Backup for M8.2 - Sigma DP1 or DLux-4

[andybarton]

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That new Olympus Pen looks interesting

[rob_w]

UI wise, nothing touches Ricoh's ... GRDII, but noise is their issue, less so for the GRD II than for the GX series. Pana's LX3 selling point is its f2.0 lens, but other than that, it is just good, not excellent. The only compact, which still excites me after more than one year of use is the DP1, its IQ can stand its own against any camera and does not make me constantly regret of not having taken out the M8. And the DP2 is even the slightly better camera in many respects.

As a truly shirt pocketable compact, with some excellent qualities, I'd consider the GRDII.

Sums it up pretty well. I own the GRDII and have used the LX3. The Ricoh is truly compact -- much smaller than the LX3, the G10 or the DP1. Even with an external finder, mine fits in a pocket, a brief case or a small belt bag along with sunglasses, etc., and goes everywhere with me. It means I always have a camera on hand, with virtually no size/weight penalty. I think this aspect is under-rated in the reviews -- once you have to take a larger camera in its own bag or case, why not take the M8 anyway? The LX3/Dlux4 has a zoom if that is important to you but otherwise the IQ is pretty similar from what I see.

 

As Ecaton says, for many shots I often have a tinge of regret that I did not have the M8 instead. On the other hand, at least I had a camera with me. And sometimes the GRDII holds its own. For example, the small sensor does mean much better depth of field, particularly in low light conditions where you would need wide aperture/shallow DOF on the M8. I find I can hold the GRDII very steady for these shots -- while light-weight it has a very solid, rigid alloy body.

 

The new Oly looks attractive. We will have to see if it delivers!

 

Robert

[PBatemanJ]

I am using Sigma DP1 and it is useful backup for M8. Now I want to try E-P1. It looks nice but I will wait until the black version come out.

[sean_reid]

I want a small backup for my M8.2. I'm looking at Sigma DP1 or Leica DLux-4.

 

DP1 has slower lens but bigger sensor than DLux-4. SP1 has 28mm fixed lens, but I usually shoot wide, so DLux-4 zoom lens is not that important for me.

 

Which camera has better image quality?

 

Is there any difference in ease of handling and use quality?

 

Thanks,

 

El

 

One thing that you might want to keep in kind is that these are cameras of two different formats. That difference in format alone (difference in sensor size) has effects upon depth of field and tonal/color transitions (especially in the midtones). So the files from these two cameras are qualitatively different. One might prefer one or the other but they're certainly not the same. It not as simple as determining which has "better" image quality though I realize people often speak as if things were that simple.

 

When I reviewed the DP1 I compared its files to those from the M8 and the Ricoh GR. With the DP2, the comparison cameras will be the M8.2 and D-Lux 4.

 

Does a medium format film camera produce better pictures than a small format film camera? It depends on how one wants those pictures to look.

 

Cheers,

[agreenspan]

I used to have a d-lux 3, and I have used the d-lux 4. I sold mine and got the GRII. It is much better made than the D-lux - probably the finest made small point and shoot. As a previous poster said, it is the smallest of the bunch, because the lens retracts. My d-lux was a pain to carry, even though only a little larger, because of the protruding lens - harder to slip in and out of a pocket. Plus you can accessorize the little bugger to your hearts content.

[agreenspan]

By the way, Popflash Photo has the GRDII for only $379 now.

[rycm]

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I use the LX-3 as my backup, it works well with my venerable SF-20 flash on Auto. But the Olympus pen has propped my ears,

[sfokevin]

Yes the Olympus Pen could easily give one gas...

 

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/olympusEP1/

 

 

[stevelap]

For what it's worth, Olympus Pen E-P1 or Sigma DP2.

[sfokevin]

Here is some newly released shots of the PEN that have slipped out...

(The articles also states that they are available in UK stores!)

 

recentlyreviewed.net - Cameras, Cars, Computers, Coffee, Ale and more: The Olympus PEN E-P1 Unboxed (Cameras) Pics

 

[Iansky]

Here are a couple of images I took with my DP1, both under fairly challenging conditions and it performed perfectly and produced the goods!

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[A. Cheng]

If you are not using a pancake lens, or if you fit your M lenses with it, IMHO the EP-1 is not a compact anymore, size wise. It then defeats the original purpose for a P&S compact that can be carried in shirt pocket.