Sigma DP2s vs Sony Cyber-shot WX80: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Cameras from Different Eras

Choosing the right compact camera can be a surprisingly complex decision. Compact cameras pack different sensor sizes, image processors, lenses, and feature sets into small bodies aimed at portability and convenience without sacrificing too much image quality. Today, we’re going to compare two distinctly different compact cameras, each with its own philosophy and target users: the Sigma DP2s, renowned for its unique large APS-C Foveon X3 sensor and fixed lens design, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX80, a more consumer-oriented slim zoom compact with a small sensor and versatile focal range.

Both cameras hail from different technological waves and cater to different photography styles. Through our comprehensive hands-on analysis backed by technical insights and image testing, we’ll help you understand which of these cameras suits different shooting scenarios, budgets, and skill levels.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Your first encounter with a camera often sets a big part of the user experience. At first glance, the Sigma DP2s and Sony WX80 look like night and day. The DP2s is a chunky, purposeful large sensor compact, designed with serious photographers in mind, while the WX80 prioritizes pocketability and ease of use.

Sigma DP2s

• Dimensions: 113 x 60 x 56 mm; Weight: 280 g
• Solid build with a relatively hefty feel for a compact
• Fixed 41mm equivalent lens encourages a deliberate shooting style
• No viewfinder, small 2.5” fixed LCD with low resolution (230k pixels)
• Controls lean more ‘manual’, including manual focus and exposure modes, but no touchscreen or illuminated buttons

Sony WX80

• Dimensions: 92 x 52 x 22 mm; Weight: 124 g
• Ultra-compact and lightweight pocket camera with rounded edges
• Versatile 28-224 mm 8x zoom lens covers a wide range of focal lengths
• Slightly larger 2.7” TFT LCD, also 230k resolution, no touchscreen
• More oriented for quick, automatic shooting with minimal manual control; lacks manual exposure/shutter priority modes

The Sigma DP2s commands more presence, designed for those who want to engage with exposure controls and lens options (though lens is fixed). The Sony WX80 appeals if you prioritize ease of carrying and versatility for everyday use.

Control Layout and User Interface: Designed for Different Users

Delving deeper into handling, both models feature fixed screens and lack viewfinders, but their control layouts reflect their intended user bases:

• Sigma DP2s: Offers manual focus control ring and buttons for exposure compensation and manual exposure. No autofocus tracking or face detection autofocus. This camera encourages you to learn and compose carefully without quick auto modes.

• Sony WX80: Prioritizes simplicity. No manual focus, no manual exposure controls, face detection autofocus, and autofocus tracking. The hands-off approach gets you shooting fast but limits creative control.

Neither camera has illuminated buttons or touchscreens, requiring some menu navigation, with the DP2s feeling slightly more complex but rewarding for those willing to invest the time.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here lies the biggest technical difference: the sensors. The Sigma DP2s employs a large APS-C sized Foveon X3 sensor measuring 20.7 x 13.8 mm (area 285.66 mm²), while the Sony WX80 uses a tiny 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor of just 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²).

What does this mean for image quality?

• Sigma DP2s:

  • The Foveon X3 sensor captures full color information at every pixel by stacking three photodiode layers sensitive to red, green, and blue light. This yields exceptionally sharp, highly detailed images, especially in good light.
  • Native resolution is 5 megapixels, but effective detail rivals higher megapixel Bayer sensors due to absence of demosaicing.
  • No optical low-pass filter (antialias filter) allows for maximum sharpness.
  • Limited ISO range (native 50 to 3200), with reasonable noise control, but high ISO performance will lag behind modern standards.
  • No image stabilization.

• Sony WX80:

  • Small sensor typical of superzooms, with Bayer array and backside illumination (BSI) for improved sensitivity.
  • Images captured at 16 megapixels, which grants large print sizes when crops aren’t extreme.
  • Optical image stabilization compensates for handshake to some extent.
  • High ISO up to 3200, with expanded modes to 12800, though elevated ISOs exhibit quite noisy results.
  • The smaller sensor is at a disadvantage in dynamic range and noise compared to Foveon APS-C.

Real-world impact: Large sensor cameras like the DP2s produce richer tones, better dynamic range, and sharper images especially in favorable lighting. Small sensor compacts like the WX80 compromise image quality for zoom versatility and convenience.

Showcasing Image Samples

Sigma DP2s screen back Sony WX80 front Sony WX80 screen back

Comparing images side by side:

• The DP2s excels in rendering skin tones naturally with smooth gradations, great for portraiture.
• Its fixed 41mm equivalent lens produces pleasing background blur, an asset for isolating subjects.
• WX80’s images show more noise in shadows, less dynamic range, and a sharper transition between highlights and shadows.
• However, the WX80 offers strong versatility with an 8x zoom, useful for travel and snapshooting.

Autofocus and Speed: Capturing the Moment

• Sigma DP2s: Uses contrast-detection autofocus, single point only, no face or subject detection. Autofocus is slower, requiring patience and deliberate composition. Continuous shooting tops out at a modest 3 fps.

• Sony WX80: Contrast-detection AF with face detection and autofocus tracking. The system is snappy and responsive, well suited for moving subjects in casual scenarios. Can shoot 10 fps continuous, making it better for spontaneous action shots.

For wildlife or sports photography, neither camera is ideal. The WX80’s autofocus tracking and burst speed give it a slight edge for casual action snaps, but serious enthusiasts will find these specs limiting on both bodies.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

No environmental sealing, dust-, waterproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproof features on either camera - common omissions in this category and price range.

Build quality favors the DP2s with a more robust metal chassis and heftier feel, which vindicates some durability claims. The Sony WX80’s plastic body fits its ultra-light/lightweight niche but will require more careful handling.

Screens and Viewfinders

Neither camera features a viewfinder; you rely fully on the LCD:

• DP2s’s LCD is 2.5” with a modest 230k dot resolution. It lacks touch and tilt but displays true color reasonably well.
• WX80’s slightly larger 2.7” TFT LCD shares resolution but has touch autofocus capabilities for easier focusing - making it friendlier for beginners.

For bright daylight shooting, both screens struggle in direct sun due to low brightness.

Lens Systems and Versatility

The DP2s is a fixed-lens system with a 41mm equivalent focal length - perfect for walk-around photography, environmental portraits, and general photography where a moderate field of view is desired.

The WX80 boasts an 8x optical zoom (28-224 mm equivalent) with aperture ranging F3.3-8. This offers:

• Wide-angle for landscapes, architecture, and street shots
• Telephoto for wildlife, sports, or isolating distant subjects
• Macro focusing down to 5 cm for close-ups and detailed compositions

If flexibility tops your priorities, Sony wins. But the Sigma lens delivers consistent image quality tailored to its sensor’s strengths.

Battery Life and Storage

• Sigma DP2s: No official battery life figures but typical of similar APS-C compacts: around 200–300 shots per charge. Uses SD/SDHC/Multimedia card storage in one slot.

• Sony WX80: Officially rated roughly 240 shots per charge, using the NP-BN battery pack. Supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Sony’s Memory Stick formats, one slot.

Both fall short for extended shooting without spare batteries, so carrying extras for day trips is wise.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Sony’s WX80 pulls ahead for connectivity and multimedia with Full HD video at smooth 60fps and basic Wi-Fi sharing, features absent on the DP2s, which is primarily a stills camera.

Deep-Dive: How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

Let’s evaluate their practical use across genres:

Portrait Photography

• Sigma DP2s: Outstanding skin tone reproduction, thanks to Foveon sensor color fidelity; natural background blur at f/2.8 (effective aperture). Manual focus aids selective focusing on eyes/expressions.
• Sony WX80: Auto modes simplify shooting, but small sensor limits bokeh. Face detection is helpful but images less nuanced.

Winner: DP2s for serious portrait work; WX80 for casual portraits.

Landscape Photography

• Sigma DP2s: Large sensor and fixed ‘normal’ focal length limit framing flexibility, but high dynamic range and tonality capture landscapes beautifully.
• Sony WX80: Zoom offers framing versatility, but small sensor limits dynamic range and resolution on large prints.

Winner: DP2s for image quality; WX80 for flexibility.

Wildlife Photography

• Sigma DP2s: Slow autofocus and no burst limit quick-moving subjects.
• Sony WX80: 8x zoom and 10fps burst facilitate casual wildlife capture but autofocus lacks professional speed.

Winner: WX80 for casual wildlife.

Sports Photography

• Neither ideal; WX80’s burst rate is better but autofocus lag hampers tracking.

Winner: WX80 by a small margin.

Street Photography

• Sigma DP2s: Heavier and less discrete, but image quality and manual controls can produce stunning results.
• Sony WX80: Compact, lightweight, fast autofocus, and zoom make it ideal for candid shooting.

Winner: WX80 for portability; DP2s for image fidelity.

Macro Photography

• Sony WX80: 5cm focusing distance, optical stabilization help close-up shooting.
• DP2s: Lacks dedicated macro modes, manual focus can be challenging for macro.

Winner: WX80.

Night / Astro Photography

• Sigma DP2s: Superior noise handling in low ISOs; large sensor advantages, but no stabilization.
• Sony WX80: Higher ISO capability but noisy images; stabilization assists handheld shots.

Winner: DP2s in image quality; WX80 for ease of use.

Video Capabilities

• Sigma DP2s: Very limited video (low-res 320x240 only).
• Sony WX80: Capable Full HD video up to 60fps; suitable for casual video creation.

Winner: WX80 hands down.

Travel Photography

• Sony WX80: Lightweight with zoom; ideal for minimal luggage.
• Sigma DP2s: Bulkier but higher quality images.

Winner: WX80 for portability; DP2s for quality.

Professional Work

• Neither is a professional-grade camera. DP2s offers raw support but slow operation; WX80 lacks raw and manual modes.

Performance Scores Summary

While DxOMark tests are unavailable for both models, our experience rates DP2s superior for image quality but behind in speed and convenience. WX80 excels in versatility, ease of use, and video.

Putting It All Together: Who Should Buy Which?

Final Thoughts: Choosing a Compact Camera That Fits Your Vision

Both cameras occupy interesting niches based on your priorities and style of shooting.

• The Sigma DP2s is a niche tool for image quality lovers who don’t mind a slower, less versatile setup. It encourages a thoughtful, manual photography approach with stunning color and detail thanks to the Foveon sensor. It’s not for action or video, but perfect if you value still image fidelity above all.

• The Sony WX80 is a classic pocket zoom compact that offers dependable automatic shooting, a powerful zoom range, and Full HD video. It suits those who want grab-and-go convenience, quick autofocus, and multimedia functionality without worrying about manual controls.

Before making your decision, check out these cameras in person if possible. Handling and interface preferences are deeply personal. Add spare batteries and memory cards to your kit, and if image quality is your priority with some technical engagement, the DP2s will reward you. If you want a budget-friendly, versatile point-and-shoot with good video, the WX80 remains a solid choice.

Getting Started with Your New Camera

Once you pick your camera:

• Explore relevant accessories: neutral density filters for landscapes on the DP2s, or a wrist strap and extra battery pack for the WX80.
• Practice different shooting modes - manual exposure on the DP2s and face-detection autofocus on the WX80.
• Experiment with image editing software to maximize your camera’s file potential.

Happy photographing, and may your new gear elevate your creative journey!

By blending older innovative sensor tech with modern convenience, Sigma and Sony’s offerings remind us just how diverse the world of compact cameras can be. Choose wisely, and capture wonderfully.