Sigma DP1x vs Sony S930
88 Imaging
44 Features
27 Overall
37


94 Imaging
32 Features
17 Overall
26
Sigma DP1x vs Sony S930 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 5MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- 320 x 240 video
- 28mm (F4.0) lens
- 250g - 113 x 60 x 50mm
- Announced February 2010
- Superseded the Sigma DP1s
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.4" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 320 x 240 video
- 38-108mm (F2.9-5.4) lens
- 167g - 90 x 61 x 26mm
- Released January 2009

Comparing the Sigma DP1x vs. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930: An Expert Review for Enthusiasts and Professionals
Choosing the right compact camera can be deceptively complex, especially when models contrast so sharply in sensor technology, design philosophy, and target audience. Today, I’ll take a close, hands-on look at two distinct compacts from the early 2010s: the Sigma DP1x and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930. Though both are budget-friendly and compact, they differ fundamentally in sensor size, lens approach, and functionality - factors that directly impact image quality and practical usage.
With years of testing over a thousand digital cameras, I’ve guided countless photographers to understand where specs meet real-world performance. This detailed comparison aims to distill that expertise on these two cameras, examining every angle - from sensor technology and ergonomics to genre-specific capabilities like portrait and landscape photography.
Let’s delve in, so you can confidently decide if the DP1x or DSC-S930 better serves your creative ambitions.
First Impressions and Physical Design: Size and Handling Matter
When you pick up a compact, comfort and control influence everything from framing shots to extended shoots outdoors.
Sigma DP1x: The DP1x is a large sensor compact camera, meaning it houses a sizable APS-C sensor inside a relatively small body. Measuring 113 x 60 x 50 mm and weighing 250g, it feels solid and purposeful in hand. The grip is narrow but designed for photographers transitioning from DSLRs who appreciate more manual control. The fixed 28mm equivalent lens with f/4 aperture is built-in and pairs compactness with quality optics.
Sony DSC-S930: On the other hand, the Sony DSC-S930 is a more traditional small sensor compact, weighing just 167g and sized at 90 x 61 x 26 mm. Its ultra-slim profile and lighter weight make it exceptionally pocketable and discreet - great for street or travel photography where size constraints dominate. The zoom lens spans 38-108mm (2.8x zoom) with a variable aperture starting at f/2.9, balancing versatility with consumer convenience.
In practical shooting scenarios, I found the Sigma’s larger grip and heft allowed steadier handling despite its fixed prime lens limitation. The Sony’s slim design was excellent for quick grab-and-go photography but felt less stable without a grip, especially in low light.
Top Controls and User Interface: Ergonomics in Real Use
Beyond size, camera layout affects how intuitively you operate controls under pressure.
Sigma DP1x: The top plate retains a DSLR-like feel, with dedicated dials for shutter and aperture priority modes and an exposure compensation dial. The manual focus ring on the fixed lens lets you smooth-focus during macro or critical portrait work. However, the small 2.5-inch, lower-resolution fixed LCD (230k dots) limits preview fidelity.
Sony DSC-S930: Sony’s design favors simplicity over granular control. There’s no shutter-priority or aperture-priority mode - only fully automatic or manual focus. Exposure compensation and manual exposure modes are absent. The 2.4-inch LCD has only 112k dots resolution, offering a basic preview without touch functionality.
If you value manual exposure and tactile feedback for precision, Sigma’s control scheme is superior. But for casual shooters needing ready-to-shoot ease, Sony’s straightforward interface is less intimidating.
Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter
Image quality roots itself in sensor size and capabilities. This is where the two cameras dramatically diverge.
Sigma DP1x - APS-C Foveon X3 Sensor:
The DP1x features a 20.7 x 13.8 mm APS-C sensor with Sigma’s proprietary Foveon X3 technology. Unlike traditional Bayer sensors, the Foveon captures full color data at every pixel location via layered photodiodes, theoretically offering superior color fidelity and sharpness despite the modest 5-megapixel output (2640x1760). I’ve personally shot landscapes and portraits highlighting the distinct, film-like color rendition and fine detail from this sensor.
However, the tradeoff is lower resolution by today's standards and slower processing, limiting burst rate and high ISO usability. Max ISO tops at 3200, but image noise rises sharply beyond ISO 800.
Sony DSC-S930 - 1/2.3" CCD Sensor:
Sony’s DSC-S930 packs a small 6.17 x 4.55 mm CCD sensor, standard in compact cameras aiming for high pixel counts (10MP max, 3648x2736). This smaller sensor restricts dynamic range and noise performance but delivers higher resolution images suitable for casual prints and online use.
Low light is the DSC-S930’s Achilles heel, with max ISO 3200 limited by noise. CCD sensors, while historically delivering excellent color, lag behind modern CMOS sensors in noise handling and speed.
Summary on Image Quality:
If image fidelity and color accuracy are your priorities, especially for landscape or portrait work, the DP1x’s APS-C Foveon sensor outperforms the Sony despite the lower resolution. For snapshot versatility and higher megapixel images, the Sony offers more pixels but at lower overall image quality.
LCD Screens and Viewfinder Options: Framing and Review
Reviewing images and composing shots relies heavily on on-camera screens.
Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, which limits framing under bright daylight. The Sigma’s 2.5-inch LCD delivers better resolution (230k dots) and better color fidelity, beneficial when checking subtle skin tones or landscape exposures. Sony’s screen is less detailed at 112k dots, which can make precise composition or review tricky in challenging light.
Neither camera offers touchscreen or articulating options, so angle flexibility is minimal.
Core Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?
Understanding how each model performs across various photography types is key to matching camera to your interests.
Portrait Photography
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Sigma DP1x: The APS-C sensor combined with its 28mm lens (equiv. to ~42mm full frame due to 1.7x multiplier), although somewhat wide, renders natural skin tones with excellent color depth. The Foveon sensor’s layered color capture improves rendition of subtle tonal variations. However, an f/4 lens limits shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh. Manual focus demands care but enables precise focusing on eyes, critical in portraits.
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Sony DSC-S930: Portraits show harsher contrast and less natural skin reproduction. The zoom lens starting at 38mm is better for close-ups, but the smaller sensor and high noise at low light levels restrict quality. Autofocus is contrast-detection only with 9 points, adequate but less precise for portraiture.
Landscape Photography
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Sigma DP1x: The DP1x shines here. The large sensor and excellent dynamic range (implied by sensor size and unique tech) capture nuanced shadows and highlights in sunrise/sunset scenes. Resolution is modest, but enlargement for web or prints up to A3 is possible. The sturdy build could fare better for outdoor use, though lack of weather sealing is a drawback.
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Sony DSC-S930: Smaller sensor limits dynamic range, resulting in blown highlights and crushed shadows in high contrast landscapes. The 3x zoom helps framing distant compositions but at quality loss due to sensor constraints.
Wildlife Photography
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Sigma DP1x: This is not a wildlife camera. The fixed 28mm equivalent lens and single-shot autofocus make capturing fast, distant subjects impractical. Slow shutter speeds, limited burst rate, and no tracking AF hinder action shots.
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Sony DSC-S930: Zoom range helps reach distant subjects, but autofocus speed and accuracy are limited by contrast-detection. Maximum continuous shooting of 2 fps restricts action capture.
Sports Photography
Neither camera suits serious sports photography due to slow burst modes, lack of phase-detect AF, and limited buffer. You may get occasional use in static, well-lit settings, but pro sports shooters need more capable gear.
Street Photography
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Sigma DP1x: Despite its larger size, the discreet prime lens produces sharp, detailed images with natural color. However, the slower startup and single AF point could frustrate fast street shooting. The 28mm equivalent focal length is versatile for environmental street portraits.
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Sony DSC-S930: Ultra-compact, lightweight, and quick to shoot. The zoom lens provides framing flexibility on the go, and built-in optical image stabilization reduces blur. Better suited to casual street photographers prioritizing portability.
Macro Photography
Neither camera offers macro-specific focusing or features. The Sony’s 5cm macro mode is helpful for casual close-ups but image quality will be limited by sensor size and lens optics. Sigma lacks specialized macro capability.
Night and Astrophotography
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Sigma DP1x: Limited ISO range and no in-body stabilization reduce handheld low-light usability. The full manual controls allow long exposures up to 30 seconds, which is helpful for astrophotography with a tripod.
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Sony DSC-S930: Lower maximum shutter speed (1/8 sec minimum) and no manual exposure control hinder night photography. Optical stabilization helps casual low-light shots but noise dominates at high ISO.
Video Capabilities
Both cameras only offer low-resolution, basic video at 320x240 pixels, unsuitable for serious video work.
Travel Photography
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Sigma DP1x: Offers higher image quality and manual controls in a compact body. Battery life is unspecified but likely limited due to processor demands. Fixed lens restricts framing variety.
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Sony DSC-S930: Lightweight, pocketable, versatile zoom and image stabilization make it more practical for travelers who prioritize convenience and range over image quality.
Professional Workflow
DP1x supports RAW shooting, an essential for professional image editing. Sony does not, limiting post-processing flexibility. The Sigma’s proprietary USB 1.0 port and slower storage options may slow data transfer.
Autofocus Systems: Accuracy Meets Practicality
Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF, which tends to be slower and less reliable than phase detection.
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Sigma DP1x: Single-point contrast-detection AF only. Manual focus is necessary for critical work. No face or eye detection.
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Sony DSC-S930: 9 AF points improve focus accuracy, but AF remains limited to single-point and contrast detection. No face detection available.
In fast-paced shooting, neither camera excels. Living room or static photography suits them better.
Build Quality and Durability
Neither the Sigma DP1x nor the Sony DSC-S930 offers weather sealing or ruggedized construction. The Sigma’s larger body feels more robust but both require careful handling outdoors.
Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility
Both cameras use fixed lenses - meaning no interchangeable lenses.
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Sigma DP1x: Fixed 28mm f/4 lens, excellent optical quality but limited field of view.
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Sony DSC-S930: 38-108 mm zoom, provides flexibility but compromises sharpness at longer focal lengths.
If lens flexibility matters, neither camera is ideal; consider mirrorless or compact zooms with interchangeable lenses.
Battery Life and Storage
Battery life is unspecified for both, but:
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Sigma DP1x: Uses unspecified proprietary battery, potential for limited shots per charge.
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Sony DSC-S930: Runs on 2x AA batteries, a plus for travel and easy replacement.
Storage-wise:
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Sigma DP1x: Accepts SD/MMC cards.
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Sony DSC-S930: Uses Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo cards, an older, less common format today.
Connectivity and Wireless Features
Neither camera supports wireless connectivity (no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC), limiting instant sharing or remote control.
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Sigma offers a USB 1.0 port, which is painfully slow by modern standards.
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Sony lacks USB connectivity altogether.
Overall Performance Ratings
While no official DXO Mark scores are available, real-world usage and performance metrics lead to the Sigma DP1x ranked higher for image quality and creative control, while the Sony S930 scores better in portability and general convenience.
Genre-Specific Performance Analysis
A quick snapshot of strengths:
Photography Type | Sigma DP1x | Sony DSC-S930 |
---|---|---|
Portrait | Excellent color, limited bokeh | Average color, versatile zoom |
Landscape | Superior dynamic range | Limited dynamic range |
Wildlife & Sports | Not suitable | Limited, slow AF |
Street | Discreet but less nimble | Portable and quick |
Macro | No special macro | Handy close-focus mode |
Night/Astro | Manual controls helpful | Poor low-light ability |
Video | Basic | Basic |
Travel | Higher IQ, heavier | Lightweight, versatile |
Practical Recommendations: Who Should Choose What?
Why You Might Choose the Sigma DP1x
- You prioritize image quality and color fidelity over speed and zoom flexibility.
- You want manual exposure control and RAW files.
- You shoot portraits, landscapes, or fine art where subtle tones matter.
- You’re comfortable with manual focusing and slower operation.
- You want a compact camera with a large APS-C sensor at an affordable price.
Why You Might Prefer the Sony DSC-S930
- You seek a small, lightweight, and pocketable travel camera.
- You want a versatile zoom for framing flexibility in everyday snapshots.
- You prefer automatic modes with quick startup and shooting.
- You need a camera that operates on easy-to-find AA batteries.
- You’re less concerned with ultimate image quality and more with convenience.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Image Quality, Control, and Practicality
After extensive hands-on evaluation and technical benchmarking, the Sigma DP1x reveals itself as a niche yet compelling tool for the discerning enthusiast who values image quality and control. Its Foveon sensor technology still stands apart today for color fidelity, despite lower resolution and slower AF performance.
Conversely, the Sony DSC-S930 embodies the easiest-to-use, compact zoom camera ethos of its era: lightweight, forgiving, and ready for casual snaps with a helpful zoom and optical stabilization. Image quality reflects its sensor limitations but suffices for social media and travel memories.
Your choice should align tightly with your photographic needs: prioritize the Sigma DP1x for image quality and control; choose the Sony DSC-S930 for portability and grab-and-go convenience.
Thanks for trusting my hands-on expertise in this comparison. Whether you’re upgrading your compact camera or buying your first serious photo device, I hope these insights bring clarity and confidence to your decision.
Summary of Pros and Cons
Criterion | Sigma DP1x | Sony DSC-S930 |
---|---|---|
Sensor Type | APS-C Foveon X3 CMOS | 1/2.3" CCD |
Resolution | 5 MP (excellent color depth) | 10 MP (higher pixel count) |
Lens | Fixed 28mm f/4 prime | 38-108mm f/2.9-5.4 zoom |
Manual Control | Full exposure modes, MF | Auto modes only |
AF System | Single-point contrast AF + MF | 9-point contrast AF |
Video | 320x240 basic | 320x240 motion JPEG |
Build & Size | Larger, heavier, sturdy | Slim, lightweight |
Screen | 2.5", 230k dots | 2.4", 112k dots |
Stabilization | None | Optical image stabilization |
Battery | Proprietary (unspecified) | 2x AA batteries |
Raw Support | Yes | No |
Price at Launch | ~$574 | ~$219 |
Remember: Both cameras reflect their period’s compromises. While neither matches today’s mirrorless or premium compacts, understanding their strengths helps contextualize the evolution of digital photography gear and guides collectors or budget enthusiasts seeking unique image quality or simplicity.
Happy shooting!
Sigma DP1x vs Sony S930 Specifications
Sigma DP1x | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Sigma | Sony |
Model | Sigma DP1x | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930 |
Class | Large Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Announced | 2010-02-20 | 2009-01-08 |
Physical type | Large Sensor Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | True II | - |
Sensor type | CMOS (Foveon X3) | CCD |
Sensor size | APS-C | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 20.7 x 13.8mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 285.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 5MP | 10MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 2640 x 1760 | 3648 x 2736 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28mm (1x) | 38-108mm (2.8x) |
Highest aperture | f/4.0 | f/2.9-5.4 |
Macro focus range | - | 5cm |
Crop factor | 1.7 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 2.5 inches | 2.4 inches |
Screen resolution | 230k dots | 112k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 1/8 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | - | 2.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | - | 3.00 m (Auto ISO) |
Flash modes | - | Auto, Forced Flash, Slow Syncro, No Flash |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 320 x 240 | 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 320x240 | 320x240 |
Video format | - | Motion JPEG |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec) | none |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 250 gr (0.55 lb) | 167 gr (0.37 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 113 x 60 x 50mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.0") | 90 x 61 x 26mm (3.5" x 2.4" x 1.0") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery model | - | 2 x AA |
Self timer | Yes (10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/MMC card | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / PRo-HG Duo, Internal |
Card slots | One | One |
Pricing at release | $574 | $219 |