shoulder strap that looks very cool. I also have a 28mm Voigtlander viewfinder which I mount on the camera which looks very retro and individual.

Cult - This camera has a cult following which I like (e.g. check out Rytterfalk's website). Rather than be one of the herd all carrying the same camera, I like the fact this is different. I have yet to see anyone else with one. I was at a wedding in the summer and the pro photographer noticed my Sigma and commentated on what a great little camera it was.

Cons
LCD - The LCD is in my view actually worse than reported and means I have to deduct one star from my review. It is unacceptably poor - very grainy, very low resolution, hard to focus with, goes black and white in low light, and is of little use reviewing pictures. As I read someone else say, do not make the mistake of deleting pictures based on the LCD image - it might be a great, sharp shot but it's impossible to tell until you download it. Really, the LCD is only of use as a general guide to the quality and framing of a shot. I remind myself that my old film cameras provided no such feedback so I am grateful for the little the LCD offers. My biggest gripe is using the camera in low light - it's nigh on impossible as focus is very hard in automatic or manual mode given the levels of graininess and blur. This camera is certainly best suited to good light. After using the 900,000 pixel LCD on my A700, it's tough to use the Sigma though.

Speed - The camera is slow - it has a slow shutter reaction and slow focus that will annoy people used to the instant shots of a DSLR. The read times are slow too, even with a fast card. It all really depends on what you use the camera for. I took it to a bike race and missed 75+% of the shots - the riders were down the road before the camera took the shot. It is absolutely not suited to action photography, but I knew this. This camera is suited to fine art, landscapes, still life, travel photography or anything that is not fast moving or dimly lit.

No stabilizer - this is quite a major omission to me. Nearly all cameras have some form of stabilizer to limit blur. I wish this camera had a sensor stabiliser like my A700. As it is, I don't like using it handheld in anything but the best light. Given the very slow reaction to the shutter button being pressed, you need to hold the camera carefully to avoid camera shake. However, it does attach easily and discreetly to a tripod or gorillapod, which really improves the images, especially utilising the 2 second self timer which is brilliant.

People have complained about the start-up noise, which is a loud whirring, but it doesn't bother me.

In summary, the suitability of this camera depends on what you intend to take. It is perfect for daylight pictures of still or slow images - portraits, landscapes, still life etc. As many others have said, it is not the camera to take to a party, wedding or sports game. Read more ›

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Sigma DP1 21 May 2010

By Blackhurst

Amazon Verified Purchase

Ahhh....the DP1!

This cam has had some awful things said about it. I agree with many but....the images are the best.

If you want the most features in a camera, look elsewhere. If you want GREAT looking pictures, and understand that a you have to work for them, then the Sigma DP1 will not disappoint you.

This is not a cam for beginners or LAZY photographers.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Sigma DP1 - Superb 25 Sep 2009

By M. Seddon

Amazon Verified Purchase

I have only just taken up photography as a mini hobby but I am getting some really good results from this camera, it is easy to use and great if you want to learn actual photographic techniques as opposed to just leaving the camera set on auto. This camera takes better photos if you use a manual setting and learn about F stops, shutter speeds etc. I was worried that it would not take close up photographs but I bought the lens hood and fitted a 46mm to 52mm step up ring for pennies and it now takes all the standard macro lenses you can buy, as 52mm is a very common size there are a miriad of filters and lenses available. The camera now takes really excellent macro shots far exceeding any other camera I have ever owned. I always shoot in raw format and convert using the software which I learned how to use by watching tutorials on youtube. Landscapes and architectural photographs are superb, if you would like to see what the quality is like just such Sigma DP1 on the flickr web site there is a whole community dedicated to this and other cameras.

Sigma DP-1 Digital Camera - Black (14MP, 3x Digital Zoom) 2.5 inch TFT

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