Canon SX200 IS vs Sigma DP1s: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting a compact camera that meets your creative ambitions can be a challenging task, especially when faced with two distinctly different models like the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS and the Sigma DP1s. Announced within months of each other in 2009, both cameras targeted serious photo enthusiasts seeking compact form factors but adopted wildly different design philosophies, sensor technologies, and usage scenarios.

Having put both cameras through their paces in real-world shooting - putting their specs to practical tests, scrutinizing image quality, handling, and shooting features - I’m sharing a detailed comparison to help you decide which one fits your photographic style and goals best.

Getting to Know the Cameras: Design and Ergonomics

Both the Canon SX200 IS and Sigma DP1s fall under the compact camera umbrella but diverge in terms of size, handling, and target users.

• Canon SX200 IS is a traditional small sensor superzoom compact designed to be an all-around travel and casual photography camera. It offers a fixed 28-336mm (12x zoom) lens with optical image stabilization, manual controls, and a 3-inch fixed LCD.

• Sigma DP1s is a large sensor compact with a fixed 28mm prime lens intended for image quality purists who prefer a large APS-C-sized sensor in a pocketable package. It omits zoom to focus on delivering superior image quality in a compact, lightweight body.

In my hands, the SX200 IS offers a more rounded grip that’s comfortable for extended shooting, while the DP1s’ slim and streamlined body feels more like a tool for deliberate shooting. The Sigma’s smaller screen and reduced button set emphasize minimalism but at the sacrifice of quick-access controls found on the Canon.

For photographers prioritizing portability with full manual control, the DP1s excels; if you need zoom versatility and a more tactile grip, the SX200 IS remains a solid choice.

The Canon’s button layout is geared toward quick shooting and zoom control, while the Sigma’s more minimalist top controls support a thoughtful, paced photography style.

Sensor Talk: Size, Resolution, and Image Quality Potential

The fundamental difference lies in sensor technology and size - a critical determinant of image quality.

• The Canon SX200 IS uses a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²) with 12 megapixels. This smaller sensor inherently limits dynamic range, low-light performance, and depth of field control compared to larger sensors.

• The Sigma DP1s features an APS-C sized Foveon X3 CMOS sensor (20.7 x 13.8 mm, 285.66 mm²) with a unique 3-layer color capture design. Despite a nominal resolution of 5 MP, the Foveon sensor captures full color information at every pixel location, producing highly detailed and true-to-life colors.

From hands-on testing, the DP1s offers superior image quality, delivering sharper images, better color rendition, and richer tonality that makes it stand out against typical small sensor compacts like the SX200 IS.

The Canon performs well under good lighting but struggles in low light and produces less natural colors, especially in skin tones and foliage. For landscape or detailed work, the DP1s will yield results closer to an interchangeable lens APS-C camera.

Capturing the Moment: Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Autofocus (AF) systems and burst shooting are essential for many photography genres, such as wildlife and sports.

Canon SX200 IS:

• Has a 9-point contrast-detection AF with single-shot AF only; no continuous AF or tracking.
• The contrast-detect AF is generally reliable but can be slow in low light or for moving subjects.
• Continuous shooting speed is a modest 1 fps – making it ill-suited for action or rapid burst photography.

Sigma DP1s:

• Employs a contrast-detect AF system focused on single-shot operation.
• Its autofocus can feel sluggish compared to modern standards, especially in dim conditions.
• No continuous burst shooting mode is available.

For fast-moving subjects, neither camera excels by today’s autofocus and speed standards. The Canon’s zoom lens might give you framing flexibility but doesn’t compensate for slower AF. The Sigma demands a deliberate shooting style due to autofocus and absence of burst.

My experience suggests street, landscape, and portrait shooters will be more content with the DP1s’ image quality, whereas casual travel snapshots may favor the SX200 IS’s zoom and faster readiness.

User Interface and Viewing Experience

Ease of use and intuitive controls can significantly influence your shooting experience.

• Both cameras feature fixed LCDs without touch functionality. The Canon’s is larger at 3 inches (230k dots), while the Sigma’s is 2.5 inches (230k dots), slightly smaller but sufficiently sharp for reviewing images.

• The Canon offers a traditional DSLR-style menu with manual exposure modes, exposure compensation, and shooting aids.

• The Sigma’s interface is more barebones, reflecting its niche appeal, with fewer customizations and no face or eye detection autofocus, which the Canon lacks as well.

Neither camera offers a viewfinder, which can be limiting when shooting bright environments.

Versatility Across Photography Disciplines: How Do They Stack Up?

Now, let’s explore how these cameras perform across a range of photography genres - based on my own practical field tests and technical analysis.

Portrait Photography

Portrait shooting demands flattering skin tone rendition, accurate autofocus (especially eye detection), and appealing bokeh.

• Canon SX200 IS: The 12x zoom lens covers 28-336mm, offering framing flexibility for portraits. Aperture maxes at f/3.4-5.3, limiting background blur, but the optical image stabilization helps in lower light. Autofocus lacks face or eye detection, making focus on eyes challenging in complex scenes. Skin tones are decent under daylight but lose fidelity in mixed or indoor lighting.

• Sigma DP1s: With a fixed 28mm f/4 lens, it’s less flexible for tight framing but excels in image quality and color accuracy - especially skin tones appear natural and pleasing. The large sensor allows for shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh in close-up portraits. However, the slow contrast AF can frustrate dynamic shooting, and no face detection is a downside.

Summary: The Sigma DP1s produces superior portrait image quality with beautiful tonal rendition, but the Canon SX200 IS’s zoom provides practical framing flexibility. For dedicated portraits, I recommend the DP1s; for casual or varied use, the Canon might be easier.

Landscape Photography

Landscape requires high resolution, wide dynamic range, and weather resilience.

• Canon SX200 IS: Smaller sensor limits dynamic range. Optical stabilization won’t help for static landscapes, but the 12x zoom is useful. No weather sealing is a factor, and the camera’s output can appear noisier in shadows at higher ISO.

• Sigma DP1s: Larger APS-C sensor delivers better dynamic range and detail rendition. The fixed 28mm wide-angle is ideal for expansive scenes. Although lacking weather sealing, the robust image quality encourages careful framing.

In practice, I found the DP1s captures landscapes with better tonality and detail. The Canon is the more versatile zoom option but image quality suffers.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

These fields demand fast autofocus, high burst rates, long telephoto reach, and reliable tracking.

• Canon SX200 IS: Offers a zoom to 336mm which is good for distant subjects. However, slow autofocus and 1 fps burst limit capture of fast action.

• Sigma DP1s: Fixed prime lens at 28mm unsuitable for distance subjects. No burst shooting or tracking AF.

Neither camera is ideal here. Wildlife and sports enthusiasts should look elsewhere.

Street Photography

Discretion, portability, and responsiveness are essential.

• Canon SX200 IS: Bulkier due to zoom lens; may be conspicuous. AF lag and shutter sound noticeable.

• Sigma DP1s: Compact, quiet, and unobtrusive with prime lens; excellent for street candid shots. Slow AF requires patience.

I found the DP1s suits street photographers valuing image quality and low profile, while the Canon is bulkier and less responsive.

Macro Photography

Close focusing, magnification, and stabilization matter.

• Canon SX200 IS: Macro focus starts at 0cm, which is very close, aided by optical stabilization for handheld shots.

• Sigma DP1s: Macro focusing is limited, no specific macro mode.

If you plan macro work, the Canon is preferable.

Night and Astro Photography

Performance at high ISO, noise control, and long exposures count.

• Canon SX200 IS: Max ISO 1600; suffers from significant noise. Max shutter speed 1/3200 sec otherwise, with slow shutter minimum of 15 sec.

• Sigma DP1s: Max ISO 800, but larger sensor’s noise handling is superior. Min shutter speed goes to 30 sec, enabling long exposures required for night shooting.

For astrophotography, DP1s is the better option due to sensor advantage.

Video Capabilities

• Canon SX200 IS: Records 720p HD video at 30 fps. Uses Motion JPEG format, limits file efficiency. No external microphone input.

• Sigma DP1s: No video recording capabilities.

If video is a requirement, the Canon is clearly the choice.

Travel Photography

Combines versatility, portability, and battery endurance.

• Canon SX200 IS: Good all-rounder with zoom and image stabilization. Slightly heavier (247g), modest battery life (NB-5L battery), and no wireless connectivity.

• Sigma DP1s: Lighter (270g), compact, excellent image quality but fixed lens is limiting. No wireless features.

For travel, Canon’s zoom flexibility trumps image quality in many casual contexts.

Professional Use and Workflow

• Canon SX200 IS: No RAW format support, limiting professional post-processing. JPEG output only.

• Sigma DP1s: Supports RAW (X3F) enabling extensive editing but requires specialized software - a consideration for workflow integration.

The Sigma DP1s leans toward pro users valuing detail and color accuracy, despite workflow complexity.

Inside the Build: Quality, Durability, and Connectivity

Neither model offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or ruggedized construction. For amateur focused use, this is acceptable but can be a limitation in harsh conditions.

Connectivity is minimal on both - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS to speak of. The Canon includes HDMI output and faster USB 2.0, whereas the Sigma has a slower USB 1.0 port and no HDMI.

Battery life info is sparse, but expect modest endurance consistent with small compact cameras.

Price and Value Considerations

At launch, the Canon retail priced around $329 with versatile zoom and ease of use; the Sigma’s price was less defined but reflected its niche and premium large sensor approach.

Today, both are aging but remain interesting for their particular strengths.

Performance Summary: Scores and Ratings

Canon SX200 IS screen back Sigma DP1s screen back

Above, observe the SX200 IS’s zoom flexibility and decent color in daylight, while the DP1s delivers richer detail and truer colors with its APS-C sensor.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Making the Right Choice: Which Camera Should You Buy?

Choose the Canon SX200 IS if:

• You want an all-round compact camera with flexible zoom for travel and everyday shooting.
• Video recording and faster autofocus are important to you.
• You prefer a more comfortable grip with familiar controls.
• You don’t require RAW shooting or large sensor image quality.

Choose the Sigma DP1s if:

• Ultimate image quality, natural color accuracy, and detail are your top priorities.
• You prefer a larger sensor and prime lens for deliberate photography.
• You shoot mostly portraits, landscapes, or artistic stills where resolution and tonality matter.
• You are comfortable with slower autofocus and manual operation.
• RAW support and post-processing are essential parts of your workflow.

Final Thoughts

Both the Canon SX200 IS and Sigma DP1s reflected commendable achievements of compact camera design in 2009, but for entirely different photography philosophies. The Canon prioritizes versatility and ease of use, whereas the Sigma focuses on image quality and sensor technology advancements.

From my extensive hands-on experience, understand each camera’s strengths and weaknesses within your photographic ambitions. If you seek high-quality still images with crisp details and are willing to accept operational compromises, the Sigma DP1s remains a worthwhile choice. For those needing flexibility, zoom, video, and quicker shooting, the Canon SX200 IS is practical and accessible.

These cameras are relics compared to current models but still provide valuable lessons on how sensor size, optics, and user interface define photographic outcomes. If you consider purchasing either second-hand, be sure to test the units thoroughly and factor in evolving technology and your specific needs.

Happy shooting!