Boasting a 14MP Foveon sensor, found in the brand's DSLRs, as well as a fixed focal length 41mm lens, the DP2X promises excellent images. However, how does the rest of the specification shape up and the retro design shape up when tested?
Sigma DP2x Review
Sigma DP2X review – Features and Design
The Sigma DP2X features the 14-megapixel Foveon X3 direct image sensor seen on the previous incarnations in the series – it boasts three layers that capture colour information at different levels and at 20.7 x 13.8mm it’s significantly larger than most competitor compacts. The large sensor is accompanied by a TRUE II image processor which takes care of processing speed and image quality.
What improvements there are between the DP2s and DP2X are found underneath the hood. The model features a new analogue front end (AFE) which, Sigma claims, will improve image quality, as well as an improved and faster autofocus system.
The large image sensor is one of the characteristic features of the DP series, with the other being the fixed-focal-length lens. The DP2X offers a 24.2mm, or 41mm in equivalent terms, focal length lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. There’s an ISO range of 50-800 that is extendable up to 3200 in Raw capture, a 2.5in LCD screen with a disappointingly low resolution of 230k-dot, while the only shooting modes are PASM – quite apart from the intelligent auto and scene modes found on most compact cameras these days. Also missing is HD video capture.
The Sigma DP2X is slightly larger than a typical advanced compact, although it is markedly smaller than other cameras boasting a similarly-sized sensor. The body design is markedly utilitarian with more than a hint of cameras of yore – the top is relatively sparsely populated with a hotshoe, sturdy mode dial, power and shutter release buttons, while the back houses the remaining controls, including a manual focus selection wheel. The body sits well in the hand, while the black finish with white markings and red highlights is refreshingly clean.