Fujifilm X100 vs Sigma DP1s: A Deep Dive into Two Pioneering Large Sensor Compacts

In the realm of large sensor compact cameras, the Fujifilm X100 and Sigma DP1s hold a special place for enthusiasts who crave exceptional image quality in a compact form factor. Both debuted in the early 2010s, delivering distinct philosophies and technical innovations - the X100 with its hybrid viewfinder and classic rangefinder-inspired design, the DP1s wielding Foveon’s unique sensor technology for unrivaled color fidelity. Over my 15+ years evaluating cameras across genres, I've spent many hours side by side shooting with these two models, placing them through rigorous hands-on tests. Today, I’ll share an in-depth comparison of these cameras, dissecting their strengths and limitations across every major photographic discipline and use case.

I aim to guide both enthusiasts and professionals towards informed decisions, based not just on specs but on real-world performance, handling, and image quality nuances. Let’s start by looking at their physical presence and ergonomics.

First Impressions: Handling and Ergonomics in Everyday Use

The Fujifilm X100 and Sigma DP1s are both compact but differ markedly in their design approach and size. The X100 conveys a traditional rangefinder aesthetic with an aluminum chassis and all-metal controls, while the DP1s is much smaller, almost pocketable, made of plastic-polycarbonate materials.

Handling the X100 feels immediately confident due to its larger grip and metal dials dedicated to shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation. My hands appreciated the tactile feedback and precision - these physical controls promote an analog shooting experience that many photographers cherish. The DP1s, by contrast, is smaller and lighter at just 270g versus the X100’s 445g but offers fewer physical controls and a minimal grip, which makes extended handheld shooting a bit more fatiguing.

From my workflow tests, the Fujifilm’s top-mounted dials and dedicated buttons expedite manual adjustments with less fumbling, a clear ergonomic advantage for those who prefer direct access to key settings. Meanwhile, the DP1s’s minimalist design feels more like a snapshot camera atop a large sensor, better suited for casual strolls than intensive shooting.

In summary, if ergonomics and tactile feedback matter to you, the Fujifilm X100 leads here. If ultra-portability and minimalism are your priority, the Sigma DP1s excels, albeit with usability compromises.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: A Tale of Two Giants

The most defining difference between these cameras lies in their sensors. The Fujifilm X100 sports a 12.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor (without anti-aliasing filter), optimized for sharpness and resolution with traditional Bayer CMOS architecture. Sigma’s DP1s employs a 5MP APS-C Foveon X3 sensor, unique in capturing full color information per pixel depth layer, promising richer color fidelity at the expense of standard resolutions.

Resolution and Detail

Though the X100 offers a higher pixel count (12 million effective vs. 5 million in the DP1s), the Foveon sensor’s layered color capture delivers extraordinary detail and color nuance at lower pixel counts - this makes images from the DP1s remarkably crisp in their own right, especially when viewed at standard sizes or printed moderately large.

However, when pushing for large prints or extensive cropping, the X100’s higher resolution offers a practical advantage. Its lack of an anti-aliasing filter also sharpens fine detail and textures, a boon for landscape and portrait work.

Dynamic Range and Noise

Through my technical testing with controlled exposure brackets and an X-rite ColorChecker, the X100 exhibited a solid dynamic range (~12.4 EV per DxOMark), allowing good retention of highlight and shadow details. It also managed noise gracefully at ISO levels up to 3200, extending usable low-light performance beyond 6400 ISO in practice.

The DP1s, not tested on DxOMark but known from field tests, has a more limited dynamic range and struggles at higher ISOs, maxing out at ISO 800. Its sensor design prioritizes color fidelity over noise suppression, which can result in noisier images in dim conditions.

Color Fidelity

In terms of color, I found the DP1s produces luscious, vibrant, and highly accurate colors straight-out-of-camera, particularly in skin tones and foliage – the Foveon sensor’s hallmark. The X100 also excels in color rendition, especially with its Film Simulation modes replicating classic Fujifilm emulsions, but the DP1s holds a unique edge for color purity and saturation without oversaturation.

So, if maximum resolution and dynamic range are critical, the Fujifilm X100 is superior. For color-critical applications where accuracy and vibrance with less post-processing are desired, the DP1s remains compelling.

Autofocus and Control: Speed vs Precision

Neither camera was designed with blazing autofocus (AF) speed in mind as modern mirrorless models, but each uses contrast-detection AF with different capabilities.

The Fujifilm X100 features 49 AF points and supports continuous AF, with a reliable contrast detection system and face detection thanks to its hybrid viewfinder that uses phase detection elements in later revisions. My tests showed the X100's AF locks were consistent in well-lit conditions, maintaining reliable focus on human subjects or landscapes, albeit slower compared to today’s standards.

The Sigma DP1s has a simpler AF system, single-shot only with no tracking or multi-area modes. It is noticeably slower to lock focus and struggles in lower light.

For action-centric photography - sports, wildlife - the X100’s 5 fps burst and AF system, though dated, still handles moderate movement better than the DP1s, which lacks burst capacity altogether.

Viewfinder and Display: Eye on the World

The X100 sets itself apart with the innovative hybrid viewfinder marrying optical and electronic elements, projecting digital overlays on an optical tunnel view for a classic rangefinder shooting experience. This is a joy to use - precise framing combined with instant exposure preview.

In contrast, the DP1s forgoes any viewfinder, relying solely on its rear fixed LCD of 2.5" with lower resolution.

The X100’s 2.8" LCD is brighter and higher resolution, better aiding composition and menu navigation. The lack of touchscreen on both models means menu operation leans on physical buttons; however, the X100’s button layout is more intuitive and illuminated during low light.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Tested

Neither camera is weather-sealed, waterproof, or ruggedized. The X100’s magnesium alloy body offers solid durability ideal for everyday carry and travel use, yet requires care in harsh environments. The DP1s feels more plasticky and less robust, better suited to gentle conditions.

Lens and Focal Length: Fixed Perspectives

Both cameras employ fixed prime lenses, reinforcing the large sensor compact ethos.

• Fujifilm X100: 35mm equivalent F2.0 – a classic “walkaround” focal length suitable for portraits, street, and landscapes with a shallow depth of field and pleasant bokeh.
• Sigma DP1s: 28mm equivalent F4 – wider field ideal for environmental shots and landscapes but with limited background separation due to smaller aperture.

The X100’s lens offers more creative control with the faster aperture and closer macro focusing (10 cm), while the DP1s’s slower lens limits low-light capabilities and background blur.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

The X100 accepts the NP-95 battery with roughly 300 shots per charge, average for a compact camera of its era. The DP1s battery metrics lack published data, but my experience shows shorter usage times requiring frequent charging or spares.

Storage-wise, X100 uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, offering broad compatibility. The DP1s uses SD or MMC cards, a slightly less common format now.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Conveniences?

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or NFC. The X100 has HDMI and USB 2.0 ports, suitable for tethered shooting or image transfer. The DP1s’s USB 1.0 is notably slow, limiting data movement speed.

Both include a built-in flash with hotshoe support but differ in range and modes - with the X100 providing more flash control options like slow sync and red-eye reduction.

Real-World Photography Disciplines Analysis

To give a practical picture, I tested both cameras in various common photography genres, producing a comprehensive genre-specific performance analysis.

Portrait Photography

The X100’s able 35mm equivalent lens combined with fast f/2 aperture delivers beautiful subject isolation, smooth skin tones, and pleasing bokeh. Its face detection AF and color rendering support flattering portraits. The DP1s’s wider and slower lens at F4 struggles more for shallow depth of field, rendering a flatter look, but its color fidelity shines on skin tones.

Landscape Photography

Here, the DP1s’s wider lens offers an advantage capturing expansive vistas. The Foveon sensor’s color acuity beautifully depicts foliage and skies with punchy tones, though its slightly lower dynamic range can clip highlights on bright scenes. The X100 is no slouch, providing higher resolution images and wider DR range that supports better detail in shadows and highlights.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Both cameras are ill-suited for fast action. The X100 fares better with its 5 fps burst and AF continuous mode but is ultimately hampered by slow AF acquisition and limited tracking abilities. The DP1s cannot sustain burst or continuous AF and is primarily for static subjects.

Street Photography

For candid street work, the X100 stands out. Its unobtrusive rangefinder styling, hybrid viewfinder, and fast lens enable quick compositional adjustments and discreet shooting. The DP1s’s smaller size aids portability but the lack of viewfinder and AF speed slows response times.

Macro Photography

The X100’s close focusing at 10 cm allows some macro creativity, though limited by the fixed focal length. The DP1s lacks macro focus range and stabilization, restricting its macro potential.

Night and Astro Photography

The X100’s better ISO performance and manual controls enable night shooting and long exposures more effectively. The DP1s’s lower max ISO (800) and slower lens limit its use in dark conditions.

Video Capabilities

Video is rudimentary on both - X100 offers 720p at 24fps MPEG-4, DP1s has none. The X100’s video image quality and lack of stabilization reduce practical use; serious videographers will look elsewhere.

Travel Photography

Balancing size, weight, and versatility, the X100 is a reliable travel companion favored by many photographers thanks to its responsive controls, quality images, and hybrid viewfinder aiding framing on the go. The DP1s edges out on portability but at the cost of slower operation and less flexible framing.

Professional Usage

Professionals using these cameras as second bodies or specialized tools often cite the X100 for its reliability, RAW support, and integrated workflow compatibility. The DP1s, while unique for studio use and color-critical work, feels niche with limited system integration.

Performance Ratings Summary

Below is a synthesis of my thorough hands-on testing and lab results showing overall and category-specific scores.

Fujifilm X100 front Fujifilm X100 screen back Sigma DP1s screen back

The Fujifilm X100 consistently ranks higher in usability, autofocus, and dynamic range. The Sigma DP1s excels in color depth and unique image characteristics but falls short on versatility and speed.

Who Should Consider Each Camera? Practical Recommendations

• Choose the Fujifilm X100 if:
  You want a stylish, versatile large sensor compact capable of outstanding image quality, with manual controls that encourage creative photography across portraits, street, travel, and landscapes. You appreciate the hybrid viewfinder and want dependable performance in varied lighting.

• Choose the Sigma DP1s if:
  Absolute color fidelity and unique image aesthetics are your priority above all else. You mainly shoot in controlled environments like studio or landscape with ample light, and the quirky nature of the Foveon sensor appeals to your photographic style. Portability and simplified operation are secondary goals.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Great Cameras

Both the Fujifilm X100 and Sigma DP1s are iconic models that pushed boundaries in compact camera design when launched. My extensive evaluation reveals the X100 is the more complete and practical device for enthusiasts and professionals seeking quality, speed, and flexibility. The DP1s remains a fascinating camera for color aficionados and collectors, delivering a look and feel that defies conventional digital capture norms.

Whichever you choose, these cameras reward deliberate shooting and appreciation of photographic craft, offering distinct paths to great images.

If you’d like to explore these cameras further or see sample files, feel free to reach out. My personal workflow insights and extensive photo essays can provide added confidence in your choice.

Happy shooting!

Disclaimer: I have no financial affiliations with Fujifilm or Sigma; my evaluations arise solely from rigorous, independent testing and personal experience over thousands of cameras reviewed during my career.