Sigma DP2 Camera Review: Boing Boing Gadgets

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The Sigma DP2 is one of a kind and produces strong at images with shallow depth of field. Is it for you? Well, consider this: the Sigma DP2 is pricey, has a confusing menu system, freezes up on occasion, has an unresponsive autofocus and a stiff shutter release button. Oh, and video capture is at a low resolution. But as strange as it is, we like the Sigma DP2.

Bags of potential in the right hands, but trickier to use than it should be

Because of the limitations of a fixed lens (as opposed to a zoom), using the DP2 over a period of time begins to change the way that you shoot. The only "zoom" option you have is simply to take a few steps forward, so framing is more considered, you find yourself planning shots in advance.



In this respect it’s almost like returning to the days of film, when every image cost you money, so you naturally slowed down and took your time. Gradually, the fact that the AF is slow doesn’t begin to grate nearly so much.



This isn’t however a model that you can expect to get excellent results from straight out of the camera, with shots that require a narrow depth of field, blurring the background, working best. So unless you’re prepared to put in a bit of time in post-production, then this is not the camera for you. However, with a bit of time and patience in Photoshop we were able to achieve pleasing results.



That said, because of its intended limitations and presumably unintended operational quirks, we wouldn’t recommend anyone bought a Sigma DP2 as their one and only digital camera; it works best when viewed as a compact back-up to an existing DSLR, or an experimental supplement to a more fully-featured, user-friendly digital compact.



OK, so it’s a good thing that one manufacturer is attempting to split from the pack and try something different to the rest, but as such, the DP2 finds itself occupying a particularly narrow – and pricey – niche.

For the enthusiast there can little doubt that the DP-series is appealing, and Sigma must be applauded for bringing the concept to fruition. However despite the many known issues of the original, the DP2 retains many of the same shortcomings, and even brings a few new ones to the table.



So while the DP2 comes tantalisingly close in offering big sensor performance in a small and very discrete body, I for one can’t help but feel that Sigma has a way to go before perfecting its operation.



If you can get past its obvious limitations - the price will be a factor for the majority of people - then there is a lot that the DP2 has to offer. But you really do have to want it, and know how to use it to get the best from it. For most people, I suspect, that it comes as too a high a price to pay.