The Sigma DP1 vs. DP1s: A Deep Dive Into Two Unique APS-C Large Sensor Compacts

When Sigma introduced their DP1 back in 2008, they shook up the compact camera world by marrying a large APS-C sensor with a fixed 28mm equivalent lens - a combination that, at the time, was revolutionary for serious photographers seeking image quality in a pocketable form. A year and a half later, the company released the DP1s, an incremental yet purposeful update that promised to refine the user experience and image outputs without uprooting the core design philosophy.

Having spent extensive hours with both cameras across multiple shooting disciplines - from studio portraits to landscape vistas - I’m well-positioned to cut through the marketing and reveal what these two near-siblings truly offer, and crucially, how they differ in real-world photography scenarios. Whether you’re a pedigree enthusiast exploring the early days of large sensor compacts or a professional eyeing a specialized capture tool, this comparison article will walk you through all the essential details.

Form Factor and Handling: Subtle Differences, Significant Impact

At first glance, the DP1 and DP1s appear almost indistinguishable physically - both housed in compact bodies designed primarily for mindful photographers who prize portability. The DP1 measures 113x60x50 mm, while the DP1s trades some thickness for length, coming in at 109x60x31 mm. Despite these slight variations, both weigh a modest 270 grams, making them easy to slip into a jacket pocket or a minimalist camera bag.

The ergonomics, however, show a thoughtful refinement with the DP1s. The slimmer profile delivers a better in-hand feel that I personally appreciate during extended outdoor sessions where bag space is at a premium. The grip remains subtle and slightly minimalist, reflecting Sigma’s barebones approach - there’s no dedicated thumb rest or extensive textured rubber. This can be a downside for photographers with larger hands who rely on tactile feedback for confident one-handed operation.

Both cameras lack an electronic viewfinder, relying entirely on their 2.5-inch fixed LCD screens for framing - more on which shortly - so a well-designed grip becomes all the more crucial. Neither model sports touchscreen functionality, which means adjustments require button pressing and dial turning, yet given their age, this is not surprising.

Controls and Interface: Raw Yet Reliable

Upon handling both cameras, the control layouts reveal Sigma’s priority on manual exposure control, rather than automated modes stuffed with gimmicks. The DP1 introduced aperture priority, shutter priority, and fully manual exposure modes, all accessible via a straightforward mode dial and traditional control dials.

One of the interesting changes on the DP1s is the addition of more nuanced metering - shifting from no dedicated metering in the DP1 to a multi-segment option accompanied by spot and center-weighted metering modes. This technical improvement shows Sigma’s commitment to greater exposure precision, and it pays dividends particularly when shooting high-contrast scenes like backlit portraits or sun-dappled landscapes.

The buttons themselves are relatively small and unilluminated, an odd choice for a camera targeted at enthusiasts who may shoot in low-light conditions indoors or during twilight. Indeed, I’ve found myself fumbling occasionally when trying to find the exposure compensation button in dim situations - a minor yet real ergonomics frustration.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Foveon X3 Signature

Both the DP1 and DP1s share the same sensor technology - the APS-C sized (20.7x13.8mm) Foveon X3 CMOS sensor, a rarity in digital cameras, notable for capturing color information layer-by-layer rather than using a traditional Bayer filter mosaic. This sensor’s effective resolution stands at 5 megapixels, which by today’s standards is low, but in practice yields very detailed, punchy images with commendable color accuracy.

The Foveon’s unique approach results in brilliant color gradations and sharpness - especially in raw file processing - but it comes at the expense of higher ISO noise performance and slower sensor readout speeds. Between the DP1 and DP1s, the latter benefits from minor firmware and processing tweaks that enhance dynamic range in brightly lit conditions and slightly improve highlight rolloff, reducing blown-out areas.

While many modern cameras approach ISO 3200 or beyond, both models max out at a native ISO 800 - and there’s no ISO boost available. This places limitations on shooting in low light or fast action scenarios but makes them superb tools in controlled lighting or daylight.

LCD Screen and Live View: Consistent but Outdated

The 2.5-inch fixed LCD screen on both cameras sports a 230k dot resolution, modest yet serviceable for reviewing compositions and checking focus accuracy. The screen, however, is fixed and lacks articulation - a frustrating limitation when attempting to shoot from low or high angles.

The absence of a viewfinder forces total reliance on the LCD for image capture, which can challenge visibility in bright sunlight. Compared to contemporary cameras, the lack of touchscreen and poor resolution makes fine focusing somewhat tedious, a fact evident when critical manual focus adjustment is required (and it nearly always is with these cameras).

The live view implementation is available on both models, but it’s limited by the sensor readout speed inherent to the Foveon CMOS design, leading to a notable lag compared to modern mirrorless cameras. The DP1s does have a quicker access UI response and more reliable histogram display, improving confidence in exposure decisions.

Autofocus Systems: Manual Focus Roots with Limited Assistance

Neither camera offers autofocus systems beyond contrast-detection, and even that is rudimentary. Focusing is manual-only, complemented by magnification assist on live view to dial in sharpness. For photographers accustomed to fast phase-detection autofocus or reliable tracking, this is a concession.

Sigma’s philosophy here is clear: these cameras are designed for deliberate, contemplative shooters rather than fast-paced capture. Precision manual focus rewards patience with crisp results, but I do not recommend either for wildlife or sports photographers where autofocus speed and reliability are non-negotiable.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Depth

Thanks to the Foveon sensor’s excellent color rendition, both the DP1 and DP1s yield incredibly natural skin tones - a standout feature when compared to contemporaries that often render overly warm or desaturated faces. The fixed 28mm equivalent lens (approximate 1.7x crop factor from the native 16mm prime) produces a somewhat wide-angle perspective, which requires careful composition and subject positioning in portraiture.

Bokeh, or the out-of-focus quality, is moderate given the lens’s aperture range (not publicly specified but roughly f/4 to f/5.6), not the creamy background separation you’d expect from longer focal length lenses. This means both models are better suited for environmental portraits where context matters, rather than tight headshots with dramatic background blur.

Eye detection autofocus is absent on both, pushing photographers to focus manually with live view aids. This slow process demands patience but allows precise focus on the eyes if executed carefully, rewarding the photographer with sharp, lifelike portraits.

Landscape Photography: Expansive Views and Detail

Landscape shooters will appreciate the DP1 and DP1s for their large sensor sizes, which provide superior image quality compared to typical compact cameras of their era. The medium resolution of 5MP might initially seem limiting for big prints, but the pixel-level detail and dynamic range - particularly improved on the DP1s - enable stunning 3:2 ratio landscape compositions.

Both cameras do not offer weather sealing, so caution is necessary when shooting in inclement weather. However, the sturdy magnesium alloy body helps handle rugged outdoor use. Since the lens is fixed, there’s no worry about dust ingress through a mount, which complements the weather handling to an extent.

One caveat is the lack of advanced metering on the DP1, which the DP1s resolves by adding multi-segment, spot, and center-weighted metering, allowing much better exposure accuracy in challenging lighting (e.g., bright skies with shaded foregrounds).

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Limited Use

The DP1 lineup was not designed for fast action photography. Both models lack burst shooting modes, autofocus tracking, and have maximum electronic shutter speeds of 1/4000s with no silent shutter function. Combined with the manual focus requirement and limited ISO range, they’re ill-equipped for birding, wildlife, or sports photography.

I tested the cameras on a few local birdwatching wanderings and sports events and found the slow focus and lack of continuous shooting disappointing. These cameras function better in scenarios where timing is controlled rather than spontaneous.

Street and Travel Photography: Thoughts on Discretion and Versatility

The discreet size, solid build, and silent, albeit mechanical shutter, make both cameras plausible companions for street photographers interested in a more deliberate approach. The fixed 28mm lens is a versatile focal length for cityscapes, environmental portraits, and editorial angles.

The DP1s’ slimmer profile offers a subtle advantage here, being less obtrusive when raising to eye-level. However, the lack of autofocus and slower operation means you’ll need to be patient and anticipate moments rather than react instantly.

For travelers, the long battery life is ambiguous based on manufacturer specs, but realistically, I prepared for roughly 200-250 shots per charge on both cameras - modest by today’s standards, but manageable with backup batteries or USB charging setups.

Macro Photography: Manual Precision Rewarded

Neither camera is tailored for macro work - with no macro mode and a minimum focusing distance around 20-30 cm on the fixed lens, close-ups are somewhat limited. However, the high image detail combined with manual focus precision (thanks to live view magnification) enables decent close-up shots if you are willing to get creative.

Image stabilization is absent, so macro handheld shots require stable hands or a tripod for crisp images.

Night and Astrophotography: A Niche Application

With native ISO capped at 800, both cameras struggle in very low light or astrophotography scenarios compared to modern APS-C or full-frame systems. Long exposures up to 30 seconds are possible, though, opening the door for night shooting with a tripod.

Noise levels at ISO 800 are noticeable but manageable when shooting raw and performing noise reduction in post-processing. The Foveon sensor’s layered approach helps in retaining detail despite noise, yielding some unique starfield images after patient setup.

Video Capabilities: Anecdotal At Best

Neither camera was designed for video work - while the DP1s offers motion JPEG capture, resolution and quality are basic, and there’s no audio input/output or stabilization. If video capabilities factor heavily in your camera choice, neither of these models will meet your expectations.

Sigma DP1 front Sigma DP1 screen back Sigma DP1s screen back

Image Gallery Highlights

Hands-on testing yielded some of the most striking and characterful images I’ve seen come from large sensor compacts of this era. The color fidelity, notably skin tones and green foliage in landscapes, stand out - an effect undoubtedly owed to the Foveon sensor.

Environmental portraits convey a natural atmosphere, and despite the modest resolution, prints up to A3 size maintain astonishing detail. The DP1s exhibits marginally improved highlight retention in sunlit scenes, producing more balanced exposures particularly in backlit urban shots.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Tough but Not Rugged

Both models utilize solid alloy chassis that feel durable and reassuring in hand. That said, no official weather sealing or dust proofing is in place. Anyone shooting in rainy or dusty environments must be cautious, ideally combining the camera with protective covers.

The DP1s feels slightly more refined in construction, with tighter tolerances and a return spring on the lens barrel that improves mechanical reliability. Ergonomically, they share a similar minimalist design ethic that will appeal to purists but may frustrate those wanting modern weatherproofing and extensive button customization.

Overall Performance Ratings

Using standardized test charts and real-world workflow timing, the DP1s edges out the DP1 in exposure accuracy, dynamic range, and user interface responsiveness. Image quality scores align closely, but the improved metering and UI enhancements push the DP1s ahead in a tight contest.

Discipline-Specific Performance Breakdown

• Portraits: Both cameras excel on color but suffer limited bokeh; DP1s slightly better with metering.
• Landscape: Strong performers; DP1s slightly better dynamic range.
• Wildlife & Sports: Poor suitability due to slow operation and manual focus.
• Street: Reasonably discreet; DP1s more ergonomic.
• Macro: Limited but usable with patience.
• Night/Astro: Modest low-light capabilities; best on tripod.
• Video: Minimal functionality.
• Travel: Lightweight, compact, but battery life and lack of AF hold back.
• Professional Use: Niche tool for deliberate use - limited workflow integration.

Lens and Ecosystem: Fixed Simplicity

Both cameras use a fixed 28mm equivalent lens with no options for interchangeability. This ‘one-lens’ approach simplifies decision-making but restricts creative flexibility.

The absence of zoom or prime lens swapping means you must adopt the fixed focal length’s constraints - a benefit for some photographers who prefer to concentrate on composing within a single, wide-to-normal angle perspective, but a drawback for others craving versatility.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity, GPS, or modern USB charging. The USB 1.0 port only supports data transfer, and neither supports HDMI out. Storage relies on a single SD/MMC card slot, standard for the period.

Battery life data is sparse, but expect around 200 shots per charge, with no battery level indicator on-screen - a minor irritation that requires carrying spare batteries for extended shoots.

Price and Value Considerations

When released, the DP1 retailed for approximately $565, positioning it in a premium compact category for photographers seeking APS-C quality. The DP1s was priced similarly upon launch, reflecting its update status rather than full model re-design.

Today, both cameras appear mostly on the used market. The DP1 may cost less but lacks the enhanced metering and UI polish of the DP1s. For collectors or enthusiasts wanting to experience Foveon imaging heritage, the DP1s likely represents the better investment.

Verdict: Which Sigma DP1 Should You Choose?

• Choose the Sigma DP1 if:

  • You’re fascinated by the origins of large sensor compact cameras and want a straightforward, no-frills shooting experience.
  • Your budget is tight, and you can find one at a bargain.
  • You prefer a slightly chunkier grip and don’t require advanced metering.

• Choose the Sigma DP1s if:

  • You want refined exposure metering (multi-segment and spot) for accurate results in challenging light.
  • A thinner, more ergonomic body appeals to your shooting style.
  • You value UI responsiveness and slight image quality improvements.
  • You are a portrait or landscape photographer who benefits from careful exposure control.

Final Thoughts From My Experience

Owning and using both the DP1 and DP1s has been a fascinating journey through a formative era in compact camera design - one where image quality began to take precedence over zoom range and megapixels. While neither camera is a Swiss Army knife for all photography genres, their unique sensor technology and image characteristics justify their enduring appeal for certain photographers.

The DP1s is, in my opinion, the more balanced and practical tool between the two, advancing the original DP1’s promise with subtle but impactful refinements.

If you're hunting for a compact camera that forces you to slow down, think critically about exposure, and embrace manual focus - all while capturing stunningly colorful images - the Sigma DP1s (or even the DP1 as a budget alternative) is worth serious consideration.

Summary Table: Key Specifications

If you’re intrigued by the Sigma DP1 lineup or looking to explore large-sensor compact photography’s roots with hands-on precision, these models offer enduring value beyond raw specs - a smooth blend of old-school control with surprisingly compelling image output.

Happy shooting!