Sigma DP1

[Glyn]

The Sigma DP1 looks like an interesting compromise between an SLR and compact. Does anyone know of a housing being produced for it?

Glyn

[Mike Ward]

Patima.

New Patima housings for Canon G9 and Sigma DP1 - digideep.com :: list of all underwater housings suitable for digital photography and videography...

Lots of ifs around this little device but I'm still secretly hopeful

APS-C sized sensor = SLR picture quality (Albeit Sigma's foveon sensor has few fans, though from what I can see that's the fans issue, not a problem with the Sigma sensor)

Standard digi-compact size = small, light etc, etc.

Downsides are slow operation and the fixed 28mm lens (No zoom), according to early users.

[ChristianG]

Originally Posted by Glyn

The Sigma DP1 looks like an interesting compromise between an SLR and compact. Does anyone know of a housing being produced for it?

You'll learn a bit more about it on this thread on what some call "handbagnet":

Sigma SD1 - Divernet Forums

Note that one of the respondents to my question on my favourite u/w Forum mentioned that Sigma are working on two new versions of this camera. I'm sure the issues of slow write response times, unacceptable today really, and close focus would be at least on their agenda, particularly the former.

If you want to ask particular questions of Rick, who has a DP1 and is the second person I quoted there, PM me. Mike, email me if you're also so inclined.

[Cussy]

Originally Posted by Mike Ward

APS-C sized sensor = SLR picture quality (Albeit Sigma's foveon sensor has few fans, though from what I can see that's the fans issue, not a problem with the Sigma sensor)

I would have thought Foveon was the way to go as surely it means less noise as each "pixel" can be larger. I would expect all cameras to have Foveon-type sensors in eventually (I may be wrong though, wouldn't be the first time ).
Rob

[ChristianG]

Originally Posted by Cussy

I would have thought Foveon was the way to go as surely it means less noise as each "pixel" can be larger. I would expect all cameras to have Foveon-type sensors in eventually (I may be wrong though, wouldn't be the first time ).

Rob,

You know that I have a Sigma SD-14, complete with Foveon sensor and therefore I'm biased.

Actually, not really I suppose, given that I've watched this technology evolve since, Oh, 1999? Yes, I'm still pretty well satisfied with my choice, including the limited to Sigma choice of lenses, yet I get the vague feeling that the latest Canon EOS1 might be a tad better. Epecially the lenses, I know that for a fact, but at what price? Will the average Sigma user really understand/pick this?

_I_ don't. And yes, I've made it a particular point to look.

The beauty of this sensor is that it is RGB, just like your TV/monitor, of whatever persuasion.

[Mike Ward]

There's a comparison between the (APS-C) Sigma SD-14 and the (Full-frame) Canon 5D here Sigma SD14 Resolution: Can it Hang with the Big Dogs? (And plenty more on the net) and it says essentially that there's the thick end of b*gg*r all difference between their images.

The idea of this image quality from a pocketable point and shoot in an Olympus/Fuji style OEM housing costing just a few quid is very tempting indeed....thoiugh I accept it's likely to remain a fantasy and I'm going to need to spend significant £££s if I actually want to put my money where my mouth is.

FWIW, I think the problem Sigma have with the Foveon sensors is that they're different from the others out there - and it doesn't matter if they're better or not, people don't like different. In my experience people don't trust their own judgement, they prefer to be told what's good and what isn't.

[Cussy]

But Mike, there is a significant difference. As the sensors are stacked it means for every "pixel" there is a separate RGB sensor, whereas in a conventional Bayer pattern chip you have 2G, 1R and 1B. So each "pixel" in a Foveon takes up the size of 4 "pixels" in a Bayer : bigger = more light sensitive. I would think before too long the others will look at this as a way of upping ISO, especially in compacts.

[Mike Ward]

I'm not so sure - Betamax was better than VHS apparently, but it lost out, and I'm told jpeg 2000 is much better than standard jpeg, but that hasn't caught on either, to give just two examples.

I still think 'different' = 'treat with caution and stick to what everyone else is doing/buying' for most people!

[Glyn]

Originally Posted by Cussy

But Mike, there is a significant difference. As the sensors are stacked it means for every "pixel" there is a separate RGB sensor, whereas in a conventional Bayer pattern chip you have 2G, 1R and 1B. So each "pixel" in a Foveon takes up the size of 4 "pixels" in a Bayer : bigger = more light sensitive. I would think before too long the others will look at this as a way of upping ISO, especially in compacts.

The theory works, unfortunately in practise the Faveon has bad noise characteristics, this appears to be reduced if you shoot raw on the SD14 but only at the expense of very heavy noise reduction software softening the image. The noise is of the nasty colour type rather than film like grain.

Glyn

[Glyn]

[quote=Mike Ward;894512]Patima.

New Patima housings for Canon G9 and Sigma DP1 - digideep.com :: list of all underwater housings suitable for digital photography and videography...

Lots of ifs around this little device but I'm still secretly hopeful

quote]

Me too, lots of worries but lots of potential also.

Glyn