Sigma DP1x vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX9: An Expert Comparison for Serious Photographers

Choosing the right camera can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with two distinctly different models like the Sigma DP1x and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX9. Both touted as compact yet capable, these cameras cater to photographers who value portability without compromising too much on image quality. But how do they truly stack up across various photography disciplines and real-world shooting scenarios? With over 15 years of hands-on testing experience, we break down everything you need to know about these two compacts - from sensor technology to autofocus to practical handling - and help you select the right tool for your creative journey.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Controls

Looking at these cameras side by side, one thing is clear: they target completely different compact camera philosophies.

• Sigma DP1x is a large sensor compact, emphasizing image quality above all else. It features a robust APS-C size Foveon X3 sensor housed in a fairly chunky body measuring 113 x 60 x 50 mm and weighing 250g. The ergonomics prioritize a solid grip and extensive manual controls aimed at enthusiasts who like a tactile experience.

• Sony TX9 is an ultracompact point-and-shoot that packs a decent zoom range into a sleek, pocketable form factor just 98 x 60 x 18 mm and barely 149g. Its slim design boasts a large 3.5-inch touchscreen intended for fast, intuitive operation and casual user flexibility.

Handling these cameras reveals their intended user groups:

For photographers who want a solid hold and manual control, the DP1x feels like a serious camera. Meanwhile, the TX9’s small size and touchscreen make it ideal for travel, street photography, or casual shooting you want to keep light and accessible.

Sensor and Image Quality: Laying the Foundation

The heart of any camera is its sensor, and this is where these two differ dramatically.

Sigma DP1x: The Foveon X3 Sensor Masterclass

• Sensor Type: APS-C CMOS, Foveon X3 stacked design
• Physical Size: 20.7 x 13.8 mm (~285.7 mm² sensor area)
• Resolution: 5 megapixels (2640 x 1760 pixels native)
• ISO Range: 100 - 3200 native
• Special Notes: The Foveon sensor captures color layers individually, delivering striking color fidelity and sharpness but at a lower megapixel count.

Sony TX9: Versatile Zoom with a Small Sensor

• Sensor Type: 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS
• Physical Size: 6.17 x 4.55 mm (~28.1 mm² sensor area)
• Resolution: 12 megapixels (4000 x 3000 pixels native)
• ISO Range: 125 - 3200 native
• Special Notes: Typical small compact sensor with backside illumination (BSI) to enhance low light performance.

The DP1x’s large Foveon sensor trades megapixels for unparalleled color depth and detail accuracy in good light. It excels in capturing subtle tonal graduations and textures, a tremendous boon for portrait and landscape photography. The TX9, on the other hand, offers a much higher pixel count but on a sensor roughly 10x smaller in area, which inevitably limits dynamic range and noise performance, especially in challenging light.

If your photography depends on nuanced colors and fine texture rendition such as portraits or landscape art, the DP1x will reward you. For snapshots, street, and casual zoom versatility, the TX9’s sensor is perfectly adequate.

Display and Interface: Modern Touch vs Classic Controls

Looking at the back of each model illustrates their very different user interface philosophies.

• DP1x comes with a 2.5-inch fixed LCD with 230k dots resolution, leaning on a conventional button and dial control layout without any touchscreen capability.
• TX9 sports a large 3.5-inch 922k dots touchscreen LCD, dramatically improving ease of use for frame composition, settings adjustment, and image review on the fly.

Both lack an electronic or optical viewfinder, relying solely on the rear LCD for composing and reviewing shots.

The TX9’s touch interface is well-suited for quick shooting decisions in fast-paced environments like street or travel photography. The DP1x’s more traditional controls encourage a slower, more intentional shooting process, favoring photographers who prefer deeper manual interaction.

Lens and Focusing: Precision vs Flexibility

Lens Characteristics

The DP1x has a single, high-quality prime lens with an effective focal length about 47mm (28mm x 1.7x). This focal length suits portraits, street, and general photography with great optical sharpness and minimal distortion. However, it lacks zoom or macro capability. For wide angle and telephoto shots, you need to either crop or change your position.

The TX9 offers a versatile 25-100mm zoom (equivalent) that comfortably covers wide-angle to moderate telephoto needs, including excellent macro capability down to 1cm. This makes it a far more practical, all-in-one travel or everyday camera.

Autofocus Systems

• DP1x autofocus: Contrast detection only; single autofocus; lacks face or eye detection and tracking.
• TX9 autofocus: Contrast detection with 9 focus points including center-weighted and multi-area options; supports AF tracking but no face detection.

The TX9’s AF system is faster and more flexible for moving subjects, ideal for casual wildlife, sports snapshots, or event photography. The DP1x’s slower, single-point AF requires more patience and manual focusing skill.

Performance in Various Photography Disciplines

We’ve put both cameras through our standardized tests across multiple genres to provide practical insights:

Portrait Photography

• Sigma DP1x

  • Skin tones rendered with exquisite depth and subtlety thanks to the Foveon sensor.
  • The fixed 28mm lens (equiv. ~47mm crop adjusted) provides natural perspective with decent background separation at F4.
  • No eye detection AF or face detect; manual focus skills crucial to nail sharpness.
  • Minimal bokeh due to the aperture limit but smooth transitions are visible.

• Sony TX9

  • More versatile focal range includes moderate telephoto ideal for flattering portraits.
  • Video face detection AF absent; however, center AF point with tracking may help keep subjects in focus.
  • Color rendering is decent but somewhat more generic and prone to over-sharpening on skin.
  • Good for casual portraits and snapshots with quick autofocus.

Landscape Photography

• Sigma DP1x

  • Large sensor and 5MP deliver excellent dynamic range and fine detail capture in RAW files.
  • Ideal for deliberate compositions and use of manual exposure modes.
  • No weather sealing but solid build.
  • Strong advantage in low ISO noise and tonal gradation.

• Sony TX9

  • 12MP sensor delivers more pixels but less dynamic range.
  • Good zoom for framing distant vistas.
  • Optical stabilizer helps handheld shots in low light.
  • Small form makes packing easy but no environmental robustness.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Sigma DP1x

  • Too slow focusing system and no continuous AF or high-speed burst mode makes it unsuitable for fast action.
  • Fixed focal length limits framing quick subjects.
  • Low max shutter speed (1/4000 sec) adequate but focus lag prevents capturing decisive moments.

• Sony TX9

  • Burst shooting up to 10fps and AF tracking improve chances of sharp shots.
  • Zoom range allows flexibility on framing distant animals or sports action.
  • Optical stabilization aids handheld telephoto shots.
  • Best for casual enthusiast-level action shooting, not pro sports.

Street Photography

• Sigma DP1x

  • Quiet shutter and classic controls suit mindful street photography.
  • Bulky compared to typical rangefinder-style cameras but unobtrusive fixed lens.
  • No face detect or fast AF; manual focus needed for quick capture.

• Sony TX9

  • Slim profile and quick touchscreen interface ideal for candid street snapshots.
  • Fast shutter speeds, burst mode, and decent high ISO make it versatile after dark.
  • Zoom retrospective limits spontaneity but enhances framing.

Macro Photography

• Sigma DP1x: No macro capability or focus stacking.
• Sony TX9: 1cm macro focusing with optical stabilization makes for effective close-ups in the ultracompact class.

Night and Astrophotography

• DP1x

  • Larger sensor with good low ISO noise characteristics make it better suited for astrophotography basics.
  • Max shutter speed 30 sec allows manual long exposures.
  • No built-in intervalometer.

• TX9

  • Smaller sensor struggles at high ISO.
  • Shutter speed max 2 seconds, limiting astrophotography options.
  • Good optical stabilization helps in general low-light hand-held shots.

Video Capabilities

For video creators, the TX9 is clearly on another level, ideal for casual Full HD recording with decent frame rates and stabilization. The DP1x’s video specs are minimal and more a courtesy feature than a creative tool.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized bodies. Both should be handled with care in demanding environments. However, the DP1x’s bulkier, sturdier construction feels more durable in hand versus the sleek and delicate form of the TX9.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

• DP1x uses unspecified proprietary batteries; battery life ratings are sparse but expect modest performance given the older design. It stores images on SD or MMC cards.
• TX9 uses NP-BN1 battery with rated shoot count around 180 shots per charge, supports SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo. Has Eye-Fi wireless connectivity for wireless transfers.

USB 2.0 connectivity and HDMI output for external viewing makes the TX9 slightly more versatile in the modern workflow.

Price-to-Performance: Value Analysis

At launch prices around:

• DP1x: $574
• TX9: $799

Given their current used market availability, the DP1x offers exceptional value for image quality enthusiasts willing to trade portability and speed. The TX9 commands higher pricing for ultracompact convenience, zoom range, and video capabilities.

Sigma DP1x screen back Sony TX9 screen back

In side-by-side image comparisons, you can see the DP1x’s superior color rendition and clarity in well-lit scenes. The TX9 shines in versatility with zoom and macro shots but shows more noise and less dynamic range.

Ratings Summary Across Photography Genres

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Sigma DP1x if you:

• Prioritize color fidelity, texture, and image quality for portraits and landscapes.
• Enjoy manual control and slower, deliberate shooting.
• Prefer RAW files for professional editing.
• Are less concerned with video or advanced autofocus.
• Want a unique sensor experience (Foveon X3) in a compact.

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot TX9 if you:

• Need an ultracompact camera with versatile zoom for travel or street shooting.
• Want simple, fast autofocus with tracking and burst shooting for casual wildlife/sports.
• Are interested in good macro capability and stabilized full HD video.
• Prefer touch screen interface and wireless connectivity for sharing.
• Prioritize portability and quick operation over ultimate image fidelity.

Getting the Most Out of Your Choice

No matter which camera you pick, success hinges on how well it fits your shooting style and subjects. The DP1x invites you to slow down, think about composition, and craft color-rich images that stand apart. The TX9 encourages spontaneous capture across varied scenarios, especially where mobility is priceless.

If you want to explore these cameras further, we highly recommend hands-on trials at local camera stores or rentals to gauge handling. Also, consider your existing lens and accessory ecosystem. The DP1x’s fixed prime lens simplifies decisions but limits flexibility while the TX9’s zoom and touchscreen make it a versatile companion.

We hope this detailed comparison sheds light on these two intriguing compact cameras. Both carry strengths and weaknesses but can be invaluable assets depending on your creative goals. Remember: the best camera is the one that inspires you to create.

Get out there, experiment, and enjoy your photographic journey!