Sigma DP1 for those considering a DSLR

[Groucho]

No way am I going over to DPReview's forums, and certainly I'm not stepping foot anywhere near the Sigma forums. You think I have a death wish or something?

Anyway, I stand by all my points, and as I've said many times, I still am fascinated by the sensor.

I think that the big problems with the DP1 can be easily put into two categories: Cost (too high) and Zoom (none). There are other little annoyances (short max shutter speed, if you're going to make it a prime lens - why in the world isn't it at least an F2.8, etc), but I think the top two will effectively shoot this one in the leg. If Sigma could have created the same camera with a 3-5x zoom lens and kept the price at $500 or less, I think they might have had a good chance by marketing to the more knowledgable shooters who know that Sigma makes cameras at all.

And I think only the most optimistic Sigma supporter could honestly believe that the Foveon is headed for a nice, long life. The best they can hope for is to for Sigma to continue to funnel money from their lens line into the camera line and keep churning out at least one Foveon-sensor camera, kind of like how Mazda will usually have at least one rotary-engine car in their line-up. (Though they went without for several years there recently.)

 

[webshark3]

Unfortunately, a compact camera with a APS-C sensor and a f2.8 lens wouldn't be a compact camera anymore. They may get there, but clearly, not in the next 1-2 years. Add a zoom, and it's DEFINATELY out of the question (If your goal was a compact camera). You're right, these lacking features will keep the mainstream away, but there is enough cult audience to keep it around. The Ricoh GR-D, has a tiny sensor, and retailed at over $899, with a prime 28mm (equil) lens. Not only did it have a cult following, but they continue to improve and develop the line (now with a zoom).

I'm not concerned about the lifespan of the Foveon, only the lifespan of the camera I buy. It's not like 10 years from now I'll be searching for 110 film or a Kodak disc. LOL

No way am I going over to DPReview's forums, and certainly I'm not stepping foot anywhere near the Sigma forums. You think I have a death wish or something?

Anyway, I stand by all my points, and as I've said many times, I still am fascinated by the sensor.

I think that the big problems with the DP1 can be easily put into two categories: Cost (too high) and Zoom (none). There are other little annoyances (short max shutter speed, if you're going to make it a prime lens - why in the world isn't it at least an F2.8, etc), but I think the top two will effectively shoot this one in the leg. If Sigma could have created the same camera with a 3-5x zoom lens and kept the price at $500 or less, I think they might have had a good chance by marketing to the more knowledgable shooters who know that Sigma makes cameras at all.

And I think only the most optimistic Sigma supporter could honestly believe that the Foveon is headed for a nice, long life. The best they can hope for is to for Sigma to continue to funnel money from their lens line into the camera line and keep churning out at least one Foveon-sensor camera, kind of like how Mazda will usually have at least one rotary-engine car in their line-up. (Though they went without for several years there recently.)