Blog Sigma DP1x: A Comprehensive Review of the Best Compact Camera for Street Photography

This blog provides a thorough review of the Sigma DP1x, a powerful compact camera that is perfect for street photography. With its exceptional image quality and ease of use, the Sigma DP1x is a popular choice among photographers who want to capture the essence of modern street life.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Sigma DP1x article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 20 2010

Announced

5 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSigma
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCMOS (Foveon X3)
Weight250g
MSRP$799USD

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Overview of the DP1x

For those who are looking for a high-performance compact camera that produces stunning images, the Sigma DP1x is a fantastic option. This camera is specifically designed for street photographers who want to capture the essence of life on the streets. With its excellent image quality, easy-to-use interface, and a range of advanced features, the DP1x is a popular choice for both professional and amateur photographers. In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive review of the Sigma DP1x, including its pros and cons, and help you decide if it is the right camera for you.

Sigma DP1x Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Sigma DP1x camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Large APS-C sensor
Excellent image quality
RAW image format
Manual controls
Compact size
Easy to use interface

Cons

Slow autofocus
Limited lens options
No video capabilities
Poor high ISO performance
Short battery life
Expensive compared to other compact cameras

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Sigma DP1x

Weather sealed
Dimensions113 x 60 x 50mm
Weight250g
Thickness50mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Sigma DP1x is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeLarge sensor compact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.50" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Sigma DP1x not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Sigma DP1x does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the DP1x camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Sigma DP1x has a 5MP sized CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5 pixels. Sigma DP1x has a native ISO range of 100 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Feb 20 2010

Announced

100 - 3200

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution2640 x 1760 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Sigma DP1x camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the DP1x is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/MMC card
Battery Life
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Sigma DP1x supports SD/MMC card with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Sigma DP1x uses the undefined model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Sigma DP1x has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Sigma DP1x boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Sigma DP1x includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Sigma DP1x?

The Sigma DP1x features a CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor

Is the Sigma DP1x weather sealed?

No the DP1x does not have weather sealing.

When was the Sigma DP1x announced?

The Sigma DP1x was announced on Feb 20 2010

Does the Sigma DP1x have in-body image stabilization?

No the DP1x does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Sigma DP1x?

The DP1x has a native ISO range of 100-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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