got iq? the sigma dp2 quattro review - steve huff...
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Daily Inspiration #656 By Will Hopkinson Daily Inspiration #657 By Bill Danby
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Got IQ? The Sigma DP2 Quattro Review.Aug
182014
Got IQ? The Sigma DP2 Quattro Review.
Here I am again with yet another Sigma DP body. This time, the newest super funky DP2 Quattro model. Ihave never seen ANYTHING quite like the design of this Quattro and after using it and shooting with it I canstate up front that I actually adore the style and design. For my hands, it feels superb when out shooting andwhen held correctly it really is easy to shoot with, and a joy. The last time I was with a Sigma camera it waswhen I reviewed the DP2 Merrill. I loved the Merrill for its amazing image quality, which was the best I haveseen in any small camera. Very much like Medium Format and in some ways even better. Now the Quattrohas taken that image quality, improved the AF speed and other aspects and then jammed it into an all newbody that is worthy of a whole conversation in itself.
Out of camera JPEG of my Fiancee’ Debby. This is complete OOC. Just resized to 1800 pixels wideand no sharpening. You can see the larger size if you click the image. For me, this is gorgeous out of
camera color and IQ. From detail to color to bokeh. It looks fabulous.
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So what is the Quattro?
The Sigma DP2 Quattro is a super funky designed camera that houses a new Foveon sensor and it will giveyou some of the best image quality you have ever seen, period. Even when shooting JPEGS. IN fact, I muchpreferred shooting the enhanced resolution JPEG’s over shooting RAW as shooting RAW is a process. Whyyou ask? Well, shooting RAW means you have to process those files in the Sigma Slow Photo Pro softwareas the files from the Foveon chip are not compatible with any other software. This means, no using lightroomfor your Sigma DP2 files.
The Quattro has a 29MP Foveon X3 Quattro CMOS image sensor which will give you 5424X3616 files. Thecolor and detail in these files is absolutely beautiful. Some of the best I have ever seen.
The Quattro has a unique design as well and does not look like any other camera I have seen or used. It islong, oddball and with a strange reverse grip. When I first held it I was saying “OH NO! What have they done?The grip does not feel right”!. Then after few hours of use I was saying “This feels great! Shooting with twohands feels natural and easy”.
My Quattro Video Overview
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Basically, the design..while odd..is very effective for me. I have small hands but the camera fits me well andthe buttons and dials are easily within reach.
Image quality is through the roof and when browsing over images I took, which were mainly quick snapshots,I was continually blown away by the complete lack of adjusting the photos. No need for changing or adjustingcolor, no need to sharpen, no need to fix exposure and no need to change ANYTHING. Out of cameraJPEGS were just so pleasing with a rich file and crisp 3D feeling images. The Quattro, IMO, offers the mostpleasing IQ from any DP camera to date though I have found the Dynamic Range to be on the lower sidewhen compared to other cameras like the E-M1, A7, etc. When you blow a highlight you will not be able tobring back the detail if it is severely blown.
The lens is a 30mm f/2.8 that gives us the equivalent of a 40mm 2.8 with the APS-C sized sensor. The lens issharp and with great color and rendering. The Bokeh is smooth and pleasing and there is plenty of detail tobe found here. No complaints on the lens at all.
Build quality is also fantastic and a step up from the previous versions. It feels solid and well made but I dohave one major complaint. I feel it is a big one. The door that houses the SD card is not a door at all but arubber flap that has to be pulled out and moved to the side to access the SD card. Over time this rubber willbreak off and this will mean that the SD card compartment will be exposed to the elements of dust, dirt andmoisture. Horrible design on the SD card part. Sigma should actually fix this in the current production andreplace it with a legit door. Not sure who designed that or who approved of it but it is the worst design SDcard compartment cover I have seen.
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The Sigma is also missing any kind of EVF or OVF and the LCD does not tilt or swivel. If Sigma would haveadded these two things they would have had a serious camera that would be tough to pass up for those wholove their image quality. The brand spanking new Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor is quite a bitdifferent from the previous Foveon sensor due to a new top layer with a higher res. This should now givemore detailed results with faster image processing and overall speed. So Sigma has reworked their sensortech and the 29MP Quattro is said to give the results and resolution of a 39 MP normal sensor. Pretty cool.
Here is what Sigma says about their creation:
“Unique and without peer among image sensors, the Foveon direct image sensor is similar to traditional colorfilm in that its multiple layers capture all of the information that visible light transmits. Vertical color separation
technology produces incredibly rich color gradations, which in turn make possible texture and expressivepower that are immediately apparent to the eye. Even when you are photographing an object with a singlecolor, the sensor captures the full gradation perfectly, with no discordant jumps between lighter and darker
areas. Proof that capturing color accurately one pixel at a time really makes a difference, these perfectgradations are at the heart of what we call “full-bodied image quality.”
While delivering this rich, colorful, ultra-high resolution that optimally replicates what you see in the real world,the new dp offers image files of a reasonable size in an easy-to-process format. To achieve this combination,
we thoroughly rethought and redesigned every aspect of the camera, including the sensor, engine, lens,body, and interior layout. The result is a camera that carries on the dp tradition and gives you unprecedented
image quality.
To a radical degree, the new-generation dp series embodies SIGMA’s philosophy of creating cameras thatproduce works of art. Featuring the highest level of fundamental performance, this series unites artistic
expression and daily experience as no other cameras can.”
As it stands, the camera produces some of the most gorgeous colors and files I have seen…comparable toreal medium format files but are the weaknesses enough to put you off from buying it? Let us take a look ateverything in a little bit more detail.
My son Brandon and my Nephew John while visiting the domes of Casa Grande, AZ. Sigma Sp2Quattro at 2.8. This is from RAW. Click it for larger!
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The Auto Focus speed of the Quattro
With the DP2 Merrill the AF speed is what killed it for me. Even the write times to the card were horrible. Iwanted to love the DP2 Merrill and buy one as I started to get addicted to the image quality. At the end of theday I could not do it as when it launched it was $999 and for me to spend a grand I need a camera that willnot frustrate the hell out of me to get a shot. The DP2 Merrill with its quirks and annoyances put me off frombuying one, even at the current price of $699. It is just too slow and doesn’t feel right in the hand to me. Youcan read my review of that camera HERE.
With the Quattro I had hoped that Sigma improved the Auto Focus speed. If not, it would be the same thingfor me and the design would not have saved it.
After shooting the Quattro in many different conditions I have found the AF to be much better thistime around but still on the slow side of the tracks. It will not compete in AF speed with the OlympusE-M1 or E-P5, the Fuji X-T1 or the Nikon 1 series. It is nowhere near DSLR Focus speeds either, but it
is much better than the old DP2 Merrill. The camera is full of flaws but IQ is not one of them.
When shooting in decent light it is quick enough to get a grab shot though not fast enough to catch a superquick moment. Even with the speed increase, which also is seen in write times, it does not even come closeto making the Quattro any sort of action camera. I still say that this camera is best for static subjects.Portraits, scenes, landscapes, urban decay, etc. This is where the camera will excel. I have found the imagesto have a medium format feel in color and details. In fact, the IQ is so special with this camera that I feel thespeed increases seen, while still slow, make the camera worth a purchase for those who value superb colorand IQ. For portraits this camera just gets it right and if used from ISO 100-800 you will not be let down by theIQ. If coming from a Merrill of even older DP2 you will find the speed increases very welcome indeed. Just donot expect a speed demon, as it is in NO WAY a speedy camera in operation.
The next three images..all OOC JPEG
What the DP2 Quattro is missing, in my opinion.
While I have been enjoying my time with the little Quattro I have been wishing that it has a few things that itdoes not, and if it did, it would make it complete IMO. For one, I love the fact that it is so simple. It is a devicebuilt for one thing, all out image quality without any stress of color, sharpness or quality. In this regard, it justworks. Image after image, even of plain old mundane subjects looked superb, reminding me of the old LeicaM9 in many ways with the crisp yet pleasing details and slide like film color. Add in some medium format
smoothness and you have a camera that REALLY delivers in the IQ department. I know I said this already butfor me, the IQ is almost worth the asking price alone here. Add in the funky design (which I love) and theease of use and you have a real camera that photo geeks and enthusiasts will really enjoy when shooting ingood light.
But the DP2 is not perfect, far from it.
For starters, there is no EVF here. An EVF embedded into the body would have just added so much to theexperience. When out in bright light the LCD gets hard to see and framing your shot is basically not possible.It turns into a guessing game for everything. An EVF would have solved this and made it more enjoyable toshoot. Sigma is releasing an OVF (Optical View Finder) for the Quattro but there are issues to using an OVFwith a digital camera. For starters, let’s say you shot with the LCD off (which is as easy as a button pressaway) and wanted to frame with the OVF. You will not get an exact framing nor will you know where thecamera focused. If you want precise focus you will need to use the LCD. An EVF would have been perfect.
Also, the LCD does not swivel and while I appreciate this being done to keep clean lines and save onthickness, it hurts the usability because without the EVF or a tilt LCD it takes away points for versatility. Thenwe have the shoddy high ISO performance. I have been using the Sony A7s as my main camera for monthsnow and have become quite spoiled with the ability to shoot anywhere and at anytime. With the DP2 Quattroforget low light interior shots or ISO above 800. After ISO 800 the noise gets nasty and even with color Iwould prefer to stop at ISO 400. This is one area where the Foveon sensors just have not been able toimprove upon. At base ISO and up to 400 the file quality is outstanding in color or B&W. After 400-800 you willwant to go B&W only, and yes, you can get good results at ISO 3200 with B&W. OOC B&W mode looks great.
So while the IQ and design is beautiful (for me and my tastes) the camera still lacks due to not having anEVF, swivel LCD and not so great high ISO performance.
With that out-of-the-way, if one wants a camera for certain subjects like portraits, landscape or scenic type ofstuff then the Quattro will deliver better than almost any other camera. I feel it has better IQ than the LeicaM9 that came in at $7k. From color to detail, it is stupendous. If we treat it like a “Mini Medium Format” then itis understandable that it is lacking in many ways but up there with the best of the best in other ways.
As long as you know what you are getting with the Quattro then it is highly unlikely that you will bedisappointed with it. I recently saw a YouTube video review of this camera and the guy concluded with “It’s apiece of crap”. I have never seen such a horrible review as the guy had no idea how to use it to its potential.The Quattro is far from a piece of crap and is highly capable when it comes to making/creating an image.From the color to the detail to the rich file. You just have to realize what it is and what it is not!
The NONO’s: No action shots, no low light interior or night shots, no easy framing in harsh sun. Battery life isbelow average but camera comes with two of them.
The WOW’s!: Gorgeous MF like IQ & color, unique design and simple menu setup. OOC JPEGS lookfantastic.
There more OOC JPEGS…
The Shooting experience with the Quattro
The DP2 Quattro, as previously stated, is a unique design. I am a HUGE fan of those companies that gooutside of the box when it does to design and features. I love to see companies push the envelope and do ortry things that no one else does. When I saw the design of the Quattro before it was released I was veryexcited about it because it was something different from the normal ho hum camera shape. I found the DP2Merrill to have an awful body design. The Quattro, while odd at first while holding it soon becomes comfy andnatural. I had zero issues using the body, holding the body or controlling the camera. The magnesium alloybody feels solid and secure and everything is top quality (besides the dumb rubber SD card cover).
Brandon getting the shot with his Diana camera. OOC JPEG. Blown highlights outside in the sun.
Using Auto Focus with the Quattro is a much nicer experience over the DP2 Merrill, which was borderlineunusable for most situations. At least now we have a somewhat snappy AF and while it will hunt in low light, itis not bad at all. I expected worse, so it exceeded my expectations in the Auto Focus speed department. TheQuattro does not do the fancy tricks that other cameras do. Video? Nope. Fancy built-in effects? Nope. Nopanorama, no smile detect, etc. It is a simple camera with a simple design and button layout.
The Menu system is superb. Clean, elegant and easy to browse. I wish all were like this. It reminds me of aLeica menu in its simplicity and the quick menu is so clean, so easy to navigate and make changes. I love it.
When I washout shooting with the DP2 Quattro I always loved taking it out of my bag to shoot and I even hada few people ask me what it was I was taking pictures with. It is a conversation starter and stare getter forsure, so forget about being stealth with the Quattro. Never once did I have an issue with anything and italways delivered the goods. I had a wonderful time shooting with it unlike the previous DP2 Merrill.
It’s all in the details
Even when shooting JPEG you can see the immense detail in the image. Below are three images with 100%crops embedded. You must click the image to see it with the crop. Remember, these are from JPEG!
High ISO Test and Crops
The Sigma DP2 Quattro, or any DP camera for that matter is NOT a camera made for low light shooting. Infact, for best IQ keep this camera set to ISO 100-400 and no more than that. Yes, very low on the ISO scalebut there are always trade offs as there are no perfect cameras. The DP2 Quattro is a camera to pull out ofthe bag when there is good light available. Then it will reward you with beautiful colors and results.
I am posting a few high ISO files below starting with base ISO 100. I them move on to 400, 800. 1600, 3200and 6400. The best are 100 and 400 but see for yourself. Once you get to ISO 1600 problems start to creepin including odd color shifts and reduced DR. Stick from 100-800 and you will be just fine.
For best viewing experience, right-click and open each image in a new window. These are full sizefiles from the camera, OOC JPEG
JPEG vs RAW comparison
I have found that shooting the Quattro in JPEG to be quite good. In fact, with all of the hassles of processingthe RAW files of the DP2 Quattro I would just shoot JPEG for 95% of what I shoot. If I was shooting somethingvery special that I was going to print large t hen I would process the RAW file for sure. Below are two images,one out of camera JPEG and one processed from RAW.
JPEG is up top, RAW underneath. Right click and open in a new window to see the files in their fullsize.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Outstanding Medium Format image quality!Unique design and shape that works well for my handsConversation starterDetail, color and 3D feel is all hereCamera ships with two batteries and full charger30mm f/2.8 lens is sharp corner to cornerSigma’s best DP to dateFaster Af and processing over previous DP camerasGreat JPEG engineSuper JPEG size: 7,680×5,120Superb for B&W shootingOVF is available for those that want oneGood Dynamic Range up to ISO 800Menu system is simple, clean and elegantMost Unique camera of 2014!IQ puts most other cameras to shame…really.
Cons
Still slow to AF compared to other (non DP) camerasNo swivel LCDMust get exposure correct as it is tough to recover highlightsSD Card rubber “door” will break eventuallyNo kind of EVF even possibleShape may be trouble for someBattery life is not the best, sucks down quick.Fixed lens means only 40mm equivalentLimited ISO use, best from 100-400Dynamic Range suffers after ISO 800+RAW files can only be opened and processed by Sigma Software, which is SLOW as molasses.
Who is this camera for?
The Sigma DP2 Quattro is a camera for camera pros, enthusiasts, and hobbyists. It is not a P&S for a newcamera buyer or for someone without any knowledge of how a camera works. It is for those who crave detail,rich color and unreal micro contrast. It is for those who want a Medium Format look and feel in a camera thatis much smaller and lighter, as well as cheaper. It is a camera for portraits, landscapes or still life. It is not forsomeone who wants to shoot running kids inside the house. No way, no how. If you shoot outdoor scenes,landscape or people and you want a camera that will deliver some of the most beautiful files you have seen,the this may be your camera. I find it works great as a 2nd camera for special situations or those momentswhen something like this will work for you.
Final Word
As I sit here and think about my time with the DP2 Quattro I am extremely pleased and happy with the imagequality. It exceeded every expectation and beats out some much more expensive cameras when shooting inthe iSO 100-400 range. For IQ, this is one of those camera that just scream out with it. It doesn’t get better inIQ even in the 3K range! It was reminding me of such cameras as the Leica M9, Sony RX1R and even a fewMedium Format cameras when it comes to IQ. That is some pretty impressive company, especially when youconsider that the camera sells for $999. Well under the others I mentioned.
But will the IQ be enough for most of you who are in the market for a new camera? Probably not. The SigmaDP Quattro would not make for a good “one camera” to own because it limits your shooting to daytime orgood light, ISO 100-800 for color shooting and it does not offer an EVF or swivel LCD. The Battery life istough (but it does ship with two) and the camera does not do video or the gimmicky tricks that some othercameras do so well.
The DP Quattro is about one thing and one thing only…making memories in decent light with thebest quality possible in this size and format for under $1000.
The Auto Focus has improved greatly from the DP2 Merrill I tested but it is still lacking in speed whencompared to other cameras. I never found it unusable or missing the shot, not at all, but again…it is onlygood for still shots, NOT action or moving subjects and in low light it slows down and hunts. The DP2 Quattrohas the all new sensor that delivers faster speed and better performance across the board and the 29 MPFoveon sensor is said to give the same results as a standard 39MP sensor. I would not argue that point. Thebattery life has improved from the Merril’s 50-60 shots per charge and now I can get about 120-140 shots percharge The two batteries supplied should be good for a day of shooting as long as you are not a speeddemon machine gun shooter (if so, this is NOT your camera).
Shooting the Quattro is something you will either LOVE or HATE. If you can get along with the funkytowndesign then you will enjoy shooting with the Quattro. If you find the grip odd or off, then forget it.
Me, I love the design. I think it is the loveliest camera design of 2014.
So will I buy one? When B&H Photo sent me this camera to review I assumed I would “like” it but not “love”it. Well, I fell hard for the special image quality which does have some magic embedded in it. I also enjoyedthe faster AF and write times and beefier design. I hate the flimsy rubber SD card “door” but overall enjoyedmy time with the camera. I feel it is worth the $999 if you are after IQ for landscapes or portraits and as a 2ndcamera for those times when you want the Foveon Look. So I have to ask myself if I would use it enough. Ihave a Leica, I have a Sony A7s and still have an Olympus E-M1 lying around. Do I need this one? NO, not atall. Do I want it? Sure, I would love to own it just for the IQ, color and design. I feel one day this camera will sitin a museum for its unique yet oddball design! It may be a flop sales wise but it sure is unique ;)
So would I buy one? Yes indeed, if I had the spare $1k to spend, without hesitation. If I can save some cash Imay just go for it. I passed on all previous DP models but this one is my favorite without question. I can notimage ANYONE being disappointed with the image quality. Just beware that you will need light because afterISO 400 or 800 the IQ degrades fast.
I would love to test this camera and the upcoming DP1 (28mm equivalent) during my upcoming Southwestworkshop as it would create some breathtaking images I am sure. I may have to buy one just for that trip :)
WHEN YOU SIT AND THINK ABOUT IT…the Sigma DP Quattro beats the Leica M 240, Sony A7 and othersfor Image Quality, has Auto Focus (the Leica does not) and comes in at $6k less (than the Leica) but includesa lens where the Leica does not. When you look at it in this way then it is a no brainer and worth the cost ifyou value high image quality above all. Just be ready for what this camera does NOT do well (low light,action, etc).
Overall it gets a recommendation from me, and a high one..but only if your main concern is image quality andyou do not need a camera for low light or for fast moving subjects.
Where to Buy
The Sigma DP2 Quattro is available at the links below from my recommended dealers:
B&H Photo – You can see or buy the Dp2 Quattro at B&H Photo HERE
Amazon – Buy the Quattro at Amazon by using my link HERE
Outside the USA? Use my Amazon UK, Germany and Canada links HERE.
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Posted by Steve Huff at 7:45 am Tagged with: DP2 Quattro, review, Sigma DP2, Sigma DP2 Merrill, Sigma Quattro, stevehuff
Daily Inspiration #656 By Will Hopkinson Daily Inspiration #657 By Bill Danby
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