Sigma DP1s vs Sony A77 II: A Deep Dive Into Two Distinct APS-C Cameras

When faced with two cameras as different in design philosophy and target user as the Sigma DP1s and the Sony A77 II, discerning which system fits your photographic ambitions requires more than a mere spec-sheet glance. Having rigorously tested over a thousand APS-C cameras across various genres and workflows, I aim to provide a thorough, hands-on comparative study of these two models - released five years apart - to showcase how their contrasting approaches serve a range of photographers, from dedicated enthusiasts to seasoned professionals.

Size and shape dramatically influence handling and photographic style; the DP1s’s compactness contrasts sharply with the heftier A77 II DSLR body.

Introduction: The Context Behind Two APS-C Cameras

The Sigma DP1s, launched in late 2009, occupies the niche of a large sensor compact, featuring the unique Foveon X3 sensor and a fixed 28mm equivalent lens. It is designed for photographers prioritizing image quality and discretion over versatility and speed. On the other side, the Sony A77 II, announced in 2014, is an advanced mid-size DSLR-style camera built for versatility, speed, and professional-grade performance, with a robust autofocus system and plentiful lens options - an evolutionary successor to the original A77.

While the Sigma DP1s limits controls to basic essentials, Sony’s A77 II thoughtfully layers customizable dials and buttons for quick access, critical in dynamic shooting conditions.

Build Quality and Ergonomics: Compact Minimalism vs. DSLR Bulk

Sigma DP1s: Compact Build and Minimal Control Surface

Weighing only 270 grams and measuring 109 x 60 x 31 mm, the DP1s is remarkably pocketable. Its largely plastic body and fixed lens architecture forego the heavier, rugged construction found in DSLRs, sacrificing weather sealing and durability for compactness and simplicity. The screen is a fixed 2.5-inch 230k-dot display, lacking touchscreen or articulation - adequate but limited for composing images.

Ergonomically, the DP1s is minimalist, with no dedicated autofocus points or complex menus. This aligns with a philosophy emphasizing deliberate, contemplative shooting, albeit at a cost of reduced speed and flexibility. The lack of stabilization and absence of any electronic viewfinder means reliance on the LCD or external viewing aids.

Sony A77 II: SLR Ergonomics with Durability and Control Depth

Oppositely, the A77 II weighs 647 grams - over twice the DP1s - and measures 143 x 104 x 81 mm, embodying the classic DSLR body style, offering a robust chassis with environmental sealing against dust and moisture. Its magnesium alloy frame feels solid and reassuring in hand, designed for intense shooting conditions.

Key ergonomics include a fully articulated 3-inch LCD screen with 1,229,000 dots and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasting 2,359,000 dots and 100% frame coverage, delivering critical visibility under varied lighting. Physical controls abound: dual command dials, customizable buttons, top-plate display, and a well-placed grip. These features support swift manual adjustments and long-term use comfort by professionals.

Sensor and Image Quality: Different Technologies, Distinct Output

The DP1s and A77 II both employ APS-C sized sensors but fundamentally diverge in technology and resolution, impacting sharpness, dynamic range, and ISO performance.

Sigma DP1s – The Foveon Advantage and Resolution Quirks

The DP1s distinguishes itself through the Foveon X3 sensor (20.7 x 13.8 mm), measuring roughly 285.7 mm² in area, similar physically to Sony’s APS-C, but functionally unique. The Foveon captures red, green, and blue layers stacked vertically at each pixel site, contrasting with traditional Bayer sensors, which interpolate color across separate sites.

However, its effective resolution is just 5 megapixels (2640 x 1760 pixels) - very low by modern standards - which translates into images with ultra-fine detail per pixel but limited overall size and cropping flexibility. This leads to gorgeous color fidelity and highly detailed textures in situations where you can process the RAW files skillfully, but the low pixel count constrains large prints and commercial use.

Moreover, the Foveon sensor struggling with noise above ISO 800 limits the camera's usability in low light. The absence of in-body or lens stabilization further restricts handheld shooting options under dim conditions.

Sony A77 II – High-Resolution Conventional CMOS

In contrast, the A77 II sports a conventional 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm, ~366.6 mm² area) that strikes a careful balance between resolution, noise control, and dynamic range. The large pixel count at 6000 x 4000 pixels supports huge prints and aggressive cropping, a boon for diverse photographic disciplines.

Sony’s Bionz X processor enhances image signal processing, enabling respectable performance even at high ISO values (native ISO up to 25600), as evidenced by the DxOMark low-light ISO score of 1013, superior dynamic range (~13.4 EV), and 24.4-bit color depth. This makes it ideal for shooting in challenging lighting, landscapes, events, and wildlife.

Autofocus: Contrast Detection vs Hybrid Phase-Detection

Autofocus capabilities often define practical usability in fast or complex situations, as seen in sports or wildlife photography.

DP1s – Basic Contrast Detection AF

The Sigma DP1s employs contrast-detection autofocus only, with no phase-detection sensors, multiple focus points, or tracking abilities. Focus is limited to single-area AF, manually confirmable via live view. This system is slower, less precise for moving subjects, and can struggle in low contrast or dim environments. The absence of face or eye-detection AF severely limits portrait usability, especially compared to modern hybrids.

This explains why continuous shooting is not supported; the DP1s is built for slow, considered compositions rather than capturing decisive moments.

A77 II – Sophisticated 79-Point Hybrid AF System

Sony leaps ahead here, integrating a 79-point phase-detection AF system, including 15 cross-type points, combined with contrast detection - ideal for both live view and viewfinder shooting. It supports continuous AF (AF-C) with subject tracking, face detection, and intuitive AF area selection. While lacking animal eye AF, eye and face detection are robust for portraits.

Testing demonstrates rapid, confident autofocus locks even with fast-moving subjects and complex backgrounds, a critical advantage in wildlife and sports. The 12 fps continuous burst with AF tracking cements its suitability for action photography.

Handling and User Interface: Intuitive Simplicity vs Comprehensive Control

DP1s’s fixed, modest 2.5" screen is a straightforward window with limited feedback, while A77 II’s articulating 3-inch panel caters to versatile angles and detailed review.

Sigma DP1s: Minimalist Interface for Deliberate Photographers

The DP1s’s user interface is fundamentally simple - no touchscreen, no in-depth customization; users rely on physical buttons for exposure modes (shutter/aperture priority, manual), metering, and basic settings. No configurable controls or illuminated keys means shooting in poor light can be tricky.

The limited screen size and resolution, combined with no EVF, constrain usability in bright sunlight or fast shooting scenarios. Manual focusing is the norm, requiring patience and skill.

Sony A77 II: Full-Featured Controls for Professionals

Conversely, the A77 II offers a fully articulated touchscreen (though no touch control) with high resolution, enabling compositional versatility - especially in studio or macro work where low angle viewing is critical. The presence of a bright, high-fidelity EVF enhances precision manual focusing and composition.

Menus are extensive but thoughtfully organized, with many custom function assignments allowing photographers to tailor the interface to their workflow. Dual command dials and customizable buttons let advanced users adjust exposure and settings fluidly without removing the eye from the viewfinder - a huge ergonomic plus during busy shoots.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Limitation vs Expansive Possibilities

Sigma DP1s: Fixed 28mm Equivalence Lens Only

The DP1s’s fixed lens - a 28mm equivalent with a 1.7x crop factor, fixed aperture (not specified), and no zoom or interchangeable options - severely limits compositional flexibility. This lens excels in street and landscape photography but is less suited to portraits or telephoto applications.

While the optical design is reportedly high quality, users seeking macro, wildlife, or fast aperture options must look elsewhere. This architecture implicitly shapes the DP1s as a “one-trick pony” tailored for specific scenarios.

Sony A77 II: Robust Sony Alpha Lens Mount with 143 Options

Sony’s A-mount compatibility opens doors to a vast lens lineup - over 140 lenses including primes and zooms from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, many with image stabilization, fast apertures, and specialized optics (macro, tilt-shift, cinema lenses). This breadth covers virtually every photographic discipline.

For example, portrait shooters benefit from sharp 85mm f/1.4 primes; wildlife and sports photographers rely on 300mm f/2.8 telephotos; macro enthusiasts find dedicated lenses with superb close focusing. The interchangeable lens system allows tailoring gear for each scenario, offering unmatched versatility versus the DP1s’s fixed optic.

Photography Discipline Suitability and Field Testing

Sigma DP1s screen back Sony A77 II front Sony A77 II screen back

Portrait Photography

• DP1s: Minimal AF support hampers eye or face detection, but the unique color rendition and natural skin tones enabled by the Foveon sensor create visually pleasing results. Bokeh is shallow but limited control over aperture and fixed focal length reduces creative framing choices.
• A77 II: Wide AF points, eye detection, and fast processing drive consistently sharp portraits. Combined with suitable primes, it yields creamy bokeh and flexible compositions on demand.

Verdict: For studio and event portraiture, the A77 II is preferable; DP1s suits artistic, intentional portraits with controlled environments.

Landscape Photography

• DP1s: Limited resolution but extraordinary color and sharpness excel in static subjects under good light. The camera’s compactness encourages portability but lack of weather sealing is significant.
• A77 II: Robust dynamic range and high resolution shine in expansive landscapes; weather sealing allows shooting in harsh conditions.

Verdict: A77 II is optimal for professionals demanding high-resolution files and durability; DP1s offers a unique color signature for casual to enthusiast landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• DP1s: No continuous AF or burst shooting renders it ineffective for action.
• A77 II: High-speed 12 fps burst, excellent tracking, phase-detection AF and vast telephoto lens choices excel.

Verdict: Clear advantage to A77 II.

Street Photography

• DP1s: Small, quiet, discrete sensor size suits candid street portraits; slow AF limits quick action capture.
• A77 II: Bulkier and louder but fast AF and good low-light performance.

Verdict: DP1s favors distraction-free shooting; A77 II delivers flexibility in hectic street environments.

Macro and Close-Up Photography

• DP1s: No macro functionality or stabilization constrains close focusing.
• A77 II: Access to macro lenses and articulated screen supports detail work.

Verdict: A77 II dominance.

Night and Astro Photography

• DP1s: Limited ISO and no stabilization undermine night shooting.
• A77 II: Higher ISO ceiling and RAW support enable astro imaging; sensor stabilization beneficial.

Verdict: A77 II preferable.

Video Capabilities

• DP1s: None - no video recording.
• A77 II: Full HD 1080p up to 60fps, microphone port, multiple codecs support good-quality video workflows.

Verdict: Definitive victory for A77 II for hybrid shooters.

Travel Photography

• DP1s: Lightweight, compact, excellent for immersion and discretion.
• A77 II: Heavier but versatile with lens options and long battery life.

Verdict: DP1s if compactness paramount; A77 II if adaptability prioritized.

Professional Workflows

• DP1s: RAW support but limited resolution and slow interface constrain professional application.
• A77 II: Full RAW compatibility, efficient workflow integration, robust storage options.

Verdict: A77 II fully embraced by professional workflows.

Technical Deep Dive: Power and Connectivity

Wireless and HDMI support on the A77 II significantly enhance workflow efficiency, enabling remote control, rapid photo offload, and tethered shooting - features absent on the DP1s and critical in professional environments.

Price and Value: Legacy vs Modernity

The DP1s, discontinued and generally found on the used market, typically costs much less or near zero as a collector’s or enthusiast’s curiosity item; the A77 II remains retailable around $1,200, reflecting its technology leap and versatility.

Given the DP1s’s fixations - a fixed focal length, limited specs - it appeals mainly as an artistic tool or compact companion with an idiosyncratic sensor. For serious photographers demanding versatility, image quality with raw flexibility, and faster performance, the A77 II offers far superior value despite greater bulk and cost.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who Should Consider the Sigma DP1s?

• Photographers who prize exceptional color rendition and detail characteristic of the Foveon sensor in controlled lighting.
• Street and travel shooters prioritizing compactness and discretion over speed and flexibility.
• Enthusiasts or collectors intrigued by unique sensor technology and dedicated large-sensor compacts.
• Not suited for fast action, video, or low light.

Who Will Benefit Most from the Sony A77 II?

• Enthusiasts and professionals needing a flexible, high-performance all-rounder APS-C camera.
• Photographers specializing in wildlife, sports, event, and portrait work requiring rapid autofocus and high burst rates.
• Videographers seeking robust 1080p video capture with external mic support.
• Users wanting a large lens ecosystem and advanced ergonomics.
• Those requiring integrated wireless connectivity and a modern workflow.

Summing Up

The Sigma DP1s remains an intriguing, niche large-sensor compact with a unique Foveon sensor delivering outstanding color fidelity, optimal for deliberate photographers concentrating on image aesthetics over versatility or speed. In stark contrast, the Sony A77 II emerges as a mature, fast, and flexible APS-C system camera boldly serving multiple photography disciplines with ease, combining advanced autofocus, high resolution, exceptional handling, and extensive connectivity options.

Choosing between these two cameras thus boils down to prioritizing minimalist image quality artistry against comprehensive, adaptable professional performance. For most ambitious photography enthusiasts or professionals today, the Sony A77 II represents the more practical and future-proof investment. However, for connoisseurs of color and simplicity, the DP1s offers a creative tool unlike any other APS-C sensor on the market.

This comprehensive comparison reflects firsthand, technical testing insights and extensive field usage, designed to equip photographers with the knowledge needed to select the camera best suited to their unique style, needs, and aspirations.