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Sigma dp3 Quattro Digital Camera

BH #SIDP3 • MFR #C82900
9 reviews
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Sigma
Sigma dp3 Quattro Digital Camera
Key Features
  • 29 MP Foveon X3 Quattro CMOS Sensor
  • TRUE III Image Processing Engine
  • 50mm f/2.8 Lens (35mm Equivalent: 75mm)
  • 3.0" 920k-dot TFT LCD Screen
The Sigma dp3 Quattro Digital Camera combines the 29 MP 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 spectra vertically, requiring no interpolation. This results in a sharper image with better color gradations.
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Sigma dp3 Overview

  • 1Description
  • 229 MP Foveon X3 Quattro Direct CMOS Image Sensor & TRUE III Image Processing Engine
  • 350mm f/2.8 Prime Lens
  • 43.0" LCD Monitor
  • 5RAW Image Capture
  • 6Full Exposure Control
  • 7Auto and Manual Focusing
  • 8Color Modes

The Sigma dp3 Quattro Digital Camera combines the 29 MP 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 spectra vertically, requiring no interpolation. This results in a sharper image with better color gradations.

With this technology is a 50mm lens producing a 35mm equivalent focal length of 75mm; making it useful for portraits, weddings, concerts, or any situation where a medium telephoto can be applied. It has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, making it useful in low light and for providing separation of a subject from its background. Incorporating a Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element and a glass mold aspherical lens, optical aberrations are minimized. 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 5424 x 3616 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.

29 MP Foveon X3 Quattro Direct CMOS Image Sensor & TRUE III Image Processing Engine
The dp3 uses the APS-C-sized Foveon X3 CMOS image sensor which captures color information vertically as opposed to horizontally. This means that each pixel has extremely accurate 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 resolution comparable to about 39 MP from Bayer array image sensors.

This camera utilizes the latest generation of this technology, named Quattro due to the 1:1:4 ratio of the pixel layers, with 20 MP on the top layer and 4.9 MP 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.
50mm f/2.8 Prime Lens
Equipped with a 50mm f/2.8 prime lens, this camera provides a 35mm equivalent focal length of 75mm for medium-telephoto shooting. Its maximum aperture of f/2.8 contributes to good-quality results even in low-light conditions and can be used to create separation of a subject from its background.
3.0" LCD Monitor
The dp3 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 5424 x 3616 on the top layer, and 2712 x 1808 on the subsequent two pixel layers. You can also shoot with JPEG and produce images with resolutions as high as 7680 x 3296.
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 dp3 Specs

Imaging
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 33 Megapixel
Effective: 29 Megapixel (5424 x 3616)
Lens
Focal Length
50mm (35mm Equivalent: 75mm)
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
Minimum Aperture
f/16
Focus Range
Normal
8.9" to Infinity / 22.6 cm to Infinity
Optical Design
10 Elements in 8 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
3.03 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.95 x 7.4 x 6.25"

Sigma dp3 Reviews

Yup, it's a Sigma.

By Walter
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-28

If you're reading this, you must know Foveon and Sigma. The camera's well made with fantastic image quality. I didn't think I was going to like the unusual shape, but in the hand it's great. Get an L bracket for it. I'm not sure how much I'll be using the viewfinder kit, but I wanted the complete kit and the price with right.

Gem

By Yin
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2019-06-25

I purchased this camera after intensive research and was mentally prepared for all its shortcomings. I found I was able to adapt to it very quickly. Overall, I think the operation doesn’t feel too much different from any other camera – its menu system is actually very simple and intuitive, and all essential settings are easily accessible. It’s really an “ISO100 only” camera, so as soon as you realize the shutter speed is slower than 1/50 or so, you know you need a tripod. I was quickly accustomed to use it only in bright light, and turn to my other cameras for darker conditions. (However with B&W mode you can go all the way to ISO800 without losing much detail). It's a very slow camera based on today's standards. Autofocus is sluggish, each shot takes a long time to write to the card, and the camera’s battery life is abysmal – so it forced me to slow down and think more carefully, before I press the shutter – I cannot afford to leave the camera on, or shoot it like a machine gun, as it will not last more than an hour or two in that fashion. To some extend it makes taking a picture more ritualistic and fun. When you’re doing everything right, the image quality is beyond incredible. It out resolves some of the sharpest full frame cameras on the market, and its micro contrast is bar none – the images appear to have a medium format quality. I also realized that with this camera, I’m doing less post-processing, as its JPGs straight out of the camera are so good, there’s no need to tweak them. There’s also an option to develop raw photos within the camera, so it saves me lots of time.

One of a Kind

By jeb
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-03-10

This is a highly specialized camera...and if you use it the way it was designed to be used, it will blow you away with its image quality. It's not a traditional point-and-shoot. It's a very slow camera, and, from my perspective, was designed to be used on a tripod. This camera does not do well at higher ISOs...but at low ISO, the image quality is incredible. The depth of color and contrast rivals any DSLR I've used, including the Nikon D810. The auto focus is slow and abominably inaccurate in low light. But this isn't meant to be a low-light camera. It's not a Sony A7s. And it's also not designed to track fast-moving objects. For me, this camera is a gift from heaven for taking portraits on a tripod in adequate light. The 50mm focal length (full-frame equivalent of 75mm) is great for portraiture...and I purchased the conversion lens which stretches the focal length out to a full-frame equivalent of 90mm, without sacrificing any image quality. The maximum aperture of f/2.8 produces a crisply thin DOF and is capable of giving you a classic 3 dimensional look with the subject jumping out from a smooth and pleasant (re: non-nervous) out-of-focus background. Even though this camera does a breathtakingly good job at rendering deep, rich color, it is surprisingly good at black and white photography as well. The rich contrast and clarity provides you with stunningly crisp black and white imagery. While auto-focus is almost hilariously slow, in good light it's extremely accurate. Manually focusing is very easy, with the LCD giving you an accurate portrayal of the scene. I purchased the LCD viewfinder which definitely aids in giving those of us with less than perfect vision a more comfortable and clear view of the LCD display. I highly recommend getting the optional LCD viewfinder. If you enjoy taking your time to really work the scene, you'll love this camera.

a very special tool, makes you want to shoot more

By StRemy71
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2016-08-02

Like a track car, the DP3Q is supposed to be a one-trick pony. However its own, well-known limitations (400 ISO only for color, 800 for B&W, no stabilization, weak battery life...) push you to take it with you more and more, and challenge yourself to see if you can hand-hold it at 1/30s, take this funky angle despite the fixed screen, shoot raw even when you are a jpeg shooter despising the slow software, etc... The reason being...the files yield an incredible look: a little cold, but so detailed, so rich in information you want to shoot everything to see later if you did not miss something that a Blade Runner type of investigation will allow you to uncover. The camera itself is a beauty, not only design-wise, but the material usage and the complementary black finishes show a sophistication and mastery that makes a Leica look positively bulky and overdone (M) or trying too hard (T) I even found the universally-criticized SD card rubber door sturdy and just the right amount of stiffness... Lens-wise, you will definitely learn what zooming with your feet means, but being forced to frame tighter also forces you to think about what you want to exclude, not include, in your photo. 2.8 depth of field is razor thin in Macro, slightly missing out on the best 1.4 or 1.2 for isolation if you use for portraits. I currently live in Japan and ordered it from B&H during a trip back to the US as I was afraid I would have to return it, but ...definitely keeping!

Another Winner

By George
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2016-01-18

For those interested in image quality in a portrait focal length camera, the DP3 Quattro delivers. I purchased this camera to use as a lightweight landscape camera along with the DP 2 Quattro. I also own a Nikon D800E, which this camera competes with from a resolution standpoint. While the camera has some quirkiness as far as design, speed of operation and speed of Sigma's RAW software, they aren't really factor considering overall image quality. If you are into landscape photography and still life type work, I'd recommend this camera.

Truly outstanding results...

By Anonymous
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2015-11-09

This is a highly qualified 5 start rating based on the unique Foveon sensor that only Sigma offers... I read all of the reviews I could find before taking advantage of the 1 week free loaner DP2 offer. After sending it back when the week was over I was quite ambivalent about it. However, after reviewing the images again and again on my iMac 5k screen it began to haunt me. I purchased the DP3 and have gotten truly outstanding results with headshot portraits, flowers, veggies and products at farmer's markets. These medium close-up images are what I have always been most attracted to and with the roundFlash I am extremely satisfied with the end result. Like most everyone that has used this camera I am in agreement that the RAW processing software is pitiful at best. I do understand that working with the Foveon sensor it is not just a straightforward process to expect Adobe or Apple to offer a conversion via software update. I believe Sigma would do well to offer their RAW processing software as a plug-in for Lightroom and thereby enhancing the workflow process. I love the very straightforward B&W processing. I rarely feel the need to sharpen or add saturation and I have incorporated shooting in RAW and jpg. I download the jpg into LIghtroom and the RAW images into it's own folder. I review the jpg images in Lightroom and after a multi-pass on the jpg images select only the finest images for RAW conversion. Perhaps others will find this easier to take than processing less than outstanding images... I enjoy the simple interface and find it much more friendly than feeling overwhelmed by way too many options, such as the Sony RX-100 that I use has to offer. I would not recommend this or any of the Quattro cameras to any new photographer, only to those seeking the highest resolution possible with remarkable color rendition (only in good light @ low ISO) and with the highest camera handing technique. These camera could well turn a newbie off to photography, and that would be a shame! Please Sigma give me better autofocusing, image stabilization, and a Lightroom plug-in for RAW conversion.

Lens and sensor attracted me

By Robert B.
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-08-31

This is a very special camera which has no close comparison for what it does and what it is capable of. It has its critics, who could just as well be comparing apples to oranges. I chose this camera chiefly because I hoped its mid-telephoto fixed lens and its Foveon X3 sensor would help me create more emphatic and truthful pictures. Although I've much to learn about mastering this camera, I have been very pleased with the results! I reduced the size of the jpegs I uploaded, but did not alter them otherwise.

Finally decided to buy a Sigma

By Chris
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-05-18

Its been years contemplating wether to get something I've been wanting since first reading about Dick Merrill. When everything falls into place and you understand the camera and the limitations of the camera the images you get are stunning. It brings me back when i shot film with my Olympus camera when I was younger. I have a old Canon 30D and Fuji X-e2. Haven't picked up the Fuji camera in two weeks and it is an amazing camera that also brings me back the days of shooting film. the dp3 Quattro is a piece of art.

See any errors on this page? Let us know

question

where is it made, by whom? --dan
Asked by: Anonymous
Sigma manufactures the DP3 Quattro in Japan.
Answered by: Heather S.
Date published: 2020-10-16

fixed lens? or interchangeable lens mount? L ...

fixed lens? or interchangeable lens mount? L mount?
Asked by: s
It is a fixed lens but an optional Sigma Conversion Lens FT-1201 can be easily attached to effectively extend the dp3's 50mm focal length to 60mm, which is equivalent to 90mm in the 35mm format. I find that it screws easily onto the optional Sigma 58mm WR (Water Repellent) Protector Filter (which I always leave on).
Answered by: Robert B.
Date published: 2020-10-16

Are the Sigma’s images compatible with Apple ...

Are the Sigma’s images compatible with Apple Photos?
Asked by: jane
As of 2/2/21, according to Apple's support page on support RAW files, Sigma cameras are listed as compatible (see this page: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211241). Technically speaking though, it should work. In newer firmwares, Sigma cameras shoot in a pretty universal RAW format called .DNG (digital negative) which has worked with Apple Photos before. Unfortunately, support will depend on Apple and is subject to change.
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2021-02-15

What info is shown in the EVF? I am interested in ...

What info is shown in the EVF? I am interested in exposure parameters, focus confirmation, ASA. What is the resolution of the EVF?
Asked by: FP
The way the Sigma LVF-01 LCD Viewfinder for dp Quattro Cameras works is, it sits on the back of the camera over the camera’s back lcd screen. It magnifies the camera’s lcd screen and what is on it.
Answered by: Robert
Date published: 2021-06-30

Does this DP3 set include the bracket for the ...

Does this DP3 set include the bracket for the viewfinder and the lens hood? They are not listed in the “What’s In The Box” but they were included with the DP0 set, which also does not list them.
Asked by: Mark
According to the manufacturer, yes, the purchase of the Sigma dp3 Quattro Digital Camera and LVF-01 LCD Viewfinder Kit includes the bracket for the viewfinder and the lens hood.
Answered by: Manzell
Date published: 2021-03-18

is this camera’s images compatible with Apple ...

is this camera’s images compatible with Apple Photos?
Asked by: jane
I'm sorry, I don't use apple photos. Sigma has a propriatory +file format and decodong utility that produces tiffs.
Answered by: Stephen
Date published: 2021-02-16

question

This camera has a very unique shape. What's up with that? I like it tho.
Asked by: Anonymous
I am amused by critics of the camera's shape who often favor heavier cameras that are as big and unwieldy as birthday cakes! They miss the profound ingeniousness of Sigma's design which allows greater stability when shooting without a tripod. By placing two hands farther apart than one does for other "point-and-shoot" cameras, one gets enhanced stability-- just as a smart tennis player places their feet farther apart when they want to improve their power and aim. I am not saying that this camera cannot be used with one hand, The right-side grip is very comfortable and allows this. However, to make the most of what this powerful camera is capable of, two hands are usually needed... when a tripod is not used.
Answered by: Robert B.
Date published: 2021-02-13

question

I notice the questions about 1 or 2 batteries included are dated-- does this DP3Q come with two batteries like my DP0 did? What's in the box says 1, but Sigma says 2.
Asked by: James B.
I've recieved two with every quattro I've bought. Great cameras...enjoy!
Answered by: John P.
Date published: 2020-10-16
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