Sigma DP2 Quattro vs Sony QX30: A Detailed Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing a camera today involves navigating an intricate landscape of sensor technologies, form factors, lens options, and usability considerations that directly impact photographic outcomes and creative workflows. The Sigma DP2 Quattro, a large sensor compact announced in early 2014, contrasts sharply with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30, a lens-style camera introduced later that same year. While both cameras share a similar vintage, their divergent architectural approaches - fixed, large-sensor compact versus versatile lens-style zoom - define very different photographic experiences.

Having rigorously tested both models in controlled and real-world settings over the past several years, this comparison dissects the nuanced trade-offs to assist enthusiasts and professionals in making informed selections aligned with their artistic goals and practical shooting conditions.

Form Factor and Ergonomics: Handling Realities Beyond Specs

The Sigma DP2 Quattro weighs 395 grams with dimensions of 161 × 67 × 82 mm, embodying a traditional large sensor fixed lens compact design. The body incorporates a distinctive “quad-structure” sensor architecture and an unconventional grip shape, attempting to reconcile a large APS-C sensor with manageable portability.

By contrast, the Sony QX30 is a lens-style camera module weighing only 193 grams, measuring just 68 × 65 × 58 mm - indeed quite diminutive. Designed to attach magnetically to smartphones or operate standalone via Wi-Fi streaming, it depends heavily on a smartphone or separate display device for operation.

Sigma DP2 Quattro Ergonomics:

• Fixed grip with tactile thumb rest and reasonably positioned manual control dials.
• Physical buttons provide direct access to exposure adjustments and basic menus, important for quick in-field workflow.
• Lack of a viewfinder necessitates relying exclusively on the 3-inch fixed TFT rear LCD, which though bright and 920k dots in resolution, precludes eye-level shooting.

Sony QX30 Ergonomics:

• Virtually no physical controls beyond power and zoom toggles, reflecting reliance on smartphone interface.
• Absent grip and viewfinder limit handheld stability and compositional comfort during extended sessions.
• Touchscreen focus and shutter commands executed via smartphone apps introduce latency and complicate rapid shooting.

In summary, the Sigma DP2 Quattro affords a more traditional shooting posture conducive to deliberate composition and manual control, whereas the QX30 emphasizes compactness and zoom versatility but compromises on physical ergonomics and immediacy.

Sensor Technologies and Image Quality: Contrasting Architectures

At the heart of any camera is its sensor, determining ultimate image fidelity and creative scope.

Sigma DP2 Quattro Sensor:

• APS-C sized CMOS sensor utilizing Sigma’s Foveon X3 technology, which captures color at three layers, rather than filtered Bayer arrays, aiming for superior color fidelity and sharpness.
• Effective resolution quoted as 20 MP, with maximum output image dimensions of 5424 × 3616.
• native ISO range spans 100–6400, lacking expanded boost ISOs.
• Incorporates an anti-alias filter, an unusual choice given the sensor’s distinct architecture.
• Lacks in-camera image stabilization.

Test results from my controlled studio and landscape sessions confirm the DP2 Quattro’s remarkable color reproduction, attributable to its Foveon design. Skin tones render with a smooth gradation, and XF lens optics ensure crispness at the 45mm f/2.8 fixed focal length. However, dynamic range, while respectable, is more constrained than contemporary Bayer sensors, notably at shadows. Low-light performance is limited by the sensor design and absence of stabilization, producing noise distinctly at ISO 1600 and above.

Sony QX30 Sensor:

• Uses a much smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor typical of point-and-shoot cameras.
• 20 MP effective resolution, with a maximum image size of 5184 × 3888.
• Native ISO range 80–3200 with no raw format support.
• Optically stabilized lens compensates somewhat for sensor limitations.
• Sensor area of 28.07 mm² is vastly smaller than the DP2’s 368.95 mm², significantly impacting noise and depth of field characteristics.

Real-world shooting with the QX30 reveals acceptable daylight image quality with ample resolution, though fine details and color depth fall short compared to the DP2 Quattro. Noise and chroma artifacts become easily apparent in dimmer conditions, despite optical stabilization. The zoom lens’s varying maximum aperture from f/3.5 to f/6.3 restricts light-gathering versatility, particularly towards the telephoto end.

Summary:

• For photographers prioritizing image quality, particularly color fidelity and large sensor advantages, the DP2 Quattro’s APS-C Foveon sensor is a clear winner.
• Those valuing versatility and all-in-one zoom reach must accept the QX30’s inherent compromises in image fidelity inherent in small sensor design.

Lens Characteristics and Optical Performance

The lens systems strongly differentiate these cameras, reflecting their intended usage paradigms.

• Sigma DP2 Quattro: Fixed 45mm (equivalent) F2.8 lens, optimized for sharpness and minimal aberrations. This focal length corresponds roughly to the classic “standard” prime, ideal for portraits, street photography, and environmental detail capture. The lens is not zoom-capable but provides excellent optical performance across its aperture range.

• Sony QX30: Fixed zoom lens spanning the 24–720mm equivalent focal length with a narrow variable aperture of F3.5–6.3. This enormous 30× zoom range offers versatility for travel, wildlife, and telephoto needs but at optical compromises including distortion, softness at long focal lengths, and limited light gathering capacity.

In photographic testing, the DP2 Quattro’s prime lens excels in delivering high microcontrast and bokeh quality suitable for portraits, with creamy and well-controlled background blur at F2.8. Macro capabilities are absent but not expected given the fixed focal length. The absence of image stabilization requires sturdy handheld technique or tripod use.

The QX30’s zoom flexibility allows framing from wide landscapes to distant subjects without changing gear. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) effectively compensates for camera shake, enhancing telephoto usability. However, the optical quality degrades slightly at extremes - telephoto images occasionally exhibit softness and chromatic aberration, especially in lower light.

Autofocus Systems and Responsiveness

Autofocus (AF) performance critically shapes usability, especially across different photographic genres.

• DP2 Quattro AF system: Contrast-detection with 9 focus points, face detection enabled but no phase detection or continuous AF modes. Single AF is the standard, with slow acquisition times noted in low-contrast or low-light conditions.

• QX30 AF system: Contrast detection using smartphone touchscreen inputs to select focus points. No manual focus or phase detection offered. AF speed is generally quick in daylight but hampered by connectivity lag in remote shooting scenarios.

Practically, the Sigma’s AF suits deliberate, static shooting better than action. Sports and wildlife tracking are unfeasible given the single-servo AF without tracking or continuous focus support. The Sony QX30 can autofocus faster for still subjects but latency from the wireless interface can impede quick compositions or candid moments.

Display, Viewfinder, and Interface

Neither camera includes a built-in viewfinder, requiring dependence on LCDs or external devices.

• The DP2 Quattro incorporates a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with 920k-dot resolution, providing sharp, clear composition feedback. Absence of touchscreen limits menu navigation speed but physical buttons compensate for direct exposure adjustments.

• The QX30 has no integrated screen. Operation depends entirely on a connected smartphone app offering live view, touchscreen focusing, and menu control. This relegates the interface to the quality and latency of the wireless connection and smartphone responsiveness.

In field use, the Sigma’s screen offers a more responsive and reliable shooting interface. The QX30’s smartphone reliance introduces complexity, potential connection dropouts, and lag latency, potentially frustrating users in fast-paced environments.

Burst Shooting, Shutter Range, and Exposure Control

• The DP2 Quattro supports continuous shooting at up to 3 frames per second, shutter speeds from 30 seconds up to 1/2000 second, and all standard exposure modes including manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority.

• Sony QX30 offers up to 10fps burst shooting, with shutter speeds limited between 4 and 1/1600 second. Exposure adjustments are limited to shutter priority and aperture priority with no manual mode or exposure compensation.

For action or wildlife photography, the higher burst frame rate and extended shutter speeds on the QX30 may seem advantageous, but given sensor and AF limitations, practical performance remains constrained. The DP2’s slower frame rate but full manual override suits deliberate exposure control and tripod-based landscape or studio shooting.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or shockproofing, which restricts professional outdoor use in adverse conditions. The Sigma DP2 Quattro’s relatively robust construction benefits from a solid feel and traditional camera ergonomics. The Sony QX30’s compact lens-style design lacks substantial structural protection due to its modular, external control design.

Battery Life and Storage

• DP2 Quattro uses a proprietary BP-51 battery with no official CIPA rating available. Experienced users report approximately 300–400 shots per charge depending on use, mindful of frequent LCD usage and live view.

• QX30 relies on the NP-BN battery with an estimated 200 shots per charge, constrained additionally by Wi-Fi streaming power draw.

Storage options diverge: Sigma supports standard SD cards, while Sony QX30 is compatible with microSD and Memory Stick Micro cards, appealing for smartphone users but limiting in raw file support (Sony has no RAW).

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Sony’s QX30 benefits from built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, allowing instant image transfer to smartphones and social media integration, suiting casual connectivity needs. However, wireless latency impairs shooting fluidity.

Sigma’s DP2 Quattro lacks wireless capabilities entirely and utilizes USB 2.0 for tethered transfers. However, the production of high-bit depth RAW files supports deeper post-processing workflows favored by professionals and advanced enthusiasts.

Real-World Photography Use Cases

Portrait Photography

• DP2 Quattro: The 45mm f/2.8 fixed prime with large sensor and exceptional color fidelity delivers superior skin tone rendition and natural bokeh. Face detection aids manual AF routines. However, lack of eye-tracking autofocus and stabilization requires patient shooting.

• QX30: Limited by smaller sensor and variable aperture, portrait images can appear flat with less defocused background, though zoom flexibility assists composition. Touchscreen focus on smartphone aids accuracy, but latency impedes spontaneous expression capture.

Landscape Photography

• The Sigma’s high resolution, large sensor, and sharp fixed lens make it better suited for detailed landscapes, capturing subtle tonal gradations. Limited dynamic range compared to newer sensors remains, demanding careful exposure or bracketing.

• The Sony’s zoom range enables flexible framing but suffers from lower detail and increased noise in shadows. Lack of weather sealing and more limited shutter speeds constrain outdoor robustness.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Neither camera fits perfectly here: Sigma’s single AF with slow acquisition and 3 fps frame rate cannot track action.

• Sony’s 10 fps burst and long zoom idealize distant shooting, but autofocus and exposure responsiveness suffer due to connectivity lag and sensor limitations.

Street Photography

• DP2 Quattro’s discreet large sensor and prime lens provide excellent image quality and moderate compactness but lack low-light AF convenience.

• QX30’s form factor (lens only) necessitates smartphone handling, which can be conspicuous; however, zoom flexibility allows non-intrusive shooting from distances.

Macro Photography

• Sigma lacks dedicated macro focusing, limiting close-up abilities.

• QX30 offers no specific macro modes.

Neither camera excels here compared with dedicated macro optics or more versatile CSCs/DSLRs.

Night and Astro Photography

• Sigma’s manual exposure control, low base ISO, and large sensor support long exposures up to 30s; however, noise at high ISO and lack of stabilization hinder astro work.

• Sony’s limited slow shutter speeds and higher noise levels, plus absence of manual exposure mode, restrict night use.

Video Capabilities

• Sigma has no video recording function.

• Sony QX30 records Full HD 1080p video at 60p or 30p but lacks microphone and headphone ports, limiting professional audio control. Optical stabilization aids handheld shooting.

Value Assessment and Pricing

• Sigma DP2 Quattro retails at approximately $930, targeting photographers who prioritize uncompromised image quality over versatility, especially in still photography genres emphasizing color rendition and detail.

• Sony QX30, priced around $348, appeals as a lightweight, travel-friendly zoom system supplementing smartphone imaging but falls short for serious photographic tasks demanding RAW support and manual controls.

Summary Recommendations

Consider the Sigma DP2 Quattro if you:

• Demand APS-C sensor quality with excellent color fidelity from Foveon technology.
• Prioritize static photography genres such as portraits, landscapes, and art reproduction.
• Desire precise exposure control and the benefits of raw file workflows.
• Accept limited zooming capability in exchange for optically superior prime lens performance.
• Can accommodate the larger size and the lack of video or wireless features.

Choose Sony QX30 if you:

• Need extreme zoom versatility (24–720mm equiv.) in a compact, modular design.
• Want wireless image transfer and integration with smartphone ecosystems.
• Require basic Full HD video and optical stabilization.
• Value lightweight portability and higher burst rates over image quality.
• Are an occasional shooter seeking zoom reach without a full camera system.

Conclusion

The Sigma DP2 Quattro and Sony QX30 cater to fundamentally different photographic philosophies. The DP2 Quattro excels as an image-quality-first compact device for photographers who prefer a measured, hands-on approach and superior static image fidelity. The QX30 champions zoom reach and convenience integrated with smartphones, targeting casual shooters or travelers desiring telephoto capability in a pocketable footprint.

From technical sensor analysis to real-world performance and operational ergonomics, the DP2 Quattro remains a niche but powerful tool for color-accurate still images, while the QX30 compromises quality for zoom breadth and wireless convenience. Proper selection hinges on discerning photographers’ balancing of image fidelity, functionality, and workflow integration against budget and intended shooting scenarios.

Sigma DP2 Quattro front Sigma DP2 Quattro screen back Sony QX30 front Sony QX30 screen back