Putting the Sigma DP1x and Sony A700 Head-to-Head: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

In the ever-diverse world of digital cameras, the Sigma DP1x and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 (commonly known as the A700) stand out as distinctly different beasts - each reflecting a unique design philosophy and catering to sharply different user needs. Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, I find it fascinating to put these two cameras side-by-side: one a large sensor compact designed for discretionary shooting with a fixed, high-quality lens; the other a mid-size advanced DSLR with a robust system of lenses and features ideal for more demanding photography scenarios.

If you’re considering either of these models (or curious about how a boutique compact stacks up against a tried-and-true DSLR from the same era), this comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision tailored to your photographic style and budget. Let’s dive in.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Design and Build - Big Differences in Size and Handling

Before getting into pixels and autofocus, let’s talk about the first thing you notice when you pick up a camera: how it feels in your hands. On one side, the Sigma DP1x is tiny, compact, and minimalist with smooth curves but limited physical controls. On the other, the Sony A700 is a mid-size DSLR with pronounced grips, plenty of buttons, and a heft that screams “professional tool.”

The DP1x’s dimensions (roughly 113 x 60 x 50 mm at 250 grams) make it pocket-able for serious travel or street use. The lens is fixed with a 28mm equivalent focal length (28mm at 1× crop), so no lens changes or additional gear clutters your bag. The body is made for simplicity and portability, but ergonomically feels cramped after extended shooting sessions especially if you like clubs for thumbs and knuckles on your cameras.

Contrast that with the Sony’s bulkier frame (142 x 105 x 80 mm, weighing in at 768 grams). That extra heft comes from a mirror box, pentaprism viewfinder, and rugged magnesium alloy chassis with environmental sealing. The handgrip is substantial and textured, ideal for extended wildlife or sports shoots where stability is paramount. The controls are plentiful and well spaced for quick exposure adjustments without diving into menus.

If you prioritize pocketability, casual street photography, or travel light, the DP1x wins here hands down. But if you want pro-grade ergonomics tailored to demanding work and don’t mind packing heavier glass, the A700 is meant for you.

Sensor Showdown: Foveon vs Traditional CMOS - An Under-the-Hood Look

When you crack open a camera’s specifications, sensor tech is where the rubber meets the road for image quality. Here’s a key moment where these two really diverge in approach.

The Sigma DP1x sports a 5MP APS-C size Foveon X3 CMOS sensor that records distinct layers for red, green, and blue light at every pixel location. This technology results in images with remarkable color fidelity and sharpness at low resolution. With a sensor size of 20.7 x 13.8mm, it’s generous for a compact camera but rather unconventional.

On the flip side, the Sony A700 features a 12MP APS-C CMOS sensor with Bayer pattern color filtering measuring 23.5 x 15.6mm. This sensor adheres to more traditional DSLR standards and offers about twice the pixel resolution of the DP1x, topping out at 4272 x 2848 pixels.

In practical terms, the DP1x’s Foveon sensor excels in nuanced color reproduction and fine detail when shooting in good lighting - skin tones and subtle gradations are its sweet spot. However, the modest resolution means cropping flexibility is limited. Its ISO maxes out at 3200 native, but usable performance tends to degrade sooner due to increased noise.

The Sony A700, meanwhile, provides more resolution and better dynamic range (DxOMark scores: color depth 22.3 bits, dynamic range 11.9 stops) along with superior high ISO noise control (effective ISO up to 6400 native). This combination makes the A700 more versatile across lighting conditions - be it in shadow-heavy landscapes or dimly lit sports arenas.

For pixel-peepers and color purists shooting static subjects in good light, the DP1x offers a unique aesthetic. If you want raw power, flexibility in framing, and cleaner low-light images, the Sony’s sensor technology is a clear winner.

Finding Focus: Autofocus and Shooting Speed

Autofocus (AF) performance is often overlooked until you need it. With these two cameras originating from different design paradigms - one a large sensor compact, the other a mid-level DSLR - AF systems are on different planets.

The Sigma DP1x has a contrast-detection autofocus system with a single focus point, no face detection or tracking, and no continuous AF modes. There’s also manual focus via a small control ring, but limited AF feedback during live view. Essentially, think of this as a deliberate shooter’s camera where you have to slow down, frame carefully, and lock focus deliberately. Continuous shooting is non-existent.

The Sony A700 shines in this regard with an 11-point phase-detection AF system, multiple AF modes (single, tracking, multi-area), and continuous servo AF ideal for moving subjects. It supports 5 frames per second continuous shooting, enough to capture decisive moments in sports or wildlife. Face detection wasn’t yet standard here, but you get selectable AF points and options to prioritize capturing tack-sharp images quickly.

If you’re capturing portraits, wildlife, or sports where quick acquisition and tracking are paramount, the Sony’s AF system is the tool to trust. The DP1x suits more contemplative genres - landscape, street, or travel - where deliberation trumps speed.

Viewing the World: Display and Viewfinder Options

These days, live preview and viewing comfort matter - especially if you shoot a lot outdoors or frame on the fly without wasting time.

The Sigma’s 2.5-inch, 230k-dot fixed LCD is small and offers limited resolution. There’s no articulation or touchscreen support, and no optical or electronic viewfinder exists. Shooting in bright daylight requires some shading by hand or squinting. The menu interface is minimalistic, favoring simplicity over versatility.

By contrast, the Sony A700 sports a larger 3-inch LCD with 920k dots, providing a much clearer and brighter preview. While still fixed (no live-view mode on this camera), it provides excellent clarity for reviewing images and confirming focus. More importantly, the A700 has an optical pentaprism viewfinder covering 95% of the frame with 0.6x magnification - vital for traditional DSLR shooters preferring eye-level composing, especially in strong light.

Overall, the viewing experience on the Sony feels much more professional and flexible, making it easier to shoot in challenging light or to polish images quickly in the field.

Lens Versatility and Ecosystem: Fixed vs System Cameras

A fixed-lens versus interchangeable lens debate is fundamental here.

The Sigma DP1x comes with a 28mm f/4 fixed lens. This classic wide-angle focal length appeals for environmental portraits, street photography, photojournalism, and landscapes. Sigma’s lens is sharp and well-corrected optically. The f/4 max aperture is modest and limits low-light capabilities and background separation (bokeh). You’re locked into this focal length which, while versatile enough for many, can frustrate if you want telephoto compression or macro ability.

In contrast, the Sony A700 is compatible with Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lenses - over 140 to choose from, ranging from ultra-wide zooms to macro and super-telephoto. You can tailor your kit to your niche, shoot fast primes for portraits, or grab beasts for wildlife. Sony’s system also offers in-body image stabilization, maximizing the shake resistance of all lenses.

If you want ultimate flexibility and the ability to grow your photographic arsenal, the Sony is worth the extra weight and complexity. If you want an all-in-one grab-and-shoot without the fuss of swapping glass, Sigma’s boutique approach wins.

Real-World Shooting Across Genres

Let’s apply these specs in practical scenarios:

Portrait Photography

The Sony’s higher resolution sensor and lens options deliver cleaner skin tones, creamy bokeh, and precise eye focus (thanks to selectable AF points). The Sigma’s fixed lens and Foveon sensor produce distinct color tonality, but at f/4 aperture, bokeh isn’t as creamy and eye detection isn’t supported. Skin tones can be beautiful but capture speed is slower.

Landscape

The DP1x’s color fidelity and resolution are sufficient for landscapes if you print up to medium sizes; Foveon’s sharpness is a plus. Lack of weather sealing and limited dynamic range are drawbacks. The Sony A700 features wider dynamic range, higher resolution, faster shutter up to 1/8000s for daylight long exposures, and weather sealing that helps in harsh outdoor conditions.

Wildlife and Sports

Sony’s 5 FPS burst, 11-point AF (phase-detection), and telephoto lens options make it much better suited for fast-moving subjects. The Sigma isn’t a contender here - no continuous AF or burst shooting.

Street Shooting

The DP1x’s compact size and quiet shutter make it discreet; its wide-angle 28mm lens captures scenes with minimal intrusion. The Sony’s size and shutter noise are more imposing, yet its faster AF and flexible zooms may appeal to more proactive street photographers.

Macro Photography

Sony’s system lenses include many macro options; in-body IS helps handheld macro work. The Sigma lacks dedicated macro focus and the fixed lens precludes close-ups.

Night and Astrophotography

Sony’s superior ISO performance and longer shutter speeds help night shots. The Sigma’s maximum ISO 3200 with noisier results and lack of image stabilization limits low-light creativity.

Video

Neither camera excels here. The DP1x’s 320x240 video is a novelty; the Sony A700 lacks live view entirely and thus no video recording ability.

Travel Photography

The DP1x shines with its size and image quality for landscapes and street, albeit at the cost of autofocus confidence. The Sony’s weather sealing, longer battery life (due to DSLR design), and lens range suit longer trips demanding versatility.

Durability, Battery, and Connectivity

The Sony A700 offers weather sealing - an important factor if you shoot outdoors often. Sigma’s DP1x has no environmental sealing and feels fragile by comparison.

Battery life is another chasm: DSLR batteries like the A700’s NP-FM500H commonly deliver hundreds of shots per charge, whereas the DP1x’s specs are less impressive and err on the low side based on usage.

Connections-wise, only the Sony has HDMI output for tethered shooting or viewing; both cameras lack wireless/Bluetooth/NFC features common in modern systems. USB on the DP1x is painfully slow (USB 1.0), while the Sony supports USB 2.0.

Performance Scores and Value Perspective

Here’s a quick glance at how these cameras stack up across the criteria discussed.

And how each fares in specific photographic genres:

The Sony A700 generally leads in technical performance, system flexibility, and shooting versatility. The Sigma DP1x scores for portability, compactness, and unique image aesthetics.

Sample Images From Both Cameras: Look for Yourself

Sigma DP1x screen back Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back

Studying these side-by-side shots reveals the Sigma’s impressive color depth and unique tonality versus the Sony’s detailed resolution and dynamic latitude. Notice the difference in subject isolation in portrait examples and the noise handling in shadowed night scenes.

Control and Interface

Sony’s DSLR layout offers dedicated buttons and dials for ISO, white balance, exposure compensation, and AF mode. The DP1x has minimal physical controls, emphasizing simplicity but lacking speed for setting changes.

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

If you’re a photography enthusiast focused on:

• Portability and color fidelity in casual or artistic travel/street photography: The Sigma DP1x’s combination of a compact body and Foveon sensor color accuracy makes it a unique choice, albeit with slower autofocus and less flexibility.

• Professional or serious enthusiast shooting portraits, sports, wildlife, or demanding low-light environments: The Sony A700 is the clear winner for its robust AF system, greater resolution, faster shooting, and flexible lens ecosystem.

• Budget-conscious buyers looking for value: The DP1x can be found for less money, but limited by age and sensor resolution. The A700, though older, may hold value better due to its more versatile system capabilities.

• Video shooters: Neither camera is suited for video work.

To Wrap It Up: The Right Tool for Your Style

Between the Sigma DP1x and Sony A700, you’re essentially choosing between a unique large sensor compact camera and a full-fledged DSLR system. This isn’t apples-to-apples, but knowing where each excels helps you pick the right tool.

The DP1x delivers beautiful images with a minimalist shooting experience perfect for photographers who like to slow down and savor the moment. The Sony A700 offers the speed, flexibility, and power to tackle a wide range of photographic challenges with confidence.

Both models remind us that camera choice always entails trade-offs - and the best camera is always the one that matches how and what you want to capture.

Happy shooting!