X1 Alternative: Sigma DP1 Merrill?

[ezc203]

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First, let me start by saying that I have previously owned and LOVED a Leica X1 when they first came out. But due to a series of disadvantages the original firmwared X1 had I gave it up and moved on.

 

Now, recently I realized my camera line is missing a P&S camera similar to the X1. So I decided to look into buying another X1. However, in my research I found that Sigma just announced this new camera: the DP1 Merrill. Specs look good. And if it's anything like the original DP1 in handling/operation, I'm probably gonna love it.

 

Any opinions on the matter?

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[Archiver]

It depends on what you want from a compact large sensor camera. I love my DP1 and DP2 but their higher ISO and low/mixed light results range from terrible to execrable. I think that the low light situation is improved with the SD1 (and logically the DP1M), but I don't expect X1 low light shooting.

 

But these new cameras should be at least acceptable for studied, undemanding shooting. There are a number of videos from asacamenet on YouTube from the CP+ 2012 in Yokohama, like this:

 

 

I passed on the X1 as I liked the flexibility of the Ricoh GXR and aps-c modules; I also passed on the Fuji X100 due to the many flaws and quirks of the firmware, operation and focus. The new DP1M looks very interesting, but I am watching for at least two things.

 

The first is the output of the SD1 sensor. The DP1 and DP2 have wonderful M8/M9-like pixel level sharpness, but strangely, I have not seen a SD1 photo with that same kind of sharpness. I hope that the DP1M has got that sharpness back.

 

Secondly, I hope that the operation speed is at least as good as the Ricoh GXR aps-c modules. Those modules are not blindingly fast but they are reliable and fast enough. The GXR AF is faster than the X1 and X100, and definitely better than the DP1 and DP2.

 

I'm not holding my breath for top-of-class operation speed, but I do expect the sharpness to return.

[ezc203]

I agree with you there. AF speed is going to play a big part. The slowness of the X1 was why I eventually sold that camera.

 

Likewise I'm excited about this Foveon sensor. I like the "theory" behind it, and have seen some excellent photos/samples/etc. and am quite keen to own a camera with that sensor.

 

Again, I guess it's always going to be "horses for courses", no best camera out there, but just I think the DP1m can possibly be the best camera for me.

 

Also - thanks for the link. Much appreciated.

[stefano60]

hello,

 

i recently sold my X1 and after a brief interlude with another camera, i decided to get a sigma dp again as my almost pocket-able/travel camera'; i used to own a dp1, and every time i look at my old pictures i cannot help but being very favorably impressed (they do indeed have a similar character to my m8 or x1 images).

instead of the dp1, i got a dp2 this time, i like the longer lens better; the image quality is still excellent, and it is a bit faster too , with 2.0 instead of 4.0 max aperture.

of course, as soon as i got it, i read about the dp2m .... which sounds even better!

[stefano60]

hello,

 

i recently sold my X1 and after a brief interlude with another camera, i decided to get a sigma dp again as my almost pocket-able/travel camera'; i used to own a dp1, and every time i look at my old pictures i cannot help but being very favorably impressed (they do indeed have a similar character to my m8 or x1 images).

instead of the dp1, i got a dp2 this time, i like the longer lens better; the image quality is still excellent, and it is a bit faster too , with 2.8 instead of 4.0 max aperture.

of course, as soon as i got it, i read about the dp2m .... which sounds even better!

 

i corrected the aperture, it is 2.8, not 2.0 in the dp2, sorry