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Sigma dp2 Quattro Digital Camera

BH #SIDP2Q • MFR #C81900
23 reviews
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Sigma
Sigma dp2 Quattro Digital Camera
Key Features
  • 29MP Foveon X3 Quattro CMOS Image Sensor
  • TRUE III Image Processing Engine
  • 30mm f/2.8 Lens (35mm Equivalent: 45mm)
  • 3.0" 920k-dot TFT LCD Screen
The Sigma dp2 Quattro Digital Camera combines the 29MP Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor with the TRUE III image processing engine to create high quality images with an equivalent resolution of 39 megapixels due to the unique sensor design. This method uses layers of pixels to capture the color data of the red, green, and blue spectrums vertically, requiring no interpolation. This results in a sharper image with better color gradations.
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Sigma dp2 Overview

  • 1Description
  • 229MP Foveon X3 Quattro Direct CMOS Image Sensor & TRUE III Image Processing Engine
  • 330mm f/2.8 Prime Lens
  • 43.0" LCD Monitor
  • 5RAW Image Capture
  • 6Full Exposure Control
  • 7Auto and Manual Focusing
  • 8Color Modes

The Sigma dp2 Quattro Digital Camera combines the 29MP Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor with the TRUE III image processing engine to create high quality images with an equivalent resolution of 39 megapixels due to the unique sensor design. This method uses layers of pixels to capture the color data of the red, green, and blue spectrums vertically, requiring no interpolation. This results in a sharper image with better color gradations.

With this technology is a 30mm lens that has an equivalent focal length of 45mm on the APS-C camera. It is relatively fast with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, making it useful in low light. Also, for composing and reviewing images, a 3.0" 920k-dot TFT LCD display is available on the back of the camera.

For low light shooting, the camera has an ISO sensitivity range of 100-6400 in 1/3 steps and it has P/S/A/M shooting modes for full control over your exposure. It even has RAW image capture at a max resolution of 5,424 x 3,616 for excellent editing capabilities. For focusing, there is contrast-detect autofocus or a manual focusing ring for your preference. And, the camera saves your images to an SDXC, SDHC, or SD card.

29MP Foveon X3 Quattro Direct CMOS Image Sensor & TRUE III Image Processing Engine
The dp2 uses the APS-C-sized Foveon X3 CMOS image sensor which captures full-color information vertically as opposed to horizontally. This means that each pixel has accurate and complete color information, resulting in rich tones and smooth gradations. Also, since it captures color vertically, there is no need for color filters or a low-pass filter, further increasing image quality for an equivalent resolution of about 39MP.

This camera utilizes the latest generation of this technology, named Quattro due to the 1:1:4 ratio of the pixel layers, with 20MP on the top layer and 4.9MP on each of the bottom two. This simultaneously reduces file size and increases resolution, making the camera faster and lowers the power consumption. This speed increase is also due to the third generation Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine, or TRUE III image processing engine. The processor is optimized for handling the complex image data recorded by the sensor and produces high quality imagery.
30mm f/2.8 Prime Lens
Equipped with a 30mm f/2.8 prime lens, this camera provides a 35mm equivalent focal length of 45mm, a standard length. It also has a relatively fast aperture of f/2.8, resulting in quality images even in low-light conditions. Additionally, with a 9-blade diaphragm it will produce smooth out-of-focus areas at any aperture.
3.0" LCD Monitor
The dp2 features a 3.0" TFT LCD display with 920,000 pixels for shooting and reviewing your images. This monitor is also where you can change settings for your shooting needs and preferences.
RAW Image Capture
Full 14-bit RAW images can be captured with data for every pixel included, meaning 5,424 x 3616 on the top layer, and 2,712 x 1,808 on the subsequent two pixel layers. You can also shoot with JPEG and produce images with resolutions as high as 7,680 x 3,296.
Full Exposure Control
Program, aperture priority, shutter speed priority, and full manual modes are included for complete control over the look of your photographs. This gives you access to the ISO settings from 100-6400 in 1/3 steps and a shutter speed from 1/2000 sec all the way to 30 seconds. Additionally, there is exposure compensation available from -3 to +3 EV.
Auto and Manual Focusing
Contrast-detect autofocus is available with 9-points Select Mode in addition to Free Move Mode and Face Detection AF. Also, the lens itself has a focusing ring for manual focusing.
Color Modes
The camera features 11 different color modes for a variety of effects, including Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Portrait, Landscape, Cinema, Sunset Red, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Color Temperature, Flash, and Custom.

Sigma dp2 Specs

Imaging
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 33 Megapixel
Effective: 29 Megapixel (5424 x 3616)
Lens
Focal Length
30mm (35mm Equivalent: 45mm)
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
Minimum Aperture
f/16
Focus Range
Normal
11.02" to Infinity / 27.99 cm to Infinity
Optical Design
8 Elements in 6 Groups
Exposure Control
Shutter Speed
1/2000 to 30 Seconds
Exposure Modes
Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
Exposure Compensation
-3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
Interval Recording
Yes
Self-Timer
2/10-Second Delay
Image File Format
JPEG, Raw
Bit Depth
14-Bit
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Monitor
Display Size
3.0"
Resolution
920,000 Dot
Display Type
Fixed LCD
Flash
Built-In Flash/Light
No
External Flash Connection
Shoe Mount
Battery Type
1x BP-51 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.9 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.8 x 7.1 x 6"

Sigma dp2 Reviews

IQ over good sense

By Eric
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-24

While there are definitely sacrifices made here I feel it is worth it for the image quality this camera is able to produce.

Foveon sensors are the best.

By John
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-11-13

This camera is very interesting. It doesn't shoot video, the battery life is relatively short (which is why 2 are provided), autofocus is average, there is no image stabilization, the Sigma software takes a little time to process, and you should probably shoot at the base ISO of 100, and certainly not over 400 unless you are doing monochrome. Those are the negatives. And the truth is they really don't matter because once you see the RAW images produced by the camera's Foveon sensor, especially on a high resolution monitor, your jaw will hit the floor. Under the right conditions - good light and stable subject - this camera produces images that meet or exceed any I've seen from any camera regardless of size or cost. Some people even claim that the Sigma dp2 Quattro rivals medium format quality. I think they're correct. The level of detail and color fidelity from this camera is astonishing and reminds me of beautiful old Kodachrome slide film. The Sigma dp2 Quattro won't be for everyone because of its limitations. But if you use it for its strengths it is without peer. In my opinion it's a bargain at its price. Highly recommended!

sharp lens, easy to maneuver menus, great results

By Gus
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-08-30

I was looking for something different, i've been a canon shooter for a long time. I wanted something small for travel, and something off the beaten path. I've enjoyed this camera in the 2+ months i've had it. the learning curve was short and not steep. i disagree with all the bad ergonomics complaints, i've found it easy to hold and easy to shoot. very nice colors, very nice RAW development in-camera, i've not even tried the sigma pro software because my computer is so old that i can't download it. the lens produces straight lines and very sharp images. i'm waiting for our Texas summer heat to subside into Fall then take it out for some landscape shooting but testing it out here around town, i've really been happy with the results. i'm astonished as to how much sharper results i'm getting over the canon 70D with ef-s lenses.

The Best Camera.

By Anonymous
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-01-25

Super super sharp. The best camera I ever use, particularly for people who used to work with medium format camera. Good price, go for it if you need Quality of ur image! Boom!

Wow, just wow

By Anonymous
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2016-11-26

The DP2 Quattro is not a camera for everyone. If you are willing to use a tripod, 100 osi speed, and Sigma's software. You can have some of the best images taken with a digital camera. It is a little quirky, but the images are worth the extra work. It is not for street photography, night photography, or sports photography. But for landscape photography where it shines. The 30mm lens on this camera is the sharpest I have ever used on a digital camera.

Great Images

By VCook
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2016-06-16

Use this camera on a tripod if possible or rest it on a wall etc. when shooting. Be patient when it's processing. The camera takes approx 15sec to produce those very sharp images. Use this camera like you would a medium format camera. It's not for action, or continuous shooting. (Camera will heat up when left on and used for approx 15 min - it will auto shut down to cool off) This camera produces sharp, professional, great images !!! This is not your average camera - this is a wonderful camera with a unique sensor and with a patient almost Zen attitude you will have wonderful images. Slow down, let the camera set the pace, think about your compositions.

fun camera to experiment with

By Gus
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2018-10-22

very sharp lens, easy to learn camera, what i like best is shooting in raw and doing the in-camera processing. i've also downloaded the sigma photo processing software to my computer, but end up using the in-camera processing because it's easy. very high quality images if you follow the advice you read here on other reviews.

Foveon sensors are the best.

By John
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-11-14

This camera is very interesting. It doesn't shoot video, the battery life is relatively short (which is why 2 are provided), autofocus is average, there is no image stabilization, the Sigma software takes a little time to process, and you should probably shoot at the base ISO of 100, and certainly not over 400 unless you are doing monochrome. Those are the negatives. And the truth is they really don't matter because once you see the RAW images produced by the camera's Foveon sensor, especially on a high resolution monitor, your jaw will hit the floor. Under the right conditions - good light and stable subject - this camera produces images that meet or exceed any I've seen from any camera regardless of size or cost. Some people even claim that the Sigma dp2 Quattro rivals medium format quality. I think they're correct. The level of detail and color fidelity from this camera is astonishing and reminds me of beautiful old Kodachrome slide film. The Sigma dp2 Quattro won't be for everyone because of its limitations. But if you use it for its strengths it is without peer. In my opinion it's a bargain at its price. Highly recommended!

See any errors on this page? Let us know

question

Can anyone recomend a Hoodman loupe for this camera ?
Asked by: David
Sigma LVF-01 LCD Viewfinder for dp Quattro Cameras is now available.
Answered by: Mark C.
Date published: 2018-08-25

question

Will Apples Photos open the DNG files from the Sigma dp2 Quattro?
Asked by: William
Apple will need to utilize Photoshop or Lightroom to open the DNG files.
Answered by: Chuck C.
Date published: 2018-08-25

question

Why is the advertised resolution 50% greater than the max resolution?
Asked by: Anonymous
Sorry to say I'm not qualified to answer this question. I can tell you that the resolution of this camera is quite high. And I am continually surprised by it.The only drawback to the Quattro for me is the limited Sigma editing software.For instance, it won't do local adjustments and many other necessary edits.
Answered by: RICHARD W.
Date published: 2018-08-25

question

Is there an adapter to allow panasonic or olympus micro four-thirds lenses to mount on it?
Asked by: Stephen
Stephen,I too have been looking for lenses that I might adopt to my dp2. I have been unsuccessful in finding any that might change the fixed lens on the dp2. I thought B&H might have something but they don't. We probably need a custom lens.
Answered by: Thomas L.
Date published: 2018-08-25
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