Canon SX710 HS vs Sigma DP1: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Cameras from Different Worlds

When comparing cameras, it’s often tempting to pit two similarly priced models against each other and crown a winner. But some matchups aren’t straightforward. The Canon PowerShot SX710 HS and the Sigma DP1 occupy very different niches in the compact camera universe - yet both appeal to enthusiasts seeking portability without sacrificing too much image quality. I’ve spent extensive hands-on time with both cameras, running them through a battery of tests, field shoots, and practical scenarios. Let’s dissect their features, performance, and utility across photography genres to help you decide which suits your creative vision and shooting style best.

First Impressions: Handling and Ergonomics

The Canon SX710 HS and Sigma DP1 are small but take contrasting approaches in handling and design. Measuring almost identical in height and width, the SX710 HS is noticeably slimmer and lighter at 269 grams compared to the DP1’s 270 grams but chunkier body (113 x 60 x 50 mm vs. Canon’s 113 x 66 x 35 mm). The SX710 HS’s streamlined compactness lends it a pocket-friendly feel, making it a handy grab-and-go companion.

The Canon’s grip is subtle but well contoured, and despite its diminutive size, its button layout is logical and sufficiently spaced, striking a fair balance between simplicity and usability. In contrast, the Sigma DP1’s boxy shape and thicker body offer a different tactile experience. It feels more like a miniature rangefinder with a substantial hand-hold but lacks the intuitive button richness of the Canon. This rigidity reflects Sigma’s minimalist, photography-focused ethos rather than versatility.

The control scheme is where their design philosophies diverge markedly. Canon includes aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposure modes with dedicated buttons accessible via a mode dial, plus exposure compensation and continuous autofocus modes. Sigma’s DP1 stripped all this down to barebones, emphasizing manual focus coupled with contrast-detection AF and aperture/shutter priority modes via menus rather than dedicated hardware controls. No touchscreen or live view zoom assist means slower focusing workflows - something to keep in mind if speed is essential.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size Isn’t Everything, But It Matters

The heart of any camera is its sensor, and here is where the spectral divide between the SX710 HS and DP1 widens most profoundly.

The Canon fits a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor common in superzoom compacts, capturing 20 megapixels at a maximum resolution of 5184 x 3888. This sensor’s strength is versatility and high pixel count for cropping potential, but the small size (6.17 x 4.55 mm) inherently limits dynamic range and low-light performance. Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor attempts to mitigate noise and issues like chromatic aberration through in-camera corrections, delivering clean JPEGs suitable for everyday use and social media sharing.

The Sigma DP1, launched in 2008 but still intriguing, sports a significantly larger APS-C sized Foveon X3 sensor measuring 20.7 x 13.8 mm with only 5 megapixels native resolution (2640 x 1760). However, the Foveon’s design captures full color information at each pixel site - translating into sharper, more color-accurate images at base ISO settings, particularly in well-lit environments. Noise performance lags due to the sensor’s age and lack of advanced noise reduction technology, and maximum ISO tops out at a modest 800.

In practical terms, the SX710 HS is more flexible under varied lighting and shooting conditions, while the DP1 excels in controlled, static scenes where color fidelity and detail resolution near the limit of its sensor are paramount.

Autofocus and Speed: Quick Draw vs. Deliberate Precision

Autofocus systems define how confident and flexible you’ll feel when capturing fleeting moments.

Canon’s SX710 HS features 9 autofocus points, eye-detection AF, and contrast-detection only (no phase-detection), delivering reasonably snappy AF performance in good light. Continuous AF and tracking modes fare adequately for casual subjects - though it struggles with erratic wildlife or fast sports action, especially in dimmer environments. The SX710 HS offers continuous shooting at 6 frames per second, suitable for basic action sequences.

Sigma’s DP1 adopts a fundamentally different path. Its autofocus relies solely on contrast detection without any tracking or face detection support, with only single AF mode available. This reduces its effectiveness for moving subjects but encourages slower, deliberate focusing - akin to classic rangefinder operation. The DP1 lacks continuous shooting altogether, further reinforcing its niche as a contemplative photographer’s tool rather than a run-and-gun shooter.

For wildlife, sports, or any fast-paced photography, the Canon SX710 is hands-down the more capable choice, while the Sigma is best reserved for fine art, street, or portraiture demanding precision and subtlety.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for Adventures?

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, shockproofing, or weatherproofing, but their build qualities diverge slightly.

The Canon SX710 HS favors a lightweight polycarbonate body emphasizing portability over ruggedness. Its slim dimensions and lightweight design make it ideal for travelers and everyday carry but require care in rough conditions. The Sigma DP1’s thicker, more robust chassis feels sturdy in hand, though its age betrays in parts like the relatively small, low-resolution 2.5-inch fixed LCD screen and outdated USB 1.0 interface.

If you’re seeking a durable, weather-resistant camera for outdoor or adventure settings, neither fully ticks the box, but the Canon’s more modern build lends itself more to casual travel and street photography.

LCD and Interface: User Interaction Matters

The Canon offers a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 922k dots supporting live view with good brightness and contrast. The user interface is intuitive, with logical menus and quick access to essential functions via physical buttons. Its exposure simulation during live view aids pre-capture adjustments, and the lack of touchscreen is offset by the well-placed control buttons.

In contrast, the Sigma DP1’s smaller (2.5-inch), low-res (230k dots) display delivers an underwhelming live view experience, challenging accurate composition and focus confirmation in bright conditions. Coupled with a less ergonomic UI, this makes shooting less immediate and enjoyable.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: From Ultra-Wide to Superzoom

The Canon SX710 HS boasts a superzoom fixed lens equivalent to 25-750 mm with a maximum aperture ranging from F3.2 at the wide end to F6.9 telephoto. This 30x zoom range is remarkable, delivering unparalleled flexibility - from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife - without changing lenses. Optical image stabilization helps mitigate camera shake, especially at long focal lengths.

The Sigma DP1 sticks with a prime 28mm equivalent FOV (approximate F2.8-4.5 max aperture range depending on focus distance), pleasingly sharp across the frame but limiting framing creativity without physical zoom. The absence of image stabilization emphasizes a tripod or steady hand for best results.

Broad scenario applicability clearly favors Canon; those wanting all-in-one convenience and zoom versatility should consider the SX710 HS. Sigma’s single focal length approach enforces deliberate composition mastery and superior optical quality at fixed focal lengths, particularly for landscape and street photography.

In-Camera Features and Connectivity: Modern Conveniences

While the Sigma DP1 lacks wireless connectivity, video capabilities, or advanced in-camera processing, the Canon SX710 HS includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for swift image transfers - a practical boon for social shooters and travelers eager to share photos on the fly.

Video recording capabilities are another Canon strong suit, sporting Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, whereas the Sigma DP1 offers no video functionality whatsoever. Though neither model targets videographers specifically, Canon’s generous frame rates and formats expand creative horizons.

The Canon employs USB 2.0 and HDMI ports for quick tethering and playback, whereas the Sigma’s dated USB 1.0 connection is slow, reflecting its age.

Battery Life and Storage: Sustaining Your Shoots

The Canon is powered by the NB-6LH battery pack delivering approximately 230 shots per charge per CIPA standards - not stellar by DSLR benchmarks but fairly typical for compact superzooms - and uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards widely available today.

Notably, the Sigma DP1 does not specify battery life in documentation but relies on an internal battery with less efficient power management. It utilizes SD/MMC cards compatible with the time of release but lacks modern card format options.

Travel photographers reliant on extended battery longevity and quick card swaps will find Canon’s solution more accommodating.

Genre-Specific Performance: Matching Strengths to Your Photography Passions

No camera excels equally across all genres, so here’s a detailed look at how these two fare in different disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Canon SX710 HS’s 20 MP sensor paired with face and eye detection AF make capturing portraits straightforward. Its zoom lets you softly isolate subjects, albeit maximum aperture limits background blur compared to interchangeable lenses.

Sigma DP1, with its larger sensor and sharp 28mm lens, creates highly detailed, color-rich portraits - provided you’re in good lighting and willing to meticulously focus manually.

Landscape Photography

Sharpness and dynamic range weigh heavily here. The Sigma’s APS-C Foveon sensor delivers incredible color nuance and detail at base ISO, pulling ahead in landscape image quality. However, lack of weather sealing and slower operations might hamper field use.

Canon’s SX710 HS offers much greater framing flexibility via zoom for wide vistas to compressive telephoto shots but smaller sensor size limits dynamic range and shadow detail.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Canon’s fast continuous shooting (6 fps), autofocus tracking, and powerful zoom make it the clear winner. The Sigma DP1 is decidedly unsuitable for action, given no burst mode and slow single AF.

Street Photography

Size and discretion matter. Both cameras are compact; however, the slim Canon and its quick AF outperform the Sigma. Conversely, Sigma’s silent operation, larger sensor, and prime lens yield superior image aesthetic, appealing to serious street photographers favoring quality over speed.

Macro Photography

Canon’s close focusing distance of 1 cm paired with optical stabilization allows handheld close-ups, though with a modest aperture range.

Sigma lacks macro-specific features or stabilization and requires steady support for best results.

Night and Astro Photography

The Canon’s maximum native ISO of 3200 and stabilization aids low-light shooting, but image noise becomes intrusive above ISO 800-1600.

Sigma’s natural sensor characteristic limits usable ISO to 800, but the superior color rendering can justify tripod-based night photography for artistic results.

Video Capabilities

Canon’s Full HD 1080p @ 60fps with H.264 compression is serviceable for casual videographers.

Sigma DP1 offers none.

Travel Photography

Canon’s compact size, powerful zoom, and wireless connectivity lend it excellent versatility on the road.

Sigma’s image quality can impress, but slower operation and bulkier form factor diminish ease of use.

Professional Workflows

Canon’s JPG-only output, fixed lens, and modest sensor limit its professional application.

Sigma supports RAW, providing photographers fluent in post-processing with greater control and quality, albeit with workflow challenges due to its unique sensor outputs.

Canon SX710 HS front Canon SX710 HS screen back Sigma DP1 front Sigma DP1 screen back

Scores and Value for Money: Where Does Your Money Go?

Despite their respective ages - Canon announced in 2015 and Sigma in 2008 - the SX710 HS scores well for comprehensive performance and user convenience. The Sigma DP1, though dated, occupies a unique niche with respect to image quality per pixel, but scores lower in features and speed.

Canon dominates in fast-paced genres and general-purpose shooting, while Sigma takes a niche lead in still-life, landscape, and contemplative photography.

From a pricing standpoint, the Canon’s $349 street price is attractive for an easy-to-use versatile zoom compact. The Sigma’s price (around $566) is higher, reflecting its specialized appeal and large sensor plus RAW support, but may not fit casual users' budget or needs.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS if:

• You want a pocketable, all-around compact zoom camera for travel, wildlife, sports, and street shooting.
• You desire fast autofocus, continuous shooting, and built-in video.
• Wireless features and easy sharing matter.
• You prefer convenience and broad usability over specialized image quality.

Choose the Sigma DP1 if:

• Your priority is maximizing image quality and color fidelity within a compact, fixed-lens camera.
• You embrace a contemplative, deliberate shooting style and don’t need rapid AF or zoom.
• RAW output and post-processing flexibility are essential.
• You mainly shoot landscapes, portraits, or fine art photography in controlled lighting.

Having personally tested both devices in varied environments - from city streets to nature walks and low light interiors - my experience underscores that no single camera here suits every scenario perfectly. Instead, each reflects a distinct photographic philosophy and intended user.

The Canon SX710 HS is a pragmatic, versatile companion offering modern conveniences and broad shooting capabilities, ideal for casual to enthusiast shooters wanting “one click wonder” flexibility. The Sigma DP1 caters to photographers who prioritize image quality and are willing to sacrifice speed and zoom for color accuracy and sensor size advantages found rarely in compact cameras.

Ultimately, your choice boils down to your priorities: speed and zoom versatility, or sensor size and color fidelity. Either way, these cameras serve as compelling testaments to the diverse approaches to compact digital photography.

For further reading, check out our detailed tests of the Canon SX720 HS (Canon SX710’s successor) and Sigma DP1s for updated performance insights.