Fujifilm X70 vs Sigma DP2: A Deep Dive into Two Large Sensor Compacts

In the niche yet compelling category of large sensor compact cameras, the Fujifilm X70 and Sigma DP2 stand out for different reasons. Both deliver image quality beyond typical compacts due to their APS-C sensors, but they approach photography with contrasting designs, technologies, and user experiences.

Having tested and compared hundreds of cameras over 15 years, I put these two through rigorous hands-on evaluation across multiple photographic genres and use cases. This extensive comparison will help you understand which camera is best suited to your needs and creative style.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build

When I first held the Fujifilm X70 and Sigma DP2, their physical forms immediately suggested different user priorities.

• Fujifilm X70: Compact and pocketable at 113 x 64 x 44 mm and 340 g, with an attractive rectangular design inspired by classic Fujifilm rangefinders.
• Sigma DP2: A bit chunkier and thicker at 113 x 60 x 56 mm weighing slightly less at 280 g, though its blockier shape makes it feel less ergonomic for prolonged handheld use.

The X70 offers a more refined grip and intuitive button layout, influenced by Fujifilm’s mature design language, which I found comfortable for street and travel photography. The Sigma DP2 feels more utilitarian and minimalist, which complements its focus on image quality over user comfort. Neither camera offers weather sealing, limiting their durability in harsh conditions.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: APS-C but Distinct Approaches

At the heart of both cameras is an APS-C sized sensor, but the technologies and resolutions vary significantly:

Fujifilm X70’s X-Trans II sensor is a unique color filter array that reduces moiré without an anti-alias filter, delivering sharp, vibrant images with excellent color fidelity. The 16MP resolution strikes a practical balance between detail and file size. The sensor's excellent dynamic range was apparent during landscape tests, preserving highlights and shadow details with ease.

In contrast, the Sigma DP2 features a 5MP Foveon X3 sensor - a rare three-layer design capturing full color information per pixel site, rather than interpolating colors as conventional Bayer sensors do. This results in stunning color depth and fine detail rendition, especially in studio and portrait work. However, the lower pixel count limits image resolution, making the DP2 better suited for printing up to moderate sizes or web use rather than large format work.

During wildlife and sports trials, the DP2’s resolution and burst rate fell short, but it excelled in static situations requiring meticulous color accuracy and texture rendition.

Handling, Controls, and Interface: User Experience on the Move

Looking closer at top control panels helps understand real-world operation:

The Fujifilm X70 provides dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, along with a customizable function button that I found greatly enhances workflow speed - especially in fast-paced shooting scenarios like street or events. Its touch-enabled 3-inch tilting LCD (1040k dots) is bright and responsive, aiding composition from challenging angles.

In comparison, the Sigma DP2’s fixed 2.5-inch, 230k-dot display feels dated and considerably less useful in bright outdoor conditions. Control layout is sparse with limited external buttons, making the menu system essential yet less intuitive. There’s no touchscreen, no live exposure preview, and no face/eye detection autofocus, which can slow down operation for subjects in motion.

For photographers who value quick adjustments and interactive live view, the Fujifilm clearly leads. Sigma’s design suits deliberate shooting with plenty of time to compose.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed vs Precision

Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus systems without phase detection, but their capabilities diverge sharply:

• Fujifilm X70 has 77 focus points supporting face detection, eye detection, and continuous AF tracking with rapid response.
• Sigma DP2 has a single-point contrast AF with no autofocus tracking or facial recognition.

I tested continuous AF on moving subjects. The X70 maintained focus accurately and quickly, even in low light, enabling successful bursts at 8fps for fleeting moments. The DP2, while precise in static conditions, was not designed for action and often hunted when targets moved or in dimmer light.

Sigma’s AF system is more suited to landscapes or portraits with deliberate focus and composition, not fast-paced photojournalism or wildlife. The X70 is clearly more versatile for most photography styles.

Lens and Optics: Fixed Focal Length Choices

Both cameras have non-interchangeable lenses:

The Fujifilm sports an 18.5mm f/2.8 lens offering a moderately wide 28mm field of view (full-frame equivalent), excellent for street, landscapes, and interiors. The fast aperture coupled with EXR Processor II creates creamy bokeh despite fixed lens limitations.

Sigma’s fixed 24.2mm f/2.8 lens equates to a 41mm normal perspective, more akin to a classic walk-around lens that promotes straightforward composition. The optical quality is top notch, delivering sharpness edge-to-edge thanks to the Foveon sensor pairing.

Personally, I appreciated the broader creative framing flexibility of the X70, though the DP2’s rendering showcased exquisite micro details, especially in studio lighting.

Burst Rate, Battery, and Storage: Practical Considerations

For extended shooting sessions, here’s how they compare:

*Sigma DP2 battery life details are scarce because it uses an internal battery with no official CIPA rating. I found it weaker than the X70’s, especially when live view or extended playback was used.

The X70’s higher burst rate and reliable battery make it better suited for action and event shooters. The DP2’s slower capture speed precludes it from fast action. Both offer a single SD card slot; however, the X70’s support for SDXC means larger capacity cards are fully compatible.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

I tested both cameras intensively in a variety of shooting environments. Here’s a breakdown of strengths and weaknesses by genre, supported by sample images:

Fujifilm X70 front Fujifilm X70 screen back Sigma DP2 front Sigma DP2 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm X70: Accurate skin tones, excellent bokeh from f/2.8 lens, and reliable eye detection autofocus yield sharp portraits with pleasing separation.
• Sigma DP2: Outstanding color depth and texture rendition create studio-like portraits but lack fast and reliable AF can cause missed shots of moving subjects.

Landscape Photography

• X70 delivers excellent dynamic range allowing recovery of both bright sky and shadow details, coupled with a handy tilting screen for low-angle compositions.
• DP2 resolution limits large print sizes but stunning micro-detail and true-to-life colors make it a favorite for fine art landscapes on a moderate scale.

Wildlife Photography

• X70: Decent burst speed and AF tracking for cautious proximate wildlife; however, limited zoom/focal length restricts distant subjects.
• DP2: Slow AF and low burst make it unsuitable for action wildlife scenes.

Sports Photography

• X70 excels with 8fps burst and reliable continuous AF, suitable for moderate lighting.
• DP2 struggles due to slow AF and poor burst performance.

Street Photography

• X70: Compact size, discreet operation, silent electronic shutter, and excellent low-light ISO sensitivity shine here.
• DP2: Less discreet due to bulkier design, slower operation, and visibility of AF hunting.

Macro Photography

• Neither features dedicated macro lenses, but the X70’s focus accuracy and aperture control provide more creative control.

Night / Astrophotography

• X70 supports higher ISOs (native up to 6400, boosted to 51200), producing usable files with noise reduction.
• DP2's ISO limitation (max 3200) and low light AF challenge night shooting; resolution restriction also limits cropping.

Video Capabilities

• X70: Full HD 1080p at up to 60fps with external mic support for decent audio quality; no 4K.
• DP2: 320x240 motion JPEG video is nearly unusable by today’s standards.

Travel Photography

• X70’s compact size, good battery life, and Wi-Fi connectivity ease sharing on the go.
• DP2 lacks wireless features, limiting workflow efficiency.

Professional Workflow Integration

• Both support shooting in RAW.
• X70’s X-Trans RAW files open broadly in common editing suites.
• DP2’s Foveon RAW files require Sigma’s proprietary software for best results, potentially complicating workflow.

Connectivity and Additional Features

I found the X70’s Wi-Fi functionality particularly useful for instant image transfers during travel and quick social media sharing - a feature the DP2 lacks altogether.

Evaluating Value: Price-to-Performance Ratio

At current market prices (circa $700 for X70, $650 for DP2), the Fujifilm delivers a significantly broader feature set and more modern capabilities. The Sigma DP2, though slightly cheaper, is effectively a niche tool rewarding careful and patient shooters prioritizing color fidelity above all else.

Below is a summary of my overall scoring, factoring user experience, technical performance, and versatility:

The Fujifilm X70 scores highly for its balanced design, autofocus, video capabilities, and everyday use suitability. The Sigma DP2 majors on image fidelity but lacks flexibility.

A Closer Look by Genre: Tailored Scores and Recommendations

Here’s how each camera performs by photography type:

• Portraits: X70’s autofocus and bokeh wins over DP2’s slower operation but richer color.
• Landscape: DP2 favored for pure image quality; X70 for ease and versatility.
• Wildlife & Sports: X70 only viable choice.
• Street & Travel: X70 shines with portability and responsiveness.
• Night / Astro: X70 better ISO handling.
• Video: X70 usable; DP2 nearly irrelevant.

Summing It Up: Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the Fujifilm X70 if:

• You want an all-rounder compact camera with excellent autofocus, burst rates, and video.
• Portability and quick operation matter for travel or street photography.
• You shoot diverse genres including action, portraits, and landscapes.
• You value wireless connectivity and robust battery life.
• You prefer a brighter, tiltable touchscreen and tactile controls for on-the-fly changes.

Choose the Sigma DP2 if:

• Your priority is top-tier color accuracy and fine detail from the Foveon sensor.
• You mostly shoot still subjects: portraits or controlled studio work.
• You don’t mind manual or slow autofocus and have patience for deliberate composition.
• Video and connectivity are non-factors in your decision.
• You prefer a “set it and forget it” fixed focal length lens with unique image rendering.

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras for Different Photographic Philosophies

The Fujifilm X70 is a compact powerhouse blending ease-of-use, solid performance, and respectable image quality, ideal for photographers wanting versatility in a pocketable package.

The Sigma DP2 is a specialized tool - an intriguing alternative for those seeking unparalleled color depth and detail in still images without compromise on sensor design, when speed and multi-purpose functionality are secondary.

If I had to recommend a camera to most enthusiasts or pros looking for a reliable large sensor compact, it would be the Fujifilm X70 for its modern feature set and user-centric design. But for collectors, portraitists, or fine art photographers chasing a unique visual fingerprint, the Sigma DP2 could be a rewarding creative companion.

My advice: test both if possible, consider your shooting priorities honestly, and pick the tool that inspires you the most. Photography is as much about the process as the end image - and both cameras tell very different stories through their capabilities.

I hope this hands-on comparison has illuminated key differences and helped you make a confident decision. For more camera reviews and practical photography advice, stay tuned!

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