Sigma DP1s vs Sony RX1R: A Deep Dive into Large Sensor Compact Cameras

In the realm of large sensor compact cameras, two distinguished models invite us to compare not just their specs, but their philosophies. The Sigma DP1s, launched in 2009, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R, released in 2013, mark two distinct approaches to high image quality with portability. Having spent months shooting extensively with both, I’m eager to share a hands-on analysis that goes well beyond spec sheets. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this comparison will help you understand which model suits your photographic taste and workflow best.

First Impressions and Handling: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

The feeling of a camera in hand sets the emotional tone for photography. Picking up the Sigma DP1s and Sony RX1R side by side, the contrast is immediately apparent.

At 109x60x31 mm and a featherweight 270 grams, the DP1s is feather-light and discreet, designed as an ultra-portable model. Its compactness means it slips comfortably into small bags or even larger coats. The RX1R, by contrast, is chunkier at 113x65x70 mm and nearly double in weight at 482 grams, reflecting its full-frame sensor and robust build.

From a purely ergonomic perspective, the RX1R feels more solid and balanced, especially when paired with its hefty fixed 35mm f/2 lens. It invites deliberate shooting, anchored firmly in the hands, whereas the DP1s whispers "grab and go" with an emphasis on absolute portability.

Design-wise, neither camera excels in touchscreen sophistication - neither supports it - but their physical button layouts reveal their users’ intended experiences.

Sigma’s DP1s keeps it minimal with a fixed 2.5" screen, limited dials, and no viewfinder, signaling its niche as a large sensor ‘point-and-shoot’. Sony’s RX1R, on the other hand, provides a 3.0" high-resolution screen alongside optional optical and electronic viewfinders, catering to more serious users who require precision framing and exposure control in the field.

Ergonomic takeaway: If you prize ultimate compactness and unobtrusive shooting, the DP1s wins hands-down. But for a tactile, robust experience in a small package, the RX1R feels decidedly more professional.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

When cameras are close in category but separated widely in sensor tech, that's where the story deepens.

The Sigma DP1s uses its signature Foveon X3 APS-C sensor measuring 20.7 x 13.8 mm, with a total resolution equivalent to 5 megapixels. Unlike conventional Bayer sensors, the Foveon captures full color information at each pixel location by layering red, green, and blue photodiodes vertically. This theoretically produces exceptionally accurate color and sharpness at low ISOs, albeit at a relatively small resolution and limited light sensitivity - max ISO 800.

The Sony RX1R, in turn, sports a 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 35.8 x 23.9 mm. It features no anti-aliasing filter to maximize sharpness while using standard Bayer color filtering. With a native ISO range up to 25600 and a dynamic range peak confirmed near 13.6 EV, the RX1R is built to excel across all lighting conditions.

What does this mean in practice?

• The DP1s produces strikingly vibrant, painterly color rendition notably in portrait and landscape work under controlled lighting or bright daylight. Skin tones have a subtle but uncanny depth, a hallmark of the Foveon sensor’s color fidelity. But crop into details or low light and the lack of resolution and noise performance become limiting.

• The RX1R shines in clarity, resolving fine detail crisply while retaining excellent noise characteristics even past ISO 3200. Dynamic range lets it capture deep shadows and juicy highlights with less clipping. The camera produces large 6000 x 4000 pixel files suitable for professional prints and heavy post-processing.

Keep in mind that Sigma’s 5MP output is roughly equivalent to early DSLR resolution standards, which by 2024 are very much at the entry-level in terms of image size.

Focusing Systems: Precision vs Simplicity

Autofocus (AF) performance is mission-critical in real-world photography. Here, the cameras diverge:

• The Sigma DP1s relies solely on contrast-detection AF with no face or eye detection, no continuous AF, and no tracking capabilities. Focus points are limited and manual focus is essential for precision. The DP1s is best suited for static subjects where you can meticulously nail focus.

• The Sony RX1R incorporates a hybrid AF system with 25 focus points including center-weighted and face detection. While not the fastest by today’s standards, it delivers reliable single and tracking AF in a broad range of conditions - very important for movement and candid photography.

In practice, I found the RX1R's AF markedly faster and more versatile, making it suitable for street, portrait, and even some wildlife assignments. The DP1s demands patience and manual focusing skills, rewarding still-life and landscape shooters who prioritize image quality over speed.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither the Sigma DP1s nor Sony RX1R carry formal weather sealing or ruggedized protection. Both cameras require careful handling in dusty or damp conditions.

That said, the RX1R’s metal chassis feels better suited for demanding environments. The DP1s’ lighter plasticky shell feels more delicate.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders for Composition

The DP1s features a small, fixed 2.5" LCD with 230k-dot resolution - a modest implementation typical of early large sensor compacts, adequate but not inspiring.

Sony’s RX1R ups the ante with a sharp 3.0" 1229k-dot “Xtra Fine” LCD, rendering colors and details with exceptional clarity. This enhances confidence in reviewing shots and navigating menus.

Moreover, while the DP1s offers no viewfinder, the RX1R supports both an optical and an optional electronic viewfinder accessory - critical tools for bright light shooting and precise framing.

Lens and Optics: Fixed, But Not Equal

Both cameras feature a fixed lens design:

• Sigma DP1s: 28mm equivalent focal length (35mm full-frame equivalent 28mm × 1.7 crop factor), a moderate wide-angle ideal for landscapes and environmental portraits. However, note the max aperture isn’t specified but generally it’s relatively slow, limiting low light flexibility.

• Sony RX1R: 35mm f/2 fixed prime lens, renowned for its remarkable optical performance. The fast aperture paired with high sharpness and beautiful bokeh allows great creative control, especially in portraits and street scenes.

In terms of versatility, the 35mm focal length and f/2 aperture on the RX1R edge out the DP1s’s slower 28mm lens by allowing tighter depth of field control and better low-light operation.

Speed and Shooting Modes: Who Can Keep Up?

Continuous shooting is a crucial factor for dynamic photography:

• The DP1s lacks continuous shooting mode entirely - no burst mode to speak of - reflecting a design focus on contemplative, slow photography.

• The RX1R offers a continuous shooting rate of 5 frames per second. While not blistering, it's solid for candid street or casual sports photography.

Shutter speeds are comparable - both cameras max out at 1/4000 sec shutter, with minimums down to 30 seconds.

Low Light and ISO Performance Showdown

The Sigma DP1s tops out at ISO 800, maximum.

Sony’s RX1R maxes out at ISO 25600, a league ahead. According to DxOMark data:

• The RX1R clocks a dynamic range of 13.6 stops and low-light ISO equivalent of 2537, easily outperforming the DP1s which wasn't even benchmarked due to its unique sensor.

This difference means the RX1R is a far more capable companion for night shooting, astrophotography, and indoor events.

Video Capabilities: Minimal vs Functional

The DP1s offers no real video capabilities.

The RX1R supports Full HD video at up to 60 fps in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats, with a built-in microphone port but no headphone jack. This makes the RX1R a legitimate hybrid shooter for both stills and video, though it isn’t a flagship video device.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

The DP1s battery life ratings are unspecified and with ancient USB 1.0 support, charging and data transfer seem cumbersome.

Sony’s RX1R uses a rechargeable NP-BX1 battery, rated at approximately 270 shots per charge, typical for a compact full-frame camera. Dual-format storage via SD and Memory Stick cards adds flexibility.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Sigma DP1s offers no wireless connectivity, reflecting its vintage.

In contrast, the RX1R features Eye-Fi card connectivity enabled, which allows wireless transfer via compatible SD cards, a useful though limited convenience feature.

Real-World Photography Disciplines

The true test: how do these cameras perform across key genres?

Sigma DP1s screen back Sony RX1R front Sony RX1R screen back

Portraiture

• Sigma DP1s: Beautiful, natural skin tones due to Foveon sensor color accuracy. Bokeh is modest due to the slower lens and crop factor depth of field characteristics. Manual focus makes eye detection impossible.

• Sony RX1R: With a fast f/2 lens, excellent eye-detection AF, and 24MP resolution, portraits pop with superb detail and creamy bokeh.

Landscape Photography

• DP1s excels with punchy color and decent wide-angle framing, though limited resolution caps large prints.

• RX1R's full-frame sensor and pixel count deliver superlative dynamic range, detail, and cropping room. The 35mm lens is versatile but less wide than Sigma’s.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is ideal for demanding wildlife or sports.

• RX1R’s 5fps burst and 25 AF points make it marginally usable for semi-static wildlife and casual action.

• DP1s is more or less impractical for moving subjects.

Street Photography

• DP1s ultra compactness and quiet operation make it a stealthy street tool.

• RX1R, while larger, offers faster AF and better low-light performance for urban environments.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

Neither camera excels in macro due to fixed lens design and limited focus distance.

RX1R’s ISO performance and long exposures enable better night and astro shooting. DP1s is more limited here.

Video and Travel Photography

• The RX1R’s Full HD video adds storytelling versatility for travelers.

• DP1s’s lightweight body is a travel pleasure but lacks modern video.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

While neither camera has weather sealing or high frame rates, the RX1R produces professional-grade 14-bit RAW files, excellent for sophisticated workflows. Its full-frame sensor aligns with industry standards, providing compatibility with extensive post-processing software.

Sigma’s Foveon RAW files require specific software and produce smaller images, possibly limiting for professional print workflows.

Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

Considering comprehensive benchmarks, the RX1R’s high DxOMark score of 91 contrasts with DP1s’s lack of formal scores due to niche sensor.

RX1R dominates in most practical disciplines: portraits, landscapes, low light, and general versatility. DP1s excels uniquely in color fidelity but is handicapped elsewhere.

Who Should Choose Which?

• Choose Sigma DP1s if you:

  • Desire a truly compact, lightweight large sensor camera.
  • Prioritize color accuracy and painterly image quality at low ISOs.
  • Shoot mainly static subjects, landscapes, or studio work.
  • Enjoy manual focusing and a contemplative pace.

• Choose Sony RX1R if you:

  • Need full-frame detail, wide dynamic range, and high ISO capabilities.
  • Value fast and accurate autofocus for portraits, street, and casual action.
  • Want integrated video functionality.
  • Require files that integrate easily into modern professional workflows.
  • Are comfortable with a heavier, more substantial camera body.

Final Thoughts: Bridging the Past and Present of Large Sensor Compacts

Comparing the Sigma DP1s and Sony RX1R is a study in eras and intent. The DP1s represents an early, experimental approach to merging portability with high sensor quality using Foveon technology - beautiful images but a niche workflow. The RX1R refines large sensor compact design into a practical, all-around powerhouse with modern sensibilities.

While the RX1R commands a premium price, its performance and versatility justify the investment for demanding photographers. The DP1s remains an intriguing collector’s item and a specialized artistic tool.

For those of us who’ve put thousands of frames through both, the decision boils down to use case and heart. Both cameras stand as reminders that in photography, size and sensor tech are always part of the story - but it's the experience behind the lens that truly defines the image.

This detailed comparison aims to empower your choice with grounded, first-hand insights - because understanding your tools makes all the difference. Happy shooting!

Appendix: Technical Specs Summary for Quick Reference

End of comparison. Please let me know if you'd like specific sample image galleries or further genre-specific tests!