The Sigma DP1: Back to the Future
Thursday 24 April 2008 Filed in: Equipment
Let’s
get this established from the start: this set of
first impressions is NOT about image quality (IQ).
The jury is no longer out when it comes to the
quality of images produced by the DP1 – the world’s
first “pocketable” digital camera to include a sensor
the size of those found in DSLRs (Digital Single Lens
Reflex cameras: you know, the ones that have
interchangeable lenses and where you use a viewfinder
that shows you the actual image as it is seen looking
through the lens). The images from the DP1 may be
prone under some circumstances to having magenta or
green colorcasts, they may occasionally exhibit moiré
artefacts, but there is little doubt that the DP1 is
capable of producing the best image quality in its
class. In good light and with appropriate
post-processing, images shot in RAW stand up well
against those coming from 8-10 megapixel DSLRs. In
some areas, such as the extent of its dynamic range
(which is a measure of the ability to retain details
in the shadows and highlights), the little DP1 may
even trump its bigger brethren.
So – this is not about images, then, but how the Sigma DP1 is as a camera.
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So – this is not about images, then, but how the Sigma DP1 is as a camera.
Read More...
Four-thirds Sensors and the Problem of Exposure
Sunday 10 February 2008 Filed in: Equipment
Digital photography has brought with it many
advantages, but in general there are two related
areas from the film days that have been compromised
in the move to a world of ones and zeros: dynamic
range and exposure latitude. The negative effects of
these two aspects seem to be most apparent in
small-sized sensors. Leaving aside the tiny sensors
in most point and shoots, I am going to comment
briefly on the importance of nailing exposure in
four-thirds cameras, which use a sensor half the size
of a traditional 35 mm frame.
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