Sigma DP2s vs Sony A700: The Ultimate Real-World Camera Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera for your photography journey means balancing your creative goals with the specific technical strengths and limitations of gear. Today, we’re diving deep into a side-by-side comparison between two distinctly different yet intriguing cameras that still attract passionate photographers: the Sigma DP2s, a large-sensor compact with a unique sensor design, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700, a robust advanced DSLR from Sony's early forays into digital SLRs.

This detailed hands-on comparison distills years of testing and practical experience into meaningful insights to help you find the right tool - whether you're exploring compact portability or advanced DSLR control.

Getting to Know the Contenders: An Overview

Before jumping into discipline-specific details, it’s essential to frame the Sigma DP2s and Sony A700 within their design concepts and intended user bases.

Right away, the form factors tell contrasting stories: the DP2s is compact and lightweight with a fixed lens, perfect for straightforward carry and simplicity. The A700 weighs almost three times as much and offers a full DSLR experience, complete with interchangeable lenses and advanced controls.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Foveon vs CMOS That Matters

A critical determinant of any camera’s image output is its sensor technology. The Sigma DP2s’s signature feature is its Foveon X3 sensor, capturing full color information at every pixel location through three stacked photodiode layers sensitive to red, green, and blue. This is a pioneering approach different from the Bayer-filter CMOS sensor of the Sony A700, which interpolates color information via a color filter array.

Sigma DP2s Sensor

• Size: APS-C (20.7 × 13.8 mm)
• Resolution: Effective 5 MP (2640 × 1760 pixels), but Foveon sensors deliver highly accurate color reproduction and sharpness beyond nominal pixel count.
• Pros: Exceptional color depth and detail rendition, especially in controlled lighting.
• Cons: Lower overall resolution impacts large prints and cropping flexibility; slower ISO ramp with noticeable noise above ISO 400.
• Limited dynamic range, challenging in bright contrast situations.

Sony A700 Sensor

• Size: APS-C (23.5 × 15.6 mm)
• Resolution: 12 MP (4272 × 2848 pixels)
• Pros: Higher native resolution improves cropping and large format printing; better low-light performance and dynamic range (approx. 11.9 EV, per DxOMark).
• Sensor-shift Image Stabilization aids handheld shooting.
• Cons: Bayer interpolation can show slight color artifacts in some scenarios compared to the Foveon sensor.

Our take: If your priority is pixel-level color fidelity for prints or art reproductions, the DP2s’s Foveon sensor offers something unique. However, for general photography, the Sony A700’s higher resolution and broader dynamic range deliver more versatile image quality outcomes.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Action vs Precision

Beyond image sensors, autofocus and shooting responsiveness heavily impact genres like sports, wildlife, and street photography.

The Sigma DP2s’s AF system, while accurate in good light, is slower and limited to single point contrast detection - a common trait of compact cameras of its era. It is not well-suited to fast-moving subjects.

Conversely, the Sony A700 employs an effective and mature 11-point phase-detection AF system with decent speed and accuracy across its points. It can handle a variety of shooting scenarios, including moderately fast sports and wildlife photography, though it lacks cutting-edge tracking features found in modern DSLRs.

You’ll find the A700 more responsive and consistent when tracking moving subjects or working in backlit/low-light shooting.

Build, Ergonomics, and User Interface: Feel and Control Matter

When you use a camera for extended shoots or intense projects, how it feels in your hands matters as much as image specs.

Sigma DP2s Body

• Compact, pocketable size weighing just 280 g
• Minimalist control scheme, missing a viewfinder; reliant on a small 2.5" fixed LCD with 230k pixel density
• No touchscreen or articulated screen, limiting framing flexibility
• No image stabilization or weather sealing
• Fixed lens reduces operational complexity but limits creative flexibility
• Built-in flash with modest 4.3 m range, plus an external flash hotshoe (rare feature for this class)

Sony A700 Body

• Larger DSLR form factor, robust magnesium alloy frame with environmental sealing to resist dust/moisture
• Deep grip, substantial weight enhancing balance with long lenses
• Bright, sharp 3" LCD with 920k dot resolution for accurate preview
• Full complement of physical controls and dedicated buttons with customizable function keys
• Built-in flash with longer effective range (12 m) plus hotshoe compatible with Sony/Minolta Speedlights
• Sensor-shift image stabilization for all attached lenses boosts handheld shooting success rates

The Sony A700 feels like a professional tool you can rely on in diverse conditions, while the DP2s offers convenience and a simplified interface better suited for casual or travel shooting. The lack of a viewfinder on the DP2s may frustrate photographers used to eye-level shooting, especially in bright outdoor scenarios.

Lens Options and Flexibility: Fixed vs Interchangeable

Lens versatility can’t be overlooked - lenses define the ultimate creative output.

• Sigma DP2s: Fixed 41mm equivalent prime lens with an f/2.8 aperture. This lens is optimized for sharpness and color accuracy to complement the Foveon sensor’s capabilities. Great for portraits, street, and travel, but inherently limited to that fixed focal length.

• Sony A700: Interchangeable Sony/Minolta Alpha mount compatible with hundreds of lenses, from wide-angle, macro, telephoto primes to specialized glass. This unlocks a world of possibilities across all genres - wildlife telephotos, sports zooms, portrait lenses, landscapes ultra-wides, and more.

If you want the freedom to evolve your kit and experiment widely, the A700 is the hands-down choice. The DP2s’s fixed lens saves weight and simplicity but at a cost to compositional flexibility.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Assessing these cameras across disciplines illustrates strengths you can relate to your personal shooting style.

Portrait Photography

• DP2s: Excels in skin tone rendition thanks to the Foveon’s accurate color sampling. The 41mm lens offers natural perspective with medium focal length compression. Bokeh quality is pleasing but limited at f/2.8 aperture. Lack of eye detection and autofocus speed hampers quick portrait workflows.
• A700: Better suited with a wide choice of portrait primes and fast autofocus. Skin tones may be less ‘organic’ than Foveon images but still very good. Sensor stabilization helps handheld shooting at narrow apertures.

Landscape Photography

• DP2s: Delivers sharp, highly detailed color landscapes when lighting is controlled. However, smaller 5MP resolution and limited dynamic range mean shadows and highlights need careful handling.
• A700: Bigger sensor, higher resolution, and broader dynamic range offer better image gradation and print flexibility. Weather sealing guards against unpredictable outdoor environments.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• DP2s: Low burst rate and slow autofocus severely limit suitability.
• A700: Superior burst mode (5 fps), phase-detection AF, and lens ecosystem (super telephotos) make it viable for intermediate-level wildlife and sport shooters.

Street Photography

• DP2s: Compact size keeps it discreet and nimble - ideal for candid shots. Effective in good light, but slower AF may miss fleeting moments.
• A700: Bulkier and louder; less inconspicuous but faster AF can capture decisive moments better.

Macro Photography

• DP2s: Fixed lens limits close focus distances; no focus stacking or bracketing.
• A700: Compatible with specialized macro lenses, image stabilization aids hand-held precision.

Night and Astro Photography

• DP2s: Limited ISO range up to 3200 but noticeable noise; no native long-exposure noise reduction options beyond manual control.
• A700: Higher max ISO (6400), better low-light sensitivity with cleaner output; long shutter speed capability of 30s; better for astrophotography with appropriate lenses.

Video Capabilities

• DP2s: Minimal video support with a low-res 320x240 MJPEG clip - effectively obsolete by modern standards.
• A700: No video recording function.

Travel Photography

• DP2s: Small form, light weight, minimal kit - perfect for travel with limitations on creative framing.
• A700: Bulkier but highly versatile with different lenses and weather sealing; moderate battery life a consideration.

Professional Use

• DP2s: Limited professional appeal due to fixed lens, low resolution, and missing extensive connectivity.
• A700: Better suited for studio or field use with RAW support, dual card slots for redundancy, and solid build.

Sigma DP2s screen back Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: The Unsung Practicalities

Both are older camera models so expectations need context.

The Sony's dual card slots and HDMI output provide more professional workflow flexibility, while the Sigma’s minimal interface suits casual users or those prioritizing compactness over connectivity.

Price-to-Performance and Value Proposition

At launch, the DP2s (~$940) and A700 (~$1000) were similarly priced but aimed at very different segments.

• DP2s: Offers unique image quality for enthusiasts passionate about color fidelity and who prioritize portability, simplicity, and are willing to work within resolution and autofocus limitations.
• A700: Provides a more traditional professional DSLR experience with better adaptability across genres, lens choices, and overall faster, more reliable operation.

In today’s market, both models are approaching vintage status, but still suitable as learning tools or niche creative tools - especially if picked second-hand.

Specialty Genre Scores and Final Recommendations

Wrapping Up: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the Sigma DP2s if:

• You want a highly portable, no-fuss camera with excellent color and detail for controlled lighting scenes.
• You favor street photography, travel, portraits, and close-ups without needing zoom or interchangeable lenses.
• You appreciate the Foveon X3 sensor’s distinct rendering and can accept slower focusing and lower resolution.
• You want a unique tool to enrich your creative exploration rather than a multi-purpose workhorse.

Choose the Sony A700 if:

• You need a versatile, reliable DSLR for varied photography including portraits, landscapes, sports, and wildlife.
• You value fast, accurate autofocus with 11 AF points and continuous shooting.
• You want access to a wide lens selection and system expandability over time.
• You shoot professionally or enthusiastically in challenging conditions needing a robust, weather-sealed body.
• You prioritize higher resolution, better dynamic range, and image stabilization.

Getting the Most from Either Camera

Whatever your pick, mastering camera settings - ISO, aperture, shutter speed - and practicing technique will elevate results more than gear alone. We recommend testing cameras physically if possible, checking ergonomics, and trying relevant lenses or accessories.

For the DP2s, invest time in learning manual exposure and focusing techniques to compensate for AF limitations. For the A700, explore lens options for your preferred genres and practice its autofocus system for maximum benefit.

Final Thought: Tools for Your Creative Story

Both the Sigma DP2s and Sony A700 have carved out unique places in photographic history, offering distinct photographic experiences. By understanding their unique technologies, strengths, and weaknesses through this detailed comparison, you can choose equipment that empowers your personal vision.

For a creative journey rooted in color fidelity and portability, the DP2s is a fascinating choice. For versatility, speed, and traditional DSLR control, the A700 delivers.

Explore further, handle each if you can, and get started on your next photographic adventure armed with the right knowledge and gear that fits your vision best.

Happy shooting!

If you want to understand more about how sensor technology impacts your images or how autofocus systems shape your fieldwork, check out our dedicated guides. Every photographer’s path is unique, and the right camera is a powerful ally - find yours with confidence.