Sigma DP1 failings, and why I’m selling

Well, after a month with the DP1, I’m selling up.  Before I bought the DP1, I already owned a Nikon D300 and a Ricoh GX100.  So they were my benchmarks.

The Nikon produces flawless files, (all things being equal; user ability, technique etc), printable without interpolation at 12×18 inches @ 240 dpi, and with interpolation, I would guess up to at least 20×30 inches, assuming normal viewing distances.  But it is far from pocketable.

The Ricoh’s files are certainly not at the same level as the D300, but with appropriate treatment (specifically sharpening), I would say anyone would be please with 8×12’s, almost as many would think 10×15’s were top notch, and the general public would think 12×18’s from the GX100 were to a professional standard, though some more experienced viewers would see the faults beginning to show (fine detail, shadow noise etc).  For a compact camera, it has very good ergonomics, with rubber grips on both the front and back, perfectly positioned for my hands.  And best of all, it fits in the back pocket of my jeans!

I was hoping that the Sigma DP1 would bridge the gap – file quality, pocketability.

The DP1 produces a very sharp file, albeit at a much lower resolution, but again, with appropriate treatment (resizing, sharpening etc), it produces great prints.  I would say better 8×12’s than the Ricoh GX100, and comparable 12×18’s – some scenes might be better with the DP1, some with the GX100.  However, the DP1 doesn’t fit in my back pocket!  It’s just that much deeper, front to back, that I can’t fit it in.  I have heard people say it fits in a coat pocket, which it probably does, but I live in Australia!  How often do I wear a jacket???  Maybe a bit in winter, but then where to put it for the rest of the year?

I’ve tried using the soft draw string pouch it came with, but I just don’t like carrying something around all day in one hand.  So I’ve found myself using the smallest camera bag I own, the Domke F-5xb.  The thing is, I can comfortably fit the D300 in this bag!  The D300 gives me far superior ergonomics, better low light performance, a top notch viewfinder, and better resolution allowing for larger prints and cropping potential, and not least of all lens choice.

Along with the 24/2.8 mounted (giving me a 35mm equivalent, which I generally prefer over 28mm), I can also fit the 50/1.8 and 90/2.8. I could alternatively go with the D300, 16-85mm vr and 70-300mm vr, all in the little F-5xb!

So it’s going, sadly.  If it had the resolution of the D300, I might have considered keeping it, but since I can get comparable prints from the GX100, and the D300 is no less convenient, well, you get the picture.

Best of luck Sigma, I hope you sell enough to put more $$$ into R&D, and can come up with a more compact body, better ergonomics, better sensor and hopefully a slightly longer lens!  Either that, or I hope this sticks that much needed hot poker up Nikon or Canon’s but and brings them into this market.