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Sigma DP2

 
Sigma DP2 front
 
Portability
86
Imaging
44
Features
28
Overall
37

Sigma DP2 summary

Sigma DP2 is Sigma's Large Sensor Compact digital camera first introduced on September of 2009. It includes a 5 MegaPixel, CMOS (Foveon X3) APS-C size sensor with a max resolution of 2640 x 1760.

Sigma introduced the more recent Sigma DP2s (Read Full Comparison) in an effort to update this model.

The DP2 is ranked #64 out of 65 in Large Sensor Compact cameras & over-all #860 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our list. You should check out our Advanced camera search to find camera ratings based on your customized criteria.

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Below is a chart of multiple factors used in the rating system.

Sigma DP2 history

The Sigma DP2 has a history of related digital cameras. Here, you can identify all previous and more recent models as well as main specifications.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Photography Glossary
Sigma-DP2x front thumbnailSigma DP2x
DP2 vs DP2x
41mm
F
5MPAPS-C2011
Sigma-DP2s front thumbnailSigma DP2s
DP2 vs DP2s
41mm
F
5MPAPS-C2010
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Sigma-DP1x front thumbnailSigma DP1x
DP2 vs DP1x
28mm
F4.0
5MPAPS-C2010
Sigma-DP1s front thumbnailSigma DP1s
DP2 vs DP1s
28mm
F
5MPAPS-C2009
Sigma-DP2 front thumbnailSigma DP241mm
F
5MPAPS-C2009
Sigma-DP1 front thumbnailSigma DP1
DP2 vs DP1
28mm
F
5MPAPS-C2008

Sigma DP2 Pros and Cons

Here is a list of advantages and drawbacks of the Sigma DP2 based on features that are typically considered crucial in a digital camera.

flash built-in
lighter than competition (280 grams)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
supports RAW formats
very good maximum aperture (f)
you can focus manually
doesn't have HDMI port
doesn't have headphone port
doesn't have microphone port
does not feature selfie friendly screen
fixed focal length (41mm)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
lack of image stabilization
lacks phase detect AF
low megapixels (5 megapixels)
low resolution screen (230 k dot)
low video resolution (320 x 240 pxls)
no moving screen
slow fps (3.0 frames/s)
small screen (2.5 inches)
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Sigma DP2 Sensor specs

The sensor dimension in the Sigma DP2 is 20.7mm x 13.8mm (APS-C). The 286 mm² sensor is able to capture 2640 x 1760 pixels using aspect ratios of 3:2 and 16:9.

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The CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor has 5 megapixels and features a standard ISO range of 200 - 3200. RAW photos are saved therefore the user has more room to maneuver in post.

The picture below displays the DP2's sensor size when compared to other popular sizes. The DP2 sensor has a crop factor of 1.7 and is pointed out in green.

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To get a sense of various aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Sigma DP2 dimensions

Sigma DP2 weighs 0.62 lb (280 gr or 9.88 ounces) & has outer measurements of 113mm x 60mm x 56mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.2"). The weight of typical Large Sensor Compact camera is 396 gr so the Sigma DP2 is less heavy as compared to other rivals.

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Below is a visual of the Sigma DP2 besides a softdrink so you can get a sense of its size.

Sigma DP2 dimensions scale

The top view below will highlight the button layout on the DP2.

Sigma DP2 topview buttons dials

Sigma DP2 Lens details

The DP2 includes a built-in lens offering a fixed focal length of 41mm meaning that you have no ability to zoom.

At it's widest 41mm, the lens features an aperture of f and that is incredibly good for low light situations and getting good bokeh. It is going to also allow you to set a much lower ISO and get more clean shots.

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Sigma DP2 Connectivity

The DP2 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes

Digital cameras that feature NFC and Bluetooth support can be used wirelessly via smartphones. You will be able to transfer images and sometimes alter settings without connecting directly with the camera.

Many apps also give a Liveview and hit the shutter in case you are not near the camera. If the camera boasts a HDMI port, it can be attached to an external monitor. Virtually all cameras will allow you to recharge the battery pack using the USB port.

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Sigma DP2 Video details

The max video resolution in the Sigma DP2 is 320 x 240 and you can record in Motion JPEG file format. 240p is low for today's standards. You really should strive for at least FUll HD resolution for good video. The body does not have a microphone and headphone port which means that you have got absolutely no control over the sound. It is perhaps best to look at a different camera in case you need better sound for your videos.

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Sigma DP2 Weather Sealing

Sigma DP2 does not have environment sealing so damp conditions may damage the camera.

Sigma DP2 Screen and Viewfinder

The Sigma DP2 includes a 2.5" fixed screen having a resolution of 230k dots.

Unfortunately the screen isn't a touch screen.

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The View Finder specifications for Sigma DP2 are as follows:

  • ViewFinder None

Viewfinders can be very beneficial for bright outdoor situations which may make the camera screen washed out and hard to see.

Sigma DP2 Shutter details

Sigma DP2 continuous shooting speed is 3.0 frames/s. The highest shutter speed is 1/2000 sec.

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Sigma DP2 Flash and Hot shoe details

Sigma DP2 features both integrated flash along with external flash support.

Sigma DP2 Autofocus details

Sigma DP2 features only Contrast Based Auto Focus & doesn't have Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection focusing is more faster and precise as compared to Contrast Based focusing.

Sigma DP2 boasts manual focusing when needed for low light situations or you want to have more precise control on focusing.

Photography Glossary

Sigma DP2 Battery life

The usual Large Sensor Compact camera battery life is 301. Leica X-U features the maximum (450) battery life for this type of cameras.

Underneath is a list of Large Sensor Compact cameras that have the strongest battery life:

Sigma DP2 for specific forms of photography

The following illustration provides a outline of the Sigma DP2 for specific forms of photography. To understand more, have a look at the specific section below.

Sigma DP2 Portrait photography details

The Sigma DP2 has a rating of 56 which is moderate, and means the camera is somewhat suitable to use for portrait photography. Photographing portrait images favors greatly towards sensor resolution, support for RAW files plus the potential to utilize external lighting.

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manual focus
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
supports RAW formats
low megapixels (5MP)

Sigma DP2 Street photography information

Having a above average score of 67, the Sigma DP2 is a very decent option to use in street photography. A very good street photography camera features a fine balance of image quality and portability.

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good sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW files
lighter than competition (280 grams)
screen is fixed
no image stabilization

Sigma DP2 Sports photography highlights

A subpar sports photography points tally of 30 indicates the Sigma DP2 is simply not acceptable for taking photos of sports. A camera should have very good tracking plus shutter speeds for sports photography.

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good sensor size (APS-C)
fixed focal length (41mm)
painfully slow continuous shooting (3.0 frames/s)
does not have image stabilization
low megapixels (5MP)
does not have phase detect AF

Sigma DP2 Travel photography details

Weight is pretty critical in choosing a camera for travel. Over-all, the Sigma DP2 gets a very good 67 for a travelling camera which makes it a fine pick to purchase for your travels.

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lighter than competitors (280 grams)
flash built-in
fast max aperture (f)
sensor resolution low (5MP)
screen isn't selfie friendly

Sigma DP2 Landscape photography features

In case you're looking to buy a camera for landscape photos, the most essential aspect will be image quality. The Sigma DP2 and it's moderate score of 48 as a landscape camera is reasonably acceptable in the current market.

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you can focus manually
great max aperture (f)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
supports RAW files
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
fixed focal length (41mm)
screen is small (2.5")
no image stabilization
MP count low (5MP)

Sigma DP2 Vlogging information

A camera for vlogging should really posses a moving screen, microphone input and ideally IBIS. Taking everything in to account, the Sigma DP2 is simply not acceptable as a vlog camera as it delivers a subpar rating of 28.

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great maximum aperture (f)
lighter than competition (280g)
does not offer selfie friendly screen
lack of image stabilization
video resolution low (320 x 240 pxls)
no external mic support

Sigma DP2 Alternatives

If you are interested in replacements to the DP2, below is a range of the top scored cameras which fall within the class of Large Sensor Compact.

The line graph listed below provides you a summary of the DP2 versus it's top scoring competitors suggested earlier.

Following are several cameras you might check out as alternative options. To read a comprehensive comparison, simply click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Sigma
Model type
Sigma DP2
Category
Large Sensor Compact
Launched
2009-09-21
Body design
Large Sensor Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS (Foveon X3)
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor measurements
20.7 x 13.8mm
Sensor surface area
285.7mm²
Sensor resolution
5 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution
2640 x 1760
RAW images
Highest native ISO
3200
Minimum native ISO
200
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Lens
Lens mount type
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
41mm (1x)
Crop factor
1.7
Screen
Range of screen
Fixed Type
Screen size
2.5 inches
Screen resolution
230k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Min shutter speed
15s
Max shutter speed
1/2000s
Continuous shutter speed
3.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance
4.30 m
Flash modes
Forced Flash, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Synchro
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions
320 x 240 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution
320x240
Video data format
Motion JPEG
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
280 grams (0.62 pounds)
Dimensions
113 x 60 x 56mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.2")
Other
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Storage media
SD/SDHC/MMC card
Storage slots
Single
Cost at release
$649