Comparing the Sigma DP1s and Sigma DP2 Quattro: An Expert Evaluation

When evaluating large sensor compact cameras, the Sigma DP line demands attention for its unique sensor technology and fixed-lens design. This comparison focuses on the Sigma DP1s (introduced in 2009) and the Sigma DP2 Quattro (released in 2014), two distinct iterations that represent significant developmental phases in Sigma’s approach to large sensor compacts. Drawing from comprehensive hands-on testing and industry-standard evaluation criteria, this analysis dives deep into the operational nuances, performance differentials, and practical usability of these cameras across multiple photography disciplines.

Both cameras deploy Sigma’s proprietary Foveon X3 sensors, each reflecting different sensor generations with substantial impact on image quality and performance. The DP1s features a small APS-C sized Foveon sensor with a 5MP effective resolution, while the DP2 Quattro upgrades sensor dimensions and resolution significantly, claiming a 20MP effective resolution with an unconventional sensor structure designed to capture superior color fidelity.

This article methodically clarifies how these two models serve different user profiles, balancing features, ergonomics, and output quality in a direct comparative format.

Design, Ergonomics, and Physical Handling

Understanding the physical user interface and handheld comfort is foundational to any practical evaluation. Large sensor compacts often trade control ergonomic benefits found in DSLR or mirrorless bodies for convenience and portability.

Sigma DP1s: Compact Minimalism

The DP1s sports a compact form factor measuring roughly 109mm x 60mm x 31mm and weighing approximately 270 grams. This diminutive size results in excellent portability but limits control options and handling robustness. The control interface is minimalistic, with manual focus requiring deliberate operation due to the absence of autofocus assistance.

Sigma DP2 Quattro: Handling Refinement with Added Bulk

By contrast, the DP2 Quattro is noticeably larger at 161mm x 67mm x 82mm and heavier at 395 grams. The increased size accommodates a larger grip and additional controls, offering improved ergonomics for photographers accustomed to manual operations. Despite the heft increase, it remains relatively compact compared to traditional interchangeable lens systems.

This size and weight increase directly correlate with its advanced sensor and feature set, reflecting trade-offs between portability and functional sophistication.

Control Layout & Top Panel Examination

Both cameras lack viewfinders, relying exclusively on rear LCDs for framing. The DP2 Quattro benefits from a more evolved control interface, including enhanced exposure compensation input and menu accessibility. Its top view layout reflects a thoughtful evolution for user interaction, highlighting dedicated dials and buttons absent or limited on the DP1s.

This contributes to the DP2 Quattro's faster workflow, especially when quick manual adjustments are required during shooting.

Sensor Characteristics and Image Quality Potential

At the core of Sigma’s DP line is the Foveon X3 sensor technology, which separates RGB color information vertically at the pixel site, promising superior color rendition compared to Bayer sensors.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison

The DP1s houses an APS-C sized 20.7mm x 13.8mm sensor with an effective output resolution of 5 megapixels (2640 x 1760 pixels). Its sensor area measures approximately 285.66mm².

Meanwhile, the DP2 Quattro features a larger 23.5mm x 15.7mm APS-C sensor with an effective 20-megapixel output (5424 x 3616 pixels), significantly enhancing image resolution and printing flexibility.

The sensor area and pixel count increase enable the DP2 Quattro to deliver more detail-rich raw files, ideal for large prints or intensive cropping without notable degradation.

Image Quality Realities

From extensive testing, the DP1s’s image output exhibits the hallmark Foveon traits: exceptional color fidelity and smooth tonality. However, the 5MP resolution restricts usability for higher-end reproduction or large format work. ISO performance peaks at 800 native, and image noise becomes prominent at higher sensitivity levels, limiting low-light application.

The DP2 Quattro’s 20MP sensor delivers notable advancements in detail and dynamic range, alongside improved ISO capabilities reaching up to 6400 native. Though Foveon sensors traditionally lag behind conventional Bayer CMOS sensors in high ISO noise control, the DP2 Quattro marks a relative improvement. However, users must still exercise caution when shooting in dim environments due to elevated noise beyond ISO 1600.

Display and Interface Technologies

Without a viewfinder, LCD performance critically influences operational accuracy and image review.

LCD Screen Size and Resolution

The DP1s offers a modest 2.5-inch fixed screen with a resolution of 230k dots, which in practical use restricts the precision of focus confirmation and manual exposure checks.

The DP2 Quattro notably upgrades to a 3-inch TFT color LCD with 920k dots resolution, vastly improving clarity for live view compositions and playback evaluation.

This increase supports more reliable manual focusing - crucial given the absence of phase-detection autofocus on both models - and facilitates easier navigation through menus and exposure settings.

Autofocus Systems and Focus Control

One of the most critical functional areas separating the two cameras is autofocus design and performance.

DP1s: Manual Focus Dominance with Contrast Detection

The DP1s offers only contrast-detection autofocus limited to single AF modes and center weighting. There are no selectable focus areas or face/eye detection capabilities, limiting its utility in rapidly changing scenarios. The manual focus ring provides definitive tactile feedback but requires careful operation due to a lack of focus peaking or magnification aids.

DP2 Quattro: Enhanced Auto and Manual Focus Hybrid

With nine focus points and selectable multi-area autofocus modes, the DP2 Quattro advances considerably. It also supports face detection autofocus, augmenting portrait and street photography workflows. Continuous AF is absent, however, limiting its effectiveness for fast-moving subject tracking such as wildlife or sports.

Both cameras lack phase-detection systems, meaning autofocus speed and precision in low contrast scenes can be inconsistent. Thus, manual focus proficiency remains essential for serious users of either model.

Lens Specifications and Optical Characteristics

Both cameras feature fixed prime lenses but differ in focal length and aperture, impacting photographic versatility and depth-of-field control.

DP1s: 28mm Equivalent Fixed Lens

The DP1s sports a 28mm equivalent focal length lens (factoring 1.7x crop). This wide-angle perspective lends itself well to landscapes, environmental portraits, and street photography. Aperture data for the lens maximum is not specified but is generally moderate, limiting bokeh and shallow depth-of-field effects for portraiture.

DP2 Quattro: 45mm Equivalent with f/2.8 Aperture

The DP2 Quattro’s 45mm equivalent lens with a fixed maximum aperture of f/2.8 provides a classic standard focal length renowned for portrait work and general-purpose shooting. The aperture supports moderate background separation and low-light capture but doesn’t offer the ultra-fast wide apertures found on dedicated prime lenses.

Using a narrower field of view than the DP1s, the DP2 Quattro influences compositional choices, favoring tighter framing and more intimate subject representation.

Exposure Control and Metering Systems

Accurate exposure metering and flexibility are essential in diverse lighting conditions.

Metering Systems

Both cameras utilize center-weighted metering with spot metering options but no matrix or multi-zone intelligent metering was found. The DP2 Quattro expands metering through multi-segment modes and supports AE/White Balance bracketing - features absent on the DP1s.

Exposure Modes and Compensation

Manual, shutter priority, and aperture priority modes are available on both models, providing direct exposure control crucial for advanced photographers. The DP2 Quattro additionally enables finer exposure adjustments with exposure bracketing, facilitating HDR workflows.

Burst Shooting and Continuous Operation

Neither camera is designed for high-speed continuous shooting.

• DP1s: No continuous shooting capacity documented.
• DP2 Quattro: Provides a limited 3 fps continuous shooting rate, which remains insufficient for demanding action photography priorities such as sports or wildlife.

Both cameras emphasize image quality and manual control over speed.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Details on battery endurance for the DP1s are unavailable, reflecting its vintage status and possibly limited testing data. The DP2 Quattro uses a BP-51 battery and includes timelapse recording functionality, highlighting a moderate step forward in operational endurance and creative modes.

Both utilize a single SD/MMC card slot, standard for cameras in this category, requiring users to plan accordingly for storage capacity during extended shooting sessions.

Connectivity and Data Transfer

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS capabilities are absent in both bodies, constraining modern workflow conveniences such as remote shooting, wireless transfer, or geotagging.

The DP1s supports only USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbps), an extremely slow data interface by modern standards.

The DP2 Quattro upgrades to USB 2.0 (480 Mbps), facilitating notably faster file transfers at the card reader level despite still no wireless options.

Real-World Photography Use Cases

The fundamental question for potential buyers: How do these cameras perform across varied photography disciplines?

Sigma DP1s screen back Sigma DP2 Quattro front Sigma DP2 Quattro screen back

Portrait Photography

• DP1s: Limited by 28mm equivalent lens and manual focus. Skin tones benefit from Foveon color fidelity but shallow depth-of-field control is minimal.
• DP2 Quattro: Better suited to portraits with the 45mm lens and f/2.8 aperture. Face detection AF improves eye sharpness and framing accuracy, suitable for semi-professional portraiture.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras benefit from APS-C sized Foveon sensors and lack anti-alias filters, resulting in crisp detail capture.
• DP2 Quattro’s higher resolution supports large print landscapes better. However, neither offers weather sealing, reducing their suitability for harsh environmental conditions.

Wildlife and Sports

• Both unsuitable for fast action due to slow autofocus and limited burst rate, making them niche options for static or slow-moving subjects.

Street Photography

• DP1s’s compact form excels here for discretion.
• DP2 Quattro, while bulkier, offers improved AF aiding quick candid captures despite size.

Macro Photography

• Neither model offers macro capability or focus stacking, limiting close-up versatility.

Night and Astrophotography

• Iso performance limits both cameras; however, DP2 Quattro’s maximum ISO 6400 range is more flexible.
• Absence of advanced exposure modes or in-body stabilization reduces practicality for astrophotography.

Video Recording

• Both cameras omit significant video features, beyond basic motion JPEG on DP1s, rendering them unsuitable for multimedia creators.

Travel and Professional Use

• Portability favors DP1s for travel photographers focused on daylight stills.
• DP2 Quattro aligns better with professionals valuing image quality over portability, though lack of sealing remains a downside.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized construction. This restriction demands cautious operational environments, particularly for outdoor or travel photographers where moisture or dust exposure risks are high.

Summary of Performance Ratings

Here is a summary visualization based on comprehensive testing scores across key categories:

This breakdown reflects the DP2 Quattro's superior performance across the board, particularly in resolution, AF, and exposure versatility.

Genre-Specific Performance Analysis

Diving deeper, this chart contextualizes scores according to photographic genre suitability:

The DP1s scores comparatively in street and travel niches, while the DP2 Quattro dominates in portrait and landscape categories, reinforcing the detailed discussion above.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

For the Photography Enthusiast Seeking the Most Compact Large-Sensor Option

The Sigma DP1s remains a niche option for photographers prioritizing portability and pioneering Foveon experience, albeit at significant compromise in resolution and AF speed.

For Professionals and Serious Hobbyists Demanding Superior Image Quality

The Sigma DP2 Quattro delivers markedly higher resolution, more flexible focusing systems, and refined ergonomics. While still limited by fixed focal length and lack of modern connectivity, it represents a more capable tool for portrait and landscape work.

Budget Considerations

The DP1s, often available used or at lower prices due to age, appeals to budget-conscious collectors or experimental users. The DP2 Quattro’s elevated retail price (approximately $930 at launch) is justified by image quality and workflow enhancements, though price to specification balance may appear steep for some.

Closing Perspective

The fundamental choice between the Sigma DP1s and DP2 Quattro centers on balancing portability against resolution and operational sophistication. The DP1s serves niche users valuing a uniquely compact experience with Foveon color reproduction but sacrifices much in practical usability. The DP2 Quattro, despite not embracing the latest connectivity or continuous shooting demands, refines and advances Sigma’s large sensor compact ethos with meaningful improvements in sensor technology, manual focus assist, and user interface.

Photographers who prioritize ultimate image quality and are comfortable with slower, deliberate shooting approaches will find the DP2 Quattro’s advantages compelling. Conversely, those valuing minimalism and absolute portability may still favor the DP1s as a photographic tool and conversation piece. Neither camera suits high-speed action or video-centric applications, requiring ample consideration of shooting priorities before selection.

This comparative analysis reflects extensive technical evaluation, real-world testing, and ergonomic scrutiny, providing a foundation for informed decision-making within Sigma’s distinct large sensor compact category.

Images sourced from detailed studio and field testing sessions.