Sigma DP2x vs Sony A77 II: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Very Different Cameras

When diving into the world of cameras, it’s tempting to simply look at megapixels and resolutions and call it a day. But as anyone who’s spent years behind the viewfinder will tell you, there’s a lot more to consider. Today, I’m comparing two cameras that could not be more different in design, intent, and age: the Sigma DP2x, a niche large-sensor compact announced over a decade ago, and the Sony A77 II, a mid-size DSLR-style beast launched in 2014 with more modern trappings. Both offer APS-C sensors, but from there, the contrasts become stark.

Having tested thousands of cameras through varying projects - portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and more - I’ll walk you through everything from sensor tech to ergonomics to actual shooting experience. Whether you’re a cheapskate looking for best bang for buck or a seasoned pro hunting a specialized tool, my goal is clear: help you figure out which of these is right for your photography toolkit.

Getting a Feel for the Cameras: Size and Handling

First impressions matter, especially when you carry your gear all day. The Sigma DP2x is a compact with a fixed 41mm lens - a fairly standard portrait-ish focal length. Its design is minimalistic: no viewfinder, no touchscreen, just a 2.5-inch fixed LCD.

Contrast that with the Sony A77 II, which is a bigger, chunkier mid-size SLR styled camera weighing more than twice as much as the Sigma. It features a full-sized DSLR grip, a high resolution electronic viewfinder, and a fully articulated 3-inch screen - essentially designed for heavy use and versatility.

Handling the Sigma feels like holding a hefty point-and-shoot with a large sensor. It’s light and pocketable, but you trade off some comfort for that compactness: small buttons, a slippery finish, and no viewfinder make for a somewhat limited grip and shooting experience.

The Sony, on the other hand, sports the kind of clubs-for-thumbs grips that keep your hand locked in place, great for long shoots or action photography - which you’ll see suits it well.

If you value pocket portability and minimal fuss, the Sigma’s compactness might appeal. But if ergonomic control and sturdiness matter for your style - especially for prolonged shooting - the Sony is your companion.

Layouts and Controls: Club or Finesse?

Controls matter a lot when shooting fast or in changing conditions. Here’s a snapshot of how they stack up:

The A77 II boasts multiple dials, buttons, and a top screen, giving quick access to ISO, exposure, and drive modes. It feels like a veteran’s instrument: every knob has a logical function. A thoughtful photographer can customize or memorize the controls to maintain workflow momentum.

Sigma’s DP2x, on the other hand, is ultraminimalist. No top screen, fewer buttons, no panorama or interval shooting modes baked in. Exposure adjustments are there, but with fewer shortcuts. For camera enthusiasts who love tinkering and manual control, this can be frustrating.

For beginners or those wanting to keep things simple, the DP2x’s no-nonsense interface works if you don’t mind slower operation. Professionals will probably side with the Sony’s refined control scheme.

Peering Into the Sensor: Tech Breakdown and Image Quality

This is where things get technical but in a way that fuels practical decisions.

Both cameras use APS-C-sized sensors, but the similarity ends there.

• Sigma DP2x: Uses the Foveon X3 CMOS sensor, unique for capturing all three RGB colors at each pixel location across stacked layers (rather than the Bayer filter mosaic most sensors use). Sigma’s sensor is 20.7 x 13.8 mm, offering 5 megapixels effective resolution - not a large number on paper, but the color fidelity and fine detail rendition due to the Foveon tech are notable.

• Sony A77 II: Packs a more conventional 24MP Bayer pattern CMOS sensor sized 23.5 x 15.6 mm, a more standard size for consumer APS-C cameras today. This sensor delivers rich resolution, excellent dynamic range, and solid high ISO capabilities.

Real-world performance:

• The DP2x excels at static subjects where color accuracy and sharp detail matter, such as portraits and studio work. The Foveon sensor provides a unique pop to skin tones and textures but struggles in low light due to limited ISO range (up to 3200 max). Noise creeps in quickly beyond ISO 800.

• The Sony A77 II shines in versatility. Its sensor performs well from ISO 50 up to 12,800 and beyond, handling indoor, outdoor, and low-light environments with less noise. It has a wide dynamic range (13.4 EV), great for recovering shadows in landscape photography.

One practical note: the Sigma’s max image resolution is about 4.6MP effective output (2640x1760), which is quite low by today’s standards, limiting large print size or heavy cropping. The Sony bumps that to 24MP (6000x4000), offering significantly more working room.

If you want crisp, color-rich photos of controlled subjects, the DP2x's Foveon sensor is intriguing. For anything demanding speed, flexibility, and high-res output, the Sony is head and shoulders above.

Viewing Your Shot: Screens and Viewfinders

A camera’s rear screen and viewfinder are your window to composing the shot - so let's compare.

The Sigma DP2x’s fixed 2.5-inch LCD has 230k dots - very basic by today’s standards. It’s duller and smaller, making it tough to evaluate focus or exposure accurately outdoors in bright light.

Sony’s A77 II pulls ahead with a bright, articulated 3-inch LCD boasting 1229k dots - five times the pixel density! Add in a brilliant 2.35M-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.73x magnification, and the Sony becomes a joy in all lighting conditions. The articulating screen enables high and low angle shots with ease, plus selfie-friendliness, which the Sigma lacks.

For those shooting in bright sunlight or requiring precise manual focusing (like macro or landscapes), the Sony’s superior viewing options give it a decisive edge here.

Through the Lens: Lens Systems and Autofocus

Let's contrast the “fixed-lens” Sigma with the interchangeable lens Sony.

• Sigma DP2x: Fixed 41mm (equiv.) f/2.8 lens. The focal length suits portraits or street photography but limits versatility. The lens is sharp with pleasing bokeh, but no zoom or lens swap option means you're locked in - great for purists but frustrating if you want breadth.

• Sony A77 II: Mounted with Sony/Minolta Alpha mount supporting 143 lenses (a huge ecosystem including Sony’s native lenses, third-party options, and legacy Minolta glass). You can swap from fast primes to telephoto zooms ideal for wildlife or sports.

Autofocus:

• The Sigma’s autofocus is contrast-detection only with no phase detection, no face or eye detection, and only a center-weighted system. It’s slow, best suited for static subjects, and prone to hunting in low-contrast or dim conditions.

• Sony offers 79 focus points with 15 cross-type sensors, fast hybrid AF (phase + contrast detection), face detection, continuous AF tracking at up to 12 fps burst rate, and AF in live view. It performs superbly in wildlife, sports, and action scenarios, locking quickly and maintaining sharp focus.

For wildlife or sports, where split-second focus makes or breaks shots, the Sony’s autofocus system is in an entirely different league. The Sigma DP2x is a niche tool best reserved for deliberate, slower-paced shooting where autofocus speed is less critical.

Durability, Build Quality, and Weather Resistance

I tested both cameras’ build quality by hand, and from long-term user reports:

• The Sigma DP2x has a lightweight compact plastic body with no environmental sealing. It’s best kept dry and dust-free, limiting outdoor ruggedness.

• The Sony A77 II features a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body. Many photographers swear by it for fieldwork in light rain, dusty trails, and humid environments.

If your work involves travel or harsh weather, the Sony is the clear winner here.

Shooting Speed and Buffer Performance: How Fast Can They Go?

Burst speed and buffer depth impact shooting action, sports, or wildlife:

• Sigma DP2x offers 3 frames per second (fps) with limited buffer (due to slower processor and sensor readout). After a few shots, it slows dramatically.

• Sony A77 II pumps out 12 fps with continuous autofocus and tracking, great for fast-moving subjects.

For sports, kids, or wildlife shooters chasing decisive moments, the Sony’s speed is essential.

Low Light and High ISO Performance

The Sigma’s max ISO 3200 seems competitive on paper, but in practical terms noise starts to dominate at ISO 400–800. The Foveon sensor’s design limits its light-gathering compared to Bayer CMOS sensors. Images get increasingly grainy, and detail falls off.

Meanwhile, the Sony A77 II excels at high ISO, with usable image quality even up to ISO 3200 and beyond - that's thanks to its modern CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor combo.

Shooters working in dim venues, night scenes, or indoor events will appreciate the Sony.

Video Capabilities: A Clear Divide

Video is another big factor today:

• Sigma DP2x video maxes out at a laughable 320x240 Motion JPEG clip. Frankly, it’s a novelty feature, not suitable for serious video work.

• Sony A77 II delivers 1080p Full HD in multiple frame rates (60p, 30p) with MPEG-4, AVCHD, and XAVC-S codecs. It also sports microphone input for decent audio capture. There’s no headphone jack, but the video package is professional-grade for its generation.

Sony's video capabilities make it a practical hybrid device for vloggers, documentary shooters, and multimedia pros. The DP2x is strictly a stills camera.

Specialized Photography: How Do They Handle Different Genres?

Let’s look at how each camera works in popular photography styles.

Portraits

• Sigma DP2x: Superb color rendition and bokeh thanks to the Foveon sensor and 41mm lens. However, lack of face/eye detection and slow autofocus can be frustrating.

• Sony A77 II: Fast AF with eye detection (thanks to face detection) plus a broad lens selection, great for environmental or studio portraits alike.

Verdict: Sony wins for flexibility; Sigma delivers unique color charm.

Landscapes

• Sigma: Moderate resolution limits large prints; dynamic range unknown but likely limited due to sensor age.

• Sony: 24MP resolution, excellent DR (13.4 EV), weather sealing, and tripod-friendly ergonomics. Better overall for landscapes.

Wildlife & Sports

• Sigma: Not designed for action; slow AF and 3 fps burst unsuitable.

• Sony: 12 fps burst, tracking AF, tele-zoom lenses available - a perfect fit.

Street Photography

• Sigma: Compact, discreet, ready-to-go lens; good for street portraits and candid shots.

• Sony: Bulkier, more conspicuous but offers faster AF and versatility.

For discrete shooting, Sigma’s pocket-ability is a plus, but Sony’s speed and reach offer advantages.

Macro

Neither camera has in-built macro focus stacking or bracketing, but Sony’s lens options and superior live view aids manual focus accuracy better.

Night & Astro

Sigma’s low ISO ceiling and lack of electronic shutter limit options. Sony’s low light performance and long exposures (max 30 sec) excel here.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

• Sigma DP2x: Battery life not well documented; standard SD/SDHC cards only; no wireless or USB 3.0 support.

• Sony A77 II: Solid 480-shot battery life; SD and Memory Stick support; built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick image transfer.

Sony’s connectivity features are a modern convenience for professionals and enthusiasts on the go.

Real-World Image Samples

I shot a variety of scenes side-by-side to offer perspective:

Sigma DP2x screen back Sony A77 II front Sony A77 II screen back

• The Sigma DP2x images show excellent color fidelity and sharpness for static subjects but lack fine detail in larger prints.

• The Sony files have more detail, dynamic range, and usability in challenging lighting.

Final Scores and Performance Ratings

To give a quick overview, I collated objective scores and subjective ratings:

How They Score by Photography Style

Here’s a breakdown of genre suitability:

So, Which Camera Should You Buy?

At first glance, these models cater to totally different photographers.

• The Sigma DP2x is a boutique, niche option that appeals to those who want a compact footprint with unique image characteristics thanks to the Foveon sensor. It’s best for portraits, street, and studio work where you can control conditions. If you shoot slow, deliberate photos and crave superb in-camera color reproduction - and you’re working on a budget - the DP2x remains a charming option despite its age. However, its low resolution, modest ISO range, and slower AF limit its versatility.

• The Sony A77 II feels like a workhorse designed for the serious enthusiast or pro. It handles almost every photographic style competently, from fast-paced wildlife to low-light interiors and high-res landscapes. Its ergonomic design, vast lens ecosystem, fast and accurate autofocus, superior video, and weather-sealed body deliver huge value for the price.

Who should get the Sigma DP2x?

• Street photographers who prize pocketability and unique Foveon color.
• Portrait or studio photographers on a tight budget not requiring high resolution.
• Photographers curious about alternative sensor tech who don’t rely on fast AF or video.

Who should invest in the Sony A77 II?

• Enthusiasts or semi-professionals needing an all-around APS-C camera.
• Action shooters (sports, wildlife) requiring fast AF and burst rates.
• Landscape and travel photographers wanting high resolution and weather sealing.
• Hybrid shooters who want decent Full HD video and microphone inputs.

Personal Takeaway: A Tale of Two Cameras

Having spent a week shooting with both, I came away intrigued by just how divergent these cameras are. The Sigma DP2x feels like a beautifully crafted, specialized artist’s brush: limited but capable of unique, rich expression. It teaches patience, encourages compositional mindfulness, and rewards careful control.

The Sony A77 II is more like a Swiss Army knife, proving reliably effective in nearly any scenario. It’s the camera I’d pack for an extended trip, a sports event, or a quick-change photo walk. It’s not the newest or the absolute top spec in 2024, but it offers professional-grade features at an attractive price point for many.

Final Words: Dollars and Sense

With the Sigma DP2x priced around $699 and the Sony A77 II at roughly $1,198, the question is value versus versatility. You pay nearly double for the Sony, but what you get in return is a camera that can grow with your ambitions and adapt to a wide range of photo challenges.

In 2024, if you want a camera that serves as your one-stop creative partner, Sony A77 II is the wiser investment. If you prefer a camera that encourages slower, more deliberate shooting with an emphasis on color purity and compactness - and you can live with the compromises - the Sigma DP2x still holds a niche charm.

Happy shooting, whichever road you take!

Image Credits

Images inserted for illustration and comparison of the Sigma DP2x and Sony A77 II:

• Physical size and ergonomics comparison:
• Top view design and control layout comparison:
• Sensor specifications and image quality discussion:
• LCD screen and interface comparison:
• Sample images from both cameras:
  Sigma DP2x screen back Sony A77 II front Sony A77 II screen back
• Overall performance ratings:
• Genre-specific performance analysis: