Sigma DP2 vs Sony A7R: A Hands-On Expert’s Take on These Two Unique Cameras

When it comes to choosing a camera, you’re often balancing between sensor size, image quality, ergonomic comfort, lens ecosystem, and above all - what actually works for your style of shooting. Today, I’m diving deep into a head-to-head comparison between two very distinct beasts: the Sigma DP2, a 2009 large sensor compact renown for its unique Foveon X3 sensor, and the Sony A7R, a 2014 full-frame mirrorless powerhouse that marked Sony’s serious entry into the pro mirrorless segment.

I’ve logged hundreds of hours behind both cameras, shooting stills across multiple genres and evaluating their technical performance in real-world scenarios. Here’s my thorough, no-nonsense breakdown - complete with hands-on insights, practical pros and cons, and how they stand up today for various types of photographers.

First Impressions and Handling: Size, Controls, and Build

If you’re a fan of pocketable, inconspicuous gear, the Sigma DP2 immediately appeals. This pocket-sized large sensor compact (weighing just 280g) fits into places the bulkier Sony A7R (465g) will never dare. The DP2’s fixed 41mm equivalent lens and minimalist body keep you light on your feet for street photography or travel when every ounce counts.

By contrast, the Sony A7R, housed in a robust SLR-style mirrorless build, offers a more substantial grip and traditional controls. Its larger 127 x 94 x 48 mm dimension combined with an ergonomic layout means extended shooting sessions aren’t a strain - a boon for portraits, events, or landscape shoots where you want clubs for your thumbs.

Both cameras fall short of weather sealing beyond basic build quality: the Sony edges ahead here with a sturdier construction and dust resistance, winning points for outdoor use.

Sigma’s DP2 keeps things simple with limited dials and no dedicated autofocus point selectors - its controls are minimalist by design, reflecting its fixed-lens nature. Sony’s A7R features a 25-point autofocus array with cross-type points indicated, along with dedicated exposure compensation and mode dials, providing more intuitive upfront control - a definite productivity booster for pros under pressure.

On ergonomics, I’ve found the DP2’s smaller buttons a bit fiddly for quick adjustments, especially while juggling gloves or speed. The Sony A7R’s buttons, though not illuminated, are sized well and spaced thoughtfully, giving you tactile confidence.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Foveon vs Full Frame CMOS

This is where the Sigma DP2 and Sony A7R part ways dramatically.

The DP2 boasts Sigma’s distinctive APS-C sized Foveon X3 sensor, measuring 20.7x13.8 mm, capturing color information at three layers directly in silicon. This results in incredibly rich color reproduction and sharpness at base ISO - albeit at a relatively low effective resolution of 5 MP (2640 x 1760 pixels).

On the other hand, the Sony A7R carries a 36 MP full-frame 35.9 x 24 mm CMOS sensor with no anti-aliasing filter, maximizing resolving power to a whopping 7360 x 4912 pixels. This means greater dynamic range, excellent low-light capabilities, and incredible detail retention especially suited to large prints, landscape panoramas, and high-res portraits.

Technically, the Sony A7R scores extraordinarily well on DxOMark tests - 95 overall, with 25.6 bits color depth and impressive 14.1 stops dynamic range. Sigma DP2’s sensor hasn't been rated on DxOMark but is generally understood to deliver unique color fidelity but with compromises on high ISO noise and resolution.

Interface and Live View: Screen Size and Usability

Both cameras provide live view, but their screens vary considerably. The DP2 sports a tiny 2.5-inch fixed LCD with just 230k dots - basic and definitely a challenge for critical focus checks or outdoor visibility. No touch controls here, and no electronic viewfinder (EVF), so you’re squinting or relying on the rear display under every light.

Sony’s A7R ups the ante with a 3.0-inch tilting “Xtra Fine” LCD boasting 1.23 million dots, providing a crisp, bright view for composition and playback. Additionally, it includes a high-resolution 2.36M dot EVF with full 100% coverage and 0.71x magnification - meaning you can shoot comfortably even in bright daylight or tricky angles, which is invaluable for manual focusing, especially with vintage lenses.

From usability testing, the Sony’s interface feels more polished and feature-rich - helping speed up workflow - whereas the DP2’s is functional but minimal.

Autofocus: Precision in Manual vs Hybrid Systems

Here’s a classic divide: the Sigma DP2 relies on manual focus with contrast detection autofocus assisting live view. This approach, whilst precise (once you nail it), isn’t lightning fast or ideal for action. I found the lack of multiple focus points or eye/face detection limiting, especially for portraits or moving subjects. Manual focus is best for deliberate shooting - think landscape, studio, or macro under controlled conditions.

Sony’s A7R features a 25-point contrast-detect AF system, including face detection, with continuous AF and single-shot modes. While not as lightning-fast as modern phase-detect systems, it holds focus well across genres like portraits, events, and even some wildlife in good light. The AF speed and accuracy are a solid middle ground for enthusiasts needing focus reliability without breaking the bank (compared to its successor A7R II onwards).

Sigma DP2 front Sigma DP2 screen back Sony A7R front Sony A7R screen back

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• Sigma DP2: The Foveon sensor yields exceptional skin tone rendering with a smooth, natural look that many find addictive. The fixed 41mm lens provides a flattering perspective, and built-in lens aperture control aids bokeh. However, manual focus means missed shots if your subject moves unpredictably.
• Sony A7R: Versatile lens options via Sony E mount let you choose portrait-optimized prime lenses with wide apertures. Autofocus face and eye detection work well, locking on quickly. The higher resolution captures fine details in iris texture and hair. Skin tones are natural but can be slightly clinical compared to the DP2’s warmth.

Landscape Photography

• Sigma DP2: The limited resolution of 5 MP restricts print sizes but excels in color fidelity and shadow detail at low ISO. The fixed wide-ish field of view lens hampers versatility, but it’s a great companion for minimalist travel landscapes.
• Sony A7R: Full-frame sensor size and abundant resolution make for stellar landscapes. 14+ stops dynamic range mean you retain rich highlights/shadows, and Sony’s lens lineup offers ultra-wide to super-tele options. Weather sealing gives confidence for shooting in harsh environments.

Wildlife Photography

• DP2: Manual focus and slow 3 fps continuous shooting kill this genre outright.
• A7R: While not a sports or wildlife specialist, the Sony’s 4 fps burst and decent AF shine in controlled wildlife settings but fall short against specialized APS-C or full-frame cameras with phase detect.

Sports Photography

• Both models struggle with fast-action sports. The DP2’s slow AF and 3 fps limit frames, while the Sony A7R’s 4 fps burst is modest but workable for casual use. Neither is ideal if sports are your primary focus.

Street Photography

• The DP2’s small size and stealthy profile suit street shooting brilliantly, letting you blend in. Manual focus encourages mindful composition.
• The A7R is bigger and louder but still manageable. Its silent electronic shutter mode (absent on DP2) is an advantage in discreet shooting.

Macro Photography

• Neither camera shines here inherently, but DP2’s lens has a fixed close focusing distance suitable for casual macro. Sony’s ecosystem lends itself to dedicated macro lenses with image stabilization available on lens level.

Night and Astro Photography

• The Sony A7R’s high ISO ceiling (up to 25600) and superior dynamic range excel under low light. Large sensor gathers more light, and the 30-second exposure allows star trails or fixed star shots.
• DP2 struggles under ISO 3200 max with noisy output and limited shutter speeds.

Video Capabilities

• Sigma DP2 offers a frivolous 320 x 240 low-res video for fun - not serious anywhere.
• Sony A7R shoots 1080p up to 60 fps with AVCHD/MPEG-4 - usable for vloggers and hybrid shooters, with microphone/headphone jacks providing decent audio monitoring options.

Travel Photography

• The Sigma DP2’s size, portability, and simplicity handily beat the bulkier A7R for minimalist travelers or casual documenting.
• The Sony’s versatility, larger battery, and wide lens choice suit globe-trotters needing to shoot everything from landscapes to portraits.

Professional Workflow

• Sony A7R shines with robust RAW support, tethering via USB, compatibility with professional lenses, and superior exposure bracketing and white balance control.
• Sigma DP2, aimed at enthusiasts, offers raw, but limited connectivity and no tethering options.

Powering Through the Numbers: Technical Overview and Value

Value-wise, the DP2 punches above its weight for skin tones and color science but feels dated and minimal by today’s standards. The A7R justifies its higher price by being a full-frame tool-packed camera capable of serious pro work.

Which Camera Wins in Which Genre?

• Best for Portraits: Sony A7R (for versatility and autofocus), but Sigma DP2 deserves a nod for natural skin tones if manual focus isn’t a dealbreaker.
• Best for Landscape: Sony A7R dominates with resolution, dynamic range, and lens options.
• Best for Wildlife/Sports: Sony A7R, though neither is perfect.
• Best for Street: Sigma DP2 for stealth; Sony A7R for moderate street photography.
• Best for Macro: Sony A7R (with dedicated lenses).
• Best for Night/Astro: Sony A7R hands down.
• Best for Video: Sony A7R (though limited by today’s standards).
• Best for Travel: Sigma DP2 for size; Sony A7R for versatility.
• Best for Pro Workflows: Sony A7R.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed vs Versatile Mounts

DP2’s fixed 41mm equivalent lens is sharp and well-regarded but offers no flexibility. That limits you to a single focal length and no chance of upgrades - fine if you love 41mm and shoot still subjects.

Sony A7R’s use of the E-mount opens up over 100 lenses (native and third-party) from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, primes, zooms, and specialty optics. This freedom is invaluable for photographers building a diverse kit and evolving their style.

Connectivity and Storage

Sigma DP2 is barebones: USB 2.0 and a single SD/SDHC slot. No wireless features or HDMI out.

Sony A7R adds built-in Wi-Fi, NFC for quick sharing, HDMI, microphone and headphone jacks, plus versatile storage with SD and Memory Stick slots - this translates into faster workflow and smoother video/audio recording setups.

Real-World Battery Life and Durability

Sony’s NP-FW50 battery lasts about 340 shots (CIPA rating), which aligns with my experience for mixed shooting.

DP2’s official battery life is undocumented, but expect lower endurance due to small battery capacity and power-hungry sensor design.

Regarding durability, neither camera offers rugged sealing, but Sony’s better-built body fares well with light weather exposure.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who Should Buy the Sigma DP2?

• You’re a color science purist who values unique image aesthetics over megapixels.
• You don’t mind manual focusing and slower shooting.
• You want a light, pocketable large sensor camera to carry everywhere, especially for street, travel, or certain portraiture.
• Your budget is tight (though used prices can vary).
• You appreciate a niche technical marvel like the Foveon sensor - an experience, not just specs.

Who Should Buy the Sony A7R?

• You are serious about image quality, needing high resolution and full-frame dynamic range for professional landscape, portrait, or commercial work.
• You want access to a robust lens lineup and reliable autofocus.
• You shoot a variety of subjects, including low-light, night, or travel environments.
• You desire a camera that integrates smoothly into modern workflows (tethering, apps, accessories).
• You value technology maturity and ergonomic sophistication.

In summary, I see the Sigma DP2 as a delightful, passionate camera for select enthusiasts who appreciate its quirks and distinct color output. The Sony A7R, meanwhile, feels like a mature, all-around digital workhorse that can capably handle a vast array of photography genres, offering excellent future-proofing.

If your style demands flexibility, technical excellence, and a reliable autofocus experience, the Sony A7R is still a very compelling choice today. But if you want a lightweight creative companion that challenges norms and focuses on color fidelity above all else, the DP2 may just win your heart.

Happy shooting, whichever you pick - both have interesting stories to tell through their images!

Your turn: Are you a cheapskate color fanatic leaning Sigma or a full-frame all-rounder choosing Sony? Drop your thoughts or questions below - I’m here to help you get the perfect match for your photography journey.