Sigma DP2s vs Sony HX100V

Comparing the Sigma DP2s and Sony HX100V: Expert Analysis of Two Distinct Compact Cameras

When evaluating cameras for serious photography, it is critical to position each model within its intended use case, technical offerings, and real-world performance. The Sigma DP2s and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V represent two very different approaches to compact camera design: the former focuses on image quality via a large APS-C Foveon sensor paired with a fixed prime lens, while the latter emphasizes versatility through an extended zoom range coupled with a smaller 1/2.3” sensor. This detailed comparative review is based on extensive hands-on testing, comprehensive feature analysis, and practical usability across varied photographic disciplines. The goal is to assist enthusiasts and professionals in making an informed purchase decision tailored to their precise workflow and expectations.

Form Factor and Handling: Large Sensor Compact vs. Bridge Style

The Sigma DP2s and Sony HX100V are both compact cameras but with fundamentally divergent design philosophies affecting ergonomics and portability. The DP2s is a large sensor compact with dimensions 113x60x56 mm and a lightweight 280 grams, favoring minimalist pocketability while prioritizing image quality. Its fixed 41mm focal length prime lens and reduced button set emphasize streamlined operation but limit compositional flexibility on the go.

Conversely, the HX100V, at 122x87x93 mm and 577 grams, embodies the bridge camera aesthetic with a bulkier body reminiscent of DSLR ergonomics. This size is necessitated by its externally zooming 27–810mm equivalent lens and physical controls designed for precise manual handling. The additional heft improves stability for telephoto shooting but reduces spontaneous street or travel candidness.

Both cameras lack articulated or touch-sensitive screens, but the Sony model includes a tilting 3.0-inch screen with superior resolution (921k dots vs 230k on the DP2s), which greatly enhances framing versatility and focusing accuracy in awkward shooting angles.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Metrics

The core distinction between these cameras lies in their image sensors. The Sigma DP2s employs a unique APS-C sized Foveon X3 CMOS sensor measuring 20.7 x 13.8 mm, offering an overall capture area of 285.66 mm². This layered sensor technology records RGB information at every pixel location rather than relying on a Bayer filter, theoretically yielding excellent color fidelity and sharpness with minimized demosaicing artifacts. However, the pixel count is modest at 5 MP native resolution (2640 x 1760), limiting print size potential compared to modern standards.

The Sony HX100V uses a much smaller 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (sensor area 28.07 mm²). Despite a higher advertised 16 MP resolution (4608 x 3456 pixels), the smaller sensor size constrains dynamic range and low-light performance relative to larger APS-C formats.

Practically, the DP2s excels in situations demanding color accuracy and fine detail rendering, such as portraiture and landscape, albeit at the expense of lower resolution flexibility. The HX100V’s sensor permits high-resolution cropping and telephoto reach but suffers from comparatively higher noise levels above ISO 800 and limited dynamic latitude.

Autofocus System and Performance Nuances

Both cameras implement contrast-detection autofocus with no phase-detection elements, common for compact designs in their launch eras. The DP2s relies on a very simple single-area contrast detection AF system without face or eye detection capabilities. This demands more deliberate focusing, particularly in lower contrast or dynamic subject scenarios, reducing practicality for fast-action or wildlife use.

The HX100V improves upon this with nine AF points and a multi-area autofocus option. Its AF speed and tracking, while still modest compared to modern hybrids, benefit significantly from the BIONZ processor and the extended zoom lens, enabling greater compositional flexibility and subject isolation. Manual focusing is present in both but handled via differing interface mechanics: the DP2s offers precise focus ring control on the lens, while the HX100V employs focus ring adjustment with focus peaking and magnification aids on its tilting display.

Build Quality and Environmental Considerations

Neither camera offers professional-grade weather sealing, with both lacking dustproof, waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof certifications. The DP2s has a compact magnesium alloy chassis conducive to light but sturdy handling, while the HX100V utilizes polycarbonate composites keeping weight manageable while accommodating a complex zoom mechanism.

Battery life metrics are sparse but the HX100V’s larger battery (NP-FH50) supports approximately 350 shots per charge versus the DP2s’s unspecified battery life which in practice yields fewer frames per charge owing to the older processor and lack of power-saving features. Both use single SD/Memory Stick compatible card slots, with the HX100V offering support for SDXC and Memory Stick Pro-HG for higher capacity storage, beneficial for extended shooting sessions.

Lens Characteristics and Optical Versatility

Optically, the Sigma DP2s is anchored by a fixed 41mm lens equivalent on its APS-C sensor with a 1.7x crop factor applied at sensor level, resulting in an effective focal length of approximately 70mm in full-frame terms. The fixed 41mm (1× crop multiplier) focal length specification is a bit anomalous but reflects Sigma’s calibrated approach to focal length equivalence and the unique characteristics of the Foveon sensor. Given the lens is prime with an assumed max aperture (value not specified), this system yields excellent sharpness and optical character, preferred for deliberate compositions and photographic disciplines emphasizing quality over versatility.

The Sony HX100V’s 30× zoom lens spanning 27mm wide-angle to 810mm super-telephoto equivalent at aperture ranges f/2.8 to f/5.6 conforms to a bridge camera’s multipurpose mandate. This elaborate zoom enables close-ups of distant subjects like wildlife or sports, albeit optical quality and speed taper at the long end. Optical image stabilization is vital here for handheld telephoto sharpness. The wide aperture at the short end permits some degree of low-light shooting and depth-of-field control.

Viewfinders and LCD Interface

Neither camera employs an optical viewfinder; however, the HX100V includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF) to aid composing in bright environments where LCD rendering can be challenging. The DP2s lacks any viewfinder, relying solely on the fixed 2.5” LCD screen at a low resolution of 230,000 dots, limiting clarity and focusing effectiveness.

In contrast, the HX100V’s 3.0-inch tilting screen with 921,000 dots and Sony's XtraFine TruBlack technology delivers sharp, color-accurate previews and simplifies shooting in varied postures. The Electronic Viewfinder, while basic, provides an important framing alternative for telephoto or action shooting.

The limited screen size and lack of live view contextual information on the DP2s hamper its flexibility in dynamic scenarios. Both cameras lack touchscreen capabilities, which can slow manual settings adjustments but maintains tactile button operation favored by some professional photographers.

Continuous Shooting and Buffer Depth

In continuous shooting, the HX100V leads with a 10 frames per second burst rate, facilitating action, wildlife, and sports photography. Such speed combined with the telephoto lens makes it the only feasible option between the two for capturing fleeting moments requiring fast autofocus acquisition albeit with no tracking AF.

The DP2s supports a maximum continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second, which is mediocre and compounded by minimal buffer depth, making it unsuitable for sustained shooting sequences or sports usage. The single-area autofocus further limits its action photography suitability.

Video Recording Capabilities

Video capabilities in these cameras are markedly different and reflect their design epochs and priorities. The Sigma DP2s offers minimal video capture at 320 x 240 pixels resolution in Motion JPEG format, essentially unsuitable for detailed or professional video use.

On the other hand, the Sony HX100V accommodates Full HD 1080p recording at 60 fps, 1440x1080 at 30 fps, and additional lower resolutions with MPEG-4 and AVCHD compression. While lacking advanced video features like microphone inputs or 4K capture, this capability provides adequate quality for casual video or supplemental multimedia content.

Battery Life, Storage Media, and Connectivity

The HX100V’s provision for the NP-FH50 battery delivers a robust battery life estimate (~350 shots per charge) typical of bridge cameras of the period. The DP2s’s anonymous battery specification translates to shorter endurance, necessitating spare batteries for extended field use.

Storage-wise, the HX100V supports multiple media types including SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Sony Memory Stick families, whereas the DP2s is limited to SD, SDHC, and MMC cards. The broader options in the Sony model facilitate higher capacity recording and flexibility in professional workflows.

Connectivity-wise, the HX100V offers Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer and built-in GPS for geotagging, useful for travel photographers and content management. The DP2s does not provide any wireless connectivity or GPS functions. Both cameras use USB 2.0 for wired transfer; the Sony model features an HDMI output for direct view on HDTVs, adding to its multimedia integration.

Specialized Photography Use Cases

Portrait Photography: Color Rendition and Bokeh

The Sigma DP2s’s large APS-C Foveon sensor and fixed 41mm equivalent lens produce images with superior color graduations and fine detail necessary for high-quality portraiture. Its natural color rendition benefits skin tones, avoiding oversaturation or unnatural hues common to many Bayer sensors. However, the relatively slow continuous AF and fixed focal length may limit compositional creativity.

The Sony HX100V’s smaller sensor and higher megapixel count lead to less nuanced skin tone transitions but greater framing flexibility due to zoom. Its f/2.8 aperture at the wide end allows some subject-background separation, yet edge smoothness and bokeh quality are comparatively lower.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Given the Sigma’s APS-C size and Foveon architecture, landscapes shot on the DP2s reveal excellent tonality and sharpness. Although 5 MP is limiting for very large prints, its effective resolution exceeds standard MOS sensors at this count because of the full color captured per pixel.

The HX100V’s 16 MP sensor size provides higher nominal resolution but poorer dynamic range and higher noise floor, reducing shadow recovery potential. Its broad zoom range allows wide-angle shots from 27mm but at the cost of optical distortions and softness at the extreme ends.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus and Burst Speed

The Sony HX100V’s 30× zoom and 10 fps burst rate deliver a competent tool for wildlife or sports shooters needing reach and speed. While autofocus performance is not cutting-edge by modern standards and lacks tracking capabilities, it is substantially more effective than the DP2s’s contrast-only single-area AF.

The Sigma DP2s is unsuitable for these genres due to slow autofocus, fixed focal length, and limited burst speed.

Street and Travel Photography: Portability and Discreteness

In urban or travel scenarios, the DP2s’s compact size (280 g) and quiet operation improve discreet handling, ideal for candid street photography and travel documentation. The challenge lies in its limited zoom and lower screen resolution making quick compositions more difficult.

The HX100V’s size and longer lens detract from candidness but the extensive zoom, tilting screen, built-in GPS, and versatile focal lengths make it more adaptable for travel photography requiring diverse subjects and scenes.

Macro and Close-up: Focusing and Magnification

Neither camera is optimized for macro photography; however, the HX100V’s zoom lens likely offers superior minimum focusing distances and some digital zoom-assisted close-ups, while the DP2s lacks macro focusing ranges altogether.

Low Light and Night / Astrophotography

At high ISO settings, the DP2s’s Foveon sensor produces cleaner images up to ISO 800 but noise and usability drop sharply above ISO 1600. The HX100V’s smaller sensor is noisier at ISOs over 400 but benefits from optical image stabilization to enable longer shutter speeds without blur.

Neither camera has specialized astrophotography modes; the HX100V’s 30s maximum shutter and RAW video limitations hinder low-light adaptability, while the DP2s’s longer shutter (up to 15s) allows some flexibility but with limited noise handling.

Workflow Integration and Professional Use

The Sigma DP2s supports RAW capture compatible with Sigma’s proprietary software workflow, allowing detailed post-processing control, crucial for professionals requiring image manipulation flexibility.

The Sony HX100V does not offer RAW format support, constraining professional workflow adaptability. Its AVCHD video output aids multimedia projects but its image quality and feature set primarily suit enthusiast photographers and semi-professionals.

Price-to-Performance Ratio and Final Recommendations

The DP2s retails around $940, nearly double the $429 price of the HX100V. The premium for the Sigma is justified by unique image quality characteristics unattainable on smaller sensors but the lack of zoom or advanced autofocus reduces versatility.

The Sony HX100V provides excellent value for those seeking an all-in-one zoom solution with HD video and versatile shooting modes at a moderate price point.

Sigma DP2s screen back Sony HX100V front Sony HX100V screen back

Summary Table of Key Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Choose the Sigma DP2s?

• Photographers prioritizing ultimate color fidelity and image quality over versatility.
• Portrait and landscape enthusiasts who prefer a prime lens and minimal distractions.
• Users comfortable with deliberate composition and slower autofocus operation.
• Those integrating Sigma’s RAW workflow and invested in high-fidelity image processing.
• Travelers seeking a lightweight, discreet large-sensor camera without zoom.

Who Should Opt for the Sony HX100V?

• Photographers requiring broad focal length coverage from wide-angle to super-telephoto.
• Enthusiasts wanting fast continuous shooting and video capabilities.
• Users valuing electronic viewfinder and articulated screen flexibility.
• Travel photographers needing built-in GPS and stabilization in a versatile package.
• Budget-conscious buyers seeking a capable all-rounder with multimedia features.

In conclusion, these two cameras serve markedly different photographic niches. The Sigma DP2s is a specialized tool delivering compelling image quality where sensor size and color accuracy matter most, while the Sony HX100V offers a flexible, zoom-rich experience suited to dynamic subject matter and casual videography. Careful consideration of shooting preferences, genre demands, and operational priorities is crucial to selecting the camera best aligned with intended use.

This detailed comparison aims to transcend marketing jargon by drawing on tested performance metrics, established photographic standards, and nuanced operational insights gained from years of direct handling and technical evaluation. Both cameras have strengths to leverage – the choice lies in matching those strengths to the photographer’s artistic and pragmatic requirements.